The owners of EcoPump HVAC want to be the leading green heat-and-air company in Arkansas.
With 50 years of industry experience between them, Kelly Hollis and Joel Pumphrey started the business in 2023. Their vision is to become “a national model for sustainable HVAC and workforce innovation,” said Hollis.
“After decades in the field, we saw an opportunity to create something different—something community-focused, environmentally conscious, and future-ready,” he said.
As company president, Hollis is charting the course for growth while overseeing EcoPump’s operations, apprenticeship program, and partnerships.
The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center is helping the company achieve its goals.
“ASBTDC has been phenomenal,” Hollis said. “The support, expertise, and guidance they’ve provided made a major impact. They helped us shape our business model, develop our financials, and navigate the funding process with confidence. I consider them part of our core team.”
Company Stays ‘Ahead of the Curve’
Based in Little Rock, EcoPump offers residential and commercial HVAC installation and service.
To help customers minimize their energy usage and cost yet enjoy comfortable temperatures, the company specializes in sustainable, high-efficiency heating and cooling systems and smart HVAC controls.
In addition, they operate a state-approved HVAC Controls and Instrumentation apprenticeship training program in partnership with local colleges and workforce agencies.
“Through the years, I’ve seen firsthand how energy efficiency, smart systems, and sustainability have become priorities,” Hollis said, pinpointing customer expectations. “EcoPump was founded to be ahead of the curve, training technicians to install and maintain systems that align with the future of HVAC and environmental responsibility.”
(Photo courtesy of EcoPump HVAC)
Funding Fuels EcoPump’s Expansion
To grow their green business required some green – money, that is.
While poised to expand, the partners needed capital to scale up their business.
Obtaining financing took preparation and persistence. “It was definitely a challenge but one we were ready for, thanks to ASBTDC,” he said.
Their ASBTDC consultant, Wendy Orvis, advised Hollis and Pumphrey on what to expect and what to do.
“Wendy guided us through every step. She helped us tighten our projections, structure our loan narrative, and ensure we were presenting lenders with a clear and compelling plan. Her attention to detail and experience with the process were invaluable,” said Hollis.
A loan from Southern Bancorp, coupled with the owners’ own investment, provided the funds to expand their team, acquire more tools and trucks, and build out the apprenticeship program.
Looking ahead, Hollis sees more growth in EcoPump’s future, including a larger service area.
“As we grow, we plan to expand into surrounding states while keeping our training model and service quality strong at the local level,” he said.
“We’re aiming for $100 million in revenue through smart growth, government contracts, training programs, and product innovation. Most importantly, we want to create generational wealth and opportunity for our team, our community, and our industry.”
To learn more about EcoPump HVAC, visit ecopump.org.
(Photo courtesy of EcoPump HVAC)
This project is being supported, in whole or in part, by federal award number SSBCI-21031-0032 awarded to UA Little Rock ASBTDC by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.