We had the good fortune of connecting with Chris Condon and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chris, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Starting AIRCON was driven by two key considerations. First, as a smaller player in the industry, I found it challenging to compete in AIR Freight due to the dominance of larger entities. Recognizing that economies of scale extend beyond just purchasing power and labor efficiencies, I saw the significance of scale in controlling costs and accessing cutting-edge technology within the supply chain industry.

The second motivation stemmed from a belief in the power of people to help people. I understood that for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), success hinges on the relationships they cultivate. Interpersonal dynamics play a crucial role, whether it’s the formatting of a report or establishing a foundation of trust during challenging times. Given the nature of logistics and supply chain management, unforeseen challenges are inevitable. Therefore, our vision for AIRCON was to eliminate rates as a barrier, prioritizing the human element in business transactions. As the saying goes, people do business with people, and we aim to foster genuine connections to drive success in the complex world of logistics and supply chain management.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My career has been driven by a “whatever it takes” mentality, instilled in me by my upbringing since my parents were brought up on a dairy farm in Wisconsin. Growing up, there was no room for excuses; the work had to be done daily, regardless of how one felt. This mindset was further reinforced through my involvement in team sports, where I learned valuable lessons in serving and motivating others, as well as navigating the highs and lows of teamwork.

One of my proudest achievements is my role as a builder throughout my career, having had the opportunity to mentor, support, and contribute to the success of countless individuals. My journey to AIRCON took a longer route than most. Starting as a forklift driver, I consistently sought more responsibilities and volunteered for overtime. This path led me to El Paso, TX, where I honed skills in selling solutions, building deep relationships, leading large teams, managing P&L, and embracing risk.

Returning to the PNW, I built the region into the largest and most profitable in the company, eventually becoming the CEO in 2016. Overcoming challenges, we transformed the corporation into a profitable entity in 2017 after a decade-long struggle. This success allowed for a management buyout and rebranding of the company. However, in 2020, we faced a hurdle as we sold the company due to nervousness in the beginning of the pandemic. In retrospect, it turned out to be a blessing, providing the time and focus needed to start AIRCON.

While the journey hasn’t been easy, every challenge has been a learning opportunity. The focus remains on what’s next, and with AIRCON, the mission is to help others succeed. The experiences, difficult decisions, and transformations along the way have shaped my approach, emphasizing a winner’s mindset and the belief that, despite obstacles, success is achievable with determination and adaptability.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
For a week-long trip to Dallas/Fort Worth, I’d ensure my best friend experiences the best the area has to offer. Here’s a suggested itinerary:

Saturday:

Start the week at the iconic Stockyards. Saturday night at Billy Bob’s, the world’s largest honky-tonk, promises a lively concert and the weekly rodeo.
Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere,live music, and soak in the Western culture.

Sunday:

Begin the day with a visit to Valley Creek Church for a meaningful experience.
Spend the afternoon watching a Packers game with the whole family, including three sons, two daughters-in-law, and three grandchildren.
Engage in some friendly banter over fantasy football.

Monday:

Explore downtown Dallas, visiting The Sixth Floor Museum and Perot Museum of Nature and Science.
Have lunch at Beto & Son for delicious Mexican food.
Enjoy a relaxed evening grilling burgers and dogs, followed by card games or other interactive activities.

Tuesday:

Play a round of golf at Oakmont Country Club in Denton, sharing laughs over not-so-perfect swings.
Head back to Dallas to catch a Mavericks game in the evening.

Wednesday:

Take a more leisurely day to recover, exploring the American Airlines Flight Museum.
Lunch at Rodeo Goat in Denton and dinner at Hillside Cafe in Highland Village.
Wrap up the evening with live music at a local venue.

Friday:

Head to Marty B’s in Bentonville for an authentic Texas BBQ experience.
Enjoy live music and soak in the vibrant Texas vibe to cap off the week.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to several individuals who have played pivotal roles in shaping my journey. Firstly, a heartfelt thanks to my sixth-grade teacher, David Fishmen, whose tough love taught me to acknowledge the ripple effects of my actions, both positive and negative. Next, a shoutout to Bill Goodgion, whose guidance emphasized the importance of follow-up and building meaningful relationships, both within the team and with clients.

Special recognition goes to Patrick Walsh for instilling in me the resilience to never give up and the belief in taking the next steps, both personally and professionally. Greg Olds deserves credit for imparting the wisdom of working hard while also savoring life’s joys. A profound gratitude extends to my family, whose unwavering belief in the mantra “the best is yet to come” has been a constant motivator.

Lastly, I want to acknowledge the impact of three transformative books on my perspective: “Freakonomics,” encouraging me to look beyond the norm; “The Five Love Languages,” aiding in connecting with others on a deeper level; and “Good to Great,” providing invaluable insights into achieving excellence. Each of these influences has contributed significantly to my growth, and I’m grateful for the collective support, mentorship, and inspiration they have provided along the way.

Website: www.airconai.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-condon-a6b3b013/

Image Credits
Chris Condon

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