As businesses face increasing demands, many lose sight of what truly matters. Not Jay Kline, General Manager of Penguin Heating, Air, Plumbing & Electrical. From humble beginnings in a family-run HVAC business, Jay has ascended the ranks with dedication, integrity, and a commitment to helping others. In this interview, Jay’s story unfolds as one of strength, faith, and an unrelenting desire to lead by example.

>Early Foundations and Core Values

Jay’s journey began in Arizona, where he was raised in a small town and learned the HVAC trade at his family’s business. Growing up, he worked alongside his father and grandfather, picking up skills that would become the foundation of his career. More importantly, he learned the value of hard work, a lesson he describes as “old-school” but crucial to his future success. This upbringing instilled in Jay a no-nonsense approach: success was not about luck but about working hard, staying consistent, and valuing every opportunity.

In Jay’s words, “Success isn’t about having some secret sauce or amazing background. It’s about sticking to your values, driving hard, and just doing the work.” This philosophy drove Jay to start at the bottom as an installer technician, where he saw each task as an opportunity to build the work ethic and skills that would later define his leadership style.

>Rising Through the Ranks with Purpose

Jay’s passion for his work and commitment to helping others quickly earned him opportunities to share his knowledge. While still a technician, he began teaching others, conducting informal training sessions, and sharing strategies that had worked for him. “I realized I didn’t want to keep any of my skills to myself,” he says. “If sharing what I know helps others, then it’s a win for everyone.”

Jay’s natural inclination to lead soon led him to a formal management position at Penguin Heating, Air, Plumbing & Electrical. His emphasis on teaching and his supportive approach to leadership have helped him build a culture where employees feel empowered and valued, which he believes is essential to sustainable business growth.

As a leader, Jay embodies three types of people he describes: those who ignore problems, those who walk past them, and those who act. For him, true leadership is about taking responsibility and inspiring others to do the same, both at work and at home.

>Faith, Family, and Work-Life Balance

While Jay is proud of his career, he credits much of his personal growth to his wife, whom he describes as his “rock” and his “biggest supporter.” Jay and his wife, who met in high school, have created a life together grounded in faith and mutual respect. She introduced him to faith, an element that has profoundly influenced his perspective on leadership and life. Jay’s wife not only supports his professional ambitions but has helped shape him into the leader he is today.

Faith also plays a quiet yet significant role in Jay’s workplace. Although Penguin does not formally incorporate religious practices, Jay describes how he was inspired by a pre-interview prayer that reminded him of the values he wishes to reinforce in his team. He aspires to model principles such as honesty, respect, and service — qualities he believes resonate with anyone, regardless of their beliefs.

>Building a Positive Work Culture

At Penguin, Jay has helped create an environment that values each team member’s contribution, fostering a culture that feels as welcoming as a family. Unlike many corporate settings where faith or personal beliefs might be discouraged, Penguin’s leadership is open to bringing personal values into the workspace. Jay leads by example, holding himself accountable to the same standards he sets for his team.

As Penguin has grown, Jay has embraced his role as a public face for the company. After a memorable incident where a former company representative passed out on live TV, Jay was asked to step up for media appearances. Public speaking quickly became part of his role, showcasing his communication skills and ability to represent the company’s values.

>Process Over Outcome: The Journey Mindset

One of the most important lessons Jay instills in his team is focusing on the process, not just the result. In the training room at Penguin’s office, a quote on the wall reads, “It’s about the journey, not the destination.” For Jay, this isn’t just a nice sentiment; it’s a guiding principle. He believes that when employees concentrate on doing each part of their job well — whether it’s a customer interaction or a technical task — the results will naturally follow.

This philosophy has translated into a customer-focused approach at Penguin. Rather than pushing for a sale at any cost, Jay encourages his team to prioritize the customer experience, which builds trust and long-term relationships.

>Cultivating Employee Happiness and Growth

Jay’s commitment to a positive work environment extends beyond customers to his own team. He believes that employees who are treated with respect and encouraged to grow are more likely to create positive experiences for clients. Under Jay’s leadership, Penguin has become a place where employees are motivated not just by paychecks but by a sense of belonging and shared purpose.

Penguin also supports employee growth by promoting from within and providing opportunities for mentorship. Recently, a long-time quality control technician was promoted to plumbing manager after excelling in his role and proving his dedication to the company. Jay believes this approach is crucial for Penguin’s success, as it helps build a team of managers who are not only skilled but deeply invested in the company’s culture.

>Setting Goals for the Future

As Penguin continues to grow, Jay has ambitious goals for the company’s future. Recently, the company reached a $25 million revenue milestone, a goal Jay set years ago that seemed almost impossible at the time. Now, his sights are set on reaching $50 million, a goal he believes is achievable through continued hard work and dedication from his team.

Jay’s personal goals are also aligned with his professional aspirations. He constantly pushes himself and his team to improve, believing that self-development and a willingness to learn are the keys to long-term success. “Every day, I want to make sure I’m pushing my team out of their comfort zones,” he explains. “Growth happens when we’re challenged.”

>Personal Accountability and Staying Coachable

One of Jay’s most admired qualities is his humility and willingness to learn. He often reminds his team that he doesn’t have all the answers, and he regularly seeks advice from mentors and peers. Jay describes himself as a lifelong learner, someone who recognizes that true leadership is about constantly growing and adapting. To this end, he schedules regular “learning lunches” with mentors, where he gains insights from other leaders who have faced similar challenges.

Jay also works on personal accountability, striving to be present in every moment, whether he’s at work or spending time with his three children. He believes that setting a strong example at home is as important as being a good leader at work. Jay credits his ability to stay grounded and focused to his family, who reminds him that there’s more to life than just work.

WHAT DOES JAY DO TODAY?

Jay Kline’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, integrity, and purpose. From his early days learning the HVAC trade with his family, he continues to lead a multimillion-dollar company and Jay has remained true to his values. He embodies the idea that success is less about reaching a destination and more about committing to the journey and growing along the way.

WE KNOW YOU ARE INSPIRED: FOLLOW JAY HERE:https://www.instagram.com/kline_jay/

I’m a senior leader at The Elliott Group with over 12 years of client service experience and have held a substantial leadership roles in the automotive industry. I’m also an accredited coach, a writer, speaker, and a triathlon finisher. To contact me for engagements you can reach me at [email protected].