Simple success

Owners Barry Smith and Jeff Walker don’t have any amazing secrets to the success and solid growth of Timberline Heating and Cooling in Orem — despite being in an industry ravaged by the downturn in the housing market.
“Our business has been driven by doing a good job and getting referrals,” says Barry.
“We could probably get more referrals if we’d ask for them,” Jeff says, laughing.
While not many heating and cooling companies have enjoyed tremendous success in the past three years, Barry and Jeff have continued to thrive, despite being a brand-new company only three years ago.
The pair met while working with another company and eventually decided to start their own venture. Barry had experience in service and maintenance, while Jeff was adept at installations and replacements.
“A lot of people warn against taking on a business partner, but I can’t imagine doing this any other way. In fact, I wouldn’t have done this without Barry,” Jeff says.
The company has kept things simple (when you call, you will still get either Barry or Jeff), which has allowed them to keep close tabs on expenses and what profit they need to make on a project for it to be successful.
“We received good mentoring advice when we started,” Barry says. “Our mentor told us to keep good records and know what those records meant.”
The combination of good service — enabled through continuing education and smart business practices — has meant relatively good times for Timberline.
“We value the relationships that form from doing work for someone,” Barry says. “We don’t look at people as simply a job number or a piece of installed equipment. We look at them as friends.”
And that’s made the difference.

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