This Week's Founders: Chris Davidson and Ben Lagrange
All Aboard for this week’s feature highlighting the entrepreneurs and innovators who drive The Platform at Greer. This week, we’re getting on board with Chris Davidson and Ben Lagrange of Blue Ridge Heating & Air.
Blue Ridge Heating & Air is a recent addition to The Platform at Greer group as they just participated in Cohort 14 back in May of this year. What’s interesting about Blue Ridge is that they are a well-established business with over 20 years of experience in the Greer area. Why then would they need something like The Platform? As true engineers at heart, and with previous work experience from G.E., Chris and Ben have been looking for ways to innovate in their space. Enter AirGuard, a product that they’re currently prototyping for use as a mold sensor; a natural extension of their HVAC business.
Chris and Ben speaking at the August 1 Platform at Greer Huddle.
Within the past few weeks, they’ve filed a provisional patent for their existing prototype. Three of their prototype sensors have been running for 2 months in their own homes. Chris and Ben have also designed and 3D printed a case for an upcoming pilot group that will see their AirGuard sensors tested in 10 different homes. Needless to say, AirGuard is taking off! Chris and Ben were able to enter into the Platform ecosystem, define their needs and innovate, apply for patents, and get something prototyped within a few months of completing the Bootcamp program.
A screenshot of AirGuard analytics working in real time.
If you’re interested in future tests of AirGuard, and would like to have it tested in your home, be sure to visit Blue Ridge Heating & Air’s website and contact Chris and Ben.