The Business Journal's 40 Under Forty
Profiles of 40 professionals who are making a difference in their
industry, organization and community
By KATIE HINDERER
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 Andrew
Larson |
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Gustave A. Larson Company might have been in the family
for years, but Andrew Larson has made a name for himself. As president and
chief executive officer of the large heating, cooling and refrigeration
equipment company, Larson has instituted notable change.
In 1993, after doing his "own thing" for several years,
Larson was given the opportunity to head the sales and marketing
department. He took the job and in 1998 became president of the company
his grandfather started in 1936. Larson's wife, Amy, also works at the
company. The couple's fourth child was born in January.
Since taking the reins, revenue has increased by 85
percent and the Pewaukee company has grown from 25 to 44 locations in 13
Midwestern states.
Larson also put the company online, so that clients are
able to buy direct. Now almost 6 percent of business is conducted through
the Internet, more in some locations.
An addition employees enjoy is the Fun Committee.
"We set up the Fun Committee under his direction to
build up morale," said Kay Kinney, meeting and travel coordinator and
Larson's personal assistant.
The committee, which rotates members throughout the
year, hosts different company-wide events and activities. During the
holiday season, the committee set up a giving tree, secret Santa and a
holiday feast. Larson said the committee is a great way of bring everyone
together a few times a year. The Sunshine Committee, part of the Fun
Committee, sends cards and flowers to employees for special events, like
birthdays and anniversaries.
In addition to spreading fun and sunshine, Larson
employees can be part of the Helping, Volunteering and Caring Rewards
program. This project, begun by Larson as a way to give more than money to
the community, allows employees time off with pay for volunteering.
Education is a large part of Larson's company.
"Our people are contractors, we want to teach them how
to be better contractors," he said.
Therefore, all 25 older locations are equipped with
learning centers to train clients. The new locations will eventually
contain learning centers, too.
Larson lives by the idea, "We don't sell anything, our
customers do." As a result, the company tries to help its clients improve
beyond education.
"We contribute to our customers success by providing
legendary customer service and valuable business solutions," Larson said.
To provide solutions, Larson said down with his
customers and together came up with frequently asked questions and the
best way to answer those queries.
To Larson his customer's customers, what he calls
C-squared, are critically important to his business. As a result, he
created a ready-made guide for clients on how to handle different
situations with a customer.
"Our customers and their customers think that we are
great at the basics, sincere, genuine and enthusiastic customer service,"
he said.
Not just the customer's notice Larson's dedication.
"He is a man of such integrity and fairness," Kinney
said.
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