Background Story
Eugene Washburn began servicing and installing furnaces, air conditioners, boilers and water heaters around 1992. Washburn Heating and Air Conditioning was part of the Air Serve franchise for almost a decade. Eugene and his wife Darcy operated the business from their home. After searching for several years for someone that shared his values and commitment to customer service, Eugene entered retirement December of 2014. Stephen P. VanderWerf acquired the customer base and has relocated the business from their former home to a business location at 509 South Main Street, Middlebury (across from Hardings Market). We are accessible 24 hours a day, year-round at the same phone number (574) 825-7697. Business hours at that location are currently by appointment – call and we will meet you there.
Stephen entered the heating and cooling business in 1983. He and his father Ralph VanderWerf began VanderWerf Energy, Inc. in Niles Michigan. Ralph developed his electrical contracting knowledge by specializing in Energy Management technologies and Stephen developed his knowledge of geothermal systems. Developing these niche markets helped that company stand out from the competitive Electrical and HVAC markets. In the late 1980’s, Trane, Carrier, Bryant, and Lennox approached VanderWerf Energy, Inc. within a few months of each other offering dealership opportunities. Lennox at the time had the best package for company development.
Throughout the 1980’s and 1990’s, Stephen obtained the Master Mechanical license in the state of Michigan and several localities in Indiana (Indiana does not have State licensing). Additionally, he has participated in myriads of manufacturer training and certifications and installed a vast array of residential and light commercial heating-cooling systems. In 1996, Stephen’s father and two brothers purchased his portion of VanderWerf Energy, Inc. His brother; Jim VanderWerf currently continues that legacy.
Stephen became a marketing manager for an electric utility for five years. In 2003, he created Geothermal Specailist, Inc. which employs 10+ employees serving a geographic range from the Illinois border to the west ~ Sturgis, MI to the east ~ Covert-Paw Paw, MI to the north ~ Rensselaer, IN to the south.
Stephen entered the heating and cooling business in 1983. He and his father Ralph VanderWerf began VanderWerf Energy, Inc. in Niles Michigan. Ralph developed his electrical contracting knowledge by specializing in Energy Management technologies and Stephen developed his knowledge of geothermal systems. Developing these niche markets helped that company stand out from the competitive Electrical and HVAC markets. In the late 1980’s, Trane, Carrier, Bryant, and Lennox approached VanderWerf Energy, Inc. within a few months of each other offering dealership opportunities. Lennox at the time had the best package for company development.
Throughout the 1980’s and 1990’s, Stephen obtained the Master Mechanical license in the state of Michigan and several localities in Indiana (Indiana does not have State licensing). Additionally, he has participated in myriads of manufacturer training and certifications and installed a vast array of residential and light commercial heating-cooling systems. In 1996, Stephen’s father and two brothers purchased his portion of VanderWerf Energy, Inc. His brother; Jim VanderWerf currently continues that legacy.
Stephen became a marketing manager for an electric utility for five years. In 2003, he created Geothermal Specailist, Inc. which employs 10+ employees serving a geographic range from the Illinois border to the west ~ Sturgis, MI to the east ~ Covert-Paw Paw, MI to the north ~ Rensselaer, IN to the south.