Running a business presents numerous challenges, and the demands of leadership often take a toll on physical and mental well-being. Many leaders sacrifice their health to prioritize their companies. For Ken Goodrich of Goettl Air Conditioning & Plumbing, this reality hit home during a personal health scare that forced him to rethink his priorities and champion wellness in the home services industry.
Goodrich’s journey began at the age of 10, when he held a flashlight for his father while repairing air-conditioning units. This early exposure cultivated a passion that propelled him to success. More than 30 years, he acquired and expanded dozens of home services businesses, including YES! Air Conditioning & Plumbing and American Residential Services (ARS), generating hundreds of millions in annual sales for each. His strategic acumen has earned him recognition, including listings on the prestigious Inc. 500 list.
Beyond business success, Goodrich is committed to nurturing the next generation of skilled workers. He established the J Duncan Goodrich Air Conditioning Technology Institute and endowed a program at the College of Southern Nevada to support home services industry students. He is also actively involved in industry organizations like the Southern Nevada Air Conditioning Refrigeration Service Contractors Association (SNARSCA). In 2023, Goodrich was appointed to the Nevada Workforce Development Board by Gov. Joe Lombardo. “Investing in education and training for our future technicians is essential,” Goodrich emphasizes. “We need to ensure that we have a skilled workforce ready to meet the demands of this ever-evolving industry.”
However, Goodrich’s life took a dramatic turn one evening while relaxing at home. After a long day, he experienced a frightening health episode: his heart raced, his skin turned clammy and he struggled to breathe, leading him to believe his life was in danger. Surviving the episode served as a crucial wake-up call. He realized that while he had built successful companies and supported his community, he had neglected his own well-being.
Determined to reclaim his health, Goodrich adopted a daily walking routine, ultimately losing more than 100 pounds. This transformation not only restored his physical and mental health but also ignited a desire to help others in the home services industry do the same. Recognizing the long hours and unhealthy habits many business owners and employees face, he launched a wellness initiative called The First Step with Ken Goodrich, a Facebook group supporting the health and wellness of home service professionals.
With more than 1,500 members, The First Step has become a thriving community where home services business owners and their employees share health journeys, support each other and celebrate victories. “This is more than just a wellness initiative; it’s a movement,” Goodrich states. “We’re building a community that recognizes the unique health challenges we face in this industry and supports each other in overcoming them.”
The impact of The First Step has been profound. Members have shared remarkable success stories, such as Greg McAfee, who lost 100 pounds in nine months, and Jason Amato, who maintained a 50-pound weight loss while incorporating running into his routine. Clayton Johnson exceeded his goal of walking 1,000 miles in a year by nearly four months, and Ryan Ruff improved his running pace to under 10 minutes per mile. These achievements highlight the transformative power of community and accountability in reaching personal wellness goals.
Goodrich’s initiative is particularly timely for the home services industry, which faces significant health risks due to the physically demanding nature of the work. Industry statistics show that more than 37,000 injury and illness claims are filed annually. Many home services business owners are entrepreneurs and are experiencing tremendous revenue growth, causing many to focus on the wealth of their business, while perhaps neglecting the health of their employees. By promoting health and wellness, Goodrich aims to reduce these incidents and enhance the overall quality of life. “Healthy employees are happier, more productive and ultimately safer,” he notes, reflecting a belief that wellness should be integral to the home services industry.
Goodrich’s leadership extends beyond personal wellness; he is fostering a culture of care within the industry. His own health journey serves as a powerful reminder that prioritizing well-being is not just an individual responsibility but a professional one as well. By encouraging others to take “the first step” toward better health, he is advocating for a shift in how the industry approaches its workforce.
As The First Step with Ken Goodrich continues to grow, its influence expands. The group’s message of health, resilience and community resonates beyond the home services sector. In an era where burnout and mental health challenges are common among professionals, Goodrich’s initiative exemplifies how personal wellness can drive professional success. “Keep your mind on your goals, whatever they may be, and approach each day one step at a time,” says Goodrich. “Sometimes the thought of making change can feel insurmountable, but you can do it! It all starts with taking that first step.”
