About us/our work

Hey everyone! Alekos Gailas here, and I'm thrilled to share the fascinating journey of Ariston Heating and Cooling—a venture that took root in 2017 and has been a whirlwind of experiences. Picture growing up in the enchanting town of Orinda, where my dad, Alexander Gailas, owned some of the coolest spots, including The Alekos Cafe where as a young kid I worked cleaning dishes and meat as well as cooking as I got older. Business was practically embedded in my DNA.

My journey took some unexpected turns. Starting in construction, where I reveled in working with my hands and learned the value of hard work. After that I transitioned to the automotive field at Orinda Motors, where my love for tinkering with cars became more of a hobby than a career, a pivotal suggestion from my dad took me down an unforeseen path—HVAC.

Admittedly, the idea didn't thrill me at first. But as I immersed myself in the HVAC field, something clicked. What started as a lukewarm interest blossomed into a genuine passion. Life has a funny way of surprising you.

Fast forward, and armed with my dad's "do it right or don't do it at all" ethos, I ventured into the Bay Area, building connections and honing my craft. For about seven years, I delved into the HVAC field, working alongside seasoned contractors, meticulously refined my skill set, and mastered the installation and servicing of HVAC systems before taking the plunge starting Ariston Heating and Cooling.

A transformative father-son moment led to the birth of the name Ariston—a Greek root meaning "the best" or "excellence." It's not just a name; it's a reflection of our commitment to delivering top-notch service, rooted in our Greek heritage.
‍
Now, here's where the story takes a twist. When I brought my brother Michael into the mix, who injected a fresh perspective and innovative ideas that proved instrumental in growing the company. Despite his unfamiliarity with the HVAC world, Michael brought a unique outlook that breathed new life into Ariston Heating and Cooling. Now my brother and I, working side by side, have transformed Ariston Heating and Cooling into a full-blown family-run company.

Ariston Heating and Cooling isn't just about fixing HVAC systems; it's about building relationships and embodying the spirit of Ariston—excellence in every aspect of what we do. So buckle up, because this journey is far from over, and we're just getting warmed up!