For more than 75 years, Garrhs Heating & Air Conditioning has served Durango and Southwest Colorado community.
What began as a small sheet metal shop has grown into one of the region’s most trusted HVAC companies. Our story spans generations of change, innovation, and community connection.
The roots of Garrhs trace back to Phoenix in the 1930s, when Louis J. Oliger founded Louis J. Oliger Sheet Metal.
Louis was known as a hardworking entrepreneur and a natural relationship builder. The company specialized in sheet metal fabrication for industrial applications and quickly earned a reputation for quality workmanship.
During World War II, the company even manufactured vats for Seagram’s to support wartime production — an early example of the adaptability and craftsmanship that would define the business.
In the early 1950s, Louis relocated the business to Durango, Colorado, drawn by the charm of a mountain town and a desire to escape the Phoenix heat.
This move marked the beginning of Garrhs’ deep connection with the Southwest Colorado community.
Louis’ son Jim Oliger grew up working alongside his father, learning the trade and developing the values that would guide the company for decades:
During the 1960s and 1970s, the company operated as Oliger Sheet Metal, producing metal buildings known as meter houses for gas wells across Texas, New Mexico, and Wyoming.
This work provided strong growth but also tied the company closely to the oil and gas industry.
As Durango and the surrounding region evolved, so did the business. The company gradually transitioned its focus toward heating and air conditioning systems, serving homeowners and businesses throughout Southwest Colorado.
This shift laid the foundation for the modern HVAC company Garrhs is today.
In the early 1980s, Jim’s son, Mark Oliger, took over leadership of the company with support from his younger brother Travis.
This was a challenging period. The collapse of the oil and gas industry significantly impacted the business. Mark and Travis rebuilt the company by expanding its heating and cooling services and strengthening its focus on residential and commercial HVAC systems.
Over time, additional members of the Oliger family joined the company, continuing the tradition of family leadership and community commitment.
The name Garrhs reflects the family character and personality that have always defined the business.
It originated as a nickname connected to the Oliger family and eventually became the identity of the HVAC company the Durango community knows today.
A symbol of the company’s roots, the original “snips” logo — representing sheet metal shears — remains part of Garrhs’ heritage and craftsmanship tradition.
Over the decades, Garrhs earned a reputation throughout Durango and La Plata County for:
The company also became known for something rare in the HVAC industry — long employee tenure. Many team members have spent years or even decades working at Garrhs.
Customers often see the same technicians year after year, reinforcing the trust and familiarity that define the company’s service.
Building for the future
Today Garrhs is entering a new chapter through its partnership with American Dream Home Services, an employee-owned company.
This transition ensures that the company’s legacy continues while strengthening the values that built it.
Employee ownership means the people serving customers are also building ownership in the company itself.
Since 1950. Built to Last. Built to Lead.
