CANFIELD –Professional Engine Systems Inc sold a record 100 new generators in 2020 – about four times what it normally does in a year, says Angela Vincent, controller. The company focuses on commercial, industrial and residential generators.
Vincent attributes the sales to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the company’s employees, she says.
“The support and solidarity for one another created a strong foundation to accommodate such growth and improvement in the business,” Vincent says. “Every customer has a different set of problems, and we’re fortunate enough to have competent staff to find creative solutions for those problems.”
Mid-year, the company launched an initiative to educate customers on the importance of maintenance plans, which drove a 20% increase in maintenance business the rest of the year, she adds. That and the sales increase led to hiring staff in sales, service and parts. Services include meeting customers’ needs for home and business during power outages.
Company President Bill Hendricks ensured employees and customers were safe during the pandemic by following government guidelines, listening and responding to workers’ concerns, sharing COVID-related updates and being proactive in having employees tested.
The company also launched a Virtual Generator Consultation option that allowed for continued customer service while following social distancing and safety protocols. Through the safety precautions, Professional Engine Systems was able to remain open through 2020, Vincent says.
“This past year has given us a new outlook and a renewed sense of gratitude for the employees, customers and the community,” she says. “We have learned to always be prepared, continue putting staff and customers first, and implement a contingency/emergency response plan in the event of a pandemic or societal shutdown.”
In December, the company started a new annual tradition of collecting donations for the Mahoning County Dog Pound.