Chick Spears - the Success Story of Spears Services

Success means different things to different people. To some business owners it means reaching a financial goal and to others it might mean fame or publicity. To Chick Spears, the owner of Spears Services and East Tennessee Freezers and Coolers in Johnson City, Tennessee, success has an entirely different meaning. As he sat behind the aged wooden desk in his office lined with books and binders of all of his various projects, I asked Chick how he would define a successful business, as he leaned back in his chair and looked up at the ceiling in contemplation, he replied, "If you can pay your bills and employees you have succeeded. I do not count success as purely financial. We are all in business to make a living but also to help other people." He should know, he's been in business for himself for over 17 years and according to him, some of those years were good and some of those years were not so good.

Chick Spears went into business for himself when he had a falling out with the company that he had previously sold HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems for the previous 20 years. He said that he wanted to stay self employed and that he liked the air conditioning service and wanted to stay in the business. He built up Spears Services over the following 17 years into the company that it is today. He essentially runs two businesses out of the same office. Spears Services engineers, designs, and installs building management systems by Schneider Electric (formerly Tour Andover Controls - T.A.C.) that control everything from lighting and HVAC to security systems and door locks. He also runs East Tennessee Freezers and Coolers that provides service and installation of HVAC systems, freezers, coolers, and ice machines.

Chick says that besides setting his own hours (which is usually 50 to 60 hours per week), he likes to see others grow. He stated that his most rewarding times are watching others grow into their positions throughout the company and he also said that he gains great satisfaction from, "Seeing a job completed and working like it is supposed to."

When I asked Chick if he had one single slogan or mantra that kept he and his business on track, he smiled, tilted his head slightly, held up his finger, and replied, "Watch the pennies and the dollars will take care of themselves." He also said that the Spears Services mission statement, "To identify and respond to the needs of businesses and organizations that place their trust in our company. To provide service, repair and control systems for their buildings at the highest level of quality possible for a fair, equitable and reasonable price" and the vision statement "Spears Services is a dedicated and friendly team that is the preferred service provider for HVAC, and refrigeration service industry. We will create Raving Fans by exceeding the expectations of all of our customers and by supplying superior equipment and exceptional service. Spears Services will be an indispensable provider to all we serve" helped to keep he and his employees motivated.

According to Chick, owning his own business wasn't always success and happiness. When I asked him to talk about some challenges that he has had to overcome, he responded, "Training and realizing others do not have the same values that I have. Just because they say they can do what you need done, doesn't mean it will be done that way." The final advice that Chick had to impart on anyone that was contemplating opening their own business seemed to sum up his giving nature and true character. He simply said, "Ask yourself if you are willing to make the sacrifices necessary to succeed. Everyone gets paid before you do. You are the last one to get paid!" He smiled his unique "Chick" smile, placed his hands on his head and leaned back in his chair. Just then his phone rang and in his usual tone, he answered the phone, "Chick Spears" and began talking with another customer.

For more information on Spears Services, East Tennessee Freezers and Coolers, or Chick Spears, see their web site at www.SpearsServices.com.