Our Name Is Our Standard
Kalos was family-founded in Central Florida by people who believed a contractor could grow without losing its character. Our name reflects goodness, excellence, and integrity. For us, those ideas are practical: tell the truth, do careful work, keep your word, and take responsibility when the work is difficult.
We choose truth over polish. That means explaining what we know, what still needs to be tested, and which options make sense—without pressure or inflated promises. We want the quality of the work and the clarity of our communication to earn trust over time.
From Used Vans to a Multi-Trade Team
Kalos began in 2005 with three founders: Robert “Bob” Orr, Keith Huntington, and Bryan Orr. They started with very little capital, a couple of used vans, a lot of family help, and a shared idea of the kind of company they wanted to build.
The name comes from the Koine Greek word kalos, which can carry ideas of goodness, beauty, excellence, nobility, and wholeness. At Kalos, it means doing the right thing even when it is hard and keeping your word even when it costs you something. Talk is cheap; integrity becomes real in how people respond when the work is difficult or something goes wrong.
Each founder supplied something the others needed. Bob brought broad construction judgment and financial discipline. Keith brought practical knowledge across the trades and a demanding standard for craftsmanship. Bryan brought HVAC and refrigeration experience, technical training, communication, and a long-term focus on developing people.
One Team. Every Trade.
Homes and commercial buildings do not divide their problems neatly by department. HVAC, refrigeration, plumbing, electrical, controls, and construction often affect one another. Bringing multiple trades together helps us see the whole system, coordinate responsibly, and reduce gaps between diagnosis, service, projects, and closeout.
Built to See the Whole Building
Kalos began primarily in residential service and remodeling because that was the practical place to start with limited capital. The multi-trade idea, however, was present from the beginning. All three founders were interested in how mechanical, electrical, plumbing, refrigeration, structural, and control systems interact—and in the difficult problems that happen where those systems meet.
Over time, the company expanded into HVAC, refrigeration, plumbing, electrical, controls, general construction, and other mechanical work. It did not happen through one breakthrough. It happened through hundreds of milestones: first service calls, first replacements, first commercial clients, first large rooftop units, first grocery remodels, and first ground-up construction projects.
Today, Kalos teams work in homes and in the hidden spaces that keep major Central Florida properties operating: rooftops, mechanical rooms, electrical rooms, kitchens, refrigerated cases, utility spaces, and construction areas. The scale has changed, but the purpose has not—understand the whole problem, bring the right people together, and care about the outcome.
Explore residential services or explore commercial services.
Built by People Who Keep Learning
Craftsmanship comes from people who are supported, trained, and trusted to think. We invest in education, mentorship, and field leadership so our team can understand the why behind the work, not simply follow a script. We value humility, curiosity, and the willingness to own the result.
People Grow, and Kalos Grows With Them
From the beginning, Kalos believed it could hire people with the right attitude, give them a strong foundation, and help them develop real skill. Some of the company’s proudest moments are watching an apprentice become a capable technician, a technician become a leader, or someone who lacked confidence discover that they can solve difficult problems.
Jesse Claerbout and Nathan Orr are two examples. Both joined Kalos within its first few years, grew into leaders, and later became part of the ownership group. Their path reflects a larger belief: ownership and leadership should include people who have carried responsibility, served clients, developed others, and helped build the company over time.
Kalos pairs professional pride with personal humility—care deeply about the work, develop your skills, and keep your promises, while remembering that no one person sees the whole picture and everyone can improve.
That same belief supports our apprenticeship work, HVAC School, and the careers people build at Kalos. Explore careers at Kalos.
Part of the Community We Serve
Kalos grew in Central Florida, and we want our work to strengthen the place we call home. Through trade education, the GRIT Foundation, HVAC School, local partnerships, and everyday service, we help more people build useful skills and lasting careers.
Community is not a campaign for us. It is the long work of showing up, sharing knowledge, and creating opportunities for the next generation of tradespeople.
Sharing the Joy and Dignity of the Trades
HVAC School grew from the same training instinct that shaped Kalos. Through free articles, podcasts, videos, live events, and public teaching, it shares practical HVAC and refrigeration education with tradespeople around the world.
The GRIT Foundation extends that idea to young people by giving them hands-on exposure to HVAC, refrigeration, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, and other practical skills. Kalos, HVAC School, and GRIT are different organizations, but they share a common thread: people grow when they receive useful knowledge, meaningful work, real responsibility, and someone willing to teach them.
What You Can Expect
- Clear communication. We explain conditions, options, and next steps in plain language.
- Craftsmanship with accountability. We take pride in doing the work well and address problems directly.
- Coordinated expertise. Our trades work together when the scope crosses systems.
- Respect for people and property. We treat customers, coworkers, and communities with care.
Growing Without Losing the Soul of the Company
Kalos intends to remain family-owned and led by people who understand and enjoy the trades. Growth should make the company more capable, disciplined, and dependable—not arrogant or disconnected from the people doing the work.
The Kalos story is ultimately about people who enjoy the trades, value one another, solve difficult problems, and use their skills to serve others. It is about seeing the built world as something worth understanding and caring for, and helping more people discover the dignity and joy that come from learning how to build, fix, and create.
Whether you need help at home, support for a facility, or a partner for a multi-trade project, start with a conversation. Contact Kalos or view our service areas.