Raymond Isaac

CEO, Isaac Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc.

Years in current role: 21

What was your biggest success in 2021?

We were able to successfully close on an investment in Isaac by a private equity firm. This allowed the third generation to transfer the business in an organized manner while offering opportunity for our employees, our clients, and our community. Additionally, we closed on 2 acquisitions which expanded our footprint to Binghamton, Omaha, and Kansas City.

What are your expectations for 2022?

As a result of the investment, we will be continuing to acquire businesses and currently have several under LOI with another 12 or more in the pipeline. We intend to acquire about 6 or more in 2022.

What is your biggest takeaway from dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic?

The COVID pandemic exposed organizational weaknesses, while also highlighting its strengths. Our adaptability, leadership, organizational structure, cash position and messaging, to name just a few, either became liabilities or advantages.

What is your favorite thing about the Rochester community?

Rochester is a great town to not only live in, but especially to do business in. We have a level of sophistication in the buying process that is rare. The old saying is that “an educated consumer is your best customer,” and that is exactly why we enjoy doing business in the Rochester community.

If time were no issue, what would you do to help the community that you aren’t already doing?

I would further expand our training and education initiatives to better equip individuals in our community for careers in the trades. We have successfully partnered with a variety of organizations, including the Golisano Foundation, to initiate individuals in under-served communities in fulfilling careers in the skilled construction trades and offer them a hand up instead of a handout.

This profile is part of Rochester Business Journal's Power 100 list for 2022. Information used in this profile was sourced from the honoree. View the full list at rbj.net.