Kevin started in the vacuum industry in 1982, when he joined his father’s business selling pneumatic tube systems. As opportunities in the market diminished, he partnered with a manufacturer of central vacuum systems and blowers. Over the years, he noticed critical needs the market was failing to serve — particularly the need for more robust systems, longer-lasting filters, and more reliable technical support.
So Kevin taught himself design. Partnering with a new fabricator of separator receivers for pulse jet filters, he learned CAD to start crafting the design drawings himself. That meant he could fabricate more equipment locally, which earned the business a more competitive place in the industry.
Fast-forward to the 2000s, when his father retired and Kevin started Northwind Air Systems (better known as DuroVac). With his decades of combined expertise in design, sales, and advertising, he had the rare ability to design systems based on a direct understanding of the needs of the market. Some have even called him a walking vacuum encyclopedia.
While we have some competitors, our company only has one enemy: planned obsolescence. Kevin designed our vacuums with the explicit goal of durability, longevity, and minimal need for repair or parts replacement. He also created our warranty policy to ensure the few claims we do get are addressed as soon as possible, at no cost to the customer.
Kevin’s story is an important part of our company’s legacy, and his philosophy of respect for the customer is the foundation of our core values. We plan to carry his lessons well into DuroVac’s future.