Aahs Spas isn’t just manufacturing made-to-order hot tubs in Kansas. The company is intentionally supporting the economic backbone of towns throughout rural Kansas through a commitment to use independent, local suppliers whenever possible.
Founder and President Chuck Maltbie built the business around a simple principle: “If you don’t support your local economy, then you’re not going to have a local economy.” He’s unapologetic about calling out the disconnect he sees in many communities. As he puts it, “You can’t complain you don’t have a store for something if you never go to local stores. Patronizing and buying from local companies keeps them in business, and makes life better for us and our customers. Buying from local Kansas companies first and foremost for Aahs Spas.”
Kansas Proud and Proving It
Chuck doesn’t view “buying local” as a marketing slogan. It’s central to how Aahs Spas operates. “We’re a Kansas-proud company, and we want to stay that way,” he says. “In order to do that, we have to support other Kansas-proud companies.”
Chuck admits that not everything can be sourced from local suppliers. For instance, the spa company sources high-performance spa packs from a top manufacturer in California, but much of the supporting materials come from within the state.
He looks for ways to support Kansas companies whenever possible. When Chuck purchased the factory, he discovered that the mold for a key filter lock ring was being made in China. Instead of continuing that arrangement, he had the mold shipped back and partnered with BPI in Emporia.
“I’m actually getting it made for less right here in the U.S.A., 40 minutes from my door,” he says. “The savings part is a nice surprise, but even without the price, we’d source from Emporia over China, because that’s what helps Kansas communities.”
The bottom shield for every spa is made by Benchmark Plastics in McPherson. PVC fittings come through a Wichita supplier. Screws, nails, blades, paint, and other everyday tools are purchased from the local hardware store.
“Could I buy some of that stuff cheaper elsewhere? Probably,” Chuck admits. “But it’s worth a few extra dollars to support the Kansas economy. The nice side benefit is that when we need something fast here in Hillsboro, like tubing, we can go get it at the location, fast, because they’re still a storefront. We’re buying from a place with real people, so they can help us when we need it.”
The Challenges of Companies in Rural Kansas
To outsiders, sourcing “locally” might mean staying within city limits. For Aahs Spas, it looks very different.
“When you’re talking about buying supplies in this part of Kansas, if you’re within 30 miles, you’re local,” Chuck says. Hillsboro, where the factory is based, is a small community. The closest lumber yard is Jantz Lumber in McPherson, which has supplied the company for years. But even after a recent ownership change, Aahs Spas remained one of the first commercial accounts. Chuck wanted to support this independent company.
Rural businesses like Jantz rely heavily on steady, commercial-volume customers. “These places are closing because people aren’t buying from them. Too many Kansans go to big box stores, national chains, or order online,” he says. “But we can do something to change that. After all, commercial accounts like ours are often ten times (or more) the volume of any individual customer. So, it’s critical that companies and business also look for independently owned suppliers.”
Keeping Independently Owned Businesses Alive
Chuck is candid about the stakes for independently owned suppliers. “People show up at Aahs Spas wanting donations for the local softball team or the high school or the Chamber of Commerce,” he says. “I’m all for supporting local causes. But when it’s time to make a purchase, many of the people who solicit donations will buy online because it’s easier.”
His frustration isn’t about convenience; it’s about economic sustainability. “Those same people can’t call Amazon to donate to their local cause,” he points out. “Amazon isn’t helping softball teams or chambers of commerce. You are not financially supporting local companies, but buying from them even when it’s a little less convenient, or even a few dollars more, how do you expect them to have the fiduciary means to support your fundraiser?”
For him, supporting local isn’t charity; it’s strategic infrastructure. “You have to help each other and work together as part of a community. Maybe Amazon is okay in big cities, but choosing online over local suppliers is making it very hard to keep local, Kansas communities working.”
Local Referrals, Local Prosperity
Aahs Spas doesn’t just buy from local companies; it also sends them work. When customers need concrete pads, electrical hookups, or installation support, the company refers them to small, independent contractors nearby.
