Turning up the heat

A bold leap into business with Fusion Air Temp

When friends Mike Smith and Blair Tomlinson sat around a table in 2024 the last thing they expected was to walk away as business owners. But what started as a casual chat turned into a gutsy leap of faith – and the birth of Fusion Air Temp, a fresh rebrand of the long-established H-Tek Heat Pumps. Taking over from Steven and Margot Fletcher, who ran H-Tek for 22 years, Mike and Blair officially took the reins in early January 2025. With new branding, an office refit, and an interactive showroom on Gloucester Street, they’ve injected new life – and a whole lot of personality into the business.

What sets their story apart is the way it all came together. Both Mike and Blair were navigating a rough year. Mike had just come through cancer treatment and was medically made redundant. Blair lost his job at DOC. “We were at a bit of a crossroads,” says Mike. “And then we saw the H-Tek listing.” Over a shared passion for organising Gangshow, a variety show through their local Scouts group, the two friends decided to explore the opportunity. They met with the owners, asked all the right questions, and signed on the dotted line – then they went home and told their wives. Mike is married to Bridget, and they have three daughters: Izzy, Abigail and Madeline. Blair is married to Sarah, and together they’re raising two boys, James and Daniel. Family is at the heart of everything they do. Blair brings IT smarts and systems thinking, Mike brings a sales mindset and a creative eye from his signwriting days – they’re a natural team.

The new Fusion Air Temp showroom is a one-of-a-kind space: the only Mitsubishi Electric showroom of its kind in the country where you can sit down, feel the product in action, and even try out the Aquacore and designer series heat pumps. Using Mike’s signwriting skills, units can even be colour-matched to suit any décor. Importantly, they’ve kept the same trusted team from H-Tek – installers Paul Ashley and Dominic Vavasour – and welcomed Ramona Redwood in the office. Their community-first mindset shines through, having used local contractors to fit-out their showroom and work with MTF Finance Nelson to provide flexible payment options.

To celebrate their launch, Fusion Air Temp hosted an Opening Night on April 24, drawing a great crowd and featuring giveaways, including restaurant vouchers. Special guest MP Rachel Boyack was on hand to help cut the ribbon. To mark the occasion, Fusion Air Temp is turning up the heat in the best possible way by offering heat pump servicing for just $115 per unit, including GST and travel. With a strong foundation, a clear vision, and a commitment to community, Mike and Blair are setting a new standard for home comfort in Nelson.