Manufacturing Success Story: Ducts Unlimited
When Cliff LaMont walked into Ducts Unlimited Mechanical Systems back in 2000, he wasn’t thinking about owning one of the largest HVAC companies in Denver. He just wanted to work hard, learn the trade, and be part of something that mattered. Fast forward more than two decades, and Cliff, along with his wife, Kellie, has not only taken the reins, but also transformed the business into a powerhouse that supports nearly 90 families in Colorado.
From Employee to Entrepreneur
Cliff started as an employee just months after the company started, became a minority owner, and in 2021 took the leap into full ownership. The first year wasn’t easy. Supply costs were climbing, the books were restructuring, and the tax return showed red ink. Fortunately, Cliff had some ideas. He adjusted pricing to match projects more accurately, managed the rising costs, and led the business back to strong ground. By 2022 and 2023, Ducts Unlimited was posting just shy of $30 million in revenue and holding more than $3.5 million in cash reserves. This presented a new problem: the need for more space to accommodate manufacturing.
Innovation That Raises the Bar
Needing a longer maturity than what a traditional loan could offer and not having sufficient collateral, Cliff sought out an SBA 504 loan to purchase a new building. Partnering with B:Side Capital and BOK Financial, he obtained a $5,220,000 loan to move into a 23,554 square foot building and launched an in-house fabrication shop to diversify their offerings. Today, their fully automated coil line cranks out a complete set of ductwork every 40 seconds. Half of what they manufacture goes straight to their HVAC competitors, a sure sign that quality and innovation speaks louder than competition.
On top of that, the business expanded into plumbing, making Ducts Unlimited a one-stop solution for customers and a serious force in the market.
Why This Story Matters
At B:Side Capital, we believe access to capital unlocks real potential. Cliff and Kellie’s journey is proof. With the right support, a hardworking entrepreneur can go from employee to owner, from red ink to record revenue, from renting space to building equity.
Ducts Unlimited isn’t just building ductwork—they’re building opportunity. And that’s exactly the kind of success story we’re proud to be part of.
“It was a privilege to work with Cliff, Kellie, and the team at Ducts Unlimited Mechanical Systems as they purchased their facility. B:Side was an integral part of the financing and guided us from the initial 504 application, through underwriting and closing, and then through the funding of the debenture. From their experienced staff to the ease of uploading documents, it was a great experience. Thank you Ducts Unlimited and thank you B:Side!”