Dran Alston’s story is one of hard work, service, faith, and a genuine commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.
Originally from South Carolina, Dran was introduced to the HVAC industry as a teenager while working in his uncle’s heating and air conditioning business. There, he learned the fundamentals of the trade and began building the foundation for what would eventually become his own company. After serving in the United States Army, where he earned certifications in power generation and HVAC, Dran continued to sharpen his skills working with local employers in both residential and commercial heating and cooling.
In 2005, he took a leap of faith and founded Dran’s Heating & Air Conditioning. What began as a business built one customer at a time steadily grew through hard work, dedication, and a commitment to doing right by every client. By 2012, the demand for Dran’s services had grown enough to bring on additional team members, marking the beginning of a larger vision for the company.
Today, Dran’s Heating & AC LLC provides comprehensive heating, air conditioning, and electrical services to homeowners and commercial clients throughout the Hampton Roads area. From emergency HVAC repairs and system replacements to duct cleaning, indoor air quality, water heater installations, electrical panel upgrades, generator services, and EV charging stations, Dran has continued to expand the company to meet the evolving needs of the community. In 2020, he added a dedicated electrical division, further strengthening Dran’s ability to serve customers with dependable, comprehensive solutions.
But if you ask Dran, the real success of the company isn’t measured by the number of service calls completed, systems installed, or buildings served. It’s measured by the people.
Dran considers his employees an extension of his family, and that philosophy is woven into the culture of the company. He believes in creating an environment where employees can grow, feel valued, take pride in their work, and make a meaningful difference. That same philosophy extends to every customer Dran’s serves. The goal is never simply to fix a problem and move on; it’s to provide an exceptional experience, build lasting relationships, and leave people better off than when the team arrived. And serving others doesn’t stop when the workday ends.
Beyond leading Dran’s Heating & AC LLC, Dran is a minister and an active member of Bethel AME Church. He also shares his knowledge and experience as an adjunct HVAC professor at Hampton University, helping prepare the next generation of professionals entering the skilled trades. Whether he is leading his team, teaching students, serving his church, or supporting the community, Dran brings the same commitment to helping others succeed.
At the heart of it all is a simple belief: success means more when you use it to serve others.
Dran is passionate about giving back, lifting people up, and finding ways—big and small—to make someone’s day a little brighter. His leadership is rooted in service, strengthened by faith, and driven by the belief that a business should be about much more than business.
That spirit is what continues to shape Dran’s Heating & AC LLC today. It’s why the company works hard to deliver quality service, why the team treats customers like family, and why giving back to the community will always be part of who Dran’s is.
We’re proud of the company Dran has built, but even prouder of the heart behind it.
To learn more about our services or to experience the Dran’s difference for yourself, visit dranshvac.com.
Dran’s Heating & Air Conditioning is your friendly, local HVAC contractor servicing most brands of equipment and proudly installing industry leading Lennox Systems.