02 Apr 2023 Family business keeps the 501 on the move
In June 2013, 501 LIFE highlighted family-owned businesses that led the way in Central Arkansas. From auto dealerships to banks, furniture sales to pharmacies, their names alone had earned trust throughout the 501.
For our look back at Volume 6, we revisit two of those businesses, Freyaldenhoven Heating & Cooling and First Service Bank, for an update on how they remain committed to the same principles that were promoted in decades past and, still today, keep 501 on the move.
Freyaldenhoven family continues to be Central Arkansas champions of comfort
The June 2013 cover featured the young owners of Freyaldenhoven Heating and Cooling. That summer edition highlighted several businesses throughout the 501, from auto dealerships to banks, that had one thing in common — they were family owned and operated.
Ten years later, cousins John and Scott Freyaldenhoven continue to carry on the family tradition of a strong work ethic and “doing the right thing,” just as their late fathers — Buck and Bob — did when they went into business. The brothers began working together in 1970 as a small business in Bob’s garage. Two years later, the business moved into its first building on Siebenmorgen Road, and Freyaldenhoven Heating and Cooling was born.
Because of growth, the business moved to a larger facility on Front Street in 1989 in downtown Conway, and 10 years later, the founders proudly transferred ownership and day-to-day operations to their sons, John and Scott.
In the article that was published a decade ago, John and Scott pointed out the benefits of being in business with family members. “The key is our heritage and work ethic from our fathers and grandfathers,” Scott said, adding that he and John have trust in one another’s abilities. “Our basic goal is to do the right thing and take care of our customers.”
During a recent interview, he echoed that sentiment. “I believe it comes down to our motto of ‘quality is our specialty’ and ‘do the right thing.’ If you start and end your day with the concept of doing the right thing in everything you do, an inevitable by-product will be trust.”
John agreed. “We learned these core values from our fathers, and it continues to be a cornerstone in the foundation of Freyaldenhoven and who we are,” he said. The trust that Freyaldenhoven has built has resulted in expansion from Faulkner County to now servicing all of Central Arkansas.
As the business continues to grow, Scott and John have goals for their staff. “We plan to maintain our growth in leadership and continue to be the leader in the technologies of our industry and have an established training program for inexperienced individuals wanting to start a career in our industry or just improve their skill set,” Scott said.
“Being able to provide people the tools and training to be successful in a career in the HVAC industry helps everyone — the individual, the company and our customers,” John added. “We value our community and neighbors and are thankful they choose us to trust with their comfort needs in homes and businesses.”
That trust is evident when you look at the wall of awards Freyaldenhoven Heating and Cooling has received over the years. They have 10 awards from publications that were voted on by readers and have received 12 awards from Trane.
“People should know our family business has never been driven to be the biggest,” Scott said. “We just want to be the best, and taking care of our customers is the most important part of that.”
First Service family builds their legacy on a foundation of service
As we celebrate Volume 6 of 501 LIFE, we look back to June 2013 when First Service Bank had recently celebrated 50 years in business.
To mark their golden anniversary, they published a book titled “Franklin Cents” and distributed it by hand to 3,000 first-graders. In addition, staff members volunteered personal time to read the book in classrooms across the region. The fully illustrated book was the story of a boy working hard, saving money and learning financial lessons.
In the past decade, President and CEO Tom Grumbles decided a significant focus of First Service Bank (FSB) would be patriotism and supporting the needs of as many veterans in Central Arkansas as possible.
“We’re more than the bank with a big American flag. It’s part of who we are and what we stand for,” said Jon Patrom, vice president of marketing. “Our owner and employees believe that we live in the greatest country in the history of the world. We believe in our military and want to help them.”
In 2020, the bank founded the Operation Red, White, and Brave (ORWB) Foundation. The bank recognizes veterans’ sacrifices and is working to give back to those who have proudly served.
The ORWB Foundation raises money through donations and fundraising events. They learn about veterans’ needs through a simple online application with only eight questions. After verifying the need and if funds are available, they purchase needed supplies, and bank employees like to volunteer and help make requests a reality. The form can be accessed at firstservicebank.com/orwb.
The bank has committed to matching all donations to the foundation dollar for dollar.
“If you know of veterans, military personnel or their families who have a need or if they have a special wish, please send them to us. We would love the opportunity to help them,” said Foundation Board Chairwoman Rebecca Barnard.
“It is an honor to help the men and women who have served our country to protect the freedoms we hold so dear.”
In its first year, ORWB raised $80,000 and worked with Habitat for Humanity to build a house for a veteran in Little Rock. Since then, ORWB has expanded its mission to provide help to more veterans. For example, bank employees recently built a wheelchair ramp for a veteran fighting cancer. Additionally, they have installed several flag poles at homes. Last year, ORWB also made a $1,600 donation to South Side Bee Branch High School to allow students and volunteers to place more wreaths on veterans’ graves in Van Buren and Faulkner counties.
“We will work to fulfill as many requests as we can,” Barnard said.
The Foundation will host a special gala on June 15 at Herschel Hall in Greenbrier. They are seeking sponsors, and the public can purchase tickets and attend. Additionally, a golf tournament will be held on Sept. 11 at the Maumelle Country Club. Donations can be made at any FSB branch.
