Service Company Spotlight: Elmer Schultz Service INC

In each issue of The Town Times, we’ll be spotlighting an outstanding service company. Would you like to be featured in an upcoming issue? We’d love to hear about it at platinumnews@partstown.com

ELMER SCHULTZ SERVICE INC – Insight and Innovation Driving the Way

Elmer Schultz was an electrician by trade. When he started, most appliances were fully electric, so if one went down, an electrician would need to be called. Appliance repair wasn’t a true field yet and Elmer realized this niche market was the perfect opportunity.

In 1950, he decided to take the plunge and start Elmer Schultz Service with his main customer focus being commercial kitchen equipment repair. He grew the business for many years, then passed leadership to his son-in-law Bill Mallon. Fifteen years ago, Bill passed that crown to his son Kirby Mallon. That’s right, Elmer Schultz Service is a third-generation business.

Elmer Schultz

Kirby wasn’t always sure that he wanted to follow in his family’s footsteps, but after a year of island living, he came back home to work for his dad. It quickly became apparent that owning his own business and being his own boss was what he truly wanted to do.

At that time, there weren’t training companies available to future techs, so Kirby went to HVAC school. There, he learned about electricity and equipment, which helped cultivate his knowledge of the industry. After school Kirby began his career as a trainee technician, hitting the road and providing service to all the customers he could. From there, he became a dispatcher, then a shipper, until eventually he had worked every job within the company before buying the business from his father.

Ownership hasn’t changed Kirby. He still has his jumpsuit at the ready to assist in the field whenever his techs need him.

One amazing thing about Elmer Schultz Service is their ability to see where the business is going to capitalize on growth opportunities before most others in the industry. The business expanded into refrigeration just 15 years ago as they originally only had a hot side and certified installation division. Due to their ASA knowledge, technicians would often see refrigeration equipment installed improperly. They realized they could fill this need as well.

This insight is due largely to the leadership of Kirby and his wife Amber. Kirby convinced Amber to leave her CMO position to help run Elmer Schultz Service, and it’s safe to say that was the best decision for them both.

Kirby & Amber

Kirby largely attributes his ability to navigate the industry to CFESA. The Commercial Food Equipment Service Association helps the industry with hands-on extensive training programs for food equipment service technicians, management and more. Kirby and Amber are huge supporters of CFESA since Elmer was one of the six founders of the organization. He helped create an association that has given generations of techs the training and community support they need to further their careers.

Elmer Schultz Service has integrated their technician training with CFESA. Back in the day, a trainee would ride with a seasoned tech for six to nine months before getting their own truck. Thanks to CFESA, they are able to cut that time in half.

“After a month or two on the job we send the trainees down to CFESA HQ. They take EGSW (Electric, Gas, Steam and Water Quality) classes for a week. This training gives them support and confidence,” says Kirby.

What’s next for Elmer Schultz Service? They are focused on organic growth and expansion beyond their current area of Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey. There’s no need for a sales team when word of mouth and reputation have served them this long. An 85% first-call fix rate, experienced technicians, the right tools and proper part knowledge aid in their growth.

To learn more about Elmer Schultz visit this link.