1950 was a very different time. The average cost of a new home was $8,450; the average wage, $3,210; and the average new car rang in at approximately $1,510. The United States led the United Nations in the Korean War, and 12 nations agreed to the creation of NATO. Some of entertainments greats came into the world – Tom Petty, Stevie Wonder and Jay Leno. And Wyckoff Heating & Cooling came into existence.
From humble beginnings, Wyckoff Heating & Cooling has adapted to change and grown to accommodate customer needs. It’s no wonder this May marks the organization’s 65th Anniversary.
In 1950, Don Wyckoff Sr. told his wife, Mary Rose, “I quit my job to start a business.” Together with partner and former navy friend, Kenny Horn, Don formed Wyckoff-Horn Heating and Cooling Company. The two spent the next ten years doing business together and, according to Don, worked “seven years without taking a day off.”
After several successful years as a partnership, Wyckoff and Horn decided to pursue individual careers. That year, 1961, the Wyckoff’s moved their family and the business to Carlisle. He soon hired his first employee, and Don Wyckoff Heating continued to grow.
By the 1970’s Don’s 5 sons had begun to join the business. 1986 marked a milestone and proud moment for Don and Mary Rose; their five sons, Don Jr., Ron, Doak, Kyle and Tobie assumed ownership of the company Don had founded.
In 1991, Don Wyckoff Heating purchased Clark-Peterson Company where Don Sr. worked in the late ’40s. This acquisition raised the number of employees to 50.
The family tradition continued in 1998 when Don’s grandsons, Andy Wyckoff and Job Cooper became third generation owners alongside Don Jr., Ron, Doak, Kyle and Tobie.
Today, under the leadership of owners Andy and Job and with a strong family commitment, Wyckoff Heating & Cooling continues to provide central Iowans with the quality service and reputation Don Wyckoff envisioned 65 years ago.
Wyckoff’s resiliency can be attributed to many factors, but mostly to a combination of outstanding customer service and selection of quality products. Today, the company sets industry standards. Wyckoff is a ClimateMaster GeoElite Dealer, employs the most SAVE certified technicians in the state, is a two-time recipient of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America Certified Dealer award and earned the Angie’s List Super Service Award in 2012.
Customer service has become a tradition at Wyckoff Heating & Cooling. It’s something our founder, Don Sr., established 65 years ago, and it’s a commitment we will honor throughout the next 65.