History Of Red Bear
Red Bear Mechanical is a family-owned HVAC and plumbing company that embodies the American Dream. Founded by Michael and Jessica Lentz, the company began as a small operation run from the garage, driven by a shared vision of building something lasting and meaningful for their family and community. Over the years, that dream has grown into a successful business now proudly serving Carson City, Gardnerville, Dayton, Incline, Stateline, and soon South Reno.
From humble beginnings to their first commercial space in 2024, Red Bear Mechanical has always been about more than just heating and plumbing—it’s about family, hard work, and giving back to the communities that have supported them along the way. Michael and Jessica, alongside their two young boys who are an integral part of the business, have nurtured this company with passion and dedication, instilling their values of craftsmanship, integrity, and exceptional service into everything they do.
With over 20 years of industry experience, Michael and Jessica’s journey began in the heart of the HVAC industry, starting with installation and service work before transitioning to management roles. Their goal was simple—create a company that would not only provide top-quality HVAC and plumbing services but would also support the people who trusted them to take care of their homes and businesses.
As Red Bear Mechanical expanded, so did its commitment to offering personalized, honest service that treats every customer like family. What began in the garage has blossomed into a respected business known for its NATE-certified technicians, industry expertise, and focus on delivering comfort to homes and businesses across Northern Nevada.
What Sets Us Apart?
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Family-Owned and Operated: The Lentz family’s journey from the garage to a commercial space symbolizes hard work, dedication, and the pursuit of the American Dream.
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Growing Together: Our young boys are already part of the Red Bear story, representing the next generation of craftsmanship and service.
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Expertise and Training: Over 20 years of industry experience, ensuring precision and quality in every project.
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Community-Focused: More than a business—we’re neighbors and we care about the communities we serve.
Our Values
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Integrity: We believe in honest, transparent service and relationships.
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Customer Commitment: Your satisfaction and comfort are our priority.
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Excellence in Service: We continuously learn and improve to exceed expectations.
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American Dream: We built Red Bear from the ground up as a family, and we’re proud of the journey.
The Beginning of Something Special
Jessica and Michael’s journey began with a dream — and years of careful preparation. After saving diligently and planning meticulously, Jessica came home one day with a smile and said, “I set up our LLC. It's the first step in our contractor journey.”
Over the next year, Michael dedicated himself to professional growth. Between his day job and late-night study sessions at the kitchen table, he earned contractor licenses in both plumbing and heating/air conditioning. Those nights, lit by a single lamp and surrounded by stacks of technical manuals and code books, laid the foundation for what Red Bear Mechanical would become.
“We knew it wouldn’t be easy,” Jessica later reflected. “But we believed in what we were building. Not just a business — a legacy of quality craftsmanship for our community.”
Starting Small, Dreaming Big
Their first company vehicle wasn’t flashy — just a trusted family pickup once used for camping trips. They sold their trailer to build cash reserves and calculated enough savings for six months of expenses... though reality drained it faster than planned.
Each morning started the same way: Michael and Jessica at the kitchen table, reviewing invoices, scheduling parts, mapping out their day. Then Jessica headed off to her day job while Michael served their growing list of customers, one home at a time.
Taking the Leap
Three months in, it was clear: demand had outgrown their “split shift” life. The kitchen table became Red Bear Mechanical’s unofficial headquarters as Jessica and Michael made the tough decision for Jessica to leave her job and join the business full-time.
“It was terrifying,” Jessica would later admit, “but we thought it through, together. That night, we toasted with coffee mugs at the kitchen table — our first official board meeting.”
A Powerful Partnership
Michael brings the vision — the dreamer who sees possibility everywhere. Jessica brings the execution — the detailed strategist who makes those visions real. Together, they form the perfect balance: Red Bear’s heart and hands working as one.
A Family Affair
From the beginning, Jessica and Michael’s children, Jaxon and Ryker, were part of Red Bear’s story. They helped organize parts, assisted with job setups, and prepped boilers on tables in the driveway. These moments weren’t just work — they were family traditions, passing down craftsmanship, care, and pride.
Growing to Serve the Community
As Red Bear’s reputation grew; Jessica and Michael recognized the need to expand — but carefully. They weren’t just hiring employees; they were expanding the Red Bear family.
Their first hires were handpicked for their shared commitment to quality and service. Partners, suppliers, and mentors soon joined the extended Red Bear network, strengthening the company’s roots in the local community.
Red Bear Today
Today, Red Bear Mechanical operates from a fully equipped shop — a far cry from those driveway boiler builds. Their fleet of bold red trucks has become a familiar sight across the region, synonymous with reliability, craftsmanship, and heart.
The kitchen table still plays a role: now the place for family dinners where conversations naturally drift to the day’s successes, challenges, and dreams for the future. Jaxon and Ryker, older now but still connected to the business, often lend insights that remind Jessica and Michael just how far Red Bear has come.
“Sometimes I’ll catch Jessica looking out at the shop floor,” Michael shares. “That look of pride... it’s the same look from all those years ago, at our kitchen table.”
The Red Bear Promise
Behind every service call, every repair, every install, stands the Red Bear promise:
Quality work, delivered with integrity and personal attention.
It’s a promise born at the kitchen table, carried out in every Red Bear home visit, and upheld by every member of the Red Bear team.
As Jessica says,
“We’re not just fixing plumbing or HVAC systems. We’re taking care of homes — and the families who live in them. That’s always been our purpose, from day one.”