One example is Elcon Electric. “They could be busy as heck, but if we call and say we’ve got a customer who needs a hot tub wired, they’ll find a way to work it in,” Chuck says. The relationship works for both businesses. Aahs Spa referrals often turn into long-term business for those contractors. For example, a recent spa hookup led to the installation of a backup generator sale.
“It all works hand in hand,” he adds. “You have to help each other.”
The Cost of Losing Local Business
Chuck worries about what happens if rural communities don’t change their buying habits. “They talk about food deserts in large metropolitan areas. Well, imagine having a food desert in Kansas. You might have to go 30 to 100 miles because there’s nothing there.”
Even with grants, incentives, and downtown revitalization efforts, the reality doesn’t change without buyers. “It all falls back to one thing,” Chuck says. “It’s a consumer-driven economy. If people don’t come to you and use your goods and services, you’re not going to be in business.”
And if that continues, he warns, “these little towns are just going to be clusters of houses with no stores.”
More Than a Manufacturing Company
Aahs Spas may build hot tubs, but its impact runs much deeper than its product line. Chuck sees his company as one part of a larger ecosystem, one that only survives if businesses support each other financially, not just ideologically.
“I want communities like Hillsboro, Emporia, McPherson, and even Wichita to stay alive,” he says. For Aahs Spas, that means spending intentionally, referring locally, and refusing to abandon the independent businesses that keep rural Kansas alive.
Aahs Spas isn’t just manufacturing made-to-order hot tubs in Kansas. The company is intentionally supporting the economic backbone of towns throughout rural Kansas through a commitment to use independent, local suppliers whenever possible.
Founder and President Chuck Maltbie built the business around a simple principle: “If you don’t support your local economy, then you’re not going to have a local economy.” He’s unapologetic about calling out the disconnect he sees in many communities. As he puts it, “You can’t complain you don’t have a store for something if you never go to local stores. Patronizing and buying from local companies keeps them in business, and makes life better for us and our customers. Buying from local Kansas companies first and foremost for Aahs Spas.”
Kansas Proud and Proving It
Chuck doesn’t view “buying local” as a marketing slogan. It’s central to how Aahs Spas operates. “We’re a Kansas-proud company, and we want to stay that way,” he says. “In order to do that, we have to support other Kansas-proud companies.”
Chuck admits that not everything can be sourced from local suppliers. For instance, the spa company sources high-performance spa packs from a top manufacturer in California, but much of the supporting materials come from within the state.
He looks for ways to support Kansas companies whenever possible. When Chuck purchased the factory, he discovered that the mold for a key filter lock ring was being made in China. Instead of continuing that arrangement, he had the mold shipped back and partnered with BPI in Emporia.
“I’m actually getting it made for less right here in the U.S.A., 40 minutes from my door,” he says. “The savings part is a nice surprise, but even without the price, we’d source from Emporia over China, because that’s what helps Kansas communities.”
The bottom shield for every spa is made by Benchmark Plastics in McPherson. PVC fittings come through a Wichita supplier. Screws, nails, blades, paint, and other everyday tools are purchased from the local hardware store.
“Could I buy some of that stuff cheaper elsewhere? Probably,” Chuck admits. “But it’s worth a few extra dollars to support the Kansas economy. The nice side benefit is that when we need something fast here in Hillsboro, like tubing, we can go get it at the location, fast, because they’re still a storefront. We’re buying from a place with real people, so they can help us when we need it.”
The Challenges of Companies in Rural Kansas
To outsiders, sourcing “locally” might mean staying within city limits. For Aahs Spas, it looks very different.
“When you’re talking about buying supplies in this part of Kansas, if you’re within 30 miles, you’re local,” Chuck says. Hillsboro, where the factory is based, is a small community. The closest lumber yard is Jantz Lumber in McPherson, which has supplied the company for years. But even after a recent ownership change, Aahs Spas remained one of the first commercial accounts. Chuck wanted to support this independent company.
