Celebrating a century of service

Blythe changes with the times

by Christopher Key

It is still fairly unusual for human beings to live to the age of 100. It is even more unusual for local businesses to do so. In doing that, Blythe Plumbing and Heating has weathered two world wars and several smaller ones, a depression, a handful of recessions, and the intrinsic ups and downs of the construction industry. Anyone who has lasted one tenth that long can tell you it’s no mean feat.

Arthur J. Blythe founded the firm in 1904 along with C. J. Christopher. The latter gentleman was a real piece of work whose real love was for prospecting. When he had enough money, he would disappear from the business for a couple of years and come back only when his grubstake ran out. Blythe was the steady hand on the tiller and apparently took Christopher back into the firm every time he showed up, hat in hand.

Originally located on Holly Street, the firm was also located on Prospect Street before settling into a storefront at 1313 Railroad Avenue, where it would remain for 55 years. The peripatetic Christopher was dropped from the firm’s name in 1916 and for a short time it was known is Dupar – Blythe. In addition to serving as a plumbing contractor, the company was also the agent for the White Sewing Machine Company. It became A. J. Blythe Plumbing and Heating in 1923.

A. J.’s son Steward began working his way into the business in the 1930s, while the firm was struggling through the Great Depression. Stew, as he was known, became president of the company in 1960 and the current name was adopted in 1965. Four years later, Blythe Plumbing and Heating moved to its present quarters at the corner of Humboldt and Virginia Streets.

Stew Blythe sold the business to David J. Siden and David C. Morse, Jr., in 1974. Siden retired in 1991 and Morse, who prefers being called D. C., took over as president. Siden’s son and grandson both work at the company. The son, Mike, is currently presiding over the firm’s work at the new Lummi School.

D. C.’s son, Dave Morse III, joined the company in 2001.

Since 1988, the company has been a full service mechanical contractor with HVAC (Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning), sheet metal and commercial refrigeration departments. Dave III, as he is known at the office, has degrees in both mechanical engineering and business administration. D. C. is theoretically retired, although he remains an active adviser to his son.

Dave III shares ownership of the company with longtime employees Jim Hill, Mike Rorvig, John Harris and Ed Satushek. D. C. has firm opinions about why the firm has lasted 100 years.

“It’s our ethic of fairness,” he said. “We treat employees, customers and suppliers fairly. We reinvest profits in the company and expand as opportunities become available. We never bite off more than we can chew. There are lots of plumbers, quite a bit of rivalry and competition. We stick with our beliefs in fairness.”

Since D. C. bought the company, sales volume has expanded by a factor of ten and the number of employees has risen from 12 to nearly 50.

“Our biggest asset is our quality staff,” D. C. said. “Both the workers in the field and the people in the office. Our turnover is very low and there’s a reason for that. Our employees are our friends. Above average compensation is just a part of it. We provide the best possible work environment with all the latest safety equipment and up to date tools. We give clear direction and recognition of excellence.”

Blythe has achieved enviable stability over the years.

“We try to maintain a more steady work load,” D. C. said. “Too many businesses hire a lot of people during boom times and lay them off when things get tough. If you depend on just the big jobs, there will always be that cycle of boom and bust. Small jobs and repair work keep our people working steadily. We have a very loyal customer base. More than half our jobs are negotiated rather than coming in by low bid.”

The company trades on its reputation and repeat business.

“This is a fantastic location,” D. C. said. “It’s centrally located, close to I-5, and we obviously don’t depend on drive-by business.”

That reliance on repeat business also informs their marketing approach.

“We believe in performing our work very well and earning repeat business rather than plastering our name all over the place,” D. C. said.

There are photos of the company founders in the conference room and some old advertisements to help keep the company in touch with its long history.

“The roots of the business are in plumbing and piping,” D. C. said. “In the old days, heat came from hot water or steam, all of which involved pipes. There was no forced air heat. Plumbers charged about 75 cents an hour. It’s closer to $75.00 an hour these days.”

With the addition of the sheet metal, HVAC and refrigeration divisions, Blythe Plumbing and Heating can handle all of the working systems of a building. Design/build has become the paradigm for the construction industry.

“We have a complete design staff now, with all the latest CAD capabilities,” D. C. said.

One of the challenges is keeping up with changes in technology and material design.

“Most of our remodels have older systems that work,” Dave III said. “But prior to the 1980s, air conditioning was not common. Now, it’s the norm. Air quality is a priority. Ventilation standards have increased.”

Domestic plumbing hasn’t changed much in the past 20 years.

“There are now a lot of water saving fixtures and a lot of the material changes have come on account of cost-efficiency,” D. C. said. “Changes in heating technology have been much more rapid as a result of energy conservation efforts. We used to throw a lot of stuff in the garbage. Now, our recycle volume exceeds our waste stream.”

Most of the material changes have been driven by customer demand. HVAC has been driven by the desires of customers, as well. Technological innovation has been in response to that.

“Our customer base includes commercial, industrial, institutional, residential and agricultural,” D. C. said. “We’re doing a lot of refrigeration facilities for berry, potato and bulb farmers.”

The biggest challenges currently facing the business are socioeconomic issues.

“Governmental rules, regulations and taxes drive costs up,” D. C. said. “In 2003 alone, our costs per man hour for payroll taxes and insurance increased by more than $2. None of those increases came about as a result of claims. Our unemployment insurance rates and L & I rates are well below industry averages. It’s mind boggling how costs go up. Of course, it’s reflected in our pricing structure and the costs are ultimately borne by customers.”

D. C. sold his interest in the business to Dave III and the four others this past year.

“Dave III is now the majority owner and the others are key employees with managerial responsibilities,” D. C. said. “The transition of ownership has not altered the operation in any way. Stew bought the business from his Dad, just like we’re doing. It’s not just handed on. I’m remaining as advisor for at least the next five years.”

Dave III started as a shop laborer in 1988 and basically grew up with the business. At his father’s urging, he got some outside experience with a Seattle mechanical contracting firm before returning to Bellingham.

“It was understood by the company I worked for that I would eventually come back here,” Dave III said. “I strongly recommend getting outside experience to anybody in a family business. Dad and I are great friends, respect each other and enjoy working together. We can also disagree and challenge each other.”

Dave III’s brother Judson recently joined the firm as assistant service manager.

“I feel like the economy is finally turning around,” D. C. said. “While there has been a boom in residential construction, there’s been a lack of private commercial projects. GP and Intalco cutbacks definitely hurt the economy. We’re fortunate that the refineries have continued capital expenditures. Now, we’re seeing an increase in commercial construction, particularly in design/build.”

Whatever the economy does, it’s very likely that Blythe Plumbing and Heating has weathered something like it before. That’s not an insignificant confidence builder for a business about to embark on its second century.