We Don’t Fix It — We Solve It

How SnapAir Grew from One Service Call into a Solution-Focused Company

On a cold Minnesota winter night more than twenty years ago, I was called to a home where the furnace had stopped working. Like many service calls, the goal was simple: get the heat running again. But that call reinforced something I’ve seen throughout my career, the real problem in a home is often bigger than the part that failed.

Most companies don’t begin with a polished brand or long-term growth plan. Mine started simply: by showing up, doing the work, and learning from every home I stepped into.

I entered the heating and plumbing trades working alongside experienced technicians who taught me the importance of craftsmanship, integrity, and problem solving. Early on, I realized homeowners weren’t just looking for a quick repair. They wanted someone who could diagnose the issue, explain it clearly, and fix it in a way that lasted.

In 2005, while still working full-time, I started a small side business called Heating Systems Specialties. Nights and weekends were spent repairing furnaces, working on plumbing systems, cleaning ductwork, and building trust one customer at a time. Those early years shaped how I still approach the industry today: careful diagnostics, honest communication, and solutions that address the real problem, not just the immediate repair.

That foundation led to the formation of SnapAir in 2020, when Heating Systems Specialties merged with Hendrickson Plumbing & Heating. The goal was simple: combine strong technical expertise with modern tools and a people-first culture.

By 2021, I became the sole owner of SnapAir, and we began shaping the company around a simple philosophy: homes are systems. Heating, cooling, plumbing, airflow, and insulation all work together. In Minnesota homes, where long winters, humid summers, and a mix of older and newer houses are common, those systems often work harder than homeowners realize.

When one part struggles, something else is often contributing. That’s why our team focuses on diagnosing the home itself. Tools like airflow testing, duct leakage testing, and thermal imaging allow us to identify problems that aren’t visible during a typical service call. Sometimes the real issue isn’t the furnace or air conditioner at all, but air escaping through ductwork leaks, insulation gaps, or airflow restrictions that may have existed for years.

As SnapAir grew, so did our approach. We invested in advanced diagnostics, expanded into whole-home solutions, and focused heavily on training. Just as important, we built a team of technicians who live in the communities we serve, places like Hutchinson, Dassel, and Cokato, and take pride in helping their neighbors.

SnapAir remains a locally owned, family-run business grounded in community involvement and long-term relationships.

Over the past year, we completed a full rebrand to better reflect how we operate today. Our new tagline, “We Don’t Fix It — We Solve It,” captures the philosophy that has guided us for years.

Looking ahead, our focus is intentional growth: expanding services while maintaining the quality and care that built SnapAir in the first place. Technology will continue to change, but our commitment remains the same; thoughtful solutions, honest advice, and work done right.

Expert Tip: Fixing vs. Solving

A quick repair can get a system running again, but recurring problems often mean the root cause was never addressed.

A fix replaces a failed part.
A solution looks at why it failed.

Issues like poor airflow, duct leakage, or improper system sizing often lead to repeat breakdowns and higher energy costs. Addressing those underlying factors can improve comfort, extend equipment life, and reduce frustration.

Signs your home may need a professional evaluation:

• Rooms that are consistently hotter or colder than others
• High energy bills despite newer equipment
• Excess dust or weak airflow from vents
• A system that runs constantly but struggles to keep up

Many of these problems are caused by airflow or system design issues rather than the equipment itself.

Walter Marttinen is the owner of SnapAir Heating • Cooling • Plumbing. With over 20 years of experience in HVAC, plumbing, and whole-home performance, he specializes in helping homeowners create healthier, more comfortable, and energy-efficient homes. Today SnapAir serves homeowners throughout the Dassel, Cokato, Hutchinson, and surrounding communities.