Business Spotlight: ASEC

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It's Monday morning and Dennis and Toni Orsburn, owners of ASEC in Springfield, are waiting on a steady stream of customers. |ret||ret||tab|

They drop off an airless sprayer, air compressor, pressure washer, generator or another small- to medium-sized piece of hydraulic equipment that needs to be repaired. Others stop in to pick up a piece of equipment that's been fixed. |ret||ret||tab|

Almost everyone takes a few minutes to visit with the Orsburns and grab a few cookies from one of the three large cookie jars at the service counter. |ret||ret||tab|

The Orsburns founded ASEC in 1993. During the past nine years, the company has grown steadily, and this year, Dennis Orsburn predicts gross sales will exceed $250,000. |ret||ret||tab|

"I sold paint for 19 years and serviced airless sprayers on the side," he said. "I always wanted to have my own business, though."|ret||ret||tab|

Orsburn's desire to start his own business came to fruition one day when he came across 100 square feet of retail space that was for rent on South Scenic. After looking around the place, he called his wife and told her he'd found the perfect spot to start their own business. |ret||ret||tab|

Toni Orsburn, meanwhile, was just wrapping up a bad day at work, and it didn't take a lot of persuasion for her to agree to quit her job so they could open their own business. |ret||ret||tab|

On Nov. 1, 1993, the Orsburns opened Airless Spray Equipment Co., which specialized in repairing and servicing airless sprayers. Nine months later, they hired Danny Hodges, an experienced mechanic who became the company's service manager. |ret||ret||tab|

Hodges' expertise allowed the Orsburns to expand their business, and ASEC soon began repairing and servicing retail and industrial lines of equipment such as air compressors, pressure washers, generators, air nail guns and other small- to medium-sized hydraulic tools. The Orsburns also shortened the company's name to ASEC and relocated to a nearby 1,000-square-foot building.|ret||ret||tab|

In 1995, the company moved to its current location at 2305-E W. Vista, which spans 2,500 square feet. The additional space allowed the Orsburns to expand their business again, and ASEC soon began servicing all brands of airless sprayers as well as small- to medium-sized hydraulic equipment. |ret||ret||tab|

The company also became an authorized service center for many of equipment manufacturers such as Wagner, Campbell-Hausfeld and Coleman. |ret||ret||tab|

Because ASEC is an authorized service center, Dennis Orsburn and Hodges must attend training seminars held by each equipment manufacturer, which teach them about the company's latest products and service techniques. ASEC also stocks a wide variety of parts from each manufacturer, which allows Orsburn and Hodges to complete repairs quickly. |ret||ret||tab|

"I'd say 90 percent of the equipment we get is turned around in 48 hours," said Orsburn. "If a professional painter comes in, we've been known to turn things around in two to four hours."|ret||ret||tab|

ASEC also provides quick turnaround to customers who live outside the Springfield area so they don't have to make two trips, Orsburn said. In addition, ASEC provides its customers with free repair support by phone.|ret||ret||tab|

"I encourage customers to call ahead," he said. "A lot of times, we can diagnose the problem and the customer can fix it right there in the field so they don't lose any time."|ret||ret||tab|

Providing speedy service and phone support has helped the Orsburns expand their customer base, which now extends in a 250-mile radius from Springfield. In addition, the company still provides service to many customers who now live out-of-state. |ret||ret||tab|

"We do good work, and people just pass our name along to their friends," said Orsburn.|ret||ret||tab|

ASEC does all the service and warrantee work for airless sprayers, air compressors, pressure washers, generators, air nail guns and other hydraulic tools purchased at Lowe's and Home Depot in Springfield and four Home Depot stores in the Kansas City area, according to Orsburn. |ret||ret||tab|

"There's other companies in the Kansas City area that do this type of work, but they'd rather send it here," Orsburn added. "I think that says something about the way we do business. We're Christians. We're not out to gouge anybody. We just want to make an honest living."|ret||ret||tab|

The Orsburns also believe in working hard. Although ASEC is open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday, Orsburn said he often works 10 to 14 hours per day because he believes in giving his customers the best service possible.|ret||ret||tab|

Giving the best service possible has helped the Orsburns build a loyal customer base. ASEC doesn't have any direct competitors in the Springfield area, Orsburn said, but that may change in the future.|ret||ret||tab|

Keeping an eye towards the future also sees the Orsburns planning ahead. In fact, they're currently in the process of developing a succession plan for their business.|ret||ret||tab|

"I'd like to keep the business in the family," said Orsburn. "As far as I'm concerned, Danny is family. I'd like to see him and his son, and possibly my son, keep this place running when we decide it's time to retire."|ret||ret||tab|

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