Farewell, Ken Friedrich: The Eccentric Godfather of Radiant Heat

Introduction

Akron, Ohio — After decades of dedicated service, the halls of Great Lakes Radiant are a little less colorful these days. Ken Friedrich, the man who defied both physics and common sense, has retired. His departure leaves behind a legacy that can only be described as “Ken-tastic.”

 

While Ken is looking out to the Sea here, he too is looking towards endless possibilities as he goes into retirement. What adventures await him next? Maybe he’ll take the boat to find long-lost Radiant Secrets.

 

The Early Years: A Fiery Start

Ken’s HVAC journey began at the tender age of 13. While most kids were busy trading baseball cards, young Ken was already elbow-deep in boiler rooms, fixing things that would make seasoned plumbers scratch their heads. Legend has it that he once repaired a furnace using nothing but duct tape and sheer determination.

Pictured is the tenacious Ken alongside President of Great Lakes Radiant, Mark Wells. Look at that face of determination as he sips his drink!

Tropical Drinks and Family Love

Ken’s love for tropical alcoholic beverages was unmatched. Mai Tais, Piña Coladas, and Goombay Smashes—his ideal vacation was a tiki bar. And when he wasn’t sipping fruity concoctions, he was regaling us with tales of his four kids. Apparently, they’re all named after different types of air conditioning units: Carrier, Lennox, Trane, and Goodman.

Pictured is Joe Pawelk to the Left, Noah Gaskins in the middle, and Ken himself to the right. All three are Radiant-ologists™ in their own right, but Ken is the OG! It shows how this line of work can foster relationships for a lifetime.

 

The Kenanese Enigma

Ken’s brain operated on a different frequency. Sometimes, mid-conversation, he’d slip into what we affectionately called “Kenanese.” It was a language composed of grunts, whistles, and the occasional interpretive dance. We suspect it’s the secret code to unlocking radiant heat’s full potential.

 

Look just how many people Ken is able to radiate towards him with the Kenanese Enigma. Not just a source of radiant heat potential, but also a way of gaining friends and family.

 

Shirtless Supervision

Picture this: Ken, perched on an overturned bucket, cigarette dangling from his lips, chest hair glistening in the fluorescent light. He oversaw our heater installation at our Minnesota office while imparting wisdom like a shirtless Yoda. “Remember, boys,” he said, “radiant heat warms hearts as well as floors.”

 

One of many instances where the infamous Ken was shirtless, this time accompanied by Mark yet again! Great Lakes Radiant has made the two best friends for life.

 

The Million-Dollar Man

In 2016, Ken joined Great Lakes Radiant. His sales prowess was unparalleled. Armed with a clipboard and a wink, he convinced clients that radiant heat wasn’t just a luxury—it was a lifestyle. And when he was the 1st to hit that magical million-dollar mark, we threw him a party. Ken danced the Macarena, and the office plants swayed in rhythm.

 

 

The Gruff Teddy Bear

Ken’s gruff exterior masked a heart of marshmallow fluff. Beneath his nicotine-infused mustache, he cared deeply for his coworkers. He’d sneak into the break room at night, leaving snacks —Twinkies, Slim Jims, and the occasional pineapple slice. “For radiant energy,” he’d whisper, disappearing into the shadows.

 

Just look at that precious smile from Ken in the middle, surrounded by both his son, Ethan, and Mark once again. 

 

Farewell, Ken

As Ken takes his well-deserved retirement naps (four hours sharp, folks), we raise our Goombay Smashes in salute. His contribution to Great Lakes Radiant goes beyond sales figures; he brought laughter, absurdity, and a touch of madness to our daily grind. Ken, you’re not just a radiant heat guru—you’re a legend.

 

Detroit Radiant Products and Great Lakes Radiant work hand in hand to provide the best product, best experience and best teams imaginable. Ken was always a big part of that.

 

Conclusion

So here’s to you, Ken Friedrich. May your tropical drinks stay forever chilled, your Chrysler 300 keep rumbling, and your heart remain as warm as the heaters you once sold. Happy retirement, old friend. It won’t be the same without you.

 

 

Special thanks to the Great Lakes Radiant team for sharing their Ken stories.

Remember, if life gets chilly, just channel your inner Kenanese. 😄🔥🌴

Disclaimer: No radiant heaters were harmed during the making of this article.

P.S. Ken, if you’re reading this, we miss you already. 🌼❤️