Business owner maintains workforce military roots

EAST COUNTY — Kevin Henault and his grandfather, father, uncles, nephews and his son, Joe, collectively served lifetimes in the military.

Henault’s grandfather started his family’s legacy of service on the battlefield during World War I. Since then, Henault’s family has been present in most of the world’s major wars, from World Wars I and II to the Korean and Vietnam wars, and Operation Iraqi Freedom, in which his son served in the U.S. Army.
Henault, 46, was a medic in the U.S. Army from 1989 through 1993.

“The military is a good stepping stone, especially for people who aren’t sure what they what to do in life yet,” Henault said.

Although he has since traded the chaos of a battlefield for a comfortable office, Henault contributes to former military men and women through his business — Veteran Air.

Henault’s Lakewood Ranch-based air-conditioning company lives up to its name; the veteran hires other vets as often as he can.

As long as veterans who apply for positions are equally or more qualified than other applicants, he gives priority, he said.

He has also hired veterans without experience in the air-conditioning industry, and trains them as technicians and in other roles. The reason isn’t solely because his family has a passion for serving its country.

To Henault, veterans are good employees because of the principles they learn in the military, such as taking direction.

“Military men and women become quality employees,” Henault said.” They are good at following directions, paying special attention to detail and jobs get done. If I tell a veteran I need a project completed before the end of the day, it gets done.”

The father of four and grandfather of four estimates 35% of his 35 employees are veterans.

The biggest downfall to hiring veterans is that he can’t afford to hire more right now.

At just two-and-a-half years old, the East County business needs to continue to build its client base before hiring more employees, Henault said.

Aside from its veteran employees, Veteran Air also gives perks to customers who served, as well.

Veteran Air gives military discounts and maintains a program Henault launched when he started the company in 2012. The “Vets Fund” provides donated services and products to financially needy veterans who can’t afford to have their air conditioners fixed or replaced.

“I like to think that I’m helping the veteran community on a daily basis,” Henault said.

Today, family photos of his relatives and himself in uniform decorate the walls of his office. A military helmet given to him from a customer also sits on the corner of his desk — a reminder of the foundation on which he built his business.

“This company is veterans-based and makes a difference in our community of veterans,” Henault said.

The fund runs off donations from customers, as well as dollars from the company.