Bio
Adrian F. Gonzalez, FIU-CEC Alumnus ’17 and ’25, has built his career around a simple but powerful belief captured in his favorite quote from Michael Korda: “One way to keep momentum going is to have constantly greater goals.” For nearly three decades, that philosophy has guided his journey as a student, business leader, philanthropist, and community advocate.
Adrian’s path required constant recalibration—choosing, moment by moment, the opportunities that offered the greatest return in knowledge, experience, and purpose. Sometimes that meant pausing his studies to work full time in his family’s HVAC business. At other times, it meant doubling his course load at night so he could be present to drive his daughters to school each morning. Through it all, the mission remained the same: continue moving forward, continue building, and continue striving.
His efforts paid off. Adrian earned both his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering—with a professional certificate in HVAC Design—and later his M.S. in Engineering Management with a specialization in Engineering Entrepreneurship from Florida International University. He purchased significant interest in A&P Air Conditioning, the company founded by his father in 1982, and became President in 2016.
Adrian’s commitment to FIU extends beyond philanthropy and leadership—his family reflects a multi-generational connection to the university. His wife, Rachel, is a two-time FIU alumna, earning both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Physical Therapy in 2000 and 2001. Their eldest daughter, Sarah, is currently studying Forensic Biomolecular Biology at FIU, representing the next generation of the Gonzalez family’s Panther legacy. He and Rachel are raising four daughters—Sarah, Samantha, Sabrina, and Sandra—who remain at the heart of his motivation and purpose.
Under Adrian’s leadership, A&P Air Conditioning has grown into one of Florida’s most respected mechanical contractors. The company was named to the Inc. 5000 List of America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies in 2019, 2020, and 2021; honored as Best HVAC Contractor in South Florida by Build Magazine in 2019; and recognized by the South Florida Business Journal as one of the region’s Largest Private Companies (2022 and 2025). A&P has built a portfolio spanning high-rises, hotels, hospitals, and institutional facilities, with a reputation for engineering expertise, value-optimized solutions, and on-time delivery. The company has never paid liquidated damages in 43 years, maintains LEED, AHCA, and OSD certifications, and proudly provides full-time employment with benefits to more than 150 team members. A&P has also earned multiple Eagle Awards for Excellence.
Adrian has matched his business leadership with an equally meaningful commitment to community impact. In 2019, he established the A&P Air Conditioning First-Generation Scholarship for Future Engineers Endowment, creating perpetual support for Mechanical and Electrical Engineering students—funds matched 2-to-1 by the State of Florida. Adrian also became the first private donor to FIU’s new multi-disciplinary engineering building, helping accelerate a transformational project for the College of Engineering & Computing.
He currently serves as Director on the FIU Foundation Board of Directors, contributing to university-wide philanthropic strategy, donor engagement, and institutional advancement. Adrian also serves as Chairman of the FIU College of Engineering & Computing Dean’s Leadership Council, where he champions workforce development initiatives, student engagement, and industry collaboration. He pioneered the A&P Air Conditioning 4+1 Master’s Pathway in Mechanical Engineering, expanding access for FIU students pursuing advanced education in HVAC design.
His service portfolio also includes prior roles as Trustee of the New Testament Baptist Church of Miami, Vice Chairman of the Miami Lakes Neighborhood Improvement Committee, and President of the Lake Glenn Ellen Homeowners’ Association.
Adrian’s journey illustrates that the goals that shape our lives are rarely predetermined—they are the ones we build through resilience, discipline, and unwavering dedication. His story continues to grow, propelled by family, service, and a commitment to creating opportunity for the next generation of engineers and community leaders.