Business Details
27 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Commercial HVAC & Refrigeration Services in the Southeast
The Southeast has been a trusted provider of commercial HVAC and refrigeration services since 1999. Our expertise spans construction, installation, and 24/7 emergency service for cold storage facilities and supermarket systems. We serve major grocery chains like Walmart, Publix, and Kroger, as well as independent retailers across the Southeast. Our team of certified technicians brings decades of combined experience to every project, ensuring reliable solutions tailored to client needs. Licensed in seven southern states, we prioritize safety, efficiency, and customer satisfaction in every service call. Our commitment to quality is reflected in our long-standing partnerships with industry leaders and our ability to meet demanding schedules through night work and rapid response.Headquartered in Leeds, Alabama, with a satellite office in Mobile, we combine local expertise with regional reach. Our leadership team, including General Manager Chad Smith and Service Manager JJ Thorske, oversees operations with a focus on innovation and excellence. We invest in ongoing training and technical certifications to maintain our competitive edge. Whether handling complex refrigeration systems or routine maintenance, we deliver consistent, high-quality results that protect our clients' investments and operational continuity.
Services
Commercial HVAC
Refrigeration Construction
Cold Storage Installation
24/7 Emergency Service
Maintenance & Repair
Details
- Year established: 1999
Highlights and features
- We offer 24/7 emergency HVAC and refrigeration service
- Our team has 25+ years of supermarket refrigeration experience
- Licensed in seven southern states for regional coverage
- Direct access to live service representatives during business hours
- Proven track record with major grocery chains like Walmart and Kroger
Services
Commercial HVAC
We design, install, and maintain commercial HVAC systems for grocery stores and cold storage facilities. Our licensed technicians handle complex installations and emergency repairs across seven southern states. With 24/7 service availability, we ensure uninterrupted operations for critical refrigeration needs in supermarkets and distribution centers.
Refrigeration Construction
Our refrigeration construction services include parallel rack systems and temperature-controlled storage solutions. We specialize in supermarket refrigeration setups that meet strict food safety standards. Our team delivers energy-efficient installations while maintaining compliance with all industry regulations and safety protocols.
24/7 Emergency Service
We provide round-the-clock emergency repair services for HVAC and refrigeration system failures. Our technicians respond promptly to critical issues affecting food safety and store operations. With on-call availability every day of the year, we minimize downtime for grocery chains and cold storage facilities during urgent situations.
Cold Storage Installation
We install advanced cold storage systems for food distribution centers and grocery warehouses. Our solutions maintain precise temperature requirements for perishable goods. The team implements energy-efficient refrigeration technologies while ensuring compliance with safety standards for large-scale storage operations.
Maintenance & Repair
Our preventive maintenance programs extend equipment lifespan and prevent unexpected failures. Technicians perform routine inspections and repairs for commercial HVAC and refrigeration systems. We offer customized service plans to maintain optimal performance while reducing long-term operational costs for retail clients.
People
James E. Johnston
Founder
James E. Johnston (Buddy) founded The Southeast in 1999 with extensive HVAC industry experience. He established the company's commitment to quality service and regional expansion across southern states.
Johnny McLain
Co-Founder
Johnny McLain joined as co-founder in April 1999, bringing technical expertise that helped establish the company's refrigeration service capabilities. His leadership contributed to key partnerships with major grocery chains.
Chad Smith
General Manager
Chad Smith oversees daily operations and project execution. With deep industry knowledge, he ensures service quality and coordinates installation crews to meet client deadlines for commercial refrigeration projects.
JJ Thorske
Service Manager
JJ Thorske manages the 24/7 service department, coordinating emergency response teams. He ensures technical excellence and customer satisfaction through rigorous technician training and service protocol enforcement.
Candace Baker
Office Manager
Candace Baker handles administrative operations and client communications. Her organizational leadership maintains efficient office functions and supports field operations across the company's service territory.
Questions
What services does The Southeast Company offer?
We provide commercial HVAC systems, refrigeration construction, cold storage installation, and 24/7 emergency repair services for grocery stores and cold storage facilities.
Which areas do you serve?
We operate across the Southeast, including Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi, Georgia, Tennessee, Florida, and Louisiana.
Do you offer emergency HVAC repair?
Yes, our 24/7 emergency service responds to critical HVAC and refrigeration failures at any time.
What grocery chains do you work with?
We service major chains including Walmart, Publix, Kroger, Aldi, Winn-Dixie, and BI-LO stores.
Are technicians available for night work?
Yes, our installation crews accommodate after-hours schedules to minimize business disruption for clients.
