Envirotech Heating and Cooling has been part of the community since 1984, but the heart of the business as it exists today took shape in 2001, when Terri and James Gallet purchased the company at just 26 years old. With James bringing hands-on HVAC experience and Terri leading operations, customer service, and team development, the goal was never simply growth. It was trust.
From the beginning, the Gallets made a conscious decision to build Envirotech where they live, work, and raise their family. This community isn’t a service area on a map; it’s home. That mindset shows up in how the business operates, how decisions are made, and how customers are treated.
Being family-owned at Envirotech is not a title reserved for the website footer. It’s an everyday reality. Terri, now President and CEO, is deeply involved in daily operations, employee development, financial oversight, and long-term planning. She plays a key role in shaping company culture and ensuring Envirotech’s standards remain consistent as the business grows. James, Vice President and Lead Field Supervisor, works directly with technicians, overseeing quality control, troubleshooting complex issues, and mentoring the next generation of HVAC professionals.
That next generation includes their daughter, Mallory Gallet, who joined the company to focus on customer satisfaction, retention, and marketing. Her role strengthens relationships with homeowners while allowing her to learn every aspect of the business from the ground up. Together, the family’s hands-on leadership keeps Envirotech rooted, responsive, and accountable.
At the core of the company are a set of non-negotiable values. Customers come first, always. That means honest recommendations, clear explanations, and standing behind the work even when it costs extra time or effort. Integrity is expected, not rewarded. Corners are not cut. Mistakes are owned and fixed. Every job is completed to code, manufacturer specifications, and Envirotech’s own standards, with professionalism and respect for the customer’s home.
That sense of responsibility extends beyond HVAC work and into the community itself. James has served on the HVAC advisory board at Johnson County Community College since the late 1990s, after graduating from the program himself in 1995. Several Envirotech team members came through that same program, creating a full-circle connection between education, mentorship, and career development.
When asked what he’s most proud of, James doesn’t point to awards or milestones. He points to people. Specifically, the younger members of the Envirotech team who are starting families, coaching youth sports, getting involved in their churches, and contributing positively to their communities. Hiring carefully and developing character matters just as much as technical skill.
Outside of work, James’s passions reveal a lot about how he approaches leadership. In 2020, he began learning to fly planes after years of interest, ultimately earning his private pilot’s license in 2022. Aviation, like HVAC, demands precision, preparation, and an uncompromising commitment to safety. Every detail matters. Every decision carries responsibility. That discipline translates directly into how Envirotech approaches its work, particularly on complex or safety-sensitive projects.
James is also a longtime wrestling coach and founder of the Bobcat Wrestling Club, which he started when his son was just four years old. While he’s stepped back from daily practices, coaching remains close to his heart. Wrestling, he says, builds discipline and resilience. There’s no one else to blame when things don’t go your way. Learning how to lose, improve, and keep going often matters more than winning, and those lessons carry far beyond the mat.
That mindset shapes Envirotech’s approach with customers, too. Unlike large corporate or “big box” HVAC companies, Envirotech makes decisions locally, without pressure from sales quotas or outside investors. Their technicians are trained to diagnose and solve problems, not upsell unnecessary equipment. Relationships matter more than transactions, and leadership is accessible when questions arise.
For homeowners, that philosophy shows up in practical ways. One of the most common and costly mistakes James sees is simple: not changing air filters regularly. More than 70 percent of service calls are maintenance-related, many of them preventable. Seasonal maintenance visits should be thorough, including inspections of major components, electrical connections, airflow, performance testing, and clear communication without pressure or scare tactics.
Knowing when to replace a system rather than repair it also matters. Aging equipment, frequent breakdowns, rising energy bills, major component failures, and ongoing comfort issues are all signs that it may be time to consider an upgrade. The key, James emphasizes, is honest guidance and transparency.
At its core, Envirotech is about doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. It’s about accountability, craftsmanship, and community. And after more than four decades in business, that foundation continues to make all the difference.
Potential Sidebar:
HVAC Basics Every Homeowner Should Know
Routine HVAC maintenance can prevent costly breakdowns and extend the life of your system. One of the most common and expensive mistakes homeowners make is not replacing air filters regularly. Dirty filters restrict airflow, reduce efficiency, and put unnecessary strain on the system. Filters should typically be changed every one to three months. Another simple but often overlooked task is rinsing off the outdoor AC unit, especially during cottonwood season, to keep the condenser clear and operating efficiently.
A proper seasonal maintenance visit should include a full system inspection, cleaning of key components, performance testing, and clear communication about any concerns—without pressure or unnecessary upselling.
When purchasing a new HVAC system, homeowners should look beyond price. Proper sizing, energy efficiency, quality installation, and warranty support all play a major role in long-term comfort and operating costs. If a system is aging, breaking down frequently, or driving up energy bills, it may be time to consider replacement rather than repair.