From Boston to Texas – The Beginning of a Journey
Paul’s journey from Boston to Texas over 30 years ago is one of transformation, family, and opportunity. As a native of Boston, Paul initially had no plans to relocate to the Lone Star State. However, in 1992, circumstances changed when his brother-in-law, a Texas resident for years, began encouraging him to consider moving for better job prospects. At the time, Paul had a young family and was searching for a path that would offer them a bright future. His brother-in-law sent Paul newspapers filled with job listings from Texas, a move that would ultimately shift the trajectory of his career.
This decision to leave Boston was driven by the desire for a better life and the promise of opportunity. As Paul reflects, “We ended up in Texas because of opportunity.” It was a fortuitous move, leading Paul to begin his journey in the heating and air conditioning industry, eventually planting the seeds for what would later become Samm's Heating and Air Conditioning.
Founding Samm's Heating and Air Conditioning
In 2004, after gaining valuable experience in the HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) industry, Paul Sammataro made a pivotal decision: he would launch his own company. Samm's Heating and Air Conditioning was founded with a clear mission in mind—Paul wanted to create a business that not only provided exceptional heating and cooling services but also one that fostered a positive and supportive work environment for employees.
His inspiration came from his own experiences in the industry. Paul had seen the challenges employees often faced in HVAC companies, and he knew he could do better. He envisioned a business where team members would feel valued, empowered, and motivated to provide the best possible service to customers. Paul was determined to build a company that not only met the needs of its clients but also created a family-like atmosphere for its employees.
Samm's Heating and Air Conditioning started as a small, one-man operation, but with Paul’s unwavering commitment to excellence, it quickly grew. Today, the company employs 30 people and operates 19 vehicles, serving customers throughout Dallas, Collin County, and the North Texas region. Despite its growth, Samm’s has stayed true to its family roots, with Paul’s first employees still part of the team after all these years. This dedication to people, both inside and outside the business, is a cornerstone of Samm’s success.
Building a Family Business: The Involvement of Paul’s Daughters and Daughter-in-Law
One of the most remarkable aspects of Samm's Heating and Air Conditioning is its evolution into a family legacy. What began as Paul’s & Cheri’s venture has transformed into a multi-generational family business, with Paul’s two daughters and daughter-in-law taking on significant leadership roles within the company.
Paul’s daughters grew up watching their parents build Samm's Heating and Air Conditioning from the ground up. They witnessed firsthand the dedication, hard work, and integrity that went into every aspect of the business. It’s no surprise that they, along with their sister-in-law, naturally gravitated toward the company. Today, they bring their own unique skills, passion, and perspectives, ensuring that Samm’s continues to evolve and thrive in an ever-changing industry.
The involvement of Paul & Cheri’s daughters and daughter-in-law reinforces the close-knit, family-first culture that has always defined Samm's Heating and Air Conditioning. For them, running the company isn’t just a job—it’s about continuing the family legacy. Every decision they make reflects the values instilled in them by their parents: integrity, hard work, and a deep sense of responsibility toward both the employees and the customers they serve.
This seamless transition to the next generation is a testament to the strong foundation Paul and his wife Cheri, who serves as the company’s vice president, built over the years. Their children now carry the torch, guiding the company with the same vision and principles that their parents established.
A Culture of Loyalty and Dedication: The Importance of Long-Term Employees
While Samm's Heating and Air Conditioning has become synonymous with family, its sense of loyalty extends beyond bloodlines. Many of the company’s earliest employees remain part of the team, a fact that Paul and Cheri are immensely proud of. Employees like Javier and Karl exemplify the type of commitment and work ethic that Samm’s fosters.
Javier, one of Samm’s longest-serving employees, has been with the company since its early days. His humility, dedication, and hard work have been instrumental in Samm’s growth. Karl, the General Manager at Samm's Heating and Air Conditioning, shares a long-standing bond with Paul Sammataro that goes back many years. From the early days of the company, Karl has been a key player, standing by Paul’s side through both challenges and successes. Their relationship is built on mutual respect, trust, and a shared vision for the company’s growth. Over time, Karl’s dedication, deep understanding of the business, and skills made him an indispensable part of the team.
