Partner Highlight: H.E.L.P. Group and Olvera Heating & Cooling
Partner Highlight: H.E.L.P. Group and Olvera Heating & Cooling
February 9, 2026 Energy Efficiency, Home, Weatherization, Partner Highlight
On a busy Community Energy Project (CEP) job site, it might look like just another day of construction. But for Berenice Lopez-Dorsey of Home Energy Life Performance (H.E.L.P.) Group Inc and Eliseo Olvera of Olvera Heating & Cooling, the work goes far beyond installations and inspections. It is rooted in mentorship, family, and a long-term commitment to the people they serve, including both clients and crews.
Berenice has spent 24 years in the construction industry. After the housing bubble burst in 2008, she needed additional work for her crews. She followed federal investment into energy efficiency, earned her BPI certification and opened a new business so she could keep her team employed. “My passion is my community and creating sustainable jobs, jobs that pay well and that people can be proud of,” Berenice said.
This philosophy shapes how she mentors others, including Eliseo. Similar to Berenice, Eliseo found his way to energy efficiency work after changes in his previous industry and place of work. He previously worked as a nurse for a large healthcare association and after his department was shut down, Eliseo partnered with his son to revive his father’s HVAC business. “This work is more than installing a heat pump,” Eliseo said. “My last position was in critical community health. Once I understood that there was funding for our lower income and at-risk families, I wanted to make an impact.” Now in its third year, Eliseo’s business has grown not only in size but in purpose.
Client care remains at the core of Eliseo’s work, and for his team, this starts with communication. The installers at Olvera speak a variety of languages. “When someone is speaking your own language, it knocks down a lot of barriers. The ability to communicate technical aspects is so important,” said Eliseo.
But in an industry that is still dominated by English-speaking instructions and English-speaking tech support, preparing installers for the field can take more time. “The easiest thing to do would be to hire all English speakers from other companies with high technical skills,” acknowledged Eliseo. “But investing in the team to help with English skills and build technical skills is a core value of Olvera.” A steady partnership with CEP, including consistent project pipelines and support for workforce development, helps make this investment possible.
Berenice also takes extra steps to invest in the development of her team. She offers 90 days of experience-building to new hires to help them with their certifications and other necessary training. “It is time consuming. But I know the people I took my time with through this process; those are the ones who stayed for 20+ years with me. The return on that investment is really good,” she said.
Berenice’s first employee still works at H.E.L.P. Group, along with several others who have been there for 20 years. “Now their children are adults, and I’m employing the second generation. I have five of them here,” Berenice said with pride.
Hiriani, a member of H.E.L.P. Group’s second generation, grew up watching her dad go to work and come home in dirty clothes. “I was always interested in what he did,” she said. “I was bored during the summer when I was 16, so I went into the field with him. I thought it was so cool and enjoyed the time with the team.” She is now the Green Program Coordinator.
By investing in people, understanding their clients, and prioritizing long-term outcomes, Berenice and Eliseo are building something that lasts: strong teams, strong families, and healthier, more resilient communities.
