For over eight decades, there has been no more stable and reliable name in the plumbing, heating, air conditioning and electrical trade than that of Stryker’s own, Woolace and Johnson. Nothing lasts forever though, and after serving the area since the Great Depression at the current location at 101 North Defiance Street in downtown Stryker, the time for a relocation to better serve their rapidly growing customer base has arrived. With so many larger communities to choose from, the management of Woolace and Johnson carefully evaluated their options, and decided to relocate the business…across the street. The site of the long vacant medical clinic at 106 North Defiance Street is being renovated inside and outside to reflect the nearly century-old tradition of excellence that is Woolace and Johnson. Leaving their Stryker home was never in the cards, and the new business office will officially be opened at the start of the business day on May 31.
Beginning in Stryker over 85 years ago as Johnson’s Electric, the business expanded to become Johnson’s Electric, Plumbing and Heating prior to World War II, and relocated to the current location at the northeast corner of Lynn and Defiance Streets 77 years ago. Walter Schmidlin purchased the business from Jack and Irene Johnson in 1977, renaming it Stryker Services. In 1979, Terry Woolace purchased the business, and with Dick Johnson, created Woolace and Johnson, Inc. Today, the business simply goes by the name of Woolace and Johnson. With a laugh, Office Manager, Samantha Wisnewski, said, “We’ve always been here.”
Like any other high traffic building of a similar vintage, the costs of maintenance have steadily escalated over the years. The costs have become prohibitive, providing an incentive to relocate. Another reason is the traffic at the corner of Lynn and Defiance Streets. “There’s a lot of traffic,” Ms. Wisnewski explained. “We’ve got our work vehicles to park, and also the vehicles of the employees and the customers. With the driver’s school next door, the move is a win-win for the safety of the customers of both businesses.”
Price and selection will help provide the elements of longevity to a business, but without customer service, a business is doomed to fail. The reason that Woolace and Johnson has not just survived, but thrived after nearly a century in business is a combination of the three. They are renowned for quality workmanship, but they are fast to respond to any issues that might arise for their customers. “We do good, quality work,” said Ms. Wisnewski. “We’re dependable. We’re not just there to do a job; we’re there to help our customer.” Woolace and Johnson is an authorized dealer and installer of the Lennox and Rheem product lines, two brands that share the Woolace and Johnson trademarks of longevity.
“We’ve been here for a long time,” Ms. Wisnewski added, “…and this is a big move. The thing is though, we’re still going to be on the main strip. We’ll still be easy to access, and it will actually be better for our customers with our own parking lot.” Of the current historical building, she said, “We’re going to use it for storage. It’s not going to be torn down. Why would you do that?”
Timothy Kays can be reached at
tim@thevillagereporter.com