Rural businesses like Jantz rely heavily on steady, commercial-volume customers. “These places are closing because people aren’t buying from them. Too many Kansans go to big box stores, national chains, or order online,” he says. “But we can do something to change that. After all, commercial accounts like ours are often ten times (or more) the volume of any individual customer. So, it’s critical that companies and business also look for independently owned suppliers.”
Keeping Independently Owned Businesses Alive
Chuck is candid about the stakes for independently owned suppliers. “People show up at Aahs Spas wanting donations for the local softball team or the high school or the Chamber of Commerce,” he says. “I’m all for supporting local causes. But when it’s time to make a purchase, many of the people who solicit donations will buy online because it’s easier.”
His frustration isn’t about convenience; it’s about economic sustainability. “Those same people can’t call Amazon to donate to their local cause,” he points out. “Amazon isn’t helping softball teams or chambers of commerce. You are not financially supporting local companies, but buying from them even when it’s a little less convenient, or even a few dollars more, how do you expect them to have the fiduciary means to support your fundraiser?”
For him, supporting local isn’t charity; it’s strategic infrastructure. “You have to help each other and work together as part of a community. Maybe Amazon is okay in big cities, but choosing online over local suppliers is making it very hard to keep local, Kansas communities working.”
Local Referrals, Local Prosperity
Aahs Spas doesn’t just buy from local companies; it also sends them work. When customers need concrete pads, electrical hookups, or installation support, the company refers them to small, independent contractors nearby.
One example is Elcon Electric. “They could be busy as heck, but if we call and say we’ve got a customer who needs a hot tub wired, they’ll find a way to work it in,” Chuck says. The relationship works for both businesses. Aahs Spa referrals often turn into long-term business for those contractors. For example, a recent spa hookup led to the installation of a backup generator sale.
“It all works hand in hand,” he adds. “You have to help each other.”
The Cost of Losing Local Business
Chuck worries about what happens if rural communities don’t change their buying habits. “They talk about food deserts in large metropolitan areas. Well, imagine having a food desert in Kansas. You might have to go 30 to 100 miles because there’s nothing there.”
Even with grants, incentives, and downtown revitalization efforts, the reality doesn’t change without buyers. “It all falls back to one thing,” Chuck says. “It’s a consumer-driven economy. If people don’t come to you and use your goods and services, you’re not going to be in business.”
And if that continues, he warns, “these little towns are just going to be clusters of houses with no stores.”
More Than a Manufacturing Company
Aahs Spas may build hot tubs, but its impact runs much deeper than its product line. Chuck sees his company as one part of a larger ecosystem, one that only survives if businesses support each other financially, not just ideologically.
“I want communities like Hillsboro, Emporia, McPherson, and even Wichita to stay alive,” he says. For Aahs Spas, that means spending intentionally, referring locally, and refusing to abandon the independent businesses that keep rural Kansas alive.
Aahs Spas isn’t just manufacturing made-to-order hot tubs in Kansas. The company is intentionally supporting the economic backbone of towns throughout rural Kansas through a commitment to use independent, local suppliers whenever possible.
Founder and President Chuck Maltbie built the business around a simple principle: “If you don’t support your local economy, then you’re not going to have a local economy.” He’s unapologetic about calling out the disconnect he sees in many communities. As he puts it, “You can’t complain you don’t have a store for something if you never go to local stores. Patronizing and buying from local companies keeps them in business, and makes life better for us and our customers. Buying from local Kansas companies first and foremost for Aahs Spas.”
Kansas Proud and Proving It
Chuck doesn’t view “buying local” as a marketing slogan. It’s central to how Aahs Spas operates. “We’re a Kansas-proud company, and we want to stay that way,” he says. “In order to do that, we have to support other Kansas-proud companies.”
Chuck admits that not everything can be sourced from local suppliers. For instance, the spa company sources high-performance spa packs from a top manufacturer in California, but much of the supporting materials come from within the state.
He looks for ways to support Kansas companies whenever possible. When Chuck purchased the factory, he discovered that the mold for a key filter lock ring was being made in China. Instead of continuing that arrangement, he had the mold shipped back and partnered with BPI in Emporia.
