Pride Pipe & Supply make history as first black-owned heating, ventilation and air conditioning company in the Midwest

CHICAGO—Herman Pride today announced the launch of Pride Pipe & Supply, the first Black-owned heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) company in the Midwest. The launch of the business includes a partnership with Trane, a world leader in air conditioning systems, services and solutions. 

With the support of HIRE360, an organization designed to expand professional development and employment opportunities in the trades, and Related Midwest, a founding partner of HIRE360, Pride established a partnership with Trane for commercial services. Pride has more than 25 years of experience working on large-scale projects in Chicago and across the Midwest. 

“Being the first Black-owned HVAC company in the Midwest is a dream come true and a long-overdue milestone,” said Herman Pride, Owner and President of Pride Pipe & Supply. “The partnership with Trane has already resulted in conversations for new contracts with established developers, which sets an example for other companies to take the important step to partner with small, minority-owned businesses that have the talent and skills to deliver.”

“This partnership marks a significant moment in the industry and illustrates HIRE360’s mission to help expand opportunities for minority-owned small businesses,” said Don Biernacki, Executive Vice President of Construction at Related Midwest and Board Chair of HIRE360. “HIRE360 and Related Midwest are proud to support and invest in businesses like Pride Pipe & Supply and other women- and minority-owned businesses that provide innovative solutions throughout the communities they serve. By investing in companies like these, we are creating a more inclusive industry that reflects the world we live in.” 

HIRE360 launched in Chicago in December 2019 and is a unique partnership of construction unions, general contractors and developers. The organization connects community members to careers in construction and invests in minority- and women-owned construction firms so they grow and create generational and community wealth.