Roberts and Petty Inc.

Aaron Roberts and Ted Petty struck out on their own in 1965, partnering to form Roberts and Petty. Two of the current owners joined them within a year. "It was just the four of us for a while. They were the owners and we were the helpers" said Dale Nix. "I was working for the Herman Bennett Co. and Mickey worked for McHorse Plumbing. Actually, the four of us worked on the construction of the Brownwood Coliseum in 1964, but for different companies."

Today, the company employees 25 full-time workers, who specialize in heating and air conditioning, sheet metal, and plumbing. They contract for new construction, as well as residential and commercial replacements, repairs, and service. The business has operated out of their warehouse, located at 2709 Stephen F. Austin, since 1966.

In 1970, Nix and Mickey Perkins became partners with the original owners. In 2001, they took full ownership and continue to manage the daily operations. Rex Bessent has since joined the company as a partner, managing the accounting aspects of the company.

"We had a lady call, one time, and said there was a snake under her commode seat. We sent one of our guys over and sure enough, there was a snake, so he caught it." Nix continued, "Another time, we ordered a piece of air conditioning equipment. A guy from Brownwood, who we knew, was working at the plant in Tennessee. He saw the unit was coming here, so he and his buddy wrote a note with it. 'Hello, from the two best shipping people in the Carrier Corp.'"

Nix said, "We have met a lot of interesting people. We've had a lot of good customers. We've been blessed throughout the years." He recalled installing an air-conditioning unit, in 1970, at the home of Roy Spence, "He was a character. A good character and he was a good man. There are just a lot of good people in Brownwood. They're givers." Nix added he has long been active with Scouts, "I believe we have had some of the best Scout leaders in the world. I really believe that."

"We appreciate all of our customers and thank them for our many years of success."