The Thomas’ are the owners of Poplar Grove Airport, a 600-acre airport that includes a 180-acre residential airpark with 140 homes. The airport was founded 25 years ago by Steve’s father, who turned one of his farm fields into a privately-owned, public-use airport.

As the airport’s reputation grew and more pilots wanted space to house their planes, Thomas had to add more hangars. In the last five years, he has purchased 84 hangar units of various sizes totaling almost 200,000 square feet from Harvard, Illinois-based Erect-A-Tube.

He was familiar with Erect-A-Tube and its products because the company bases its own airplane at Poplar Grove Airport. Thomas, who likes to do business locally when possible, decided to buy hangars from Erect-A-Tube because of his relationship with the company.

“We were satisfied with their product and knowledgeable about it. It’s an excellent hangar,” he said.

Many of the hangars at Poplar Grove Airport are being used for more than storing airplanes. Some are equipped with heat, bathroom facilities, kitchens and living areas. Among the hangar’s biggest advantages is flexibility in engineering, Thomas said.

“We can configure the hangar to meet our needs. Erect-A-Tube is very creative and flexible in design and location. They let us configure the building that we need. We tell them what we want, and they design the building around our needs.”

Thomas said Erect-A-Tube hangars are fairly priced and hold up well to the weather. Another important benefit of Erect-A-Tube hangars is that the doors are designed as part of the building, Thomas said.

“The same manufacturer that builds the building builds the doors. We don’t have to buy a building and then try to engineer someone else’s door to fit in it. It’s not like we have to buy a Ford engine and make it fit in a Chevrolet truck. We’re buying a complete hangar from a single source.”

Thomas’ builders had a few minor problems in erecting one of the hangars. When mistakes in production caused a few parts to be cut incorrectly, Erect-A-Tube’s response and willingness to provide new parts quickly satisfied Thomas. “It’s bound to happen, but Erect-A-Tube made it right. It was nothing out of the ordinary.”

Thomas has a waiting list for pilots who want space at the airport. “I’m developing a site plan, and I know who will manufacture my hangars. I will definitely continue with Erect-A-Tube because of a superior product and outstanding customer service.. They’re worth it.” And that says it all, when excellence is your personal hallmark.

We’d love to write your story. For more information about Erect-A-Tube and its products that could create your very own story call 800.624.9219 or e-mail us at hangars@erect-a-tube.com.

Poplar Grove | Front Range, Denver | Rock Hill | Abbeville
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