Congratulations to Charles Haertel!
48 Years of Service to Bay City with Haertel Heating and Cooling
With a start in 1938, grandfather Robert Haertel – followed by uncles and father Bill Haertel – built a successful business keeping homes heated in the surrounding area of Bay City, Michigan. Following high school, grandson Charles Haertel initially pursued employment outside the family business, yet when asked to help out for awhile, gave it a whirl. In that moment, he had no idea how far he’d go with the company and the significant contributions he’d make through the years that impacted the success and longevity of the business! After just a few years as crew leader, Charles was hand-picked to become estimator putting him face to face with customers – listening, building trust, and delivering on his word.
Knowing the statistics that family businesses don’t usually endure more than a generation or two, Charles began 15 years ago to strategically transition Haertel Heating and Cooling from 100% family-owned to partner-based ownership. Though co-owners Dan Lijewski and Andy Burke had different strengths they brought to the business, the integral quality they both share with Charles is integrity.
Dan Lijewski and Andy Burke don’t share the same last name as me, yet they’re just like family and are carrying on the high quality service at a reasonable rate that Haertel Heating and Cooling has provided to Bay City for 83 years!” – Charles Haertel
As for life after retirement for Charles? He’s almost giddy with excitement! Hired to help launch Midland’s new Costco, he’s delighting in a myriad of responsibilities there, yet enjoying the novel “clock-out and actually quit working” kind of life. His list of intentions include his own artwork and taking in museums and the artwork of others, keeping up to speed with running, bicycling, and skiing, and maybe even a trip here and there! “There’s more to life than work. Life is a gift and I still want to give back and enjoy the people around me.”
We’re grateful for people like Charles Haertel who pour themselves into our community and our lives. Thank you for the 48 years you dedicated to us!
Thoughts from Charles Haertel
Thank you, Bay City and the generations of customers, for trusting us with your heating and cooling… for becoming our friends! And a deep appreciation to our loyal employees that have been an important part of our team throughout the years!
