This year marks a remarkable milestone for Coastal Heat Pumps: 20 years of keeping homes comfortable, families cared for, and communities connected through innovative and energy-efficient heating and cooling solutions.
As we look back on the journey, we’re filled with gratitude, pride, and excitement for what’s still to come. From humble beginnings to becoming a leader in residential heat pumps on Vancouver Island, here’s our interview with Coastal Heat Pumps Founder Don Gulevich.
What inspired you to start Coastal Heat Pumps 20 years ago?
Twenty years ago, we saw an opportunity and a responsibility. In our coastal climate, the most efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable way to maintain indoor comfort year-round was through heat pump technology. We committed early to specializing in the residential market, which was a bold decision then. No other company was solely focused on residential heat pumps back then, but we believed in the impact it could have on homeowners, and we still do.
What were some of the biggest challenges in the early years?
Starting a specialized business came with its own set of challenges. We were new in the community, building relationships from scratch and doing all this while raising a young family. We had to prove ourselves, not just in our expertise, but in the values and service we brought to every home we entered.
Can you share a memorable moment from your first year in business?
One memory stands out for its uniqueness and the attention it got, our fleet of smart cars pulling trailers. We wanted to embody energy efficiency, not just talk about it. So, we outfitted three smart cars, two for installations and one for deliveries. When people saw these tiny vehicles pulling up in their driveway, trailers in tow with full-size heat pumps, they stopped to take pictures. It was a statement: Coastal Heat Pumps lives by small footprint, big impact.
What’s been a standout project over the years?
We’ve been honoured with many awards and accolades, but the work with First Nations communities truly stands out. The Bella Bella project with the Heiltsuk Nation is one we’ll never forget. We installed over 350 heat pump systems, most converting homes from oil to high-efficiency central systems. These upgrades didn’t just improve indoor comfort. They made a tangible difference in quality of life. In a remote community that was only accessible by water or air, it was a massive logistical challenge. Still, with strong collaboration, especially from Pamela Wilson, the local project coordinator, it became one of the most rewarding experiences of our journey.
What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned as a business owner?
We’ve learned so much, but a few guiding principles have shaped everything we do:
- Always treat others the way you want to be treated.
- If you’re not consciously building culture, you’re still building culture.
Culture is not an afterthought; it’s the heartbeat of our company. We’ve been intentional about creating a positive, respectful, team-oriented environment. One that extends beyond our walls to how we treat our customers, partners, and community.
What other lessons have shaped Coastal Heat Pumps?
A big lesson we’ve learned, especially through our work in remote Indigenous communities, is that comfort is a basic human right, not a luxury. We’ll never forget a story where an elderly woman in Bella Bella told us she used to dread winter. She couldn’t afford to heat her home properly. Now, she’s warm, safe, and breathing cleaner air. Moments like that remind us why we do this.
What’s been the key to Coastal Heat Pumps’ long-term success?
Our team culture is everything. We believe no one works for Coastal; they work with Coastal. We support each other, we don’t ask for anything we wouldn’t do ourselves, and we never forget to say thank you. That mindset has naturally extended to how we treat our customers and the experience they receive from the very first call to the final installation.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Simple, don’t try to do everything yourself. Lean on your team. Build a culture that supports each other. That’s where the real magic happens.
How has your business evolved to stay competitive?
Technology has been a game-changer. We’ve adopted digital systems to better serve homeowners, providing instant access to invoices, tracking warranties, and offering more responsive service. Our systems have become smarter, and so has our approach to customer care.
Have there been any surprising turning points?
One of the biggest and most heartwarming surprises was when our daughters, Lindsey and Ashley, joined the business. They were on their own career paths, but after attending a business boot camp with us in Texas, something clicked. They caught the vision, and they came on board. Watching the business grow into a family operation has been a dream we didn’t even know we had.
How have Coastal Heat Pumps impacted your community and customers?
We’ve always believed in giving back. Over the years, we’ve supported causes close to our hearts, including Rotary, Make-a-Wish, Victoria Hospice, Rainbow Kitchen, and countless community events. Our biggest impact, though, comes from the work we do in homes. When a homeowner tells us they didn’t realize how uncomfortable they were until they experienced the difference of a heat pump, that’s when we know we’re doing something meaningful.
What role has your team played in reaching this milestone?
Our team is the heart of Coastal Heat Pumps. We’ve been lucky to have long-term team members who bring skills, professionalism, fun, and passion to work every day. They’ve helped shape a workplace where people feel valued and homeowners feel cared for.
What’s next for Coastal Heat Pumps?
The future is bright, and it’s in good hands. We’re transitioning into a new phase, with Ashley and Jordan taking on more leadership as we look toward retirement in the next few years. It’s exciting to see their energy and vision carry Coastal forward.
Are there any upcoming projects you’re excited about?
We’ve recently brought sheet metal fabrication in-house and are adding an electrical division to provide even more comprehensive service. These additions will help us serve our customers faster and better and grow sustainably.
What keeps you passionate after 20 years?
Knowing that we make a difference. Everyone deserves to be comfortable in their own home. It’s deeply fulfilling to know we’re improving lives, one heat pump at a time. We all breathe the same air and want to ensure it’s clean, fresh, and safe.
Would you like to say anything else?
Yes, to every customer, partner, team member, and community we’ve served, thank you for participating in our journey. Coastal Heat Pumps is not just a company. It’s a family, a mission, and a legacy. Here’s to the next 20 years of innovation, comfort, and connection.
