When Wolfgang and Neil Collins hire a new employee, they not only look for someone who has mechanical skills but, above all, is both honest and trustworthy.
“We must make our customers feel comfortable with us being on their property,” said Wolfgang, who has been selling and servicing hot tubs in Northern New Mexico for more than 20 years. “The real thing that we have is trust — trust that we can do the job right and trust that all of us are responsible, honest people.”
Wolfgang’s Spa Works is having its best year ever, and its installation, maintenance and repair crew is as large as it has ever been. Revenues are up for all areas of the business: new hot tub sales, maintenance of existing units, repairs on all brands (not just those carried by Wolfgang’s) and chemical sales.
Earlier this year, Wolfgang’s Spa Works hired its sixth crew member, Josh Boubion, to keep up with the busy maintenance and repair end of the business. This addition follows the promotion of David Linholm in 2015 to become the company’s first, full-time office manger. That move freed up Wolfgang and Neil to concentrate on sales, marketing and promoting the benefits of hot tubs.
“We want can-do people who have a positive attitude,” said Wolfgang. “We are a solution-oriented shop. We don’t place blame; rather, we ask, ‘How are we going to fix this?’ and pitch in together and solve it. That’s our M.O. here.”
Each employee keeps a running log of the day’s activities, including the time spent on each job and notes on the condition of the hot tubs they service. Essential to Wolfgang’s Spa Works reputation is that crew members show up for work on time, and arrive at the job at the appointed time. And while they don’t have a perfect record, said Neil, having that goal keeps them pointed in the right direction.
“Being on time really makes an impression on our customers,” said Neil.
Contrary to some, Wolfgang’s Spa Works has
had no problem finding good help in Taos. The company pays competitive wages with regular pay raises, paid vacation, and pays for its employees to go to California for periodic training in hot tub installation, maintenance and repair. Also, all employees eventually get free hot tubs from Wolfgang.
“I mean, who would want to get wet and cold, and play in water every day?” said Wolfgang with a laugh. “Seriously, it’s not a cushy job, not for everybody, but this group loves it all. There’s
a camaraderie in the shop that I love.
“And besides,” he said, “they laugh at my jokes. That’s very important.”
With that in mind, here’s a look at Wolfgang’s Spa Works crew that installs, maintains and repairs hot tubs from Angel Fire to Colorado — and all parts in between:
David Lindholm has been with Wolfgang’s for 10 years, after owning a Volvo repair business in his native Seattle. He is office manager, in charge of keeping track of jobs and making sure work gets done correctly — and in a timely fashion. He is married with an 11-year-old son.
Carlos Rivera is also a Taos native who has been working for Wolfgang’s Spa Works for eight years. He came to the shop with a strong feel for the mechanical end of things, making him perfect for both maintenance and repair jobs. Married with three children, he too finds he learns something new every day.
Edwardo “Walo” Martinez
is in his third year at Wolfgang’s. A Taos native, Martinez focuses on maintaining existing hot tubs so that they are in peak condition when a homeowner wants to soak. He says he learns something new every day, especially about chemical usage and the mechanics of a tub.
Mario Gutierrez hired on at Wolfgang’s eight months ago after stints with Taos County, Rocky Mountain Youth Corps and construction contractors around the area. His parents bought chemicals from Wolfgang’s, and his mother asked if they were hiring. Now, he’s got a steady job handling maintenance tasks.
Augustin Padilla hired on with the company last November after working for the town of Taos at the Youth & Family Center for seven years. He was looking for something different, and found it with the friendly, supportive atmosphere at Wolfgang’s Spa Work and the chance to learn hot tub maintenance and repair. He lives in Arroyo Seco with his wife and three children.
Josh Boubion got a job with Wolfgang’s in March, after six years in the swimming pool industry in Tucson, Arizona. He easily transferred his pool maintenance skills to hot tub maintenance and repair. He’s married with a young daughter and son.
Wolfgang’s Spa Works
1210-J Salazar Road
(575) 758-1857
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