Community Leadership Award Feature
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It’s not just a business – it’s a mission
Joseph Oliver, founder of Oliver Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, and Electrical, is well-known for his commitment to his community and faith. His selflessness and dedication to his community has earned him ACCA’s 2024 Community Leadership Award.
When Oliver first established Oliver Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, and Electrical, an ACCA Silver Member based out of Morton, PA, it was not part of a calculated career move but rather an act of faith. After losing his job at Boeing as a helicopter engineer, Oliver turned to his church for guidance. With a master’s degree from Yale, he had options, but instead of seeking out another high-level position, his prayers led him to starting a heating and cooling business.
“It was clear to us that this was God’s direction for our lives,” Oliver recalled.
For over 50 years, Oliver Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, and Electrical has served its community. But it is not just a business—it is a mission. One of the key principles Oliver instilled from the start was to always give back. His company continues to tithe 10% of its profits to charitable causes, a practice Oliver believes has contributed to their success.
“The more we give, the more we receive. You cannot outgive God,” he said. The most impactful initiative led by Oliver and his team is the Heat for the Holidays program. For 26 years, Oliver Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, and Electrical has repaired and replaced furnaces for families in need, free of charge. The program’s reach is wide, having provided over 80 heating installations at no cost over the years.
One particularly memorable moment came in 2023 when Oliver’s team helped a woman battling stage 4 breast cancer who had no family to assist her.
“Seeing her reaction and knowing we were able to provide her warmth and comfort during such a difficult time made it all worth it,” Oliver shared. The Heat for the Holidays program is more than a charitable effort—it reflects the values that Oliver has woven into his business.
When asked about the key to his leadership, Oliver will emphasize the importance of humility.
“A key leader follows God and does what He wants him to do. But that leader must also be humble,” he said.
He illustrated this with an example of when his son took over the business and made the difficult decision to let go of skilled employees who did not align with the company’s values of humility and teamwork.
“That decision brought peace to our company, and now it is stronger than ever. It is more of a team than it has ever been,” Oliver said. His commitment to ensuring that his business serves the community has earned him professional success and a legacy of service.
As the 2024 ACCA Community Leadership Award winner, Oliver hopes to inspire others to get involved in their communities. His advice?
“Look around for hurting people and support them, whether through providing essential services or emotional support. When you do more, you will receive more.”
Oliver also credits his success to the support and collaboration of his team, advisors, and community. He expressed deep gratitude for individuals like John Hailey, who has been a trusted advisor for over 20 years, as well as the employees who participate in community service efforts on their own time. Oliver’s story is a powerful reminder of the difference one person can make when driven by faith, humility, and a desire to serve others. ACCA is now accepting nominations for the 2025 Community Leadership Award until November 30.
The ACCA Community Leadership Award was established in memory of Skip Snyder, ACCA Board Chair 2003-2004. This award highlights that a person’s success is not only measured by financial accomplishments but also by the impact that a person has on their community-at-large. It is a tribute to the memory of Snyder’s remarkable character and his philosophy of life – helping, caring, and sharing with others.
If you know someone who embodies the spirit of community service and leadership, we encourage you to nominate them for this prestigious recognition at acca.org/awards.
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