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2013 Wisconsin Family Business of the Year Award Winner

Ron’s Refrigeration & Air Conditioning, Wisconsin Rapids – Grand Award – Small Company Category

This nomination starts out. .. “One of my favorite quotes from Vince Lombardi is, ‘I firmly believe that any man’s finest hour, the greatest fulfillment of all that he holds dear, is the moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle … victorious.”‘

While one might think this quote relates only to athletes, it holds true to all aspects of life, including work. In 1973, Ron and Bonnie Manci moved from Wausau to Wisconsin Rapids. With $900 in their checking account, a 1968 red Chevy pick-up truck, and three young children, they started Ron’s Refrigeration & Air Conditioning out of their rented home. They spent countless hours building their business, focusing on the customer.

Today, Ron’s engineers and installs all types of HVAC, refrigeration, electrical, vegetable storage, and temperature control systems. The day-to-day operations are managed by Ron and Bonnie’s children, Tim, Eugene, and Tammy Salewski. Ron’s has been a family business since day one. They put their family first but taught their children that the business, its employees, and customers were part of that family.

The three siblings grew up in the business sweeping floors, breaking down boxes, and helping with deliveries. They worked in all capacities in the business, learning a strong work ethic from their parents along the way. They are passing on those same habits and traits to the third generation.

Ron and Bonnie insisted that all family members coming into the business work outside the business before joining the company. They all attained college degrees, worked in outside companies, and rejoined the business.

Ron and Bonnie always made sure that their employees were successful and prospered. They have always provided an excellent wage and benefit package and work environment. They are also flexible when employee needs arise at home. They know that their employee’s success and that of their business starts with their family’s needs being tended to first.

Ron’s has always supported the communities they work in donating annually to nonprofits including the Opportunity Development Center, The Family Center, The Food Pantry, and the American Cancer Society. In addition, all the owners serve on nonprofit boards including the Opportunity Development Center, Riverview Hospital, The Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association, and the Assumption Foundation.

This year Ron’s Refrigeration & Air Conditioning is celebrating 40 years of success providing service to Central Wisconsin. They stated in the nomination that if they won, it would be a gift to their parents, honoring them for their insight, hard work, and commitment. Well … you did it!!

http://familybusinessaward.com/images/joomgallery/PDF/Rons%20Refrigeration%20Profile.pdf