Pro Partners Making a Difference

At the heart of everything we do is community. All around the country—and globe—the Rheem Family of Brands and our partners strive to make a positive impact on the people we serve. And what an impact we’ve made.

In 2022, we developed the Difference Maker Award to recognize the Rheem and Ruud Pro Partners who go above and beyond giving back to their communities, in ways both big and small. Winners earn a $10,000 donation to the charity of their choice.

This year’s Difference Makers helped support a range of local causes to help improve their communities and the lives of the people in them. Here are just some of the ways that Rheem and Ruud Pro Partners are stepping up for to make change across the country.

2025 Rheem Difference Maker Award Winners

Harding Heating and Cooling and Habitat for Humanity

Harding Heating and Cooling has built a culture of giving back to their Alliance, Ohio, community.

“At Harding Heating and Cooling, we believe success means more than providing quality HVAC services—it means giving back,” says Owner Carl Ammon. “When an opportunity to serve comes up, our team is the first to step in—not because they have to, but because they want to. Giving back is part of who we are.”

That includes training and mentoring high school students, supporting local schools, and providing essential HVAC services to Habitat for Humanity for newly built and renovated homes.

“I hire great people with big hearts who genuinely want to help others. Some of my team members were once high school students we trained, and now they’re paying it forward, giving back to the same community that supported them,” Ammon says.

Albert Heating and Cooling, Inc. and Chippewa Luce Mackinac Community Action Agency (CLMCAA)

Albert Heating and Cooling, Inc. works closely with the Chippewa Luce Mackinac Community Action Agency and its Community Action Weatherization Program to provide heating repairs and replacements in the Eastern Upper Peninsula, Michigan—an essential service in an area that experiences chilling winter temperatures.

“The Community Action Weatherization Program is extremely important to our community as no individual should go without heat,” says President Todd Albert.

Since working with the Community Action Weatherization Program, the Albert team has helped more than 175 individuals with their heating needs. This includes basic heating maintenance to make sure the unit is running efficiently, replacing parts on the unit to get it up and running, or replacing the heating system if it cannot be repaired.

“We believe in making a difference together. Our efforts are rooted in family involvement—working side by side, teaching future generations the importance of helping others. It’s about coming together as a community, creating change, and showing our kids what it means to make a real impact on the world around them,” Albert says.

2025 Ruud Difference Maker Award Winners

Anthem Mechanical and Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Desert

Out West, Anthem Mechanical in the Coachella Valley, California, has partnered with Big Brothers and Big Sisters of the Desert for more than 18 years.

“More than 18 years ago, I found my passion with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Desert,” says Owner Michael Solomon. “I served as a Big Brother for 10 years, watching my Little Brother grow into a thriving adult, and later joined the Board of Directors, where I now serve as President. This role has allowed me to witness firsthand how mentorship, scholarships, and educational opportunities can transform young lives and strengthen families across our community. Being part of it has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life, and I remain dedicated to supporting its mission for years to come.”

Solomon also encourages Anthem employees to find the causes they are passionate about and supports them, too.

“At Anthem, we have created a culture where community involvement is valued and supported. Anyone on our team can request company support for a local charity, school, or fundraising project that they or their children are involved in,” he says. “Each year, we sponsor youth sports teams, local schools, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and a variety of nonprofit organizations that have a direct connection to our employees. This gives our team members the ability to make an impact in causes they care about personally.”

Patriot Heating & Cooling Services, Inc. and Iowa Farm Sanctuary

Based in Geneva, Illinois, Patriot Heating & Cooling Services, Inc. supports many local schools and organizations, as well as the Iowa Farm Sanctuary, which provides care for abused and abandoned farm animals.

“As a family-owned and -operated business, the importance of giving back to our local community cannot be understated. Giving back is a way to show our gratitude for what our community has done for us,” says Owner Bill White. “This award reinforces our belief that serving others—whether in their homes or through causes close to our hearts—is the most important part of our work.”

Thank you to the 2025 Difference Makers, and every Rheem and Ruud Pro Partner, for stepping up and making an impact in your communities.