Page 52 - South Mississippi Living - March, 2024

HOME & GARDEN DECADES
Success
Compton & Son Celebrates 60th Anniversary
OF
228.864.4220
1249 Pass Rd., Gulfport www.ComptonAndSonAppliance.com
Six decades ago, a movie ticket set you back $1, Beatlemania took over America, Muhammad Ali became a World Heavyweight Champion, and Compton’s Appliance and HVAC was founded on the Gulf Coast. While most of these historical milestones have faded to distant memories, Compton & Son Appliance & Outdoor Living Center continues to grow and thrive in Gulfport. They have plans set for a customer appreciation event on April 27 to celebrate their 60th anniversary.
“We value our customers,” said Chuck and Matt Compton . “If someone
comes in to pick up a bag of charcoal, I want to know what they’re grilling. What are their plans for the weekend and what are they going to do with the charcoal to bring enjoyment to their life? I want them to know that we don’t just think of them as a transaction who came in for a bag of charcoal.”
The three-generational company has a secret that’s kept people returning year after year which Compton learned from his grandfather, Curtis M. Compton, Sr. “We have always treated our customers and our employees like our family,” Matt Compton said. “The heritage of the company started with my grandfather as a service company. When my grandfather originally opened the store there were seven other appliance stores on Pass Road from here to Biloxi and now, we’re the last one standing.”
The beginning was humble for founder, Curtis Compton, Sr. He worked a full-time job and on nights and weekends, he serviced household appliances and HVAC. He eventually opened the original HVAC company in 1964 on 28th Street in Gulfport. In 1987, he bought out a competitor and moved the business to Pass Road. In 2005, a fire took that structure, and the building next door was purchased, which is the current location. In 2011, Chuck Compton partnered with his son and the company evolved into Compton & Son Appliance.
“Since then, we’ve expanded into outdoor living,” Matt Compton said. “After I came back from a show in Las Vegas, I suggested to my dad we needed to move into barbecue grills and outdoor living to give our customers another avenue. We now have everything to take care of you on the inside and the outside.” Compton began working at the family business at age 16 and some of the dedicated 19-team member crew have been with him for upwards of 16 years. He added the amazing customers are the heart of the business and he’s now selling products to the children of customers of his father from years ago.
“Everyone who comes in here is truly part of our family and not just a dollar bill,” he said.
52 | March 2024
www.smliving.net | SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living
story by Cherie Ward
photos courtesy of Compton & Son Appliance