PETOSKEY – Petoskey’s longstanding plumbing and air conditioning business recently got new ownership, but those who acquired the company are not new to the operation.
In March, Ballard plumbing, heating, air conditioning and refrigeration employees Dick Matelski, Alan Towne and Travis Peck completed the acquisition of the business of Jim Rand and his wife Irma Noel. Founded in 1952 by Don and Esther Ballard, the company had been owned by Rand and Noel since 1982.
Matelski, Towne and Peck plan to do property-related tasks in addition to their existing duties. Matelski acts as the plumbing supervisor, while Towne is primarily involved in the company’s commercial heating operations and Peck is primarily involved in heating residential buildings.
Although Ballard recently moved from Carrier to Trane as its main heating, ventilation and air conditioning brand, the new owners do not expect customers to see any other significant changes in the company’s offerings after their acquisition.
“We’ll probably keep things as much as possible,” said Matelski.
Peck sees Ballard’s extensive plumbing and air conditioning capabilities as something that can help him gain a foothold in the local market.
“There’s not a lot we aren’t working on,” he said.
Peck added, “We are proud of our service department.”
Ballard’s, headquartered at 2111 E. Mitchell Road, employs approximately 47 people and serves customers in Emmet and Charlevoix counties and parts of Antrim Counties.
The most recent sale of the business came about nine years after Noel stepped down from her day-to-day involvement in the operation. Rand plans to continue working part-time as a consultant in the future.
During the nearly four decades that he and his wife owned the company, Rand said it benefited significantly from the growth of the local community, with its own workforce more than doubling from the roughly 18 employees who worked there from 1982 The commitment to quality and customer service has helped Ballard’s grow.
“If there is a problem we will sort it out,” he said. “We’ll do it right for you.”
Examples of projects Ballard’s has been involved with over the years include the renovation of the Heather Highlands Inn at Boyne Highlands Resort, Avalanche Bay Indoor Water Park at Boyne Mountain Resort, the Boyne City sewage treatment plant, and the renovation of Charlevoix Town Hall.
Rand anticipates spending more time with his family and a recently acquired Great Dane puppy, along with recreational pursuits such as sailing and traveling.
Ballard’s regular business hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. An emergency service is available at other times. For more information, please call (231) 753-2110 or www.ballards-ph.com.
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