Air Systems Service & Construction welcomes Connor Westover as president in a transfer of leader-ship from his father, Garry Westover, who co-founded the company nearly 30 years ago. Today with more than 200 employees, Air Systems is a leading commercial contractor providing mechanical, HVAC, plumbing, controls and architectural sheet metal services throughout California.
This father-to-son leadership transfer may seem a natural progression, but Garry explains that it wasn’t his original plan. “Randy Mercier and I founded the company in 1996, then Randy went on to pursue another business in 2014. By 2015, my wife, Kathleen, stepped in to run the company with me and by 2018, my daughter Jody and Connor joined the company, too. I had other people in mind for my succession plan, though.”
That succession plan fell through, however, and as it did, Connor, a Cal Poly Construction Management graduate, was proving himself as an excellent project manager with strong leadership qualities. “I hadn’t even hired Connor,” says Garry with a chuckle. “He was hired by my executive vice president and climbed the ranks very quickly, demonstrating his ability to lead every step of the way. So, I amended my succession plan.”
“I’m delighted to pass the leadership baton to Connor. While this version of my succession plan was not part of the original plan, it’s clear that his genuine talents make him the perfect fit.” -Garry Westover, Founder/CEO
Stepping up from his vice president of construction position, Connor became president in July. “It’s been working well,” he confirms. “Our young, strong core management team supports our operational and cultural goals and we’re putting a lot of effort into both. We’ve had consultants in to help us update our operational policies and procedures as well as to help us firmly establish a safe and happy workplace.”
As Garry steps down from his CEO role, he shares, “I’m delighted to pass the leadership baton to Connor. While this version of my succession plan was not part of the original plan, it’s clear that his genuine talents make him the perfect fit. It’s reinvigorated my enthusiasm and I’m excited to stay involved in a different capacity. I’m confident the company will continue to thrive and reach new heights!”
