South County Profile: Mark Dulong : Anderson Valley Post

Mark Dulong of Anderson graduated from Anderson High School in 1980. He then attended Shasta College, taking Diesel Mechanics Classes for a year. After finishing up his classes, DuLong went into the Army for three years to serve his country and to learn more about diesel mechanics at Fort Knox, Kentucky.

After coming home from the Army in 1983, DuLong began working for Cross Creek Heating and Air in Fayette Ville, North Carolina, He eventually came back to the north state to work for Gilbert Sears at Anderson Heating and Cooling. DuLong was also active in the music world helping at the Civic Auditorium in Redding helping to set up for concerts and other events. He and his brothers had a band called the Exclusives that played at Doc's Skyway and practice in the building across for the Air Conditioning shop.

After Gilbert Sales death, DuLong made a promise to himself that he was going to reopen the business in honor of his best friend and boss Gilbert Sales. Approximately one year ago, the business was re-opened after being closed for 17 years. Anderson Heating, Cooling and Sheet Metal Works is family owned and operated.

DuLong enjoys each day, being able to work on different jobs in and out of the area. He is also on call twenty hours a day seven days a week.

"No two jobs are ever the same. You could have two apartments next to one another needing the same service, but the systems can be completely different.

It makes the job interesting," said DuLong.

DuLong also works on sheet metal making things for other companies including restaurant kitchen hoods, roofing supplies, race car parts and many other things.

DuLong is always meeting new people which is something he also enjoys.

Advertising for Anderson Heating, Cooling and Sheet Metal Works is spread by word of mouth, happy repeat customers, some advertising and of course, the Tin Man who sits out front of the shop.

When DuLong is not working, he enjoys spending time with family, flying model airplanes and playing the drums. DuLong has been playing the drums since he was in 9th grade. DuLong is has been married to his wife Debbie for the past 14 years. and has two children and four grandchildren.

Name: Mark DuLong

Born where and when: Hawthorne, Calif., 1962.

Occupation: Owner of Anderson Heating and Cooling and Sheet Metal Works.

Marital Status: Married to wife Debbie for 14 years.

Family: One daughter Jackie, step daughter Brandi three grand-daughters Marysa, Denae and Nevaeh. One grand son, Dominic.

My worst job: A/C Plumbing, Heating and Air.

My first job: Washing dishes at the Country Kitchen in Dunsmuir.

In my spare time I: Fly model planes and helicopters. I am also a drummer.

My favorite book: Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance.

My favorite movie: Led Zeppelin, The Song Remains the Same.

My favorite recording artist: Led Zeppelin.

My dream car: A 1967 Mustang.

My friends like me because: I've got a great sense of humor, fun to be around and they say I am a fantastic drummer.

If stranded on a deserted island, I would want: My family and grandkids.

The one thing in life I've learned is: to fabricate metal squares in to rounds.

The best advice my parents gave me:Don't work all the time, take time to relax and enjoy life.

My most embarrassing moment: When I was playing music live and a band member fell into my drum set.

My most irrational act: When I drove a tank into a tree while in the Army in Fort Knox.

What I like best about the North State: The weather and all the recreation that is available.

My hero: Darrell Duncan.

My pet peeve: People that complain a lot.

My fantasy is: To go to Egypt and see the Giant Pyramids.

If I could change one thing about myself I would: Like to be a better singer.

The one thing that Shasta County needs most: A big amusement park.

The most enjoyable thing about life is: Being able to live life to the fullest and to make people happy.