Hohler honored with award

SANDUSKY — A local legacy business keeps excelling at the national level. Sandusky-based Hohler Furnace & Sheet Metal recently won the Bryant Circle of Champions Award. Only 87 qualifying Bryant dealers out of 4,000 across the nation, translating to less than 1% of eligible businesses, achieve this honor. Bryant offers air conditioners, heating and cooling systems and works with businesses, such as Hohler, selling those name-brand products. "It makes us feel very proud," said Richard Hohler, the general manager of Hohler Furnace & Sheet Metal. "We have an incredible team that works extremely hard to maintain a high set of standards. When you can be acknowledged for your hard work, it really makes it all worth it." This marks the ninth time in the last 10 years that Hohler obtained this esteemed distinction. The local business, among other recipients, needed to reach certain benchmarks set forth by Bryant, including reviews and survey responses given by customers. "This award signifies the customer-first approach that our company is dedicated to," Hohler said. "We are always at the front of the pack when it comes to offering the highest efficiency units and the new technology on the market," Hohler added. "We strive to give our customers the best and most comfortable control of their weather indoors and believe this award proves that we are taking the right steps to do that." Bio blast Here's some background on Hohler Furnace & Sheet Metal, located at Decatur and West Water streets in Sandusky: Hohler Furnace & Sheet Metal is a family-owned and operated full-service heating, cooling and sheet metal fabricating company serving both residential and commercial customers in northern Ohio. Originally founded as the Mertz Manufacturing Co. in 1860, the company was purchased by Franklin Hohler in 1929 and became Hohler Furnace & Sheet Metal. With over 90 years in business, it has truly been a family affair. Franklin operated the business and employed his brothers — George, Leo and Paul — through the years until his son Richard took charge after college and service in the U.S. Navy. Richard ran the business with his uncle, Paul Hohler, until 1983. In 1983, Richard's sons Frank and Rich Hohler bought the business from their father. They owned and operated the business for 30 years. In 2015, Frank retired, leaving Rich the sole owner of the company. Then, in 2018, Rich's son, Richard, joined the business, representing the fourth generation of Hohlers to service the local community for all their heating, ventilation and air conditioning needs.