For Josh Craig and Chris Hutchison, owning a business isn’t just about providing essential services—it’s about building something meaningful, both for their families and for the community they call home. As the founders of Patriot Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical, the two lifelong friends and Jackson County residents have turned a shared vision into a fast-growing, veteran-owned business that now spans three divisions.

Their journey began years ago, long before the first truck rolled out with the Patriot logo.

Josh started working in HVAC while still a student at Apalachee High School. He was part of the original Youth Apprenticeship program and quickly found purpose in the trades. After working with a local HVAC company for several years, he joined the U.S. Army, serving in both the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment and the 3rd Infantry Division. His deployment to Afghanistan in 2012–2013 shaped his perspective, and after returning home, Josh began the process of transitioning out of military service. He returned to HVAC work, earned his Conditioned Air license, and started to envision something bigger.

Chris, always a dreamer and builder at heart, spent his early years working alongside his grandfather in construction. He had a passion for heavy equipment and a desire to carve his own path. That passion led to his first business venture—Patriot Water and Sewer—which he built from the ground up using family savings. It was during this time that Chris approached Josh with the idea of starting an HVAC company together. Josh’s expertise and Chris’s entrepreneurial drive proved to be the perfect combination.

Patriot Heating & Cooling opened in 2021. Within six months, customers were asking for more—specifically plumbing services. That demand led to the launch of a plumbing division in 2022, followed by an electrical division in 2024. Today, the company is 19 employees strong and trusted by homeowners across Jefferson, Jackson County, and beyond.

What sets Patriot apart isn’t just their skill—it’s their values. As a veteran-owned company, integrity is baked into everything they do. Josh and Chris emphasize honesty, service, and doing the right thing—even when no one’s watching. Their team is known for going above and beyond, offering real solutions and multiple options to meet each customer’s needs.

When asked what makes their work most fulfilling, both Josh and Chris agree—it’s the people. For them, the greatest reward comes from creating meaningful jobs, supporting local families, and stepping in to help customers who aren’t sure where to begin. That sense of purpose is what drives everything they do.

Josh and Chris are also committed to investing in the next generation. They speak at schools, participate in local Chamber of Commerce events, and hire students through the Work-Based Learning program. Josh also serves on the board of directors at Empower College and Career Center in Jackson County, helping to guide young people toward rewarding careers in the trades.

At home, both men are family-first. Josh and his wife Jenifer have three children—Camren, Brantlee, and Rhylee-Ann—plus two dogs, a labradoodle named Mia and a toy poodle named Remi. Chris and his wife, together for 16 years, have two kids, Allie and John. Chris credits much of his drive and success to his mother, who continues to be an important part of his life and their growing family.