In this day and age, it can be rare to see a family owned and operated business. It seems like the recipe for success is to move to a corporate model in which local stores have little to no say how they interact with the community.

That’s not the case for brothers Derrick and Kyle Hendrickson of Heber Park City Appliance. They have found success in just the opposite: connecting to the community, getting to know their clients, and treating each other with respect.

“We are part of this community. To be a part of a community you have to interact with people. Our valley has a wide range of family needs and so we try to help meet those needs,” said Kyle. Creating lasting relationships with their clients and being active in the community is a vital part of the way they do business. A relationship that is all take and no give is hard for anyone, and the same is true for a business relationship.

Over the past 35 years, Heber Park City Appliance has grown from a small store front near the Heber Valley Bank with two employees to a 20,000 square-foot retail space with over 20 employees. The business was founded by Kyle and Derrick’s father and uncle. They saw a need for repair service in Heber Valley and knowing the valley is a great place to raise a family, the older pair of Hendricksons made the leap to start their own business.

Today, the business has moved on to the next generation with Kyle and Derrick and one other business partner, Doug Giles, a brother-in-law, as one might expect in a family run business, taking the reins. Derrick and Kyle didn’t start working the family business with the intention to take it over one day. As Derrick says, “it just kind of happened” that they became more involved. Eventually, the two bought the business together and have learned to work within the family dynamic.

“It can be challenging at times when someone disagrees, but just like in any other business we have to work it out and work through it,” said Derrick.

Running a business has its ups and downs, but both brothers enjoy the sense of satisfaction that comes from providing for their families, their customers, and their employees.

“Being business owners is rewarding in that we get to see the fruits of our labors,” said Kyle. “All of this that we have created and do is to try support those around us.”

The Hendricksons are excited for the future. The move to the larger building has proven to be beneficial to their business. Now they have a greater ability to provide products for a wider arrange of clients. Also with the expansion came more warehouse space. Increase space means more purchasing power, which leads to better pricing for their clients.

“The Valley continues to grow and change. We have been blessed to have been able to grow and change with it. We are glad we provide an option for people to stay local and not have to leave the valley to get what they need for their homes,” said Kyle.

The Heber Valley Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize Heber Park City Appliance as our December Business of the month for all the efforts they have made to serve the valley and be a true community partner.