Having lived in the Drayton area all their lives, John and Stephanie Klaassen always had a desire to run their own family business.
After apprenticing for three years under Wally Cunningham, of Cunningham Plumbing and Heating, John jumped at the opportunity to start his own business after Cunningham retired.
With John’s mechanical mind and ability to fix and repair most things and Stephanie’s bookkeeping skills – thanks to the assistance of family friend Emily DeMol – in 2004 the family opened Klaassen Mechanical and Plumbing and they haven’t looked back since.
Three important elements of their business are local ownership, expertise and personalized service.
John believes these attributes have made the business successful and a valuable asset to the Township of Mapleton.
Whether it’s new construction, repair work and/or renovation work – whatever the project, big or small – Klaassen Mechanical Plumbing offers maintenance and repair for both commercial and residential clients.
Although the bulk of their business is considered commercial (meeting contractors’ plumbing requirements), they maintain individual residential calls are equally important.
“There’s nothing worse than a plugged drain on a Sunday night,” empathizes John, adding that is just one of the reasons the business offers emergency response 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Klaassen Mechanical and Plumbing also sells quality water heaters, water softeners and new plumbing fixtures, including faucets, toilets, bathtubs and sinks.
They feature a wide range of economy to high-end products from top manufacturers such as Moen, American Standard, Mirolin, Kindred Sinks, Gerber, Mansfields and Kohler.
John notes the sales division is an important aspect of the business since it provides clients a convenient and personalized experience, which in turn saves them time and money.
Consultations for upscale bathroom projects can be booked, and may include a manufacturer’s showroom tour, so clients can see and choose exactly what they want.
In the past the business has experienced steady growth, which is very rewarding, but John’s number one challenge has been organizing the workload and prioritizing service calls so customers’ needs are met in a timely fashion.
He explained a plugged toilet and broken water line are on the same level when considering who gets served first.
John’s goal has always been to build a local, family company that supports and services the needs of Mapleton Township but remains small enough to provide efficient, personalized service.
Last summer he welcomed his son Liam to the team.
Being part of their community means more than just business to the Klaassen family.
John and Stephanie have served as directors for the Drayton Mapleton Agricultural Society for the roots and vegetables portion of the fair for the past five years.
Stephanie also volunteers at school and church and is a stay-at-home mom.
John and Stephanie have six children and in 2012 their first grandson, Jacob, was born to John Henry and Erica Klaassen.
They operate their business from their home on Wellington Road 11, just north of Drayton.
Give them a call at 519-638-2106 when considering your next renovation or home construction project or when you find yourself in need of an experienced plumber.
