NAME, TITLE: Steve Chrismer, President

COMPANY NAME, CITY, STATE: Drake Heating and Air, Eaton, Ohio

HOW LONG IN BUSINESS: 21 years

BIGGEST CHANGE TO THE BUSINESS: “We installed a management team; developed our brand, logo, and jingle; and tied them all together,” said Chrismer, “singing the same message to Mr. and Mrs. Homeowner.”

KEY MARKETS: Dayton, Ohio - Miami Valley

ASSOCIATIONS AND AFFILIATIONS: Member of Nexstar® Network

HOW DO THESE AFFILIATIONS HELP YOU: According to Chrismer, it “helps all of us members to stay focused and not to have pity parties. Get off your butt and do something!”

COMPANY STATISTICS (number of employees in field, service, installation, office; number of trucks):
Service Techs - 8
Installation Techs - 10
Office - 9
Sales - 3
Warehouse - 1
Installation trucks - 5
Service trucks - 8

BIGGEST CURRENT HURDLE TO OVERCOME: Chrismer said this is “stopping the dropping GM percent and keeping overhead under control.”

FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT THE INDUSTRY: “Opportunities and helping our staff and clients have a better life!”

SUMMING IT UP: “I think these last 18 months have taught any one of us that are still here a lot about business,” Chrismer said. “Companies that focus - really focus, not just talk about it - on serving their clients and team members will prosper.”

Publication date: 06/07/2010