After two decades of working for a small business, it’s natural to feel like family. Kendal Catt wasn’t related to Jim Tholen, his boss of 22 years, but that didn’t stop customers from asking, “How’s your dad?”
“At first I explained he’s not my dad, I just work for him,” Kendal said. “Finally it got to the point I just said, ‘He’s doing good.’ I’ve just been here forever. I guess it’s like being part of the family.”
That sense of family loyalty was part of the reason Kendal and his wife, Teresa, decided to purchase Tholen’s Heating & Cooling from Jim and Vickie Tholen, effective July 1. Jim started the business in 1978 and retired after 40 years.
“We wanted Jim and Vickie to have the opportunity to retire,” Kendal said. “We think this is a good opportunity to help the community, grow the business and make a better workplace.”
Customers won’t see much change under the new owners, the Catts said. The name will stay the same, although for legal reasons the corporate name will change to Tholen HVAC. Customers will continue to see the same employees and the same type of services.
“There’s no need to mess up something that’s worked for 40 years,” Kendal said.
Eventually, the Catts could expand services and staff. Kendal wants to open a satellite office in another community; Tholen’s staff travel to places as far away as Richmond, Blue Mound, Chanute, Lebo and beyond. Summer is their busy season because of demand for air conditioning service.
“That’s our big vision, to have more than one location,” Kendal said.
“It’s going to be fun. It’s going to be a challenge,” Kendal said. “Jim and Vickie laid a good base for us and I was able to help grow the business for half of it.”
JIM THOLEN started offering his services out of his garage in March of 1978, capitalizing on refrigeration service skills he learned while serving in the U.S. Navy. A friend, Bill Maloney, suggested he start his own business; Maloney promised to use him as a subcontractor. Jim spent long hours getting the business off the ground. He went on service calls during the day and worked well into the night to prepare for the next day. Vickie handled the paperwork.
“For a long time, it was just me and Vickie. We had our ups and downs getting the name out there. It takes awhile for people to trust you,” he said. “When you look back, the good Lord directed our footsteps.”
The business grew and moved to 824 N. Chestnut and became busy enough to take on staff. Kendal joined in 1996, first as a service tech, and was promoted to sales manager in 2009.
“Kendal is the type of person who can pick things up real quick. He has a good head on his shoulders and common sense,” Jim said.
The Tholens built their business with a specific theme in mind: Good service.
That often meant late nights and helping people in emergency situations. Jim recalled one emergency call for a family whose system broke right before a funeral; they needed help before friends and family arrived.
