History

In 1974 John H. Pleune decided to go into business for himself. What he knew well was the heating and cooling business. John had worked in this industry for several years for other contractors.

What John had to offer wasn't so very different from the services that his previous employers provided. What was different was John's approach to excellence and his determination to leave behind a satisfied customer.

In order to keep all his customers well satisfied, John needed help, so he hired on Cal Nagelkirk. (The two of them had worked together previously for another contractor).

So they set their standards high, and worked hard improving service and small unit replacements to their growing customer base. In 1976 they hired their first construction installer.

The company was originally located on Chicago Drive. In late 1975 they decided to move and the business resided on South Division Avenue in Grand Rapids. By the end of the 1970's the company had grown to 37 employees and was doing approximately nine hundred thousand dollars a year in business. In 1981 Pleune Service Company moved to 750 Himes Street, our current address.

In 1982 John purchased Liberty Sheet Metal and brought most of their shop employees into the Pleune Service Company, bringing the employee base to almost 100 employees.

By the end of 1983 the company was in financial difficulty and had to permanently lay-off 30 employees. Through a lot of hard work and a change in strategy, over time they were able to pull the company out of the ashes. By the end of the 1980's Pleune Service Company was doing five-million dollars a year in business.

John Pleune decided to become a full Mechanical Contractor and to maintain a slow steady growth. The main focus was in construction and service, soon adding piping, plumbing, electrical and controls division.

In the mid 1980's a profit sharing program was introduced. John wanted to give something back to his employees who stuck it out with him through the difficult times. Realizing this was only a small means of repayment, he also decided to begin a 401(k) program so employees could begin saving for their future retirement and the company could also make a contribution on their behalf. In 1988 John Pleune sold 30 percent of the company shares to the employees- thus the start of the ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan).

In the early 1990's Pleune Service Co. experienced a slowdown. At this time John did not want to let anyone go, so he went to his employees and explained the company's situation. The employees suggested that they should all do what they could to help the company, and with a voluntary contribution from everyone, including financial sacrifices, the company was back on its feet within a six month period. At this time, John decided he wanted to repay these loyal employees the money they so willingly relinquished during this temporary set-back, and he did.

Within a year, Pleune Service restructured its Management approach and positioned themselves to meet the growing economy. In 1997, John Pleune, pleased with his company's success, decided to put his five-year retirement plan in place. He mentored his Management Team for the upcoming change. He structured each department as it's own profit center and made each individual accountable for their own success. By the end of the 1990's, Pleune Service had an employee base of 150 and was structured for doing business at the rate of 20 million dollars a year.

In the year 2000, Pleune Service Company had celebrated 25 years in business. Always prepared for the next step, John continued his journey towards retirement and employee ownership. In February 2002, John's dream came to light. His Management team was in place and ready to take on the task they had been prepped for, and John's five year plan to retirement was realized. Pleune Service Company purchased the remaining 70 percent of company shares held by John, making Pleune Service Company a 100 percent Employee Owned Company.

It has been a fast five years, with 2007 just on the horizon. Pleune has finished a large construction job at Resurrection Life Church. The project involved 40,000 feet of steel pipe and 265,000 pounds of sheet metal. Currently, Pleune is working with CSM Group to complete the Otsego Public Schools project which will be the largest project Pleune has ever completed. With too many other projects to mention here, Pleune Service Company continues to grow successfully in both the Service and Construction Departments. We can readily attribute this to our family of “employee owners” as we strive to remain “the best company to work for and to work with!”