Roger Graefnitz pulled up still wearing a service repairman shirt and, still, even after all these years, trying to take care of others.
Roger will finally get to take care of himself and tend to those things he’s always dreamt of doing, like summering at a cabin in Wisconsin or spending a little more time riding that Harley he owns.
The long time resident and owner of G Heating and Cooling is retiring, and he’s passing his torch to Kulacz and Sons HVAC of Peotone. He has a lot of loyal customers, and he’d like to ensure they’re taken care of.
“Every horse has to go out to pasture when it’s their time, and I think it’s my time,” said Graefnitz.
Jake and Melissa Kulacz saw an opportunity to carry on Roger’s legacy through the Kulacz name and thought it was a perfect fit. They already have a location in Bradley, and their location in Peotone, they bought just a few years ago, is already at maximum capacity.
Roger built G HVAC from the ground up, while still working full time. He started picking up side jobs fixing things here and there. He started as a sole proprietor in 1986, while still working at Bimba and, although Bimba could’ve just had him fix things while he was on the job, they contracted his services after hours. Roger retired from Bimba in 1998, and G grew to a full time operation.
Most of his employees have moved on, knowing Roger was seeking retirement. Only one installer is left, and Kulacz plans to retain him. Kulacz has 15 employees and took over G’s phones two weeks ago. Roger admitted he enjoyed his phone being quiet. It’d been a long time since he experienced that sort of quiet.
Kulacz said they knew Graefnitz had super loyal customers and never heard one bad thing about his service. “To me, it’s an honor to even have this conversation, let alone be here,” said Kulacz referring to buying G. Kulacz said he drove by G as a kid, and to stand in Roger’s shop and take on what he built was an honor.
Kulacz admitted they’re in growth mode but never plan to stray from taking care of people – being honest, doing what’s right, and following what Roger’s been doing for years.
“We’re going to continue the same principles Roger has kept, and that’s what has made him successful. That’s what’s making us successful. We’re just going to follow it.”
Both Graefnitz and Kulacz shared the same start-up stories. Both started in high school, realizing they wanted to make money and worked under other companies before going out on their own. Graefnitz, a Marine, knew a hard work ethic was required and didn’t shy away. Kulacz saw how employers don’t necessarily treat customers the way he thought they should be treated and thought he could do better on his own.
Kulacz said Graefnitz’s legacy of customer service will never change. Kulacz is buying the building, but it will get some updating. People will see some changes – a little more technology and customer contact, as well.
“I’d like to thank all my customers and the employees I’ve had over the years. Without good employees, you’re really nothing,” said Graefnitz.
Roger offered a bit of advice to Jake, “Be honest. Honesty goes a long way. If you make a mistake, everybody makes mistakes, own up to your mistakes, you learn from them. It makes you a stronger person and a better company. And always treat the customer with respect. I’m sure Jake is going to do the same thing.”