M6 | Sunday, September 26, 2021
2021 NORTHERN IOWA EMPLOYERS OF CHOICE
Globe Gazette
North Central Mechanical employees appreciated Mason City business has been operating since 2010 KAYLEE SCHUERMAN
Special to the Globe Gazette
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orth Central Mechanical has been operating since August of 2010 in the residential and commercial heating and air condition, plumbing and commercial refrigeration industry. As the business grew, Nathan realized that the business really focuses on customer satisfaction, which is only achievable by having great, happy and productive employees. Knowing this, Nathan strived to get and keep some of the best people that North Iowa has to offer. Coming from the Service side of the business and building his career with the customers, at their houses or businesses, realizes what the workers go through to get the job done on a daily basis. North Central Mechanical wanted to ensure the satisfaction of the employees, eventually leading the business to the North Iowa Employers Choice Nomination. North Central Mechanic has roughly 20 employees, some of which have been there for nearly the entirety of the business’ life. Some of the other employees have been there for five to eight years. Bartels and office manager Enid Lauritsen believes this is in part due to the appreciation shown to the staff. The company shows appreciation through: company dinners at local restaurants of the employees’ choice, out of town conventions and shows related to their line of work, golf outings and other sporting events, company paid trips for employees that go above and beyond, and potluck dinners and holiday parties that include the employees and their families. North Central Mechanical will
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When Nathan Bartels opened North Central Mechanic in 2010, he has made it his mission to make sure his employees are appreciated and treated well. randomly try to give back for excellent work and attention to detail. They have given out things as simple as new tools and gift cards all the way up to company paid trips to different destinations. “There’s just things out there that Nathan does that make you feel appreciated,” Lauritsen said. “It’s not like you’re not going to do your timecard because you’re
going to get paid, but it’s like ‘because you do this, here you are.’ It’s just little things like that that keep it kind of fun.” “These guys and girls make my job much easier than it could have otherwise been,” said Bartels. “I appreciate that, and I want them to know how much I appreciate that.” The company also tries to fo-
cus on making sure the customers are as happy as possible. Bartels guides the staff to do what is right and make sure the customer feels like they are getting what they need. North Central Mechanical makes a point to let other employees know when customers call in to express their gratitude for work that was done. This en-
courages others to do better and gives the employees a level of confidence that is hard to match without great customers that care enough to let them know. North Central Mechanical tries to bring their explanations down to the level the customer can understand. Bartels noted a letter from a recent customer describing an experience with an employee who did just that. “So he went to the extra level of understanding of how she needed to hear it, and she really appreciated that because he put it in terms that she could understand not being from the mechanical side,” said Bartels. To ensure its employees are ready to succeed within the job, North Central Mechanical conducts on-the-job training and sends its employees to an apprenticeship program for state licensing. On top of that, if an employee is looking for extra training in other courses, the business will pay for them to attend the course. For those attending in-person, North Central Mechanical will pay for their time there, as well as their hotel, travel and meal fees. Bartels also buys the tools employees need to get their job done and be safe. He also assists in providing information and listening to their needs. “We focus on keeping people safe and keeping people educated,” Bartels said. “I think all the employees, they get along well, and they help each other out whether it’s at work or at home,” said Lauritsen. “I mean, they will all come out and help with whatever, so it’s just nice that way. It’s a family environment.” North Central Mechanic employees are willing to work late and work weekends in order to meet their deadlines, and even move their schedules around to accommodate the customers. “It’s a good place of work, and we’ve got a lot of good employees,” said Lauritsen.