It's a great year for Unified Group member, Spaeth, Inc. Kevin Spaeth was recently named President of the Oklahoma City chapter of the PHCC. Spaeth, Inc. is the oldest member of the Oklahoma PHCC. Here’s the story:
When he was 16, Ervin Spaeth left home and became a plumber in Kansas City, MO. After three years, he bought a train ticket, round trip, to Shreveport, LA. He never used the return ticket. The ticket, dated August 5,1907, is still in the family archives with a note, "This is the return ticket I never used ... on my start out in life. Why don't you frame it and entitle it 'The Hobo Plumber from Rags to Riches (but many times tore my Britches).'" Ervin's description of himself as the "hobo plumber" wasn't far off. Like the most romantic versions of the famous hobos, Ervin traveled the country by "hopping" on railroad freight cars.
Settling down.... During his travels, Ervin found himself in the company of Violet Appleby. They were married on October 12, 1912. Violet taught Ervin mathematics so he could properly manage a business. His new skills enabled him to estimate work, price jobs, and acquire other skills necessary to be in the plumbing business. A year after his marriage, Ervin became sole owner of the Kansas City Plumbing & Heating Co. In 1914, Ervin opened a second shop. His diary mentions involvement with the National Association as early as 1917 or 1918.
In 1942, Ervin the traveler was again on the move — this time reestablishing the business in Oklahoma City, OK. Ervin eventually asked his family to take over the business so that he and Violet could retire and - what else - travel.
Ervin's Legacy...In 1970, the company was renamed Spaeth, Inc.(the name it retains today). Ervin passed away on September 7, 1980, but Spaeth, Inc., is run by his grandsons, (Kevin and Steve Spaeth), grandson-in-law (Dean Gilmore) and granddaughter (Susan Spaeth Gillmore).
Spaeth also started its 99th year in business. The countdown to their 100th anniversary is on. Way to go, Spaeth!
"I called Tom Danley at Temp-Air and they were able to get me pricing and all of the other information I needed. The job was sold on Thursday and the portable AC unit was delievered on Friday. All went well."
"I want to encourage you to use the tools available through The Unified Group like the email tool. You will find that this group has a powerful network and in most cases someone has invented the wheel you need so that you don't have to reinvent it yourself!"
"We have been buying our Trane parts from Midwest Parts with great satisfaction. We are in the process of a major overhaul on a chiller and have just received the parts from Midwest. We were able to save a considerable amount of money on this job in addtion to not having to give business to one of our major service competitors (the local Trane dealer)."
