Our Legacy and Values
The Story of Laconia Residential
In the home service industry, staying in business a long time is the ultimate sign of trust. For over 45 years, the name Laconia has been a staple of the New Hampshire landscape.
Laconia Residential at a Glance
Since 1971
Serving central New Hampshire
37 People
On the team today
32 Vans
Warehouses on Wheels®
90%
Of issues fixed on the first visit
more than ducts and machines
We Treat Your Home Exactly the Way We Would Treat Our Own
What started as a small, specialized commercial shop has grown into Laconia Residential, a team dedicated entirely to the comfort, safety, and health of homeowners throughout the Lakes Region.
When you see one of our 32 Warehouse on Wheels® vehicles heading down Route 11 or parked near the Laconia city center, you are seeing the result of decades of hard work. Our story is about community, and about a promise to treat every neighbor’s home with respect.
from a small shop to regional leadership
Five Decades in the Lakes Region
We never wanted to be the biggest company. We wanted to be the most capable.
1971
Laconia Refrigeration Opens
For more than thirty years, the company earns its reputation as the go-to partner for commercial cooling across central and southern New Hampshire.
2008
Steve and Kara Olson Buy the Business
A team of six with four service vans, working out of an 1,800-square-foot shop. The Olsons see that Lakes Region homeowners need an HVAC provider combining technical skill with white-glove service.
2011–2014
Outgrowing the Building, Twice
The business moves to a 4,500-square-foot facility, then adds another 2,000 square feet of warehouse space just to hold the parts our teams need.
Today
277 Hounsell Avenue, Gilford
A modern office and warehouse, and a team of 37 professionals — including 20 full-time technicians and three experts focused solely on preventative maintenance.
growth driven by excellence
The Olson Era: Built for Capability, Not Size
In June 2008, Steve and Kara Olson purchased a business that was doing well on the commercial side but had barely touched the residential need around it. They saw Lakes Region homeowners looking for something that did not exist yet locally.
What followed was steady, deliberate growth, not for its own sake, but because the work demanded more capacity every few years.
the laconia residential standard
Our Core Values Are the Rules Our Technicians Follow Every Day
Not words on a page. Four pillars built out of 45 years of doing the work.
Respect for Your Home
Your house is your biggest investment. We use floor savers and drop cloths to protect your floors from the New Hampshire elements, and we run thorough safety checks for fire hazards and carbon monoxide.
Respect for Your Time
Our Warehouse on Wheels® fleet carries a large inventory of parts. The goal is a One-Trip Fix, so you are not waiting around for a second appointment.
The Best Team in the State
We invest heavily in our people. Our 20 technicians receive ongoing factory training to stay current on the latest equipment, including Mitsubishi Diamond Contractor standards.
meet the team
The People Behind the Trucks
A company is only as good as the people who show up. These are ours.
Steve Olson
President
Steve is a construction engineer and has worked in the HVAC installation and construction industry for over 20 years. He and Kara purchased Laconia Refrigeration in 2008 and started the Maine division in 2011. He is in the office most days quoting new installs, though he still enjoys getting out in the field with the technicians. When there is time to relax, you will find him golfing, boating with family and friends, and following the NASCAR races.
Kara Olson
Vice President / Human Resources
Kara has served as Human Resources Director and Safety Officer since she and Steve purchased the company in 2008. She is active with the Associated Builders and Contractors and is a graduate of FLIC, Future Leaders in Construction. She maintains the safety policies and procedures that keep our work environment safe. Kara enjoys the beach, boating, traveling, visiting with family, and time with their two dogs, Hazel and Oliver.
Carrie Roberge
Controller
Carrie has lived all around the Lakes Region her entire life — Gilford, Laconia, Franklin and now Meredith. She brings over 30 years of experience in accounting and financial planning and analysis, and donates her time serving as a board member and treasurer for local non-profits. In her spare time, she enjoys the beach, boating, traveling, and time with family and friends.
