Posted on March - 28 - 2010
Bluff City Refrigeration hot, even after 50 years
Photo by Alan Spearman // Buy this photo
Chuck Frayser (left) runs the firm his father Felix Frayser started in 1960. “Thanks to Chuck and our hard-working employees, we are still going strong after five decades,” Felix said.
In 1960, Felix Frayser decided to start his own business.
Desperate for work after losing his job, he sold his 1954 Chevrolet Bel Air, bought a truck, and began calling on local businesses, offering to service their refrigeration and air conditioning equipment.
As it was a bitter cold winter in the Mid-South, with several inches of snow on the ground, customers were impressed that Felix would call them asking for their refrigeration business. His creativity and work ethic got the business rolling.
This year, Bluff City Refrigeration marks its 50th anniversary. The business is co-owned by Felix’s wife Corky, and their son, Chuck.
“We operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week selling, servicing and leasing refrigeration, air conditioning and ice machine equipment for commercial and residential customers,” said the 81-year-old Felix, who is still involved with the business but is semi-retired.
Chuck Frayser, who runs Bluff City now, started with the business in 1976.
“Coming out of high school, I wanted to do anything but refrigeration and work for dad,” Chuck said. “I laid bricks, built houses, cleaned carpets, and worked at Memphis Gas, Light and Water. On Jan. 2, 1976, it was too cold to lay bricks outside and dad encouraged me to try the refrigeration business. I have never had another job since that day.”
“You think you have a tough boss until it is your dad,” said Chuck with a laugh.
“Dad worked long hours every day — sometimes 18 hours a day — to get this business going. That work ethic and customer service are the reasons we have survived and prospered for 50 years.”
Felix said Chuck is a chip off the old block, and that’s a big reason the business continues to thrive.
“Thanks to Chuck and our hard-working employees, we are still going strong after five decades,” Felix said.
“Dedication, providing quality service at a fair price, and treating customers like family are the keys to our success.”
Bluff City Refrigeration
Address: 1985 Vanderhorn Drive
Phone: 452-3148
On the Web: bluffcityrefrigeration.com
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