In 1984, during a conversation between Dean Christenson and Donn Kelver about the new company THERMO-CYCLER INDUSTRIES, INC. that Donn had established, Dean described the problems they had in their new car showroom. The heating system was unvented infra-red units with wall openings at the floor and ceiling for "natural building ventilation." The first problem was these openings also provided an entrance point for large quantities of car lot dirt and debris to enter. Thus the daily morning routine required dusting of cars and trucks on display. The second problem was the large single pane windows would easily condense the water vapor from the heating units and would become "frosted glass" during below freezing temperatures. Customers could not see what was on display inside the showroom. The third problem was the high cost to heat the building and the uneven temperature in the space.

The answer to Christenson Chevrolet, Inc. problems could be solved by installing a THERMO-CYCLER system. Dean said it would be necessary to meet with his father, Milford, and convince him that this new concept would solve their problems. This would be the second sale for THERMO-CYCLER, the first being one month earlier. How do you establish performance, reliability and efficiency without a track record? A guarantee was written and signed assuring satisfaction with the system or the equipment could be returned for full refund. 20 years later that guarantee is available to our customers and it has not been exercised by anyone!

While meeting with Dean and Milford on the 20th Anniversary of their purchase, Dean was asked if they have experienced any problems with the equipment. He said, "We have replaced a couple of belts on the units and 2 or 3 years ago one of the fan motors was making a noise. It was removed and taken to our servicee department and lubricated. It ran quiet on the bench so it was returned to the unit and is still running." Dean also stated, "The units are so trouble free, we often forget about checking them."

Christenson Chevrolet purchased additional units in 1985 for their Service Department. They added a waste oil heater to dispose of the used oil recovered during auto service. Dean said, "The THERMO-CYCLER units work great with the waste oil unit as they evenly distribute the heat from the oil unit and are available as a back up source of heat when waste oil is not available. We are able to dispose of the oil on site and reduce our liability while reducing our heating cost."

Dean said, "Have anyone call me about the THERMO-CYCLER comfort, performance, reliability - whatever, better yet, invite them to visit Christenson Chevrolet in Highland, Indiana.You can't beat a deal like this!!


Christenson in 2004

Christenson in 1984