Karen Kelley
Senior Accountant
Karen has lived in the Lakes Region for 12 years, having come from the Seacoast area. She has 25 years in accounting along with several years in purchasing. In her spare time, Karen enjoys boating, long walks, traveling, and spending time with her family and friends.
Alexander Olson
Residential Service Manager / Dispatcher
Alexander manages residential service and dispatch, often the person you speak with when you call to schedule work or report a no-heat emergency.
Jason Cross
Commercial Project Manager
Jason has lived in New Hampshire his entire life, in Tilton and Northfield. He has been with Laconia Refrigeration since 2009, making him our longest-tenured employee. He came in with little experience and has worked every field position offered — PM tech, service tech, and for the past several years as Commercial HVAC/R Project Manager. He enjoys family outings, motorcycling with friends, and the outdoors.
TJ Cross
Commercial Service Manager
T.J. has lived in Tilton and Northfield his entire life and has been with Laconia Refrigeration since January of 2010. He worked his way through every position available — PM technician, installation technician, service technician — and is currently our commercial service manager. He enjoys watching and playing basketball, kayaking, going to his son’s baseball games, and time at home with his wife, son, and two dogs.
in memoriam
Robin Livingston
Robin was a long-time, valued, and dedicated employee. She was hired in January 2017 as Accounting Coordinator, expanded her role through hard work and dedication, and was promoted to Senior Accountant in 2022. She was a pleasure to work with and always put in the extra effort to help our customers and our employees.
Robin passed away on October 17th, 2022. We miss her dearly. She made an impact on all of us at Laconia Refrigeration and Laconia Residential, and she was not just an employee but part of the family.
and finally
Hazel and Oliver
Steve and Kara’s two dogs, and unofficial members of the team.
handling the tough jobs
Our Commercial Roots Let Us Take the Work Others Turn Down
Living in the Lakes Region brings unique challenges. From the humid breezes of Meredith to the sub-zero winters of Sanbornton, our weather asks more of a heating and cooling system than most of New England does.
We have lived and worked in this climate for nearly half a century. We know what equipment holds up here and what does not — and that knowledge came from the commercial side of the business long before it came from a catalog.
Work Other Residential Contractors Avoid
Proud to Be Part of the Fabric of These Communities
We serve the entire Belknap County area. Our trucks are regularly in Laconia, Gilford, Meredith, Center Harbor, Belmont, Tilton, Sanbornton and Franklin — and our mission is the same one we started with 45 years ago: reliable, efficient, healthy indoor environments for local families.
frequently asked questions
Questions About Our Company
How long has Laconia Residential been in the Lakes Region?
We have served central New Hampshire for over 45 years. The company started in 1971 as Laconia Refrigeration and has grown from a small shop into a regional leader with 37 team members.
Who owns the company today?
Steve and Kara Olson own and operate the business. They purchased it in 2008 and have grown the team while keeping the focus on family values and technical excellence.
What makes your company different from others?
The biggest differences are our Warehouse on Wheels® approach and our commercial-grade skills. By carrying most parts on our trucks, we aim to fix 90% of issues on the very first visit.
Do you serve more than just Laconia and Gilford?
Yes. We serve the entire Belknap County area, and our trucks are often in Meredith, Center Harbor, Belmont, Tilton, and Franklin. We are proud to be part of the fabric of these communities.
Are your technicians specialized in modern equipment?
Absolutely. We are a Mitsubishi Diamond Contractor, and our 20 technicians receive ongoing training to handle the most complex systems on the market today.
What is your mission for the future?
The same as it was 45 years ago: to provide local families with the most reliable, efficient, and healthy indoor environments possible. We stand behind our work with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee, because your comfort is our legacy.
let’s get started
Your Comfort Is Our Legacy. Schedule Your Service Today!
277 Hounsell Avenue, Gilford, NH 03249; serving Belknap County and the surrounding Lakes Region.