“I’m actually getting it made for less right here in the U.S.A., 40 minutes from my door,” he says. “The savings part is a nice surprise, but even without the price, we’d source from Emporia over China, because that’s what helps Kansas communities.”
The bottom shield for every spa is made by Benchmark Plastics in McPherson. PVC fittings come through a Wichita supplier. Screws, nails, blades, paint, and other everyday tools are purchased from the local hardware store.
“Could I buy some of that stuff cheaper elsewhere? Probably,” Chuck admits. “But it’s worth a few extra dollars to support the Kansas economy. The nice side benefit is that when we need something fast here in Hillsboro, like tubing, we can go get it at the location, fast, because they’re still a storefront. We’re buying from a place with real people, so they can help us when we need it.”
The Challenges of Companies in Rural Kansas
To outsiders, sourcing “locally” might mean staying within city limits. For Aahs Spas, it looks very different.
“When you’re talking about buying supplies in this part of Kansas, if you’re within 30 miles, you’re local,” Chuck says. Hillsboro, where the factory is based, is a small community. The closest lumber yard is Jantz Lumber in McPherson, which has supplied the company for years. But even after a recent ownership change, Aahs Spas remained one of the first commercial accounts. Chuck wanted to support this independent company.
Rural businesses like Jantz rely heavily on steady, commercial-volume customers. “These places are closing because people aren’t buying from them. Too many Kansans go to big box stores, national chains, or order online,” he says. “But we can do something to change that. After all, commercial accounts like ours are often ten times (or more) the volume of any individual customer. So, it’s critical that companies and business also look for independently owned suppliers.”
Keeping Independently Owned Businesses Alive
Chuck is candid about the stakes for independently owned suppliers. “People show up at Aahs Spas wanting donations for the local softball team or the high school or the Chamber of Commerce,” he says. “I’m all for supporting local causes. But when it’s time to make a purchase, many of the people who solicit donations will buy online because it’s easier.”
His frustration isn’t about convenience; it’s about economic sustainability. “Those same people can’t call Amazon to donate to their local cause,” he points out. “Amazon isn’t helping softball teams or chambers of commerce. You are not financially supporting local companies, but buying from them even when it’s a little less convenient, or even a few dollars more, how do you expect them to have the fiduciary means to support your fundraiser?”
For him, supporting local isn’t charity; it’s strategic infrastructure. “You have to help each other and work together as part of a community. Maybe Amazon is okay in big cities, but choosing online over local suppliers is making it very hard to keep local, Kansas communities working.”
Local Referrals, Local Prosperity
Aahs Spas doesn’t just buy from local companies; it also sends them work. When customers need concrete pads, electrical hookups, or installation support, the company refers them to small, independent contractors nearby.
One example is Elcon Electric. “They could be busy as heck, but if we call and say we’ve got a customer who needs a hot tub wired, they’ll find a way to work it in,” Chuck says. The relationship works for both businesses. Aahs Spa referrals often turn into long-term business for those contractors. For example, a recent spa hookup led to the installation of a backup generator sale.
“It all works hand in hand,” he adds. “You have to help each other.”
The Cost of Losing Local Business
Chuck worries about what happens if rural communities don’t change their buying habits. “They talk about food deserts in large metropolitan areas. Well, imagine having a food desert in Kansas. You might have to go 30 to 100 miles because there’s nothing there.”
Even with grants, incentives, and downtown revitalization efforts, the reality doesn’t change without buyers. “It all falls back to one thing,” Chuck says. “It’s a consumer-driven economy. If people don’t come to you and use your goods and services, you’re not going to be in business.”
And if that continues, he warns, “these little towns are just going to be clusters of houses with no stores.”
More Than a Manufacturing Company
Aahs Spas may build hot tubs, but its impact runs much deeper than its product line. Chuck sees his company as one part of a larger ecosystem, one that only survives if businesses support each other financially, not just ideologically.
“I want communities like Hillsboro, Emporia, McPherson, and even Wichita to stay alive,” he says. For Aahs Spas, that means spending intentionally, referring locally, and refusing to abandon the independent businesses that keep rural Kansas alive.