Meet The Team

The Heart Behind the Service: The Sam Gowland Story

 

Sam Gowland is a South Shore boy, born and raised with the deep-rooted values of the Greater New Orleans area. His path was paved by the examples set at home: he carries his father’s tireless work ethic and the compassionate heart instilled in him by his mother’s love. These foundational lessons fueled a strong drive in Sam to better himself, his staff, and his community, leading him to enter the HVAC industry immediately after high school in 1987. While training at the New Orleans School of Refrigeration, Sam began building a career defined by compassion, ambition, integrity, and a determination to create something lasting and meaningful.

 

In 1999, Sam took a leap of faith and started Gowland’s Heating & A/C. He poured all of himself into building this vision of compassionate service from the ground up. What began as one man with a vision has grown into a trusted, family-oriented company serving both the Northshore and Southshore. At the heart of the business is a simple philosophy: Relationship over Revenue. Sam believes that if you do what’s right for the client God entrusts to you and you treat them with genuine compassion, the business will flourish.

 

The strength of Sam’s character was truly tested in 2005. When Hurricane Katrina devastated the region, Sam was in the trenches with his neighbors. His own home took on nearly ten feet of water, resulting in collapsed ceilings and total loss. Despite his personal heartbreak, Sam’s first instinct was to honor his commitment, set his needs aside, and help his community rebuild. This difficult time became a turning point for the company; by working tirelessly to restore comfort to families in need, Sam proved that Gowland’s Heating & A/C was built on a foundation of resilience and service. 

A Commitment to the Next Generation and to his team
Today, Sam’s drive is fueled by more than just professional success—it’s about legacy. He is a proud father of two children and a doting grandfather to two grandchildren. He desires to continue to represent his family's values of hard work and success. He is honored to set an example for his grandkids. He believes in being the change that you want to see in the world. His love for family and home comfort is what pushes him to deliver "second-mile customer service" every single day. Sam understands the importance of a safe, comfortable home for families. He brings that same care and attentiveness to every client he serves and instills those same values into the team he entrusts to serve his clients. 

 

A Dedicated Leader and Mentor
Beyond the technical side of the business, Sam is a dedicated leader to his team. He doesn't just manage employees; he mentors them, instilling the same "second-mile" service standards and ethical backbone that he learned from his parents. By leading with heart and professionalism, he has built a team of technicians who share his commitment to excellence, ensuring that every customer receives the same neighborly care that Sam himself provides.

Sam's Promise: Neighborly Care
Serving Slidell and the surrounding areas, Gowland’s Heating & A/C offers high-quality American Standard systems and dependable service. But what truly sets the company apart is the commitment to people. Sam and his team aren’t just contractors; they are members of the same community they serve. They are there to help families find honest solutions that fit their budget because, to Sam, every customer is an extension of his own family.

 

 

When you’re in a jam, call Sam. He Values Relationship over Revenue.

As the Chief Operating Officer of Gowland’s Heating & A/C, Destinee Stockstill serves as the foundational pillar of the company’s daily operations. She is the beating heart of Gowland's heating & A/C. Her motto is LOVE above ALL.  With over two decades of high-level management experience, 10 of which were within the HVAC industry, Destinee brings unparalleled leadership, organizational precision, and a deep-seated commitment to excellence to every facet of the business. She attributes her HVAC knowledge and success to several renowned industry leaders and Sam Gowland, the Owner of Gowland's Heating & A/C. Sam Gowland believed in her from the very beginning and took the time to pour into her over the last almost decade. Destinee wouldn't be where she is today personally or professionally if it weren't for Him.

 

Destinee is a cherished wife and a mother of two boys, and she leads her children the same way she leads in her profession. Destinee’s approach to leadership in all aspects of her life is rooted in her faith in God and a genuine, profound love for people. For her, providing comfort to families isn't just a job; it is a ministry of service. She views every interaction as an opportunity to reflect her values through honest communication, genuine compassion, and a "servant’s heart" approach to customer care and employee relationships. Her approach to her role comes from Colossians 3:23-24- work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.

