The history of Spectra is entwined with the history of New York City. In 1964 Herb Klaar began his career as a film carrier for MovieLab – a company that developed film for the motion picture industry.

While at MovieLab, their outside A/C contractor, Joe Meltzer of Meltzer Mechanical, began mentoring Herb in the field of H.V.A.C. And, when an opportunity arose, Joe offered Herb a job as a journeyman. This was a match made in heaven and during his tenure there Herb put himself through college at night.

In 1970 he jumped at the chance to better himself with Augie Corsini of Mandell and Corsini where he became one of the top mechanics in NYC.

In 1975 when Mandell and Corsini closed due to the financial crisis in NYC, his semi-retired father-in-law was working as a film projectionist for Morristown Memorial Hospital and helped him get a part time job in the hospital’s A/C maintenance department. But, Herb was not content to be a stationery engineer, so he started H.V.A.C. Mechanical Contractors, Inc. on his eldest daughter’s birthday on February 2, 1977.

But, Augie Corsini never forgot his top mechanic and in September of 1979, he formed Spectra H.V.A.C. Service Corp. with Herb. With Augie’s contacts and the City’s revival, Herb solved a major mechanical problem for CBS-TV and that was the beginning of many long standing relationships and quality services for commercial accounts. Their first office was in the Graybar Building on Lexington Avenue just next to Grand Central Station.

In 1985, Herb bought out the service company from Augie Corsini and brought his wife Arlene on board to run its’ day to day operation in Chelsea. In 1986, Herb started Spectra Mechanical, Inc. which is our NY installation company. As their children were nearing college age, they all began to work part time for their family’s company. At various points Debbie, Denise and Stephanie ran the accounts payable department while son, Robert became an apprentice journeyman.

Debbie is now Office Manager and Robert went on to obtain his NJ plumbers license and is Project Manager for the companies. Arlene, as all wives do, is our Controller. And, Herb’s son-in-laws have also worked for him and Rico Barone is still service manager.

We now happily employ 11 service mechanics and 7 office staff and are looking to expand.

And this year, Herb, Robert and Rico started Spectra Solar Systems, LLC which will be doing large commercial solar installations.