For the next couple of weeks the Hatleys will be extending their gratitude before bidding goodbye after more than 30 years in business.

Hatley’s Electrical Service will be closing its Norwood business on Aug. 4. Owners Larry and Pat Hatley have decided the time has come to retire.

“I’ve got seven great-grandchildren and I’d like to spend some time with them,” said Larry Hatley, 75.

Their son, Todd, also a part of the business, wants to explore other opportunities.

Hatley’s small family business has been serving Stanly and surrounding counties since March of 1988 when Larry secured an electrical license. It began with Larry primarily handling residential customers until the economy adversely affected the base of the business, prompting Larry to turn toward industrial and commercial clients as well.

“That’s what I’ve done all my life,” Larry said.

Because of Larry’s extensive background with electrical circuitry, he began troubleshooting industrial machinery. Later, Larry became a fixture servicing pump stations for water and sewer providers.

“We do a lot of maintenance,” he said, adding that it represents about 60 percent of the company’s business.

The business has always remained small and close-knit, although it employed others outside the family including Patrick Kimrey for the past 13 years.

Between now and Aug. 4 the Hatleys are meeting with established clients and making recommendations for other service providers.

“We’re meeting many of them face to face, we owe them that,” Larry said. “We want to make sure we’ve got them covered.”

Among those municipal customers is the town of Norwood and where the company enjoys a favorable reputation.

“Hatley Electrical has been a wonderful vendor partner throughout their many years of business in Norwood,” said John Mullis, town administrator. “They have responded along with our crews during all kinds of inclement weather and all hours of the night. They help with Arbor Day as well as town Christmas decorations. Beyond their ability and vast understanding of electrical motor controls, they are just genuinely good folks. All of their employees are always eager to assist the town when we have a need. While we will miss them greatly, we are happy for their future retirement years and wish them nothing but the very best.”

Contact Ritchie Starnes at 704-754-5076 or ritchie.starnes@stanlynewspress.com.