 

Destinee believes that teamwork makes the dream work. Without the support of an amazing, hardworking team, the achievements in her executive role would not be possible. Destinee oversees the seamless integration of all departments—from installation and field service to office management. Her expertise ensures that the team operates with compassion and the personal touch Mr. Gowland is known for. She believes that love for others and the ability to listen attentively to their needs truly are the key components in solving any challenge.  Whether coordinating business operations, supporting the field technicians, mentoring her office support team, or connecting with customers and the community, Destinee approaches every task with professionalism, creativity, and a genuine passion to make a positive difference. Destinee is dedicated to your home comfort. For Destinee, working at Gowland’s Heating & A/C isn’t just a job; it’s a ministry, it's a way to give back to her community, support her colleagues, and help every customer feel at home. Her professional promise is simple: to serve every client selflessly with LOVE and integrity. If a complex question arises, she personally ensures the right experts are engaged so that no concern goes unresolved. By prioritizing relationships over revenue, Destinee embodies the core values of Gowland’s Heating & A/C. She makes it her daily purpose to ensure the company operates as a beacon of light and a source of comfort and reliability in the community.

 

Destinee and her team invite you to reach out whenever you need assistance. To the Gowland's staff, supporting you and your home’s comfort is more than a professional duty. It is her calling to serve her neighbors and her community with excellence. She truly believes it is a blessing to serve you.  Whether she is managing company departments and teams, recruiting new employees, or creating policy and procedures, she handles every task with grace and meticulous attention to detail. Destinee is a constant source of support and guidance for the team by implementing processes, streamlining communication, and making improvements that benefit both customers and colleagues.

Zach Stiegler is a proud Northshore native and a graduate of Pearl River High School (Class of 2012). Zach brings leadership, expertise, and a deep passion of precision to the Gowland’s Heating & A/C team. With over a decade of hands-on experience, Zach has mastered the HVAC industry, and we are blessed to have him on our leadership team. Because of his skills and proficiency, Zach has worked his way up to serve as Gowland's service manager, playing a vital role in ensuring every job runs smoothly and efficiently. He shows up daily to ensure that every customer receives the reliable, high-quality service Gowland’s is known for.

 

Zach is highly skilled in working with complex HVAC systems and has earned a reputation for his exceptional troubleshooting abilities, technical knowledge, and attention to detail. Whether he is diagnosing challenging system issues, guiding service calls, or overseeing installations, Zach's experience ensures that both residential and commercial customers get dependable, long-lasting results. His ability to effectively solve problems makes him a trusted leader within the team and a go-to resource for both customers and fellow technicians. Zach is always coming up with new and exciting ways to elevate home comfort and works diligently to train our technicians  

 

Beyond his technical expertise, Zach is deeply invested in the growth and development of our team. He works closely with technicians to provide hands-on training, mentorship, and ongoing support, helping them continue their education and stay current in an ever-evolving industry. From new technologies and advanced techniques to best practices in customer care, Zach ensures the team has the knowledge and confidence to deliver top-tier service every day.

 

Zach embodies Gowland’s Heating & A/C’s core values of relationships over revenue, strong customer service, and treating every customer like family. He believes that building lasting connections with both customers and team members is just as important as completing any job. His dedication to leadership, teamwork, and continuous learning helps maintain the company’s hometown, customer-first approach while supporting its growth across the Northshore and greater New Orleans area.

 

Whether on the job site or behind the scenes, Zach's combination of technical skill, mentorship, and commitment to the community ensures that every customer experience is seamless, efficient, and trustworthy. His steady leadership and dedication to excellence make him an indispensable part of the Gowland’s Heating & A/C team, helping the company deliver comfort, reliability, and peace of mind to every home and business they serve.

