In 1977 Bruce Bakkegard started a small part-time heating and cooling business in Valley City as a means to supplement his teaching income. His business became so demanding that he added Mike Schell as part owner and Bakkegard & Schell opened its doors on August 14, 1978. They were a Lennox dealer from the start. Mike bought out Bruce in 2001, but decided to keep the already well-established name of Bakkegard & Schell. The business continued to expand and progress as things changed in the heating and cooling industry. On November 30 of 2009, Mike sold his business to Justin & Brandi Mueller. A business that started out with 2 employees has now grown to 12. They continue to offer services to this day for Valley City, Jamestown and the surrounding communities.