03/03/2026
For over 60 years, Garrhs has been more than just a business; it's been a family legacy rooted in the Southwest Colorado community. We've built our reputation on a foundation of trust, integrity, and a deep commitment to our employees and customers, ensuring quality work and fair practices that stand the test of time.
The Roots of Our Family Business
Our story began in Phoenix in the 1930s, when Louis J. Oliger, our grandfather, established Louis J. Oliger Sheet Metal. He was a true "go-getter" and "people person," building strong relationships that laid the groundwork for our future. The early business focused on sheet metal for industrial applications. In World War II, we even built vats for Seagrams to support its war efforts, showcasing an early spirit of adaptability.
In the early 1950s, drawn by the charm of a small town and a desire to escape the Phoenix heat, our grandfather relocated the business to Durango, marking the beginning of our deep connection to this community. Our family moved with him, and his son, Jim, became involved with the business as a young boy. A symbol of our enduring legacy, the original 1930s "snips" logo, representing metal shears, remains a proud part of our identity today, carried through generations. The name "Garrhs" itself, though a shortened nickname of Mark Oliger, reflects the personal touch and family connection at the heart of our company.
Evolution and Adaptation
Jim worked for his dad “Louie” throughout the 60s and 70s, at which point the business name transitioned to Oliger Sheet Metal as the grandfather retired in the late 70s or early 80s. During the 1960s, a significant part of the early work included building "meter houses," or metal buildings for gas wells, producing hundreds, if not thousands, that were sent to Texas, New Mexico, and Wyoming. This segment made the business heavily dependent on the oil and gas industry. As Durango grew and industries shifted, so did Garrhs. Our business evolved significantly from its early sheet metal focus to specializing in heating and air conditioning throughout this period.
James' son Mark took over the business in the early 80s, rebuilding and strengthening it after the oil and gas industry crashed, deeply impacting a significant segment of their business. Working alongside his father for years, Mark started to include the next generation of Oligers, including Jim’s other son Travis and later Mark and Travis's kids, further strengthening our resolve and contributing to our growth.
Over the years, we've navigated profound changes in the industry and in our town of Durango. From advancements in energy efficiency and environmental considerations to sophisticated technology systems, we've consistently adapted while maintaining our core values and dedication to the Durango community and our team.
Our Values, Our Community, Our Legacy
At Garrhs, our commitment has always extended beyond services to the people and community we serve. We pride ourselves on high-quality work and honest, fair business practices, aspiring to provide complete customer satisfaction unequaled by anyone else. Our dedication to our employees is equally strong, reflected in our remarkably high employee retention – a rarity in our industry. We foster an environment where employees feel valued and supported, even going the extra mile to ensure their participation in retirement plans because we care deeply about their well-being and their families. This nurturing approach has been a cornerstone of our success, contributing to our consistent recognition as the #1 HVAC provider in Durango – an accolade earned through reliable, conscientious work, not aggressive promotion.
For us, Garrhs' legacy is deeply tied to the Durango community. It’s about more than just business; it’s about providing employees with solid jobs that allow them to thrive and raise their families in this beautiful place. We actively strive to be reliable and do conscientious work, focusing on always "doing the right thing" even in challenging situations to ensure customers feel treated right.
With our new partnership with American Dream Home Services (ADHS), an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) company, our core values of integrity, community impact, and legacy preservation are not just maintained but significantly strengthened. This transition empowers our employees through ownership, ensuring a secure and prosperous future for both our dedicated team and the Durango community we proudly call home, enabling us to continue our tradition of contributing to the well-being of the place we all live and work.
