Whether the heat has you sweating or snow and ice keeps you curled up in your coats and blankets, Mike Lovings of Lovings Heating and Cooling always knows how to help Portage keep its cool.
Since 1981, Lovings has run his own business. After working at US Steel, he felt that he could take what he learned from the company and use it to his advantage.
"I wanted to be my own boss," Lovings said. "That was my goal, and I've accomplished that."
He was encouraged to go to school by his brother Paul, continuing working for US Steel while doing so. In fact, Lovings continued working at US Steel while owning Lovings Heating and Cooling. Since he enjoyed the job, he kept it until he could easily work full-time at his own business.
Lovings believes that the people and community of Portage has helped him thrive enough to be in that position.
"Every time I've asked for something, everything's been good," Lovings said. "There's so many things that goes on here in Portage that I don't know how to describe them. They're all good."
Recognizing Portage's value, Lovings likes to give back to the community.
In the span of 10 years, he has raised over $100,000 for the Chamber of Commerce.
"That was a lot of fun for 10 years," Lovings said. "I enjoyed that immensely.
In his spare time, Lovings has perused a variety of interests, including riding motorcycles, playing softball and baseball, entertaining guests at his home and coaching sports.
"Today is fishing, at my age," Lovings said.
He also enjoys spending time with his family.
His wife of 20 years, he said, is "keeping me in line; it's her job. She's doing a fine job at that, too."
Lovings has two children: a son who works at Bloomfield Mechanical and daughter who is a CPA for Lucas Oil and will be getting married this upcoming year.
Lovings said both went through the Portage School system, with which he is quite satisfied.
"Portage is the place to be if you want to raise a family," Lovings said.