Carrier California and Western Nevada

In addition to creating the air conditioning industry, Willis Carrier established the first Carrier dealership. It was founded upon and driven by a set of principles described by one of his company partners, Edward T. Murphy in the book, Willis Carrier: The Father of Air Conditioning.

The Carrier Dealer Hall of Fame is for dealers who represent the same spirit of leadership that Murphy described:

We had faith and enthusiasm in our enterprise, with loyalty to each other and to a common cause.
We had courage and vision to seize opportunity when it appeared.
We supplemented each other in all phases of an intricate business.
We had a superior product, applied with sound engineering.
We had a product that was needed in industry and took on the responsibility of leadership by continuous improvement in the product and in the broadening of the product’s applications.
We held steadfastly to a high standard of integrity in our products, in our engineering methods and in our financial dealings with others.
We had selected a business that contributes to better health and living for people by which a real service is rendered to mankind.

On March 5, 2010, Michael Purl was inducted into the Carrier Dealer Hall of Fame.

Although Michael is well-known and respected in the California community of Madera for his work as a Carrier dealer, locals may be more likely to associate him with holding the reins of a horse than those of a successful HVAC business. Among an extensive list of community service activities and board memberships, Michael became an active volunteer for the Madera Method Wagon Train in 1995. The Wagon Train program brings California history to life for San Joaquin Valley fifth graders through participation in authentic wagon train treks following the routes of the original 1849 Gold Rush trails. For the past 15 years, Michael has served as an outrider (on horseback) and mule skinner (wagon driver) for trips ranging from three days to three weeks.

Michael’s involvement with the wagon train, Madera Historical Society and Historical Fire Fighter’s Association stem from his personal interest in history. Yet, his interest in the future is evident in his leadership and support of youth organizations that include Boy Scouts of America, Camp Fire USA, Children’s Hospital Central California, 4-H, Future Farmers of America, and Little League and Babe Ruth ball teams.

Purl has also been recognized for his business accomplishments with the 2009 Madera Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement Award. As a Carrier contractor for the past 37 years, Purl’s Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning has been a Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer since the program’s inception. In 2008, Purl’s company was recognized for the highest customer service survey score among northern California Carrier dealers.

There is irony in Michael’s receipt of prestigious awards. His colleagues never fail to mention his self-deprecating nature. He is a person who would much rather see others recognized for their accomplishments than to be put in the spotlight himself. He is the first to attribute any success that comes his way to the efforts and talents of others. It’s a trademark characteristic that has been with Michael even before he joined the sheet metal and air conditioning business started in 1952 by his parents, Emmett and Mary Purl.

Michael was born and reared in Madera and then went on to earn a broadcast communications degree from California State University Fresno. After graduation, he became the news director and producer for KFSN, the local ABC television affiliate. Even there, Michael was happy to be the person behind the scenes. He excelled at multi-tasking, managing the big picture, and staying on top of the details in the fast-paced news world to ensure that the on-camera talent always “looked good.” Those he has mentored in the HVAC business and in the community agree that it is Michael’s intense desire to help others succeed that has made him so successful and highly respected himself.

After nearly a decade in broadcast television, Michael left Fresno and returned to join the family business in 1977. In 1987, he became its second generation owner. Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning currently employs 30 people, many who have worked with Michael for more than 20 years. Michael considers himself very fortunate to be surrounded by many great people over the years and takes comfort knowing that the future of the business is in such capable hands.