By Natalie Salvatore
For the Opelika
Observer
Back in 1979, Rick Bolt opened a small business. After getting married, his wife Susan joined him as co-owner. Now, Paragon Industrial is celebrating four decades of operation.
Paragon started out more as a janitorial service, but now, has three divisions that have developed as a result of the business’s changes over the years. Paragon also has both part and full-time service technicians, all to aid in providing air quality services to the community.
“One of the biggest things that we are very proud about is that we have listened to what our customers have wanted and have added services there,” Susan said. “But, we always try to operate so that the customers feel they’re getting what we said we were going to provide.”
They still have their janitorial supply division, selling janitorial supplies in their showroom. Products consist of anything one could need in the janitorial field, including toilet paper, hand towels, mops, brooms, buckets and gloves. Guests can stop by the showroom or receive their products via Paragon delivery.
Their service division offers cleaning services for restaurant hoods, dryer vents and heavy commercial needs.
The third division of the business focuses on indoor air quality. Services include testing for mold, cleaning air ducts, as well as diagnosing indoor air quality issues that may make people feel unhealthy. They work to provide recommendations on how to make people feel better.
The business’s original location was in one of the old Andy’s Motels. The couple moved locations in 1991, where they have been since.
Susan said there is an interesting history that comes with Paragon’s time in the community. Currently, the business covers the East Central Alabama and West Central Georgia area. However, they used to have crews that went out to 10 different states. In 2006, the Opelika Chamber of Commerce recognized Paragon as the Small Business of the Year.
“We have found that operating with integrity, treating people the way you want to be treated, and staying on the cutting edge of technology, have all contributed to our business success,” Rick said.
The pair are also Auburn University alumni. “Both of us are Alabama HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) certified. We hold several mold and indoor air quality certificates, as well as being Level 1 thermography certified,” Susan said.
Moreover, Rick used to be on the Opelika Chamber of Commerce Board. Susan currently serves on the State of Alabama HVAC board.
“Over the years, we have gained a lot of training and knowledge about indoor air quality issues and are one of only a very few companies in the country that combine certifications in Air Conditioning, Mold and Indoor Air Quality and Thermography,” Susan said.
Paragon Industrial is located at 1401 Fitzpatrick Ave. in Opelika. Hours of operation are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The business features a reader board sign out front that customers love and appreciate. It advertises the products for sale, as well as makes people smile. “We have people say that they ride by and look forward to seeing what is on the sign. Just this past Sunday, someone at church commented about it,” Susan said. It is part of what makes Paragon an unforgettable part of the community.
For more information, call 334-749-3850, or email paragon@paragonindustrialllp.com. Customers are also encouraged to stop by and visit for more information.