Today Mechanical Extremes is a successful, local, small business. It came about through the distinctly American spirit—a lot of hard work and the courage to be DIFFERENT.
Harold Wilkes had been working for his former employer for 13 years. He was the person his boss sent in when others couldn’t find a solution, and extreme answers were needed. So, as he dreamed of his own company, that’s how the name Mechanical Extremes dropped in on him. In a previous episode, we learned that he designed the company’s logo during a 30-minute lunch break, but continued to work the same job.
The idea of going out on his own had been incubating for a while, but he knew the risks. Small businesses often fail. He and Stacey had two little ones and were building a new home. Then life happened. Harold brought in extra money by doing side jobs. One day his boss gave him an ultimatum. “No more side jobs.” That was the day Mechanical Extremes was born. Harold arrived home and told Stacey “I quit my job.” She said, “you did what?” Now, more than ever it was on him.
Being on his own, Harold knew he had to compete. His was not the only HVAC outfit. Was there something that would make Mechanical Extremes different or special? He had to go no further than its name. And why? Because he knew that it meant something. During his entire career he had been put into the “it can’t be done” vortex. “Solve this one, Harold” was almost a daily taunt. How did that translate into life-happens? It meant Harold’s boat would have to go.
Problems don’t come in standard sizes. Take ductwork. An existing house or custom build requires custom configurations. It’s like squeezing 10 pounds into a 5 pound bag. “You want the furnace in there?!?” Ductwork had to make weird, unnatural turns and go in places where no duct had gone before. Harold soon concluded making his own ductwork was a must. So, the pole barn became a shop, and the boat had to make room. He invested in top-flight machinery and tools. Now, he could accommodate requirements of any size. What started out as a small shop approached being a moderate sized manufacturing unit.
Harold soon found out this specialty made a difference, an important one. He was sought out by contractors and individuals who had heard the word “no” once too often. Centrally located in Addison and serving three counties, suddenly Mechanical Extremes was a focal point.
In this one-minute video, Harold invites you into the shop and shows how Mechanical Extremes creates its custom ductwork.
Coming soon–how Mechanical Extremes figured out how to save customers $$$$.
