About Us | Neal's Heating and Cooling

A Man With A Dream

Neal Middendorf

The humble beginnings of Neal’s Heating & Cooling, Inc. was started by Neal Middendorf in the early 1980’s. He worked at the underground coal mine on the 4pm to midnight shift and ran service calls in the morning. In the summer his son Travis and sometimes one of his daughters Pam or Laura would ride with him and be the “gopher”. That meant running back and forth to the service truck for a tool or part needed, usually in 90 plus weather. This was their hands on training to become familiar with the components of an air conditioner.

In 1993 Neal and son Travis purchased the sheet metal shop in Marissa, IL from Norman Edgar, who was retiring. Mr. Edgar worked with them and showed them some of the tricks of the trade in fabrication. Neal, Travis and nephew Andrew Vandiver embarked on the journey of running a small family business.

Neal's Heating and Cooling Owner in his truck

Fast forward to 2025 and Neal's Heating & Cooling, Inc. is still thriving. Sadly, Neal passed away in 2013 but instilled in Travis, the knowledge he needed to continue with the HVAC business, along with a strong work ethic. Mother, Susan has retired in 2025 after working in the business for 26 years. Sister, Pamela worked as a registered nurse for 24 years and now is head of the office responsibilities. Travis's son, Tanner is employed as a 3rd generation sheet metal worker.

Today we employ 12 people who specialize in fabricated duct work for residential and commercial jobs, along with heating and cooling systems. With dedication and hard work, we have reached goals that have been achieved with the help of our excellent crew of workers. We meet many good people and work on interesting and challenging jobs. It will be noteworthy to see what the future holds for Neal's Heating & Cooling, Inc.

Tanner, Travis' son, represents the third generation of the Middendorf legacy of providing superior residential and commercial HVAC service and installation. His brother, Trevor, standing to the left of his dad, is waiting his turn to join the family business.