Industrial Radiator Service was featured in the NARSA member spotlight of the May/June 2020 issue of The Cooling Journal. As the official publication of NARSA, The International Heat Transfer Association, The Cooling Journal is a leading source of news, commentary and helpful information for the automotive and industrial heat exchange and diesel emissions industries.
Having joined NARSA in 2019, it is an honor to be profiled as a spotlight member only one year later. In the article, Industrial Radiator owner Chad Spence recalls what led him to start his own business, what he’s learned being a third-generation radiator shop owner, and how Industrial Radiator has been navigating the unique challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Chad names his father as his main inspiration for starting Industrial Radiator. “He just has this real entrepreneurial spirit unlike anybody I know, and I don’t say that lightly,” he said. “He taught me how to be adaptable. He taught me customer service. He taught me how to take care of customers and how to understand market demand.”
It is not uncommon for radiator experts to have grown up in the industry. Taking to heart lessons from the past while forging a new path is an ongoing challenge for those who are second- or third-generation radiator professionals. As he shared with The Cooling Journal, Chad’s approach is to stay proactive and innovative, even in the face of unexpected challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic disruptions it has caused.
“My business approach is probably what’s going to get me through this,” Chad said of the current situation. “You can’t just sit back and wait for this to pass.”
As has been detailed in previous blog posts, a key factor in Industrial Radiator’s resilience has been its ability to serve multiple essential industries. The energy sector has become a major focus over the past year, but customers in the construction, mining, healthcare, agriculture and other sectors also rely on having a knowledgeable cooling system provider to keep their equipment running efficiently and safely, even in unusual circumstances.
“Every week we’ve had jobs on the floor that are supporting infrastructure, supporting hospitals, healthcare,” said Chad. “I still love what I do, and I’m going to find a way to make it through this.”
With a diverse and loyal customer base and the ability to provide large radiators, fuel tank repair, hydraulics and aluminum welding services anywhere in the country, Industrial Radiator has come a long way in a relatively short period of time. But there is still plenty of potential to serve more organizations in more of the industries helping our country endure the considerable challenges it currently faces. As the NARSA member spotlight shows, Industrial Radiator is fueled by an ambition to match those challenges.
Looking toward the future, Chad asks “Where can we provide cooling system service for large diesel engines? Where do we see in America the next place big engines and big equipment are going to be making an impact and stirring things? How can we support them and be a part of the action?”
Click here to read the full NARSA member spotlight article in The Cooling Journal. For more information about cooling system service or to purchase complete radiators, contact Industrial Radiator today.