Now, as General Manager, Karl continues to uphold the values that he and Paul have nurtured since the company’s inception, ensuring that Samm’s remains committed to excellence and integrity. Their enduring partnership is a cornerstone of Samm’s success, reflecting the family-like loyalty that defines the company.
Paul and Cheri believe that treating employees like family is essential to building a strong, loyal workforce. Their philosophy is simple: if you take care of your employees, they will take care of your business. This approach has paid off in spades, as many of Samm’s employees have stayed with the company for years, growing alongside it and taking on leadership roles as the business has expanded.
These long-term colleagues are trusted implicitly by the family. They understand and uphold the company’s core values of integrity, customer service, and community involvement. As Samm's Heating and Air Conditioning looks to the future, it does so with confidence, knowing that its dedicated team members will continue to honor the company’s mission.
Commitment to Community: Supporting Veterans and Local Nonprofits
One of the defining characteristics of Samm's Heating and Air Conditioning is its deep commitment to the community it serves. Paul and Cheri have always believed that businesses should do more than just provide a service—they should also give back to the communities that support them. This philosophy has been woven into the fabric of Samm’s since its inception.
Samm’s has made a particular effort to support the local SMVF (Service Members, Veterans, and their Families) community, recognizing the importance of giving back to those who have served. The company actively engages with local chambers of commerce and partners with nonprofits to make a positive impact on the lives of veterans and their families.
“We’re not just about business; we’re about making a difference,” Paul often says. For him, HVAC services are more than just fixing heating and cooling systems—they are about solving problems and helping people. This ethos of care and service is what sets Samm’s apart from other companies in the industry.
Training and Development: A Focus on Continuous Improvement
In addition to their strong sense of community responsibility, Samm's Heating and Air Conditioning is deeply committed to excellence within the HVAC industry. This commitment is reflected in the company’s focus on training and development, both for its employees and for Paul himself.
Paul is passionate about staying at the forefront of industry standards and technological advancements. Whether it’s through internal training programs or external certifications, he believes that continuous improvement is the key to delivering top-notch service. Samm’s employees are encouraged to pursue ongoing education and training, ensuring that they are always equipped with the latest knowledge and tools to meet the needs of customers.
This emphasis on training is part of what has allowed Samm's Heating and Air Conditioning to consistently exceed customer expectations. By staying ahead of the curve in terms of technology and service standards, Samm’s ensures that its customers receive the best possible solutions for their heating and cooling needs.
Looking to the Future: A Legacy of Family and Integrity
As Samm's Heating and Air Conditioning moves forward, the future looks bright. The company’s strong foundation, built on family values, loyalty, and a commitment to community service, ensures that it is well-positioned for continued success in the years to come.
Paul and Cheri’s decision to step back from the day-to-day operations of the business is a well-earned one. After nearly two decades of hard work, they are ready to focus on the next chapter of their lives: traveling, spending time with their grandchildren, and creating new memories. Accompanied by their beloved dog, BamBam, they are excited to explore new places, knowing that the family business is in capable hands.
Though they may be stepping back, Paul and Cheri remain deeply connected to Samm's Heating and Air Conditioning. They continue to offer guidance and support to their daughters, daughter-in-law, and loyal team members, ensuring that the company stays true to its roots while embracing new opportunities for growth.
Samm's Heating and Air Conditioning is more than just a business—it is a legacy. It represents the vision, hard work, and dedication of Paul and Cheri Sammataro, who built the company from the ground up. As the next generation takes the reins, they carry forward the values and principles that have always defined Samm’s: integrity, community, and a commitment to excellence.
Conclusion: Celebrating a Family Legacy
Their story is not just one of business success—it is a story of family, perseverance, and the power of working together toward a shared vision. What started as a small heating and air conditioning company has grown into a thriving business, a symbol of the family’s values and their commitment to their community.
Paul and Cheri’s journey is far from over, but this new chapter—the one where they get to enjoy their grandchildren and the open road—is one they have undoubtedly earned. Their legacy will continue to thrive through their daughters, daughter-in-law, and the loyal team members who have become part of the extended Sammataro family. As they embark on this new adventure, we wish them all the joy and relaxation they deserve, and we look forward to seeing how Samm's Heating and Air Conditioning will continue to grow and serve the community for generations to come.