ST. PAUL – Lakeland Fire and Safety, a St. Paul-based family business that serves a large portion of the Lakeland, celebrated its 20-year anniversary on April 25.
The business provides fire and safety-related commercial services, such as services in fire alarm systems, kitchen suppression systems, sprinkler systems, and more. While the service side of the business is open 24/7, they also have a sales side, which involves selling fire-related products, like fire extinguishers.
During a free community barbecue to celebrate the milestone, Rick Levasseur, owner of the business since 2009, said it has been, for the most part, a fruitful journey. "We started with four employees," but have grown since then, averaging at around 15 employees, he said.
There have been many challenges, he acknowledged, and expects many more challenges to come. It's not easy being in the business, he explained. There are constant changes in fire codes and regulations, which requires constant learning and education among staff.
There are also unpredictable challenges, like the pandemic, "But pushing through that honestly just made us stronger and made us more aware of who we are and what we do."
He said part of the business' success is thanks to good relationships with clients.
"We are so blessed, and I would say about 70 or 80 per cent of our clients have been with us since the start," said Levasseur, expressing thanks to all who have supported the business since it began. "Without them . . . without those good clients and good relationships, we could never be where we're at today."
The business was built by "giving the best customer service we possibly can," said Levasseur. And he plans to continue providing that service for many more years.
"We pride ourselves in trying to figure out what your needs are, and trying to do it as efficiently as possible for as best rate we can offer."
