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(Copyright 2024 Point/Plover Metro Wire)

Column: Another town small business hero, keeping us healthy and comfortable

By Dan Kontos

I told you that I am a big believer in America, and support our great economic system. Despite obvious attempts to destroy it by the far left, we still have the greatest commercial engine in the world – for now.

Small business drives this engine, and hometown businesses employ our community while keeping many of those dollars we spend here local. That’s why I am not hesitant in trying to highlight community establishments that help to keep the economy moving.

This column is dedicated to another quality local small business. Usually, one we don’t think much of until something goes wrong. But boy, when we need them, we really need them. This column is dedicated to Chet’s Plumbing and Heating.

As I have said before, this isn’t an advertisement for Chet’s. This is not an affiliate piece, or in any way endorsed by them. Heck, to be fair, they don’t even know I am doing this. I do it this way on purpose. This is my opinion, based on my experience with a business, and the decision to do this is purely my own. I provide it both as a recognition of great local companies, and while hopefully providing you some useful information. Enough said.

As the name implies, Chet’s is a business that provides a full range of services in the areas of both plumbing, as well as heating and cooling. They cater to both residential and commercial customers, and are well adept at repairs, new construction, and remodeling.

I have been a customer of Chet’s for almost 20 years, if memory serves me well. For sure more than 16, when my current house was built. Not only have I used them for new construction, but also for service calls, as well as a current scheduled proactive replacement project.

When the time comes to handle emergency repairs, which always seem to happen at the most inopportune times, Chet’s 24/7 service has been a lifesaver. They have always been prompt, and not only met their promised schedule time, they often beat them.

A call to the main office during business hours starts off with a conversation with Marilyn, who gives you the distinct impression that she is the real powerhouse behind the business. I have no data to back this up, but I am a tremendous judge of character.

Marilyn talks to you with the skill of a 9-1-1 dispatcher, crossed with the demeanor of your favorite bartender. You get the distinct impression that, if need be, she could probably talk you though any repair right there over the phone. Her courteous, professional, and expert handling of your call leaves you with the confidence that your experience is starting off right.

You don’t just have the option of calling, but can also stop by their 2,400 square foot showroom at 3001 Hoover Road in Stevens Point to take a look at their line of quality projects and installation ideas. They carry the well known and quality brands you may be looking for, such as Kohler, Delta, Moen, American Standard, and more.

My latest encounters with Chet’s started with an issue of a quickly diminishing hot water pressure dilemma. A prompt and friendly plumber, we’ll just call him Jim – because that’s his name, stopped by to diagnose the problem. 

After some CSI worthy investigation, he located the issue. I say “CSI worthy” because, like the TV show, he was insightful, entertaining, and solved the problem in less that one hour. By the time he was done, not only was the problem fixed, but you could not tell that he had completed a rather masterful quality repair.  He also gave me some sage advice for the future, which now involves replacing my aging water heater proactively.

To be honest, Jim has not been the only plumber to grace my doorstep. Just the latest.  Anyone from Chet’s that has come to my home has been absolutely great.

I am sure there are other quality plumbing and Heating & cooling outfits in the area, and this is not a knock on them. I am just sold on Chet’s, and as long as they continue to serve me well, they can expect a loyal customer out of me.

Is Chet’s the cheapest around? Eh, no. In all candor, while you may be able to secure a more [shall we say] discount outfit that may meet your needs, I am reticent enough to believe that you usually get what you pay for. My first world lifestyle means that I expect reliable water, plumbing, and a comfortable temperature in which to live; summer or winter. I know that I pay for this, and am content to do so.

In an occasion of serendipity, my first small business column about Mr. Brew’s Taphouse came out at the same time as when they themselves were experiencing their own plumbing issue. Who fixed it? You guessed it, Chet’s. The manager there agreed with my assessment of our go-to firm.

So, if your air conditioning is blowing hot air, the pipes are rattling and leaking, or you want to crawl in your ice box just to stay warm on a cold night (I kid – don’t do that), Chet’s may be just the outfit you are looking for to perform a quality, on-time project. Keep them in mind.  They are family owned and local.

So, with that, let’s meet in the opinion section to talk about all of it, boldly, honestly, and with a healthy respect for each other, along with all the creature comforts that our great nation has to offer. Until then, God bless.