What started as a joke in passing quickly turned into the merger of two long-standing community businesses, DW Mechanical doing business as Terpstra Plumbing, Heating, and Electrical and Sully Plumbing and Heating. As of May 1, Derrick Terpstra and Weston Glienke, owners of DW Mechanical DBA Terpstra Plumbing, Heating, and Electrical, are the new owners of Sully Plumbing and Heating, previously owned by Harlan and Ronda Van Wyhe.
In the fall of 2023, Harlan and Derrick’s daily business operations crossed paths at a Grinnell supply store. Harlan had a lot on his mind trying to figure out how he was going to recover from carpal tunnel surgery on both hands and keep up with the grind of running a successful business. Knowing the amount of work Sully Plumbing and Heating had ahead, Harlan asked if Terpstra Plumbing, Heating, and Electrical would be willing to assist in service calls. Derrick immediately responded with, “Absolutely, whatever you need.” As Harlan exited, he jokingly told Derrick in passing, “or just buy me out and I won’t have to worry about it.” It did not take long for Derrick to capitalize on the offer. Harlan was not even out of the parking lot when a text from Derrick came through expressing his and Weston’s interest in merging the two companies.
From there, the business owners continued conversation to the point a deal was finalized.
Derrick and Weston, who purchased Derrick’s family’s multi-generational plumbing and heating business in January of 2023, saw the value in Harlan’s offer. They were excited to take over the reins of another successful plumbing and heating company that has been serving the community for decades. And for the Van Wyhes, the merger came at just the right time and still allows Harlan to be involved in the day-to-day operations.
On April 30, Derrick, Weston, and Harlan met after business hours and signed papers. May 1 was the first official day Sully Plumbing and Heating operated as DW Mechanical dba Terpstra Plumbing, Heating and Electrical. All Sully Plumbing and Heating employees are still on the payroll, and Derrick and Weston hope to add on more employees in the near future as expansion of client base and services continues.
While both companies have been serving the plumbing and heating industry for decades, they also have specialized training and clientele in other areas, which expand the offerings as a joint company. Derrick is a master electrician and has offered electrical services at Terpstra Plumbing, Heating, and Electrical for well over 20 years. Sully Plumbing and Heating has been in the deep and shallow well water business, a division of the business that will continue to be offered.
Another major change the merger brings in order to best serve customers is the addition of Saturday hours of the hardware store at the Sully Plumbing and Heating location on the southwest corner of the Sully square. The hardware store is now open Saturdays from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. The new owners will gauge customer interest and demand of the Saturday hours and make changes to the weekend availability as needed.
Also staying in the current location is Ronda’s insurance office as she will continue to rent the front office area as an insurance broker for Van Wyhe Insurance Services. Signage changes will eventually come, but right now the focus is on merging the two businesses as seamlessly as possible. All parties involved in the transition are showing customers through their work that the same quality and dependable service both companies have a reputation for will continue and strengthen operating as one.
“We want to thank everyone for their support in this transition,” said Derrick. “We know it is always scary seeing major change in a small community like we are. Our hopes are that by teaming up, we can stay on top of our customer needs to serve them more quickly than we have been able to in the past. Although the name is changing, the faces will remain the same, and we hope that we see the continued support of the community.”
Harlan echoes the asset it will be to work as one company. “Joining both companies together will allow us to provide better service to our customers,” said Harlan. The former owner is far from retirement, as he has been asked as news about the business merger has spread. Retirement is far from his mind as Harlan’s 20-plus years in the plumbing and heating industry is an invaluable attribute in the merger and moving forward. One of Harlan’s main tasks includes the expansion of the hardware store. As he looks ahead to this next chapter, Harlan reflects on the many relationships he’s built within the industry. “After 20-plus years, I would like to thank each and every employee that worked with me to build the business to what it is today. And also, to the customer base – from contractors to personal accounts, your business was and will be appreciated in the future.”
For any plumbing, heating, electrical, or well-digging needs, one community-oriented company with well over 75 years of combined service is ready and willing to serve you. Contact DW Mechanical DBA Terpstra Plumbing, Heating, and Electrical by stopping by either location in Sully (507 4th St.) or Lynnville (507 East St.), by phone – 641-527-2396 or 641-594-3400, or by email, [email protected].
