Legendary Businesses
By Cindy Christy Fertsch
What do you think about when you hear the name McAllister? One thing that comes to mind is the distinctive green and yellow trucks. The McAllister name is part of the fabric of our community dating back to 1876.
It all began in Philadelphia in 1876 with Tom McAllister’s great grandfather, Richard McAllister. He began selling wood for heat and ice for refrigeration. The business moved into South Jersey and became known as McAllister Fuels. By the 1950s, they delivered heating oil during the winter and maintained the heaters that fueled them. In the 1980s, air conditioning became the norm and McAllister Fuels encompassed home environmental comfort by adding air conditioning sources, now operating year-round.
Today, under the leadership of Tom McAllister, the primary focus of the business is maintaining and repairing heaters, air conditioners, and hot water heaters. All of their technicians are certified to ensure the highest quality service. Their most important value is ensuring that all of their customers are satisfied with their professional services.
“I take customer satisfaction personally,” explains Tom McAllister. “I’m not going anywhere and I will make it right. We believe in old school customer service.”
Throughout the pandemic McAllister remained open, continuing to provide HVAC repair service and installations.
“Since our inception in 1876. We have been through two World Wars. the Great Depression, the Great Recession and two pandemics. So challenging times and adversity are not new to us,” shares Tom McAllister.
Interestingly, the McAllister family also developed the amusement park business in both Atlantic City and Coney Island. Born 1869 in New York City, George C. Tilyou, a relative of the McAllister Family, was a realtor and showman. After visiting the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893, he brought Coney Island its first Ferris wheel. Four years later, he opened Steeplechase Park. Patrons young and old enjoyed the many attractions the park offered, including one of its most popular rides, the steeplechase horse race.
In 1908, Tilyou purchased Auditorium Pier in Atlantic City and re-named it Steeplechase Pier. Modeled after the park in Coney Island, the site became a major attraction for young visitors before closing in 1988.
Today, with over 40 professional service members and a dedicated staff, McAllister remains a household name throughout South Jersey.
You can reach McAllister The Service Company by calling 800 757-4122 or visit their website at mcservice.com.
