New owners take over at Lackas Service

LAUREL — Some things never change, while other things are ever changing.

Some say ‘what goes around, comes around.’

Perhaps this is true. For example, the 80’s was a decade similar to the one we are in now. Economic crisis, political unrest, droughts, wildfires, scrunchies, crop tops, and mullets all made headlines.

Something else happened in the 80’s that is happening again.

There will be a change of hands for a local business.

In the election year of 1988, a young family moved to Laurel with hopes and dreams of running a successful heating and cooling service business.

Tom and Milissa Lackas purchased Johnson TV and Appliance from Leon Johnson that year.

They immediately moved the business from where the Laurel Plantation is now to the current building on the north side of Second Street. From day one, the business has proved essential and beneficial for this area.

For 32 years, Lackas Service has kept many in the Laurel, Concord, and Dixon communities warm in the winter and cool in the summer. There has never really been an “off” season as each term seems to have challenges of its own.

Tom shares some of his best memories over the years and one of them doesn’t even involve servicing a heater or an air conditioner. “We got a call to come help a customer remove a varmint from their basement.” He smiled as he shared, “We are in the service industry, so I said sure.”

It has been a 32 yearlong marathon of sorts for the Lackas family and they are nearing a finish line. However, the race isn’t over yet, only their leg. While many small businesses are closing their doors after years of service due to lack of customers or successors, the Lackas couple have known that they wanted to finish well. They are passing the proverbial torch to Jody and Melissa Campbell.

“We are so thankful to our customers and this community for being a great place to live and do business. We are excited for Jody and Melissa to continue on. They will be a great asset to keep around.” Lackas remarked.

Tom and Milissa plan to enjoy retirement doing things they love like traveling, tinkering, working on projects around their acreage, and spending time with their family.

Campbell has been groomed to be successful in the business. He has worked with Tom for over a decade and has been working in the industry since being a teen. The Campbell’s are excited for this next step. With his ball cap on and pencil in ear, Campbell smiled his big smile and said, “We are excited for this adventure. The opportunity to own a thriving business and continue to serve this community is very exciting.”

Not a lot of changes will be made, with the exception of the name.

Campbell Service will become the official service company in the Laurel area on Sept. 2.

“The transition should be seamless. Not only is this great news for us, but for our customers too. Tom will be helping me and his Milissa will help my Melissa transition to Office Manager and Bookkeeper,” Jody Campbell said.

The phone number will also be the same, he said adding that, “9.999 times out of ten a gal by the name of Melissa will answer the line. The spelling of her name is just different.”

Service is not a new thing for Jody Campbell. He has served the United States in the Army National Guard for 21 years.

During his time in the Guard, he has completed a tour in Iraq, provided relief during natural disasters, performed security during riots, and many other nameless acts of service to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the freedoms of America.

The Campbells are looking forward to the occasions to work alongside the local school district in educating the next generation about the service industry.

“It is important that kids know the opportunities that are out there to come back home and work or own a business where you grew up,” he said. “I’m confidently hoping that the person who will someday take over for me, is sitting in a classroom up at LCC. If I get the chance to share about my experience and inspire someone, that is a huge win.”

The future is bright for the Campbells and for Laurel.

Campbell and his wife, Melissa, live in Belden and have three daughters: Jayden, Madyson, and Camryn.

Stay in the know!

To get news alerts on your cell phone, get the Cedar County News app in the ITunes store or  in the Google Play Store.