May 21, 2026
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Schultz Plumbing and Heating going strong through busy season

By CALEB NELSON

A Schultz Plumbing and Heating van sits outside a garage being built on NE 3rd Street in Greenfield. Schultz went into business as it is now in 1962 and owner John Gruss said business right now is good as workers are taking social distancing precautions seriously when needed and work is being done over the phone when possible. (Photo by)

GREENFIELD — Since 1962, Schultz Plumbing and Heating has been in business in Greenfield serving the area’s heating, cooling and plumbing needs.

John Gruss, the business owner, has been in the business owned previously by his father-in-law, Bud Schultz, for 10 less of those years.

Gruss said that his workers have all been coming to work full-time during the coronavirus. Their risk is somewhat minimal due to the distance they already keep from customers because many times they work in basements or outside.

“The exception is that some customers, particularly the vulnerable or elderly, are not wanting us to come in. So we’ve been postponing some of that. A few customers have requested we wear masks and gloves when coming in, but it’s very minimal,” Gruss said. “Much of the time you’re outside or in the basement, not up in the house very much.”

Gruss said that springtime is when a lot of new construction typically picks up. It’s also a time when homeowners have taken notice of a inefficient or ineffective heating or cooling system from the season before and they’re ready to have it replace before it’s needed again.

A lot more requests for quotes have been taken by Schultz over the phone lately, and when technology or phones allow for business to be done over the phone, it has been. Deliveries are still made to the business’ warehouse but sales from suppliers are made over the phone.

“I just had a customer call and they wanted an air conditioner quote. I had them take pictures and send it to my phone then I might be able to quote it without even going out there to look at it. That saves some contact there,” Gruss said.

Gruss said that from the beginning, a decision was made that all employees would be kept on full-time at Schultz as that is one way they could look out for their employees in an uncertain time when many other industries are implementing layoffs or terminating positions.

“There’s really nothing too radical about our business other than we’re just taking precautions more so than usual and are social distancing,” Schultz said. “Our customers have been very understanding. We haven’t had any problems really, so that’s been good.”