With five decades of history, Serviparamo celebrates its evolution from a small technical support to a national benchmark in HVAC solutions. Its founder reviews the milestones, learnings and innovations that have marked the path of a company that today combines tradition, technology and vision of the future.
By Laura Restrepo C.
In a sector where competitiveness and innovation set the pace, reaching half a century of experience is a milestone that very few companies can celebrate. Serviparamo, founded in 1975 as a technical support for the central air conditioning systems of Industrias Páramo, has evolved to become one of the most solid references in air conditioning in Colombia.
On this historic anniversary, we spoke with Manuel Julián Alzamora López, born in Santa Marta (Magdalena) and current president of the company, responsible for the strategy, vision and overall leadership of the organization. From his perspective, we review the key moments, challenges, industry transformations and the vision of the future of a company that has left a deep mark on the development of the HVAC sector in the country.
How was Serviparamo born and what was the motivation for founding the company?
A/: Serviparamo was established in 1975 with the vision of providing a solid service support for the innovative central air conditioning system that Industrias Páramo had been producing since 1970. Our first supply and installation milestone was successfully achieved at Banco de Colombia's main branch in Barranquilla, marking the beginning of a 50-year history of leadership in the sector.
What has been a key moment in the company's growth?
A/: A decisive moment occurred in 1988, when we carried out a strategic merger. We combined Serviparamo's specialized preventive maintenance service with the contracting of equipment supply and installation projects that Distriaire managed. This integration not only sought valuable economies of scale, but also consolidated our operational capabilities, driving our exponential growth ever since.
What distinguishes Serviparamo in the air conditioning market?
A/: Serviparamo is distinguished by a business philosophy based on three pillars: the unwavering Quality and Fulfillment of our commitments, a deep Passion and Willingness to Service towards our customers, and having a highly committed Staff and the support of our strategic allies (main suppliers, contractors, financial sector), which is the engine of our excellence in the air conditioning market.
How has the industry changed since you started and how have you adapted?
A/: We have maintained a constant adaptation, staying at the forefront of technological changes and developments. One of our key adaptations has been the sectorization of the market towards the main market sectors. With great pride, we are pioneers in Colombia in the installation of Thermal Districts, fully automated systems that produce hot and cold water and steam, and that offer our customers an efficient operation with significantly lower costs.
What has your personal path been like as an entrepreneur and leader?
A/: My path as an entrepreneur began in childhood: when I was 5 years old, family unity led us to collect fruits and eggs on a farm to sell them in Minca (Santa Marta, just one kilometer away. This early experience ignited my desire to become an entrepreneur. Subsequently, my relationship with Industrias Páramo and the creation of Refriaire and Distriaire allowed me to establish offices in 18 capitals of the country, achieving a happy and sustained development in the air conditioning systems industry, a trajectory that fills me with deep satisfaction.
What does it mean for you to celebrate 50 years in such a competitive industry?
A/: Celebrating 50 years as uninterrupted leaders in such a dynamic and competitive industry represents, above all, a commitment to each of our customers. It is a celebration of our dedication to always deliver the best, working fervently in the pursuit of your total satisfaction, cultivating your trust and ensuring your loyalty over time.
How has innovation and technology influenced the development of the company?
A/: Innovation has radically transformed our maintenance service and the development of HVAC projects. We have evolved from corrective to preventive service, and we are now immersed in predictive maintenance. This is achieved thanks to our advanced monitoring plant, which operates 24 hours a day and generates detailed monthly reports on the operation of the equipment. This predictive capability is highly effective for damage prevention and ensures efficient use of energy.
What impact do you think they have had on the community and the HVAC sector in Colombia?
A/: We firmly believe that the quality and solidity of our works speak for themselves. Our impact is reflected in the trust of a wide base of large customers, who have maintained agreements or service contracts with Serviparamo, being the support of our successful operation during these 50 years of history in the Colombian air conditioning sector.
What is coming in the future for Serviparamo?
A/: Our future is ambitious: we will focus on transcending from simply being a "good" company to achieving operational excellence. This will require strategic focus, a consistent work ethic, maintaining passion for what we do, and a strong willingness to optimize care for our valued workers, their families, our customers, and suppliers. In addition, continuity is assured with the involvement of three of my five children in key positions: Yohanna in the General Management, Michelle in the Administrative and Financial Management, and Manuel Julián as Director of Purchasing, who guarantee the solidity and new developments for the business.
Over five decades, Serviparamo has shown that permanence in such a demanding industry does not depend only on technical expertise, but on a clear vision, a solid organizational culture and a permanent commitment to innovation. Under the leadership of Manuel Julián Alzamora López and with a new generation already integrated into the management, the company celebrates its history and projects a future oriented towards operational excellence and the continuous transformation of the HVAC sector in Colombia. On this 50th anniversary, Serviparamo reaffirms its commitment to customers, to the country and to a trajectory that continues to be built on the basis of service, quality and passion for doing things well.
