Surrey Senior Services is pleased to announce the organization’s first father-son pair of monthly donors, Erik and Trevor Hansen. They are the owners of the HVAC company Main Line Comfort Systems, based in King of Prussia.
Born and bred in Devon, Erik’s upbringing is an essential part of his identity today and his and Trevor’s calling to give back. They see Surrey as an important mainstay in the community and want to support its mission to sustain and expand the programs and services that have been successful. With this goal in mind, they have set up a monthly donation plan to ensure Surrey’s future for generations to come.
Erik has sentimental, vivid memories of the stomping grounds of his youth, starting with his home on Berkley Road – just steps away from where Surrey stands now – along with his swim club; the 7-Eleven; and his first job at Anro Printing, then in Devon.
These recollections come alive as he drives through the area on his typical workday, but what echoes most fervently in his mind are the relationships his family built with neighbors and local organizations. It was 35 or 40 years ago when he would sit in the back seat of his mom Carol Hansen’s car, surrounded by dinners made by Meals on Wheels (MOW) to be delivered to nearby residents in need, and she would say: “Hold still, don’t spill.”
In adulthood, Erik longed for a career change and dreamed of owning a business. His plan took shape serendipitously while he was teaching his son Jarrett to drive at Hershey’s Mill in West Chester, where his mom lived. He happened to notice all the air conditioning units in the complex and made the decision there and then to become an HVAC contractor…and that is exactly what he did.
A few years ago, with a small HVAC company of his own, he heard that Taylor and Nancy Caldwell of the locally owned Caldwell Heating & Air Conditioning were retiring. This opportunity “fell into my lap,” said Erik, who together with his son, Trevor – also an HVAC contractor – purchased the business and renamed it Main Line Comfort Systems.
Erik and Trevor have continued the 40-year tradition of creating strong bonds with their customers in an area where people care about one another. Additionally, and with great fondness, Erik remembers the Caldwells delivering MOW meals way back when and Taylor helping in the kitchen on a weekly basis. Times have changed, with MOW operating out of Surrey since its move to Devon – and Surrey’s own Chef Pedro making all the meals – but he sees these nonprofits working in unison to make a difference.
For years now, Erik has been inspired by Surrey’s comprehensive approach to bettering the lives of the aging population. He appreciates the measures taken to bring people together, whether for an activity or meal; the robust lineup of programs, classes and resources; and the invaluable gift of companionship and sense of belonging.
On a personal level, Erik’s mom was a regular at Surrey – until she moved into Hershey’s Mill – and he saw, firsthand, the delight and support she and others experienced. He too felt the magic one day soon after the long isolation period of the pandemic had passed.
“I walked in the door and saw life! People were talking and laughing and enjoying each other’s company. It was very busy, and Surrey offered a solution to this isolation for the elderly, which I think is one of the keys to healthy living. It was after seeing people alive and well and happy that I talked to my son, and we decided to contribute. We are committed to our community,” said Erik.
The Hansens also donate to PACS, the Phoenixville food pantry. “We see the line for groceries every day; the need is there,” and they have responded.
Erik said the influence to become philanthropists is due in large part to his and Trevor’s “faith in God, which has had an enormous impact on our lives. We want to give Him credit for all of it. We are grateful for our good fortune and want to give back the fruits of our labor. It is not an option not to give; it’s part of what we must do.”