In the HVAC world, where many companies struggle to stay afloat beyond their first few years, Control Tech has built a reputation for excellence and longevity. Founded in 1983 in Zionsville, the family-owned business has grown from a one-person operation into a thriving company with nearly 60 employees. Today, under the leadership of Clay Winters, Control Tech continues to stand apart in the industry—not just for its technical expertise but for its commitment to integrity, customer relationships, and a unique family-oriented culture.
Control Tech’s story began with Clay’s father, Alan Winters, who started the business with only a truck and just under $300 to his name. His first sale was a filtration system to a local shoe store in Boone Village, which remains open today. Without the budget for marketing, he relied on old-fashioned hard work—riding his bike around town and dropping off postcards to introduce himself to the community.
Control Tech steadily expanded from those early days, adding more trucks and employees. By the mid-1990s, the company had grown to include a sister business, Mite-E-Ducts specializing in air duct cleaning. This addition was a nod to the family’s experience in the industry—Clay’s grandfather, Ted, had previously worked in air duct cleaning in the 1970s and became Mite-E-Ducts’ first employee.
Clay grew up in and around the business, officially joining at 14. During school breaks, he worked alongside technicians and even learned to drive a company service vehicle. His deep understanding of the industry and the company’s values has allowed him to continue Control Tech’s legacy while expanding its services and workforce.
This atmosphere of trust and longevity extends to its customers as well. Many clients have remained loyal for decades, appreciating the company’s consistent service and the familiarity of working with the same technicians year after year. Clay says customers even entrust Control Tech with key access to their homes, a testament to the strong relationships built over time.
One of Control Tech’s biggest differentiators is its approach to sales and service. Clay says unlike many larger HVAC companies that operate on a commission-based model, Control Tech’s technicians are not pressured to upsell or push unnecessary repairs. Instead, they focus on providing honest recommendations and long-term solutions, ensuring customers receive the best service without the high-pressure sales tactics.
In 2023, Control Tech added plumbing services to its offerings, reinforcing its commitment to providing reliable, customer-focused home services. The addition of plumbing services allows Control Tech to offer a comprehensive range of home maintenance solutions, all delivered with the same level of quality and customer care. Like its HVAC team, the company’s plumbers are paid fairly and are not commission-based, a rarity in the industry.
After over 40 years in business, Clay says Control Tech thrives by staying true to its values—honesty, quality work, and treating employees and customers like family. As the company grows, it remains dedicated to the principles that have made it successful: building lasting relationships, investing in its employees, and serving the community with integrity. Control Tech is not just a business, but a part of the Zionsville community, and it is committed to giving back and supporting its neighbors.
For customers in the Zionsville area, Control Tech isn’t just another HVAC company—it’s a trusted name that has been part of the community for generations.
