Business of the Year
Published 9:15 am Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Glenn and Sarah Rawlings are self-described working owners of Rawlings Mechanical Corp. in Courtland. Based on their employees’ nomination, the Franklin-Southampton Area Chamber of Commerce has selected the company as Business of the Year for 2012. — STEPHEN H. COWLES/TIDEWATER NEWS
BY STEPHEN H. COWLES/CONTRIBUTING WRITER
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Kim Croak, who’s been employed at Rawlings Mechanical since 1990, sent in the nomination to the Chamber. — STEPHEN H. COWLES/TIDEWATER NEWS
COURTLAND—One sign that a business is doing well is when its employees recommend the place for recognition. That is exactly what recently happened to Rawlings Mechanical Corp. in Courtland, which specializes in plumbing, heating and air conditioning for residential, commercial and light industrial installations.
Kim Croak nominated her employer in February as the Franklin-Southampton Area Chamber of Commerce 2012 Business of the Year. The 55-year-old business has been chosen, and will be honored during the agency’s 59th annual meeting Thursday, March 28, at Cypress Cove Country Club.
“I think Glenn and Sarah deserve to be recognized because of the way they are with the community, customer service and their donations to charities. They’re just really caring people, and Glenn works hard every day,” said Croak, also speaking for her co-workers.
Charlie Lynn, a nine-year employee at Rawlings Mechanical, began on the plumbing side, before moving over to the air-conditioning facet of the business. — STEPHEN H. COWLES/TIDEWATER NEWS
Both Glenn Rawlings, company president, and his wife, Sarah, self-described working owners, are grateful to Croak not only for the nomination, but also her work.
“We depend a lot on Kim,” said Glenn, who added that he was “surprised, gratified and humbled” by the award.
“She’s our go-to girl,” said Sarah, who works in the same room. They share secretarial duties such as answering phones, doing insurance, payroll and taxes.
“It is an honor for our business to be selected,” added Glenn. “Sarah and I both look forward to having the opportunity to say thank you to my parents, our employees, our customers, our vendors and to all who have helped us and are helping us to keep our business going.”
Robert “Buck” and Irma Rawlings, his parents, began the business out of their home in 1958 in Courtland. Glenn came into the business in 1972 and became president in 1985.
The company has 12 full-time employees, including Croak, who’s been with the Rawlings since 1990.
“Not only do we hold our customers in high regard,” said Glenn, “we also hold our employees in high regard because we know it takes a team working together to keep a business going, and we know our employees are customer-oriented and strive to provide service all the way around.”
There are many criteria for choosing a business for the chamber honor. There’s the number of years in service, which was “quite an accomplishment,” said Teresa Beale, chamber executive director.
Customer satisfaction, treating them and the employees honestly and courteously, keeping up with changing technology and leadership are other noteworthy qualities, she said.
“They’re great people and a great part of our community,” Beale said.
For more information about the chamber meeting, call 562-4900.
