This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Business & Tech

Bassett Home Heating: Keeping It In the Family

Hard-working entrepreneurs place the emphasis on family while building a successful enterprise.

 

John and Debbie Bassett appear to have done the impossible – they have built and successfully operated a business for over 16 years, while consistently carving out time for family fun and leisure.

It’s not unusual for small business owners to live and breathe their work around the clock. The Bassetts, who own and operate Bassett Home Heating, are careful to preserve their evenings and weekends whenever possible. They have even been known to close their doors for a week or two at a time for a family vacation.

Interested in local real estate?Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more.

“We’re a little bit different that way,” says John, who has over 30 years experience in the heating and cooling business. “I work really, really hard and fast,” he explains, “(but) I do want my down time.

“It’s important to keep your sanity,” he laughs.

Interested in local real estate?Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more.

That’s not to say the Bassetts aren’t dedicated to their business and their clients. They are, and they have A-plus ratings from both the Better Business Bureau and Angie’s List, as well as several Top Performance awards from their suppliers, to show for it. Most of their business comes through referrals from satisfied customers.

The Bassetts specialize in residential heating and air conditioning system sales, installation and service; they market American Standard systems exclusively. “(They are) the best products we think you can get,” explains John. The company “stands behind the product extremely well,” he adds.

The Bassetts also sell and install heat pumps, furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces and gas piping. “No job is too small,” says John.

Describing himself as “self-taught,” John says he has “learned everything on the job.” He worked for Gas Appliance Service in Seattle for 16 years, serving in a variety of capacities; Debbie worked in the company’s accounting department. The two were being “groomed to buy the business,” says John, but differences in management style got in the way. In 1997, they left to open Bassett Home Heating.

“It just kind of fit for us to start our own business,” explains Debbie. The going was good in the early years, say the Bassetts. The economy was strong and the couple’s expertise and contacts enabled them to build a solid business from the start. The last few years have been a different story.

“This last year was awful,” says Debbie. It was “the worst year we’ve ever had,” adds John. Debbie says if it weren't for some money she inherited from an aunt who died, “we’d be doing something else” today. Federal tax credits for consumer energy efficiency also helped to get them through; Puget Sound Energy rebates contributed, as well.

Business is picking up, says Debbie, but it’s a constant effort to keep contacting customers.

The Bassetts are hoping for a better 2012. After purposely keeping the business small for years, they are looking to expand by adding a service truck and, eventually, a second installation truck. “We’ll see what kind of people managers we are,” laughs John.

John and Debbie are also looking to add new products to their line, including home management systems that allow homeowners to remotely control heating, lights, appliances, etc. “There (are) a lot of tech savvy people who want that stuff,” says John. 

As they expand, the Bassetts will continue to keep it all in the family. Their two grown sons, David and Travis, both work in the business now, and are learning the ropes. John is trying to step back and let them take over, says Debbie. “He’s trying to teach them what he’s learned.”

It’s not always easy, admits John. For 16 years he’s been doing everything himself, ensuring that “nothing is lost in translation” from one employee to another. It’s important to him to keep that personal touch.

“Realistically, you’re not selling the product, you’re selling yourself,” says John. “People like to work with the small guy,” he adds. “They like the personal touch.” Noting that, as the installer, he brings a “blue collar” touch to his work, he continues: “I’m not a ‘salesman’…I’m the one putting it in.

“I take pride in doing the job, getting it done.”

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from Woodinville