Federal Heating, a fixture on Denver’s South Federal Boulevard, has closed for good after more than 80 years in business as the third generation to own it contend with a changing industry and marketplace.
Bo, whose full name is Robert, graduated from college in 1982 and returned to work with his father, Robert “Bob” Ramsour.Federal Heating’s last day of business was the last day of June. Employees Janet Cordes and Mark Monheiser were there until the end and Monheiser said people asked, “What am I going to do now?”
The 7,000-square-foot showroom, store and warehouse on South Federal started out as the Ramsours’ grandmother’s house. Their father was born there. Bert Ramsour started the heating supply business in the basement of his mother’s nearby house, but moved it to the house on Federal because the street was busier. He added a warehouse in 1947.
“He learned how to stack things right on the ship. Everything was organized to a T,” Bo said of his father. Sherry ended up carrying on the family tradition, but in fits and starts at first. “I actually started working here when I was 12 years old on Saturdays. If I wanted to go roller skating, my dad made me come to work.”“My dad would get mad and fire me or I’d get mad at him and then I’d quit,” Sherry said. “My dad’s big dream was for me to take an interest in the business and become one with it. I just fought it tooth and nail because I was a girly girl. Gas valves stink and motors are dirty.
Sherry, who also helps manage family rental properties and handles her brother’s accounting, said she decided it was time to step away.Bo works “morning, noon and night,” she said. “It’s been fun working with him and we are a really good team.”“He always said, you know you two kids, I’ve done all the work for you and I’ve taught you well. Do not work until the day you die. There’s no reason for you two to do that.