Atkins leads Weathertech Distributing for 15 years

With almost a half-century of experience in his field, Doral Atkins says he is committed to maintaining high standards for his company, Weathertech Distributing Co. Inc.

"We want to be known as the premier provider of heating and air-conditioning products, parts and supplies in the markets we serve. We want to do so by being a strong source of not only products, but also education and support for our customers," says Atkins, who earned a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Missouri shortly before going to work for air-conditioning/heating units maker Carrier Corp. several decades ago.

Atkins says he has a long relationship with Carrier. His last assignment with Carrier before purchasing its factory-owned distribution centers 15 years ago and forming Weathertech was to oversee its Southern division.

Atkins calls the purchase "a wonderful opportunity to come to Birmingham and I decided to make the move. Looking back, it was certainly a good decision." Previously the Missouri native spent several years in Atlanta.

Headquartered in Irondale, Weather-tech sells products to commercial contractors and industrial facilities, as well as to residential dealers. The company also provides support to several service companies doing business in the heating and cooling arena.

The family-owned business includes three distribution centers, along with parts stores in Birmingham's Southside, Anniston, Florence and Tuscaloosa. His wife, Brenda, and son, Spencer, are actively involved in the business.

Atkins expects revenue of approximately $32 million this year, having recorded roughly $29 million in fiscal 2003.

"And we expect to see that number increase in 2005, as we look at various acquisition opportunities," Atkins says.

Weather contributes to success

According to Tom Kime, owner of Standard Heating & Air Conditioning Co., "It's important to us that we deal with honest people in our business activities. Doral is one of the most ethical, professional businessmen I know. He represents top-quality products, and he provides outstanding customer service."

Atkins says he's proud not only of his company's reputation, but the industry as a whole.

"I may not be an early pioneer of this business, but I've certainly watched it grow," Atkins says. "I think about what it's done particularly for the southern part of the country. It's been a terrific contributor not only to the comfort of the people here, but also to economic growth. It's made our hot, humid summers tolerable and, basically, encouraged more people to move here, and in turn, that's strengthened retail business. And, of course, there are some processes that are directly dependent on what we do. Humidity and temperature control is very important to many businesses in terms of manufacturing their products."

Atkins says consumers also are more savvy about the products they purchase, basing some purchases on indoor air quality.

"With the several pounds of dirt and dust we bring into our homes and offices each day, good filtration is extremely important," he adds.

Expanding role

Atkins says one of the biggest challenges of the business is matching financial resources to technical capabilities, as well as making certain all employees have the needed skills to effectively perform their tasks.

"It's a growing technology, and we're seeing a lot of system sophistication, particularly concerning the electronic controls that improve the quality of air-conditioning and heating systems," he says. "This increased sophistication creates a training issue for us, although I think we do pretty well. We literally invest thousands of hours in continuing education. That's something I take very seriously."

Weathertech hopes to expand into other markets in the future, but for Atkins, one constant remains: "It's all about being there for our customers."

He adds, "We like to think we forge a very strong partnership. If there's a problem, we'll find a solution, no matter the extra cost. We can be reached by beeper 24 hours a day, seven days a week."