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Celebrating 65 Years of Making Buildings Better in the DMV

  • Writer: Boland
    Boland
  • 2 hours ago
  • 3 min read

Lou Boland Sr.
Lou Boland Sr. and Boland's first ever service technician, Vern Hruska

This year marks 65 years since Lou Boland Sr. opened Boland’s doors in hopes of making buildings throughout the metro DC, Maryland, and Virginia area better. This milestone isn’t about us — it’s about the clients and partners who we have been fortunate enough to work with.


From the beginning, our mission has been clear: to deliver reliable, efficient, energy-saving HVAC solutions that support business operations, protect assets, and create comfortable environments. Whether it’s a complex system design for a new build or emergency service that keeps a facility online, our work has always been about enabling our client's success.

From left to right: Lou Boland Jr., Sean Boland Jr., and Jim Boland in front of Boland HQ in Gaithersburg, MD
From left to right: Lou Boland Jr., Sean Boland Jr., and Jim Boland in front of Boland HQ in Gaithersburg, MD
Boland's first service technician, Vern Hruska, who paved the path
Boland's first service technician, Vern Hruska, who paved the path

Across six and a half decades, we’ve had the honor of working with clients in every sector—from healthcare and education to industrial, entertainment, and commercial office spaces. Each project, every maintenance contract, and every service call has been an opportunity to strengthen a shared commitment to performance, professionalism, and trust.

Lou Boland Sr. hired his first service technician, Vern Hruska, in 1962. He was indispensable in upholding Boland's values, and his 50 years of contributions led us to where we are now. Now, at 425 associates strong, we can innovate in ways Vern couldn't even imagine when he was brought on.

Eagle Award Winners pictured from left to right: Jim Boland, Fran Gleason, Jim Mertz, Harry MacLaughlin, and Mark Shell
Eagle Award Winners pictured from left to right: Jim Boland, Fran Gleason, Jim Mertz, Harry MacLaughlin, and Mark Shell

Thanks to the excellent work of our Design and Construction Sales team, clients can make strategic investments in systems and solutions that set them up for success for years to come.


With the technological advancements that our Control Sales team has access to today, systems are more connected than ever. In partnership with our clients, we help them monitor building efficiency and control HVAC systems from anywhere.

The Boland Team celebrating our first Bolandfest in 2014 in the lobby of Boland HQ
The Boland Team celebrating our first Bolandfest in 2014 in the lobby of Boland HQ

We are incredibly proud to have built a fleet of more than 180 service technicians, which is by far the largest in the DC metro area. Our team of dedicated and knowledgeable service technicians ensure that equipment runs more efficiently and positively impacts the bottom line.


Boland Service Technician, Ricky Smith in 2008, who is now an Account Executive, serving a variety of clients throughout the DMV
Boland Service Technician, Ricky Smith in 2008, who is now an Account Executive, serving a variety of clients throughout the DMV

Clients can weather unexpected outages with state-of-the-art rental equipment expertly installed by our Rental Services experts. Emergency preparedness is top priority for our Rental Services experts, who work with clients to properly assess risk and prepare the correct backup systems and strategies to activate immediately.


Our Water Technologies team has steadily grown and expanded their client base, helping those in the DMV area to make significant strides in water treatment and legionella prevention.


Sarah Heitkemper, Senior Vice President, and Sean Boland Jr., President, both of whom started as interns with Boland, are pictured with Lou Boland, Sr.
Sarah Heitkemper, Senior Vice President, and Sean Boland Jr., President, both of whom started as interns with Boland, are pictured with Lou Boland, Sr.

We’ve added an Energy Services team focused on energy and sustainability. They are working toward improving our planet's climate through energy-saving measures and decarbonization efforts. Their energy-saving efforts are detailed in our most recent Sustainability Report.


Our parts and supplies division, Boland Supply, can provide any part needed for a job, big or small, at one of our three locations in the DMV area.

One of the inaugural Boland Cares events! The Boland Cares team made and served a spaghetti meal to veterans at Fisher House
One of the inaugural Boland Cares events! The Boland Cares team made and served a spaghetti meal to veterans at Fisher House

Our associates also help support BolandCares, our philanthropic arm. Through our team's dedication and selflessness, we have been able to support our community in countless ways. We are proud to work with various organizations throughout the metro DC area. It is our honor to give back to the community we live, work, and play in.


To our long-standing partners and to those just starting to work with us—thank you. We are so grateful for your trust, business, and continued collaboration. It’s been our privilege to serve you for the past 65 years, and we look forward to continuing to assist you in your mission. Here's to another 65 years of making buildings better!


Award winners in 2006. We proudly still host this Hall of Fame ceremony annually honoring outstanding members of the Boland team
Award winners in 2006. We proudly still host this Hall of Fame ceremony annually honoring outstanding members of the Boland team

 
 
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