When Nancy Galloway was working as a legal secretary and would talk to out of state clients, they would be amazed when she told them she was from Italy. Then they would chuckle when she told them Italy, Texas that is. Nancy is thankful and proud to have been raised here and when the opportunity arose for her to move back, she did with a willing heart.

“I always considered Italy my home, even when I lived elsewhere,” said Galloway. “I graduated from Italy High School and have so many friends here.”

Nancy was working in Dallas when she met Pete Hinojosa, a Master Instructor at ATI in Waco.

“When I met Nancy, I knew she was the one I wanted to spend my life with,” said Hinojosa. “My instinct was right,” he added.

Two years ago, Pete and Nancy started Tri-County Appliance. When they moved to Italy, they decided to relocate their business here also. They do all types of air conditioning and heating installation and repair. Their business services the entire region, not just the immediate area.

“We stepped out on blind faith when we opened our business two years ago,” Pete explained. “One of the things I want our customers to know is that quality cannot be compromised. I want to do things right the first time. If we do a good job, people will know it. Sometimes unforeseen things will happen and a call takes longer than anticipated, but Nancy will call and let our next customer know if we will be a little late. Customer service and satisfaction are very important to us.”

Pete and Nancy believe in giving back to the community. They are helping to sponsor the Guns vs. Hoses softball game for the second year. They are also assisting a local youth to further his education. When Eddie Garcia graduated from Italy High School in 2011, his dream was to attain his AC/Heating certification. Pete and Nancy are helping him realize his dream.

“I was working at David’s Supermarket when Pete told me he would help me go to school,” Garcia said. “Pete and Nancy have helped me so much. I enrolled in TSTC in Waco and they bought the tools I would need.”

“Pete has shown me things in air conditioning and heating that my instructors have not shown me. He has taught me that it is about doing the right thing and doing things right. I am working for them when I am not in school, which has given me experience, training and money that I need. I don’t know what I would do without their support. I love to go fishing with Pete when time permits. They are like my second family.”

Tri-County Appliance is located at 141 W. Main Street, Suite B in Italy. Their phone number is 972-483-1138. Their normal business hours are 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., but will accommodate their customers as much as possible if there is at other times. Their phone is answered after hours also.