Who is Damian Ryan?

A devoted father and husband.

Damian Ryan was the heart behind So-Cal

Not just the founder, but the reason it felt more like a family than a company. A lifelong La Crescenta local, Damian grew up as the youngest of five brothers and graduated from Crescenta Valley High School in 1982. He was known for his blond hair, his yellow ‘70 El Camino, and the kind of energy that made everyone feel welcome. Whether it was cracking jokes, helping a neighbor, or stepping in when someone needed a hand — Damian showed up with a smile and left people better than he found them.

He launched So-Cal from the ground up, starting with local residential jobs and an office in his own home. Thanks to his work ethic, creativity, and honesty, the company grew into a trusted name across La Crescenta and beyond. He had a knack for solving the kinds of HVAC challenges that others wouldn’t even touch — always thinking outside the box and taking pride in doing things the right way.

But it wasn’t just his technical skill that set Damian apart. It was who he was. He never needed to advertise — his customers, many of whom became close friends, did that for him. Whether it was a city inspector, a local teacher, or even a direct competitor, people trusted Damian because he was genuine. His integrity guided everything he did. He always made time for others, made people feel heard, and made them laugh when they needed it most.

Above all, Damian was a family man. He met his wife Rachel in 1996, built their family home with his own hands in 2001, and proudly became a dad soon after. His kids, Dana and Richie, were his greatest joy. From coaching on the soccer field to cheering in the stands, Damian was the kind of dad who showed up — always. He believed in giving his family everything they needed to chase their dreams, and he lived each day with that purpose.

Damian’s presence continues to shape the way we do things at So-Cal. His values — hard work, honesty, kindness, and doing right by people — are in every call we make and every home we walk into. This company is his legacy, and we’re proud to carry it forward with the same spirit he built it on.