For more than four decades, Evert and Catharina Bek have been a fixture in the Lowell community, not just as the owners of Arctic Inc. Heating & Cooling but as dedicated contributors to the town they call home. Their commitment to both business and community service has earned them the 2025 Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce Persons of the Year award, an honor that took them completely by surprise.
Building a Business from the Ground Up
The Beks’ journey began in 1977 when they moved from the Netherlands to Grand Rapids. Evert was hired by a local company where he worked in commercial and residential heating, cooling, and refrigeration. It wasn’t long before a co-worker suggested they could start their own business, and Arctic Refrigeration Inc. — doing business as Arctic Heating & Cooling Inc. — was born.
After just a year, their business partner lost interest, and the Beks bought him out. By 1983, they had settled in Lowell, purchasing property and building a home. Their daughter initially pursued a career in nursing but later decided to join the family business, working alongside her husband, who had already become a key part of the company. Today, as the Beks look toward retirement, their daughter and son-in-law are taking over much of the business, along with several employees.
Through the years, Arctic has thrived largely on word-of-mouth referrals. “Kind of like a coconut telegraph—it works,” Evert jokes. Surviving economic downturns, including the recession, has been a testament to their resilience. Catharina recalls that during tough times, customers still made purchases, often choosing higher-end equipment for its longevity.
Dedicated to Community and the Chamber of Commerce
Beyond their business, the Beks have made a lasting impact through their involvement with the Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce. Catharina worked with the Chamber for 20 years, first as a volunteer and later as a part-time employee. Together, the couple has supported numerous local events and activities, including the Lowell Showboat, the annual Lowell Expo, and ambassador programs.
“Anything the Chamber did, we were there,” Evert says.
Their recognition as Persons of the Year was an unexpected yet meaningful moment. Evert attended a chamber event where the honorees were announced, never suspecting that his own name would be called.
“I thought, ‘That’s nice, they’ve picked someone,’” he says with a laugh. “Then I realized it was me!” True to his humble nature, when asked if he wanted to say a few words about the honor, he simply responded, “Not really, I just want to eat my meal.”
In addition to their Chamber involvement, Evert is a dedicated member of the Lowell Rotary Club, where he contributes to various community projects. Catharina, on the other hand, helps out when she can at Lowell’s Open Table, a program dedicated to providing meals and support to those in need. The two also regularly in help out with FROM (Flat River Outreach Ministries), further extending their service to the Lowell community.
Giving Back to Lowell and Beyond
The Beks’ contributions to the community extend far beyond their Chamber involvement. Their company has provided heating assistance to those in need, sometimes even accepting homemade cookies as payment.
“We do what we can,” they say. They’ve built long-lasting relationships with customers—some who have been with them since the beginning.
Their service work is not limited to Lowell. Both Evert and Catharina have traveled to Haiti to volunteer their time and skills to help the local communities there. Over the years, Evert has done extensive mechanical work at a Haitian hospital, ensuring that vital systems remain operational for those in need.
Their philosophy for business success in Lowell? “Get involved,” they advise. “Joining the Chamber isn’t just about gaining customers. You have to put in time, engage with the community.”
One of their favorite traditions is being a host during the annual “Nite of Christmas Cheer” event, where they serve hot dogs, free-of-charge, to families visiting Santa at the Showboat. “We go through 300 hot dogs in no time!” they laugh.
Looking Ahead
As they transition into retirement, the Beks plan to enjoy more travel. They have an upcoming trip back to the Netherlands and even a camping trip on the horizon. But while they may be stepping back from the daily demands of running a business, their roots in Lowell remain strong.
When asked what they love most about this town, their answer is immediate: “The people.”
With a legacy of hard work, community spirit, and unwavering dedication, the Beks have not only built a successful business—they have built a better Lowell.
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