Business Spotlight: Piping, HVAC products keep Hubbell hHumming

Jack Hubbell always dreamed of owning his own business. In 1970, he decided to quit his job at a local mechanical supply company and start his own company.

Hubbell's wife, Shirley, had just given birth to twin girls, but she supported the decision, and together they founded Hubbell Mechanical Supply Co., which was originally located on East Cherry Street. Jack Hubbell was in charge of sales and service, while Shirley Hubbell fielded phone calls and kept the store's books.

The company grew quickly, and within a year, the Hubbells hired three employees. By 1973, the Hubbells were looking for new store space, and the company relocated to a five-acre tract of land at 2051 E. McDaniel St.

Over the years, competition has increased as other large wholesalers including several national chains moved in to Springfield and set up shop. However, Hubbell Mechanical Supply Co. is still one of the largest wholesale providers of industrial piping products, heating and air conditioning equipment and parts in southwest Missouri, according to Jack Hubbell.

"The economy in southwest Missouri has expanded steadily over the years, which has helped us grow the business," he said. "We've managed to maintain our market share by aggressively pursuing new niches in the market."

The company's 18 employees, including three outside-sales people, serve customers within a 100-mile radius of Springfield. These customers include hospitals, industrial plants and large educational institutions that have their own maintenance departments, as well as mechanical contractors and heating and air conditioning service companies.

Several of the company's employees have more than 10 years of tenure. However, Springfield's tight labor market has made it more difficult to find and retain qualified employees in recent years.

"You just can't walk off the street and do this job," Jack Hubbell said. "It takes a while to learn the product line and know how to answer customers' questions about things like temperature, pressure and water flow."

On average, the company carries more than $1.75 million in inventory, and the 40,000-square-foot warehouse and showroom holds more than 15,000 items, according to Jack Hubbell. The warehouse itself actually is four buildings, which stretch across the property and are connected by a series of walkways.

Recently, construction began on a fifth building. Once completed, the new building will nearly double Hubbell Mechanical Supply Co.'s warehouse space, and a new loading dock will be added

The most exciting addition to the business, however, came when the Hubbells' son, Declan, joined the business. Declan, who is a graduate of Drury University in Springfield, has worked off and on in the business since he was 13 years old and now serves as the company's sales manager.

"I'm thinking about retiring in four or five years, and when I do, I'd like Declan to take over," Jack Hubbell said. "He's already talking about opening a couple of other stores in different market areas."

In the meantime, Hubbell and his son will continue to pursue new customers and work on expanding the company's inventory.

According to Jack Hubbell, the recent dip in interest rates may spawn a glut of new construction, and he anticipates the company will continue to grow as more industrial and residential housing projects get under way in southwest Missouri.