H
KAMLOOPS PROFILES OF
Rapid Cool Mechanical B
oth Steve Warner and James Carr know about working late. The owners of Rapid Cool Mechanical in Kamloops, they are often called out in the middle of the night to fix a broken furnace, water line or a malfunctioning refrigeration unit on a tractor-trailer.
It’s all part of the job, they say, part of what it means to run a community-based customer-oriented business. Customers need help when they need it, not the next day.
“We strive for great customer service with competitive rates and licensed tradesmen,” says Warner. “Our team can be trusted to know their stuff, that’s why we have repeat customers. We are proud of our workmanship and our reputation.” The team at Rapid Cool is on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Warner tells of one instance last Christmas when an elderly customer called at 2 a.m. because her furnace was not working, and the house was getting uncomfortably cold. He had the furnace going in short order. “Tthe pilot light had gone out, and it was a quick fix,” he says. Likewise, Carr has had his share of midnight calls, often repairing transport refrigeration units during the bitter cold or extreme heat, when the units are most likely to break down.
“I love my job,” says Carr. “It’s important to have a passion for whatever field you’re in, I feel very fortunate to have picked a trade I enjoy.”
Weyerhaeuser. When he realized his part-time business was earning almost as much as his full-time job, he asked his wife if it was time to become an entrepreneur. She agreed. Warner joined the business in 2005 bringing his expertise in plumbing and mechanical contracting.
While Rapid Cool started largely by servicing the refrigeration and heating needs of the heavy equipment industry, it has expanded to include home and commercial heating and cooling as well as plumbing and gas fitting.
Today, installing and fixing heating and air conditioning systems forms the larger share of the company’s work. Rapid Cool employees 17 plumbers and technicians; they travel throughout the Interior doing installation and repairs. Warner says he loves the challenge the business offers.
“No home or commercial office is the same, meaning problem solving and critical thinking is always needed. I like the uniqueness of our trade, it’s not cookie cutter, every system is not the same, every house is not the same.”
“No home or commercial office is the same, meaning problem solving and critical thinking is always needed. I like the uniqueness of our trade, it’s not cookie cutter, every system is not the same, every house is not the same.”
Carr says he believes the company’s success comes from its team of employees. They all believe in perseverance, hard work and commitment to our customers. “We provide excellent service and stand behind our work,” he says.
Carr started Rapid Cool in 1992 as a part-time job while working at
PHOTO: Steve Warner and James Carr, with heating and cooling equipment on the roof of a local business.
765 Notre Dame Drive Kamloops, BC 250.374.6858 www.rapidcool.ca
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