H2E Inc. grows into new Liberty Lake facility

Six years ago it was just a spark in a garage – an idea that two men could start an electrical engineering firm.

Now, H2E Inc. is more than a two-man operation, it’s a 15-employee workhorse that just moved into a new building in Liberty Lake, and business keeps getting better.

“If it involves electrical, we do it,” said Doug Ransdell, who works in business development for the firm.

H2E handles all manner of engineering tasks for various clients, including industrial work and government contracts, Ransdell said.

The company’s reach extends far beyond the Spokane area. Some clients are overseas, and others are in Louisiana or Alaska, he said.

They’re able to handle the distance because plans and drawings can be worked on remotely via e-mail, Ransdell said.

Founders Neil Heckerman and Troy Pefley started the business and operated it out of a garage six years ago, Ransdell said. Since then, the business has grown to include five licensed engineers.

As they grew out of their old facility on Molter Road in Liberty Lake, H2E needed a new building.

The company broke ground on its new craftsman-style building last September and moved in at the beginning of February, Ransdell said. With only six years under its belt, H2E has already chalked up some high-level clients, including Kaiser Aluminum and the Alaska Electric Light and Power Co.

H2E also has the certification to work for the Department of Energy in Hanford, a rarity among engineering firms, Ransdell said.

For more information on H2E Inc., visit www.h2einc.com.

Partnership benefits Children’s Home Society

A partnership between a gift company and a children’s charity in Washington has resulted in more than $68,000 of donations since August 2002.

Simply Northwest, a gift service that sells unique Northwest gifts and baskets, has helped raise money for the Children’s Home Society of Washington by donating proceeds to the charity, said De Scott, Simply Northwest owner.

In 1981, Children’s Home Society began its own “Apple and the Child” fund-raising campaign. But costs for managing the service, which sold Washington apples and Walla Walla onions, grew out of hand and it became a burden for the charity.

“Now, Simply Northwest handles everything, and we use the proceeds to support what we do best – help children and families in need,” said Bill Mahler, vice president of resource development for the Children’s Home Society.

Simply Northwest handles the “Apple and the Child” campaign, and also sells a other items which make money for the Children’s Home Society, Scott said.