Klebs Mechanical Inc.: growing company offers unique lineup of services for residential and commercial applications.

• Author: Cutler, Debbie
• Position: 2004 Corporate 100 Profile - Company Profile

When Gary Klebs, president and founder of Klebs Mechanical Inc., moved to Alaska in 1.981, he hadn't envisioned owning his own business. "It was the early '80s and things were booming," Klebs recalled. "Banks were loaning a lot of money." This encouraged Klebs to go into business for himself.

On Jan. 1, 1986, Klebs Mechanical Inc. was born. "I was chief cook and bottle washer," said Klebs. "My wife at the time did the books. It was just the two of us working out of the house. I bought a brand new pick up, purchased a business license with insurance and was open for business. I worked that way for two years. It was feast or famine. At first it was primarily sheet metal work, installing heating and ventilating systems in commercial buildings. I worked around the state and made good money. Then I'd get home and have to start the bid process on another project. I'd work two months then finish. Bid on another project and wait two months for the decision. It was slow, busy, slow, busy."

In 1988, Klebs decided to take the next step toward growing his business by hiring his first employee. "It was a major step. I felt very responsible hiring somebody, however that led to more work and the need for more space." In 1991, Klebs bought his current location, 2261 Cinnabar Loop, a 5,000-square foot, two story building in South Anchorage. It houses the administrative staff, commercial department, residential service and the sheet metal fabrication shop.

"In 1994 we became a Lennox dealer," said Klebs. "That's when we really took off with the service department and residential work. Up until then, we were primarily commercial sheet metal." In 1997, Klebs started working on commercial plumbing projects and by the year 2002 had added the Trane line of products. "Having the two industry leaders, Lennox and Trane, being offered by one company was a step in the right direction. I think we're probably the only one in the state doing residential heating installation, residential and commercial service of heating and air conditioning systems, commercial sheet metal fabrication and installation and complete commercial plumbing installations all under one roof." With a fleet of over 35 vehicles, Klebs services the Anchorage, Eagle River and Girdwood communities plus statewide projects.

About 70 percent of Klebs' business is in commercial projects. Roughly 20 percent is in the residential installation of new furnaces and boilers and the remaining 10 percent is...