Lauren Wintzel is a proud Northshore native who brings organization, creativity, and heart to Gowland’s Heating & A/C. A graduate of Fountainbleau High School (Class of 2011), Lauren pursued her passion for business and leadership, earning a Global Business degree from Troy University and later completing her Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources from Southern New Hampshire University. Her education, combined with her natural ability to organize and effectively communicate, makes her an essential part of the Gowlands’ team.

 

Lauren is an amazing mother of two and a dedicated professional. Lauren plays a pivotal role in keeping Gowland’s Heating and A/C’s technicians organized so they can efficiently serve our customers the Gowland's way. Lauren handles a wide range of responsibilities at Gowland’s, and she is a blessing to our team. Whether she answers calls or dispatches our technicians, her strong communication skills are mixed perfectly with empathy, making for a superb experience with our company. Her attention to detail ensures that schedules run efficiently, service calls are coordinated seamlessly, and every customer interaction reflects the company’s high standards. Lauren’s work allows the technicians in the field to focus on delivering quality HVAC service and a smooth, friendly, and professional customer experience from start to finish.

 

Lauren is deeply committed to the core values that drive Gowland’s Heating & A/C: relationships over revenue, strong customer service, and treating every customer like family. Being a Northshore native, she takes pride in serving the community where she grew up, building lasting relationships with customers, and supporting the company’s reputation for reliability, integrity, and a hometown touch. Her combination of education, organizational skill, and personal dedication ensures that every customer feels supported, cared for, and confident in the service they receive.

 

Beyond her daily responsibilities, Lauren is a constant source of support to our team, streamlining communication and submitting ideas that will help to improve our relationship with both customers and colleagues. Whether coordinating schedules, supporting the field technicians, or connecting with the community, Lauren approaches every task with professionalism, creativity, and a genuine desire to make a positive difference.

 

For Lauren, working at Gowland’s Heating & A/C isn’t just a job; it’s a way to give back, support her colleagues, and help every customer feel at home. Her dedication, heart, and hard work make her an invaluable part of the team and a trusted presence for every customer who interacts with Gowland’s Heating & A/C.

Hannah Gillespie is a cornerstone of the Gowland’s Heating & A/C team, bringing a rare blend of technical expertise and administrative excellence. A Marrero native and 2024 graduate of John Ehret High School, Hannah moved quickly to establish her career in the HVAC industry. She earned her EPA certification and completed her specialized training in HVAC and refrigeration at Delgado Community College in 2025.

Hannah’s versatility allows her to bridge the gap between technical field operations and high-level customer coordination. Whether she is performing precise HVAC maintenance or managing complex service schedules, her commitment to operational efficiency is unmatched. Her dual-role capability ensures a seamless experience for our clients, from the initial service inquiry to the final technical resolution.

Driven by the philosophy of "relationships over revenue," Hannah embodies the Gowland’s mission. She is dedicated to providing reliable, personable service that prioritizes community comfort and long-term client trust.

Zach Schmelling is a proud Northshore native who brings experience, skill, and a strong work ethic to the Gowland’s Heating & A/C team. Zach graduated from Mandeville High School (Class of 2019). Zach was born with a set of gauges in his hand, and his blood type is HVAC (that's just a running joke) because HVAC roots run deep in his family. His dad was also an HVAC expert and taught Zach everything there is to know about the industry. Zach took that instilled passion and knowledge and built upon it to elevate his career in the HVAC industry. He has also helped to elevate Gowland's Heating & A/C to the next level.  There isn't much that Zach can't do with over seven years of hands-on experience in installation, maintenance, service, and sales. Zach is truly an asset to the Gowland's Team.

 

EPA certified and highly knowledgeable in the field, Zach specializes in American Standard systems and is especially known for his strong troubleshooting skills. He takes pride in diagnosing problems quickly and accurately, helping customers get their systems back up and running as efficiently as possible. Whether he’s installing a new system, performing routine maintenance, or tracking down a difficult issue, Zach focuses on doing the job right the first time and making sure customers feel confident in their comfort systems.

