Paul Radu

Founder and Owner | P&L Johnson

FAST FACTS

Key Dates

Founded P&L Johnson Mechanical: 1980

P&L Johnson Joined Midway: 2022

P&L Johnson Career

Current Position: Retired

Starting Position: Founder and Service Technician

Learn About P&L Johnson

MEET PAUL

Paul Radu devoted four decades to building P&L Johnson Mechanical in Astoria, Oregon. We're profoundly grateful he and his partner Dale Johnson decided to partner with Midway as they transitioned into retirement.

ONE RELATIONSHIP AT A TIME

During the first ten years of P&L, Paul was on his own providing commercial refrigeration services to grocery stores, restaurants, and fishing boats. Combining his educational background in law and finance with his wife’s experience with computers—a unique skill at the time—Paul slowly and surely established a solid business foundation. In 1991, he partnered with Dale Johnson, who brought expertise in HVAC and engineering, setting the stage for consistent and significant growth.

In a community like Astoria, where the county P&L serves houses around 30,000 residents, carving out a reputation happened one relationship at a time. Paul recalls, “There wasn't a grand plan. Our aim was simple: raise our families in a tight-knit community and offer training and job opportunities.” They discovered that by genuinely caring for their people—both staff and clients—the reputation and financial success followed. They are especially proud of how they hired young people from the community, helping them start careers that enabled them to buy homes and start families.

“Our aim was simple: raise our families in a tight-knit community and offer training and job opportunities.”

PARTNERING WITH MIDWAY

During the COVID pandemic, their business flourished, leading them to consider selling. They sought a partner who would honor and continue their legacy. “We spoke to some potential buyers, and the first thing they inquired was, ‘Where can we make cuts to increase profits?’” In contrast, Paul says Midway leadership personally visited to understand P&L’s values and share Midway’s vision. Recognizing a shared set of values, they proceeded with the partnership.

Announcing the sale to his team was challenging. “I was petrified in that moment,” he says. “I'm choking up, but Midway leadership really smoothed it out and gave everybody a warm and fuzzy feeling about how things were going to proceed.” He feels like Midway valued the local legacy he had built, exemplified by including him in the post-acquisition leadership. He's also pleased that his team saw enhanced wages, health provisions, and retirement plans with Midway, and that Midway has elevated in-house talent to leadership positions.

CONTINUING LEADERSHIP

“Everything Midway said they were going to do, they did.”

After the acquisition, Paul and Dale continued to lead P&L. This allowed Paul to witness Midway's commitment to P&L firsthand. "Everything Midway said they were going to do, they did," he says. He appreciates how Don Pilger, the Midway regional manager, kept everyone informed through regular meetings to help prevent concerns as small adjustments were made. He also highlights how the Midway leadership that led the acquisition stayed involved, including making in-person visits to Astoria.

As Paul transitioned into retirement, he experienced mixed emotions. He describes it as a grieving process, noting, “One day you get up and there's nobody to go see, no calls to make.” Yet, he’s also found a sense of pride and elation. He built something remarkable, and its legacy persists. He now laughs about the freedom of golfing without constant phone interruptions and the peace of no longer waking up at 2 AM, burdened with business concerns. Above all, he cherishes the added time spent with his family, including his grandchildren.

At Midway, we deeply value Paul. He created a meaningful community institution in P&L Johnson Mechanical through years of dedication, vision, and unwavering commitment. We express our heartfelt gratitude and are committed to upholding the legacy he has entrusted to us.