This is a special column for us, as it marks our 40th year in business.
When Richard Bragg started the business in 1970, our first building was 18x24(432 square feet). He didn't have a secretary. The phone rang at his house and Mrs. Bragg took a message. There was one truck, a 1960 Ford pick-up. There were two employees, and Mr. Bragg was one of them. Before he started the business, he had been a partner with Hyman Creamer in Jackson,SC for four years. However, as new homeowners moved into the Aiken area, Mr. Bragg saw an opportunity to start his own business in Aiken.
Since that time the business has been blessed. The business is now located in a 7500 square foot building. There are 18 employees, all of which have been with the business for at least 3 years(many much longer than that). In 1970, the business had one residential builder that we did work for as well as replacement customers.
We now currently have nine residential builders that we service as well as those customers who need their systems replaced or serviced. Many things have changed since that time. We thought it might be interesting to look at some of the changes since 1970.
Event |
1970 |
2010 |
|---|---|---|
Aiken County Population |
91,023 |
154,071(2008) |
Dow Jones Average |
842 |
10,068.16 |
Federal Spending |
195.65 billion |
3.8 trillion |
Federal Deficit |
380.09 billion |
12.3 trillion |
Unemployment |
3.5% |
9.7% |
Cost of new home |
$26,600(US) |
$116,700(Aiken Co.) |
Median Household Income |
$8,734(US) |
$49,480(Aiken Co.) |
First Class Stamp |
6 cents |
44 cents |
Cost of gallon of gas |
36 cents |
$2.50 |
Average SEER rating of cooling equipment |
6 SEER |
13SEER(minimum) |
AFUE of Gas Furnace |
60 |
80(minimum) |
Price of electricity per KW |
2 cents |
12-13 cents |
Of particular pride to us, is that for every 100 businesses that were started in 1970, according to the U.S. Labor Bureau, only 5 are still in business today. We wish to thank our many customers who over the years have allowed us to serve them. And as we go forward from here, we promise to continue striving for your total satisfaction. If we can be of service, please give us a call at 648-0387. You can also reach us via the contact page on this website.
Thank You Aiken for 40 Wonderful Years!!!!!!!!