Our History
25+ Years of Growth, Grit, and Vision
From humble beginnings in a small storefront to becoming one of California’s leading mechanical contractors, Air Systems Service & Construction (ASSC) has weathered every storm, embraced every opportunity, and stayed true to its founding values.
1996
The Beginning
In early 1996, Garry Westover and Randy Mercier brought their vision to life with the launch of Air Systems of Sacramento. With next to nothing but determination and a strong ethical foundation, they opened shop in a modest 800-square-foot space on Trade Center Drive in Rancho Cordova.
Their first hires, Jim Meurer and Carrie Newman, joined them in laying the groundwork—knocking on doors, building relationships, and making the Air Systems name known.
“We left the company we were at with no work, and we turned away work for about six months just to make sure we were clean and ethical.”
-- Garry Westover
“It was a funky little office with a beat-up truck, some used furniture, and a rotary phone—just rocks and sticks for equipment.”
-- Jim Meurer
Garry Westover and Randy Mercier.
ASSC’s Trade Center office
1996-1997
The Firsts
As work picked up, so did the need for space. By the end of 1996, the company moved to a larger facility on Happy Lane in Sacramento. That same year, Air Systems became signatory to Sheet Metal Workers Local 104 and, by 1997, to UA Local 447 Plumbers and Pipefitters—strengthening its turnkey service capabilities.
2000s
Initiating Growth
By the year 2000, Air Systems was delivering over $30 million in annual projects. Despite rapid growth, the leadership held fast to their founding values—fostering a family-oriented culture and strong unity between field and office teams.
“We all wore different hats. No one said, ‘That’s not my job.’”
-- Carrie Newman
Garry and Kathleen Westover
ASSC’s service truck design in the 2000’s
2008
Overcoming Obstacles
The 2008 market crash tested the entire industry, but Air Systems emerged stronger—thanks to its diversified structure, including the construction, service, special projects, and controls divisions.
2009–2010
Embarking on Expansion
By 2009, continued growth led to a second office on Old Placerville Road, allowing the original Happy Lane shop to expand. Community involvement also grew: hosting Vitalant blood drives, partnering with Cristo Rey High School, and deepening long-term support of Stanford Sierra Youth & Families and the Sacramento Children’s Home.
“Supporting youth in need has always been close to my heart.”
-- Garry Westover
Garry and Kathleen Westover
Rebrand and update
2014–2017
Restructuring and Rebranding
In 2014, co-founder Randy Mercier stepped away, and in 2016, Kathleen Westover became company president. Under her leadership, ASSC became a certified woman- and minority-owned business, opening new doors and partnerships.
In 2017, the company rebranded as Air Systems Service & Construction (ASSC) and refreshed its logo to reflect the evolution.
2017–2020
New Opportunities
ASSC expanded its controls division, opened an energy department, and launched a new branch in Concord to better serve Bay Area clients. The company also became an authorized i-Vu dealer, reinforcing its position in building automation and smart technologies.
Employees at ASSC’s Concord Office
Connor Westover running a company-wide meeting
2025 -
Present Day
Nearly three decades since its founding, ASSC now employs over 200 people and is led by newly appointed president Connor Westover. Today, ASSC stands as a leading commercial contractor providing HVAC, plumbing, controls, energy, and architectural sheet metal solutions across California—continuing its legacy of excellence and innovation.