Tim Siverhus is no stranger to the industrial fan industry. This 20-year fan veteran has sold industrial fans since graduating from Minnesota State Mankato with a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering. And, despite owning two industrial fan companies in Southern California, he still finds time to captain sailing yachts. But let’s not jump ahead.
The Beginnings
In his first four years out of college Tim worked for an industrial fan manufacturer as a Sales Application Engineer, later transitioning to OEM Sales Manager. In this setting he learned the basics of fans and blowers, customer service, and problem solving. Not before long, a 2nd generation owner of Industrial Fan Solutions (then Industrial Fan Sales), John Fehrenbacher sought a successor to continue a 40-year legacy of industrial fan representation in Southern California. As Tim recalls, “I graciously accepted the offer and since then expanded our line card and learned an array of industrial fan applications.”
Tim experienced much apprehension in those early days of running his own company and admits, “I was apprehensive at first as I had zero clue how to run a business. Thankfully, John took the time to teach me how to operate IFS and encouraged me to stick with it.” In 2021 Tim expanded IFS to include The Fan Doctors which performs on-site repairs of industrial fans and blowers.
Day-to-Day Business
Industrial Fan Solutions and The Fan Doctors serve the Southern California region, with expansion planned into Nevada and Arizona. Tim has a capable administrator named Allison who handles the day-to-day management of Tim’s business and he currently seeks an inside sales engineer for sales and customer support.
IFS serves a variety of industries including agriculture, VOC abatement, glass manufacturing, food, oil, gas, and energy just to name a few. Tim also says that “Our number one focus is customer service. We care about every client and stand behind the goods and services we provide.” Tim explains that “with so many balls in the air at once, staying organized can pose a challenge” which affirms his decision to hire additional help.
Partnering with AirPro
When asked about his partnership with AirPro to sell industrial fans Tim explained that both he and AirPro value integrity and a commitment to improvement. “This is something AirPro and IFS align on and has made this partnership fun and easy. To have a manufacturer respond in a timely fashion and truly care sets us apart from our competition.”
In looking back on his first visit to AirPro’s shop in Rhinelander, WI Tim recalls, “I could tell there was something different. Different in the people— from the welder to the machinist to the office personnel, you could tell EVERYONE was happy and they enjoyed and cared about what they do! I’m sure with AirPro being an ESOP company helps, but it’s also the environment that’s been created. You can see the results of this by just looking at the product before it leaves the factory doors.”
Advice for Newbies
For fan reps just starting out Tim advises, “Don’t let fear of not knowing stop you. Surround yourself with people who are like minded and growth oriented. Seek help when you don’t know something and its ok not to know.”
In his free time in sunny Southern California Tim likes to captain sailing yachts, play golf and tennis, go camping, and embark on motorcycle trips. We here at AirPro feel grateful to partner with Industrial Fan Solutions!
Connecting with Industrial Fan Solutions
Industrial Fan Solutions is part of the established field of AirPro Reps across the country. To learn more, check out https://www.industrialfansolutions.com/ follow the IFS LinkedIn page, and connect with Tim on LinkedIn.
Contact AirPro
Contact us to connect with your local rep. Our team is available to discuss your fan application, provide technical expertise, and even visit your plant to inspect existing equipment for retrofit/repair recommendations.