[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 43 (Thursday, March 10, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1114-S1115]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               RECOGNIZING BURCHETT'S HEATING AND COOLING

 Mr. PAUL. Madam President, as ranking member of the Senate 
Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize 
an outstanding Kentucky small business that exemplifies the American 
entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize the 
small business, Burchett's Heating and Cooling of Paintsville, KY, as 
the Senate Small Business of the Week.
  Rogell Burchett had a keen eye for business opportunities, which is 
why he opened Burchett's Heating and Cooling in 1978. As a gas company 
employee, he could not ignore all the new homes being built in his area 
when he knew there was little market for natural gas and furnace 
installations. So he started what was then a side venture called 
Burchett's Heating and Cooling. Rogell's vision and dedication allowed

[[Page S1115]]

that side venture to grow into a family business, now entering into its 
third generation of management.
  When the business was first founded, Burchett's operations mainly 
involved natural gas and furnace work. However, as Kentucky saw the 
coal industry abate, Burchett's Heating and Cooling adapted to include 
more geothermal work, as well as some light commercial work. Clearly, 
Rogell passed his sharp intuition for running a business along to his 
children and grandchildren, as this transition took place over multiple 
generations. Growing into what his father created, Neal Burchett took 
over the business when his father Rogell retired. Later on, Neal's son 
Ryan Burchett would also become part of the operation, serving as the 
management arm of this family-owned business. Together, these three 
generations of Burchett men have kept Paintsville warm during the cold 
Kentucky winters and cool in the summers, with the comfort of 
Paintsville citizens remaining their top priority.
  With over 40 years of experience, Burchett's Heating and Cooling 
maintains close relationships with customers that count on them for 
quality, year after year. Of course, when the business stays in the 
family as it has with the Burchett men, it is easy to see how the 
community of Paintsville could place their trust in their services. 
That being said, Burchett's Heating and Cooling remains an active 
member of the Paintsville community outside of their normal business 
operations. Staying true to their family-owned nature, the business 
sponsors the local high school basketball and football teams, teams 
that both Neal and Ryan used to play for during their high school 
years. Burchett's Heating and Cooling also provides free services to 
their local church so that parishioners can worship comfortably.
  Small businesses like Burchett's Heating and Cooling are the 
lifeblood of small towns across Kentucky, and they serve as an 
inspiring example of how the entrepreneurial spirit transcends multiple 
generations. Congratulations to Neal and Ryan and the entire Burchett's 
Heating and Cooling team. I wish them the best of luck and look forward 
to watching their continued growth and success in Kentucky.

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