The U.S. Department of Labor recently reported that heating, venting, air conditioning, cooling and refrigeration job opportunities are at an all-time high growth rate, and women have taken notice, entering the industry in record numbers. Jodi van Haren was ahead of the curve, having started in the mechanical trades construction industry over 30 years ago.

When Jodi decided it was time to establish Advantage Mechanical Refrigeration (AMR), she realized that there wasn’t any boss, manual or standard operating procedure for her to follow. She did her research, discovered that the Michigan SBDC offered no-cost small business consulting, and was sold. 

Michigan SBDC Growth Team Business Consultants David Beeson, Brooks Kindel and Jim McLain used the Focus Four™ program to help Jodi and her leadership team refine AMR’s vision and mission operational and business planning platform, and Brooks used The Value Builder System™ to map out a transition plan for Jodi’s son Aaron to eventually take over the business.   

“Working with Brooks has been instrumental to our growth, and it’s been very helpful just to have someone to bounce ideas off of,” said Jodi. “Eventually my son will take over—it’ll be a second generation business, which is really exciting.”

“One of the best things about working with Jodi is how coachable she is. Her willingness to listen, consider and learn truly supports our mutual success,” said Brooks. He continued, “My proudest moment in working with Jodi has been helping her secure financing for a new facility, which is just beautiful. AMR outgrew where it was, and is now positioned to continue to grow in the future.” 

Grow is an understatement. The 23-year-old Cedar Springs-based company has flourished, specializing in government contracts, construction plumbing, HVAC and emergency services. AMR now has a new facility with over 34,000 square feet, 56 employees and an additional location in Tampa, Florida.