The Anderson Family
Building Comfort and Community:
The Anderson Family’s Mission to Give Back
By Bruce X. Forey | Photography by David Teran
Chase Anderson and his family keep homes cool and comfortable through Shafer Services Plus while sharing their good fortune with those in need. Since 1988, the company has provided relief from the sweltering Texas heat and occasional cold with expert air conditioning and heating services.
“At Shafer, we live by our Core Purpose: to improve lives,” Chase said. “This includes our customers, employees, and our community.”
Giving Back the Shafer Way
To fulfill this mission, Chase created Shafer Serves. Through this program, the company donates plumbing and air conditioning services to the elderly, families in need, and nonprofit organizations, covering the cost of expensive repairs or replacements.
“When A/C, heating, or plumbing breaks, the repairs are usually unexpected and outside some family’s or nonprofit’s budget,” Chase said. “Instead of donating money, we use our expertise and materials to make a bigger impact.”
Chase and his team find families or nonprofits in need through friends and business associates. Helping children holds a special place in Chase’s heart. For example, Shafer replaced three commercial air conditioners and completed additional work at no cost for the nonprofit San Antonio Youth. This effort made the after-school program’s environment comfortable for both the kids and the staff.
“Before we helped, the building stayed around 85 degrees,” Chase said. “Now, the temperature is in the low 70s, and the kids and staff are all smiles. Seeing the difference we made was incredibly rewarding.”
Supporting Youth
Chase expanded his efforts to support our youth by launching Shafer Cool Kids, a nonprofit that helps local organizations focused on children.
“This year, Shafer Cool Kids is supporting six organizations,” Chase said. “We donate money and volunteer our time. It’s been rewarding and so much fun.”
Helping young people thrive means a lot to Chase and his wife, Elizabeth, who are parents to two boys: George, who is three years old, and Spencer, who celebrated his first birthday earlier this year.
“With two young sons, I truly appreciate organizations that help kids succeed and find happiness,” Chase said. “Our youth are our future. If we support this next generation, our community will benefit for years to come.”
A New Outlook
Chase graduated from Alamo Heights High School and earned a degree from Texas Christian University. While at TCU, he met Elizabeth, a student at Oklahoma University. They started dating while Chase pursued a career as an asset manager for a large corporate bank. A life-changing car accident in 2013 brought Chase back to his 78209 community with a renewed sense of purpose.
“The accident gave me an opportunity to reassess my personal and professional life,” Chase said. “I realized I wanted to take my career in a new direction where I could make a larger impact.”
Chase started in the HVAC industry shortly after he became an HVAC technician with the goal of eventually making his way into leadership. He worked full-time in the field while attending St. Mary’s University at night to earn his MBA. Chase met Jimmy Shafer and went to work for Shafer Services in 2017. Then, Chase eventually purchased a majority stake in the company and became the owner and leader of Shafer Services.
Family Teamwork
And while Chase is the CEO of Shafer Service, he says it’s clear Elizabeth is in charge at their Alamo Heights home.
“She does an amazing job managing our home and busy family schedule,” Chased added. “I have to make a lot of decisions during the day for the business, so I’m very grateful for her leadership at home in planning what we do together as a family and, in many cases, deciding what is best for your boys.”
In their free time, Chase and Elizabeth enjoy spending time with their sons. The family often visits the San Antonio Country Club, especially the pool, or heads to the Texas Coast for beach trips and fishing.
Though not legacy ‘09ers, Chase and Elizabeth feel deeply connected to the community.
“Elizabeth and I share the same values as this community,” Chase said. “We’re excited to raise our kids here and feel at home in 78209.”
