ANSONIA – A third generation family business that has been keeping Valley folks comfortable for more than a quarter century has a new location on Clifton Avenue.
A&S Nathan Heating and Cooling celebrated its 26th year in business Friday (Sept. 4) at its new home at 21 Clifton Ave. The building previously housed Enterprise Rent-A-Car.
Ansonia Mayor Frank Tyszka joined company owner Jake Nathan, his wife Rachel, A&S employees and several city officials for an official ribbon-cutting ceremony in the newly remodeled digs.
“What began as a two-person operation has grown tenfold through hard work, dedication and a true belief in this community,” Tyszka said. “This new space represents more than an expansion. It reflects confidence in the future, continued investment in our city and the promise of new memories for the people who will walk through these doors.”
Nathan took over the business as owner in 2021 when his father Allen Nathan, Jr., retired. The elder Nathan started the business out of his home in Shelton in 2000, with just himself and one other employee. Nathan joined the family business in 2007 after doing his apprenticeship alongside his dad. He hails from a third generation of HVAC technicians, learning the tricks of the trade from both his grandfather, Allen Nathan, Sr. and father.
The father and son duo opened up their first shop together in 2013 when they moved the business to Ansonia to its former location at 34 Clifton Ave. in 2013. Nathan, Sr. passed the torch to his son in 2021, when he decided to retire to sunnier shores.
In 2024, Nathan said the company needed more space to accommodate its growing clientele. A&S serves residential customers with their heating and cooling needs in Fairfield and New Haven counties.
An opportunity to expand the business, and remain in Ansonia, presented itself when the building that housed the former Enterprise car rental place, came up for sale.
“We outgrew our space,” Nathan said. “We always liked Ansonia and we wanted to stay here. We know everybody and have a good relationship with the area businesses. When this building came up for sale, we knew we had to buy it. We’re centrally located and serve a 20-mile radius in all directions.”
Nathan said it took about eight months to gut the space. He said the renovations included transforming the former car rental space into a showroom, office space, work and storage space for employees. The new space quadrupled the company’s size, from 2,000-square feet at its former location to 8,000-square feet in its new home.
The expansion also allowed Nathan to hire an additional four employees.
First Ward Alderwoman Jacquelyn Daniels was on hand for the ribbon-cutting and was pleased to see a local business grow and plant even deeper roots in Ansonia.
“It’s what we want to see,” Daniels said. “We want to see a growing business, and we want to see a growing economy in Ansonia.”
Nathan’s dad was on hand for the event, as well. He said watching his son grow and modernize the business is more than he could ask for.
“I could not be more proud of him; he’s just a good human,” Nathan, Sr. said. “He has taken the business to a whole other level. When I left, we were writing tickets by hand, spending about $800 a month in printer ink. Now, everything is streamlined, and we have a laptop in every truck.”
Tyszka recalled when the space now occupied by A&S Nathan once housed the New England Ice Co. back in the 1950s and was also home to the former Cavallaro Motors where he bought his first car. He was glad to see the building evolve over the years.
“Please accept my heartfelt appreciation for your vision, perseverance and commitment to this community,” Tyszka said. “You have built something lasting, and we are proud to celebrate it with you today.”