Customers respond to 20-year-old family business

Doug August is like many young boys; he would rather be outside. For more than 20 years, the Bartlett man has run his own business in which he's always outdoors.

The entrepreneur operates August Aluminum, which focuses on everything from gutters to siding. The handyman takes an occasional renovation job, but doesn't care for that type of work.

"I don't like working indoors," said August, 51.

The winters can be tough on the business.

"Some years I can work all winter, but not this year," August said.

The local business has grown and survived in an industry that sees a lot of new faces. August says that's because he cares about doing a good job. He always returns phone calls and shows up on time. He believes the fact that the business is family run also helps. August's sons, Jason, 20, and Alan, 22, joined their father's business last summer.

The men take on a variety of projects that involve repairing or upgrading the exterior of a home. Roofs, windows, trim work, gutters, doors, repair work resulting from storm damage and installing gutter filters are some of the jobs they tackle.

The men also install vinyl and aluminum siding, fiber cement and cedar.

"We do just about everything to the outside of a home," August said.

The business owner admits that the economy has slowed the number of jobs he takes on. Looking on the bright side, he said, "We worked every day during the summer months."

When the economy was strong, he would have a 8- to 12-week backlog of jobs. This past summer the wait time slimmed to two or three weeks.

August's family business is not all about speed.

"I do all my own work. It takes us longer to do some of these jobs, but we do it right the first time," he says. This attitude has built a strong referral base. August believes customers like the "hometown, small business atmosphere" that's part of his company. "I go out and do the estimates and they're all handwritten." He doesn't care to use a computer; he favors the personal touch.

August's wife, Cathy, assists in operating the business. She handles building permits, insurance and payroll.

Before launching the business about 20 years ago, August repaired printing presses all over the country. After Alan was born, he grew tired of the travel and wanted to be home with his family. He started his business.

August, who grew up in Niles, learned the industry while he was in high school and worked part-time with his father.

For more information, call (630) 213-1301.

Kim Mikus covers small business and retail. She welcomes comments at kmikus@dailyherald.com or (847) 427-4567.