Local Family Business Builds Up "Trustworthy" Reputation

Over two decades ago, Amy and Alan March moved to the Hartland area where they built their home and raised their five children. Twenty years later, the couple, along with their son, Forrest, 22, decided to start their own family-owned and operated business, Satisfaction Heating and Cooling.

It was a family decision based on 30 years of experience in the heating and cooling business and with the hopes of creating a legacy for their children and grandchildren, according to Amy March.

This past December, the awarded Satisfaction Heating and Cooling with the award for Best New Business for a member that has been in business less than two years.

“We were surprised and very happy,” said Amy March, a employee who takes care of bookkeeping and marketing for her family's business. “And then we were like, well, what award can we win next?”

Two years ago, in January of 2010, the family was worried about job stability for Alan March who works at Ford Motor Company. They had brainstormed other business ideas but in the end decided to go with what they knew.

“Obviously we could have put money behind another business,” March said. “But my husband said, ‘look if I’m going to do anything, I’m going to do what I’ve done for 30 years and what I know.’”

Forrest March, a 2007 graduate from , also attended Northwestern University and Henry Ford Community College, and grew up working with and learning from his father.

The father-son duo have been quickly gaining momentum and clients, mainly through word of mouth, according to March. With no actual business location, however, March says that eventually, one of their goals is to find a storefront for their growing company in Hartland.

“We don’t plan on leaving the area,” she said. “We just really need to concentrate on Hartland and get name recognition here and let people know that we are here and we’re a Hartland business and we plan on staying.”

Recommendations from clients helped the new business earn the award, with customers praising the family and the service they provide.

“What I really appreciated is they said that we were trustworthy,” Amy March said. “That really spoke volumes-- that we were honest and trustworthy and they said that the community should be happy to have us. That really kind of touched my heart.”

Jana Warford, executive director for the Hartland Area Chamber said she agrees with the community and she says that, in her own personal experience, the company was prompt and trustworthy. She has also recommended the company to her friends.

“The phrase "If you want something done, ask a busy person" rings true with Satisfaction Heating & Cooling,” Warford said in an email to Hartland Patch. “They are an exemplary business for the Hartland area and prove that by stepping up whenever they are called upon to help out at an event or endeavor. They willingly provide input to what is happening locally and take an active step to encourage change and prosperity.”