MEET JIM & DUDE'S
BY: CHRIS PARCHER, CONTENT STRATEGIST, MORTARR
A happy workplace is a workplace with clean air, steady temps, and flushing toilets. Entrusted with the hopes, dreams, and bowels of Mortarr employees was Jim & Dude’s Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning. And did they ever deliver. While their work won’t be the first thing you notice when entering the new HQ, stay for longer than five minutes and you’ll be singing the praises of Jim and the Dude (no relation to Lebowski).
Based out of Albert Lea, Minn. since 1972, there was no one better for the job. We chatted with J&D’s owner Dennis Bergstrom to get his perspective on the Mortarr HQ project and to learn more about the man leading the charge of these MVP’s.
What do you love most about what you do?
Dennis – I get a lot of satisfaction from serving clients in effort to provide a high value, high quality solution to their heating, cooling, and plumbing needs.
What do you find most inspiring about the work that you do?
Dennis – By far, being able to work with so many great clients, and provide the best solution for their needs.
Dennis, what interested Jim & Dude’s in the HQ project?
Dennis – The Historic Bank Building is the most significant historic landmark in our city. This was a terrific opportunity to assist in revitalizing it, which will be extremely significant for our downtown, and our entire community. It has been a diamond in the rough for decades, and now will be the crown jewel of the downtown.
What was a challenge for your team on the HQ project?
Dennis – Definitely integrating all the latest plumbing and HVAC systems technologies into a century old structure, while maintaining the character of the building.
When working on a historic building project how do you stay true to the intricacy of the building, but bring it into the 21st century?
Dennis – We were able to accomplish this by utilizing all high efficiency equipment and fixtures, along with traditional style materials.
Lastly, what are you listening to, reading or watching right now?
Dennis – Listen – Mostly talk radio; read – industry periodicals; and watch – Suits and The Voice.
Thanks for your time Dennis!
