Alfred Huston started his plumbing and electrical business in La Harpe in 1986. His cousin, Max Hardisty, actually got him started in this line of work.
The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
TOWN AND COUNTRY SERVICE
by Judy Swanson, The Quill Staff
Alfred Huston started his plumbing and electrical business in La Harpe in 1986. His cousin, Max Hardisty, actually got him started in this line of work.
Max suggested he come under him for his apprenticeship, so he did and later obtained his license.
As a business now, he said the state of Illinois requires him to have a plumbing contractor license, a plumbing license, a private sewage license and a water well pump installation license.
Town and Country installs water lines, septic systems, drain fields, pump installation, electrical work, heating and cooling, backhoe and trenching. He handles all the taxes involved with a business like sales tax, withholding tax, and so forth.
Alfred enjoys owning his own business because each day is different. He likes problem solving and challenges, being independent, but says the responsibility is overwhelming sometimes, too.
Town and Country is a family business. Alfred's son Rex Huston joined him in 1995 and now his grandson, A.J. has been working with him for the past year.
Alfred attended school in La Harpe. After he graduated from high school, he attended DeVry Technical Institute in the Chicago area. He did radio and TV service out of the Brown Lynch Scott store. He also farmed and worked for Housewright Construction for 8 years before he started his own business.
Alfred and his wife, Gladys, live near La Harpe and operate the business from there. They have two children, Rex (Teresa) and Debbie (Brad) Hunt, and nine grandchildren.
The Huston family business is another reason why La Harpe is a good place to live.