When Randy Lahr, owner of Dr. Fahrenheit Heating and Air, survived a devastating motorcycle accident in 2018, it was a turning point in his life, his marriage and his business.
His wife, Laura, remembers getting the phone call at 6:50 p.m. June 24. “They told me that he rolled 200 feet down Bells Ferry Road,” she said. “They didn’t think he was going to make it.”
In the days and weeks after the accident, Randy was on life support, nourished through a feeding tube, lost a kidney and underwent multiple surgeries, including reconstruction of his badly broken jaw.
Randy and Laura eventually shut down the business while he recovered. Laura focused on her full-time job as an insurance agent, in addition to caring for her husband. Although recovery was slow, Randy didn’t give up. Laura attributes his resolve to his discipline as a veteran of the Marine Corps.
“I think he’s amazing,” she said. “I give all the glory to God because Randy shouldn’t be here.”
Now, with 36 years of HVAC experience and the support of his wife, Randy is back on the job, and ready to grow and expand the business.
In the Beginning
The year 2001 was a busy one. Randy and Laura got married and opened Dr. Fahrenheit, an HVAC company focused on repair, replacement and installation of heating, cooling and refrigeration systems.
Randy is a graduate of Technical Career Institute and received HVAC training at Georgia Institute of Technology. Banking on his education and industry experience, he was inspired to start his own business after working as a supervisor at another company, where he thought the charges were too high, and customers had to wait too long for service.
“I knew that I wanted to offer better service,” he said. “My service as a Marine inspires me to go the extra mile for my customers.”
For years, Randy and Laura operated the company with one helper, while Laura kept working in the insurance industry. Their lives were busy with work, church activities and raising their five children.
A nurturing theme developed; Randy became known as Doc, and Laura was nicknamed Nurse Celsius. Their company vehicle looks like an ambulance; it’s a fitting ride for Doc and Nurse Celsius to take on calls dealing with heating and air conditioning emergencies and to diagnose and repair problems.
The New Beginning
Since the accident, Randy and Laura are closer than ever, with a stronger marriage and a mission to rebuild their business.
“This accident brought us together,” Laura said. “It’s like we have a new marriage and a new business. We want to take the business to a different level. I love people, and I want to take really good care of them.”
Laura now is devoted full time to the business as head of operations, behind the desk and in the field. She enjoys making calls with Randy and meeting their clients in person and is in the process of completing her NATE certification. NATE is the nation’s largest nonprofit certification organization for heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration technicians. Randy keeps up with continuing education courses throughout the year, staying on top of the latest trends and developments in the industry.
The couple remains active in the community. As a Marine Corps veteran, Randy is part of the Marine Corps League of Woodstock and supports Wounded Warriors. Laura is active in the Woodstock Business Club. Another way they serve is to offer discounts to veterans and senior citizens.
Testimonials
“Great job in a spur of the moment situation. This was my first time using Dr. Fahrenheit, and I was pleasantly surprised and relieved. It’s really hard to find an HVAC company you can trust and rely on. I am a very happy client!” — Jimmy F.
“The owners personally contacted me and made me feel like I was in great hands. Service technicians were EARLY and professional! Great install! Cleaned up behind themselves, and the system was installed in a neat, professional manner.” — Jacob T.
“The owners were so considerate, respectful and patient with my elderly father. They went above and beyond the call of duty and really came through for us with a new HVAC system. Very reliable, fair and honest.” — Mary T.
“I have used numerous HVAC companies over the past three years, and Dr. Fahrenheit is, by far, heads above the rest. Dr. Fahrenheit was friendly, knowledgeable, professional and took the time to repair and install HVAC components in a manner so that they would last and not wear out prematurely. I am very happy with the installation and repairs performed by Dr. Fahrenheit, and I will definitely use them next time I have an issue.” — Chris H.
Dr. Fahrenheit’s Services
• Air conditioning maintenance, repair, replacement and installation.
• Heating unit maintenance, repair, replacement and installation.
• 24/7 emergency service on HVAC repairs. Discounts available for senior citizens and veterans.
• Installing REME-HALO purification systems, which kill bacteria and viruses on surfaces and in the air, and reduce allergens, smoke, odors and chemicals left from household cleaners.
“We work with all major brands and models of HVAC equipment,” Randy said. “We’re your friendly mom and pop shop, veteran-owned, that loves to support our friends, neighbors and fellow community members.”
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