Founding partner Mike Hastings began Cardinal Heating & Air out of his Bellevue home in 1991. As a small boy, Mike was influenced by his Uncle Tom who was always fixing and repairing things. It’s been a talent and interest of Mike’s to figure out how to put something together, make it better and be resourceful at the same time. After graduating from Wentworth Institute in 1983, Mike began his career as a Refrigeration Mechanic in Maine. He moved to Seattle in 1986 to follow his passion for rock climbing and fulfill his dream to climb Mt. Rainier (which he did in 1989).
In 1987 Mike Hastings and Rory Richardson met and worked together at the largest residential heating contractor in the state. They became good friends and roommates. They both continued to work jobs in the heating and air conditioning business for the next few years.
Rory grew up in Washington State and has worked in the HVAC business since 1979. He began designing and installing solar hot water heating systems and this path led him into the heating and air conditioning industry. He has worked nearly every job in the mechanical business which gives him the vast knowledge needed to be a business owner. This knowledge along with his long standing relationships with contractors, architects and clients, are his greatest assets.
In 1991, Mike realized that he was ready to start his own heating and cooling company and he needed a partner to make it happen and run smoothly and profitably. It was a natural fit to invite Rory to the business.
It only took about 6 months before they moved into a commercial space and began to expand Cardinal Heating & Air.
Together, Rory and Mike have complemented each others’ talents and expertise to build a company that is first and foremost committed to its customers. Customers are not just “customers” to Rory and Mike. Instead they are people, parents, sons and daughters, grandparents, aunts and uncles and Mike and Rory treat them as their own – with respect, admiration and appreciation.
Cardinal Heating & Air prides themselves on doing the “tricky” jobs that require years of technical experience and a creative approach to solving heating, cooling and ventilation issues. All jobs, large or small, get the same amount of attention to solve your HVAC needs. Rory and Mike work very hard to create a company climate that respects employees and their families, provides employees with opportunities for growth all while having a little fun along the way! Rory and Mike both have wives and sons that work in the company of which they have worked so diligently. Cardinal Heating & Air will continue to adapt, learn new technologies and provide quality service to its existing and new customers for many years to come.