Talking Shop with Rob Janet, CEO of Dutch Enterprises

Over the years, Rob Janet, CEO of Dutch Enterprises, has helped his company grow and use technology to find new ways to keep its customers comfortable in their homes and businesses.

Q:How did your career evolve to get you to where you are today?

A: I graduated from Southeast Missouri State University with a degree in Computer Science with minors in accounting and management. I began my career as an owner in the auto parts distribution business which later included wholesale electrical supply. I purchased Dutch Enterprises along with my brother-in-law, Randy Werner, in 1996.

Q: How has your business grown and changed over the years.

A: Dutch Enterprises has evolved over the years from a plumbing contractor in the residential business to a full service HVAC and plumbing contractor. We currently have three divisions: contract, service, and sewer and water. Our contract division performs HVAC and plumbing construction in the commercial and industrial area, including retail, hospitals, schools, churches, warehouses and manufacturing plants. The service division includes HVAC and plumbing repairs, and installation for both residential and commercial customers. It also sells and services emergency whole house generators. Our sewer and water division handles repairs and new installation of sewer and water lines for the residential and commercial market.

Q: How has technology changed in the products you sell and service?

A: Technology has evolved to include more energy efficient heating and cooling systems.

We have become more technologically advanced in helping homeowners and businesses to conserve energy. We can now test your heating and cooling system, including performance of the equipment, as well as your ductwork to help save energy dollars. We have also become more advanced in the sewer repair area. Dutch Enterprises can now install a liner in your sewer pipe to repair cracks in your line without digging up your yard. We extensively use cameras for video inspection of sewer lines to identify problem areas. We have also used pipe bursting techniques to burst existing pipe in the ground and pull in new pipe without having to dig up yards and streets.

Q: Have you had more calls for air conditioning service earlier than usual this year after last month's record high temperatures?

A: Yes, we have had an increase in air conditioning service calls. We have also started our spring maintenance on air conditioners earlier than usual. It was an unusually mild winter, so it's nice to get an early start on the summer cooling season.

Q: What's a typical day at work like for you?

A: A typical day includes meeting with division managers, visiting jobsites, reviewing financial information and talking with employees to discuss daily opportunities that occur.

Q: What do you enjoy doing when you're not working?

A: When I am not working I enjoy spending time with my family, walking my dogs and playing golf.

Q: What community organizations are you involved in and why are these important to you?

A: I am involved in various committees at my church, as well as school organizations and SEMO baseball. I am a member of Cape Girardeau and Jackson area chambers of commerce. I think that it is important to give back to community and organizations that give so much to you.