Our Story & Mission
Building trust one boiler at a time in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley.
Alaska
From a Small Shop to Palmer's Trusted Name
The Butte Wash Tub didn't start as a big operation. It started because we saw a need. In our climate — where winters are long and unforgiving — a broken heating system isn't just an inconvenience; it can be genuinely dangerous.
Founded in 2012, we began as a small team focused on what we knew best: boiler systems. We were tired of seeing homeowners get ripped off by "jack-of-all-trades" who didn't understand the specific demands of Alaskan heating loads. So we built a company that specialized, that trained hard, and that showed up when we said we would.
Today, we serve everyone from downtown Palmer businesses to remote properties up the valley. The name? It's a bit of local history — referencing the Butte Wash area and our commitment to keeping things running clean and smooth. Yeah, we know it's a bit quirky. But that's us.
Meet Our Team
The faces behind the wrenches. We're a small team, and that's intentional. It means you get consistent service from people who actually know your system.
Michael Riemer
Owner & Lead Technician
Michael founded The Butte Wash Tub after 15 years in the HVAC industry. He holds multiple certifications and still runs service calls personally because, honestly, he misses the hands-on work. When he's not fixing boilers, he's probably checking the weather forecast.
Robert Chen
Senior Technician
Robert joined us in 2016 and brings a deep mechanical background. He's our go-to for complex diagnostics and older systems that need a careful touch. He's known for finding root causes that other technicians miss. Quiet, methodical, and very good at what he does.
Sarah Williams
Service Coordinator
Sarah is usually the first voice you hear when you call. She manages scheduling, parts ordering, and makes sure our technicians have what they need in the field. She's the organizational glue that holds this place together — and she has strong opinions about inventory systems.
Our Values & Standards
How we do business, not just boiler business.
Technical Excellence
We invest heavily in training and tools. Heating systems are complex, and "good enough" isn't our standard. We stay current on codes, efficiency standards, and best practices.
Honest Communication
We'll tell you what's broken, what's optional, and what can wait. We're not here to upsell you on services you don't need. If it's a quick fix, we'll tell you. If you need a full replacement, we'll explain why.
Local Commitment
We're not a franchise from out of state. We're your neighbors. We live here, work here, and our reputation is built on doing right by the local community. If we mess up, we'll make it right.
Ready to Work With a Team That Cares?
Whether it's a routine maintenance check, an emergency repair, or you're thinking about upgrading your heating system, we'd love to help. We believe every Alaskan deserves a warm, safe home or business during winter.