 

As a Northshore local, Zach understands the importance of dependable air conditioning in South Louisiana and is committed to providing honest service and practical solutions that fit each customer’s needs. He shares Gowland’s Heating & A/C’s core values of relationships over revenue, strong customer service, and treating every customer like family, working every day to deliver dependable service with a friendly, hometown approach.

 

Zach is dedicated to continuing to grow in the HVAC industry while helping Gowland’s Heating & A/C maintain its reputation for quality service, professionalism, and reliable comfort across the greater New Orleans and Northshore communities.

Luke Galloway is a proud Northshore native and a graduate of Pearl River High School (Class of 2013) who brings discipline, expertise, and an unwavering work ethic to Gowland’s Heating & A/C. A former Marine Corps service member, Luke carries the values of dedication, precision, and reliability from his military experience into every aspect of his HVAC career. After leaving the Corps, he turned his focus to the HVAC industry, quickly establishing himself as a skilled professional with over six years of experience working on commercial systems and package units. Luke is passionate about his career in this industry and is always eager to learn something new. Luke believes in an all-or-nothing approach, so he brings 100% to each customer he serves. Luke is known as the KING of comfort at Gowland's Heating & A/C. 

 

EPA certified and highly knowledgeable in system maintenance, Luke excels at diagnosing complex issues, performing thorough installations, and ensuring every repair is completed with accuracy and care. He takes pride in his work, knowing that the comfort and safety of homes and businesses depend on his expertise. Whether managing a large commercial installation or maintaining smaller systems, Luke’s technical skill and attention to detail consistently deliver results his customers can rely on.

 

Beyond his technical abilities, Luke embodies the core philosophy of Gowland’s Heating & A/C relationships over revenue. He believes that listening to customers, understanding their needs, and providing honest, dependable solutions are just as important as completing the job itself. His strong Northshore roots and connection to the local community give him a personal stake in every project he undertakes; he’s not just servicing systems, he’s helping neighbors and businesses thrive. Luke is one of the most patient and authentic technicians Gowland's Heating & A/C has ever had.

 

Luke’s combination of military discipline, technical expertise, and commitment to customer care makes him an integral member of the Gowland’s team. Every day, he works to ensure that both residential and commercial clients across the greater New Orleans area enjoy comfort, reliability, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing their HVAC systems are in capable hands.

A proud Louisiana native originally from Lower St. Bernard, George Assavedo brings over seven years of specialized HVAC experience to the Northshore community. As the Lead Installer for Gowland’s Heating & A/C, George has established himself as a cornerstone of the team, defined by his technical precision and unwavering commitment to client comfort. George strives to learn something new each and every day and will work on that new skill until he reaches perfection. There is no challenge too big for George; he is always up for any challenge and will not accept defeat. We call him a modern-day David, because he will defeat Goliath, and it only takes a small stone in George's hand to do so. 

 

George is EPA certified and possesses advanced expertise in blower door testing, duct blasting, and load calculations. His deep understanding of system design and airflow dynamics ensures that every installation is optimized for maximum efficiency and long-term reliability. By prioritizing a methodical, "right-the-first-time" approach, George provides homeowners and businesses with the peace of mind that comes from high-performing HVAC systems.

 

As a dedicated father of two, George recognizes that a safe, climate-controlled environment is essential for family well-being. He translates this personal value into his professional work, treating every project with the same care he would extend to his own home. This blend of technical mastery and a family-first philosophy has earned him a reputation as a trusted professional who consistently exceeds industry standards.

 

Beyond his field work, George serves as a mentor within the company, sharing his extensive knowledge to elevate the skills of his fellow technicians. He truly embodies the core values of Gowland’s: prioritizing relationships over revenue and delivering honest, high-quality service. Through his dedication to his craft and his community, George Assavedo remains an indispensable asset to families and businesses throughout the greater New Orleans area.