In a conversation with Biz Tech Outlook, Durham Combustion’s co-founder and Office Manager Janet Hamilton reveal how teamwork and technology drive their success.
Durham Combustion: Where Experience and Innovation Meet to Drive Excellence
Can you introduce yourself and share your professional journey with our readers?
I am the co-founder of Durham Controls Ltd and Durham Combustion Limited, businesses my husband and I established nearly three decades ago. Over the years, these companies have thrived, standing as a testament to our commitment to quality and innovation in our field. My professional journey, however, has not been limited to running these enterprises.
About a year ago, I embarked on a new path by launching The Anomaly Factor podcast and coaching platform. This initiative stems from my deep-seated passion and purpose: to help individuals heal from their struggles, break free from stagnation, and transform their current lives into the ones they dream of. My work in this space is driven by a desire to empower people, guiding them through personal growth and self-discovery. Balancing my entrepreneurial ventures with this meaningful endeavor has been an enriching experience, allowing me to make a positive impact in multiple spheres.
What challenges have you faced throughout your professional life, and how have they shaped your journey so far?
Challenges have been a constant throughout my professional journey, shaping both my personal and entrepreneurial growth. Being largely self-taught, I had to master a wide range of skills to support our businesses, enabling my husband to deliver his specialized services to customers. From learning bookkeeping and computer systems to managing time and balancing priorities, I navigated these responsibilities through determination and resilience. However, this drive often kept me in a predominantly masculine energy, which eventually contributed to burnout.
As a natural caregiver, I prioritized everyone else’s needs—our customers, children, and aging parents—before my own. This relentless focus on others, coupled with the pressures of running a business, cultivated my Type “A” personality and heightened my resilience. Yet, it also taught me the importance of self-care, a lesson I’m still embracing. Learning to nurture myself with the same commitment I show to others has been transformative, though it feels unfamiliar.
The challenge of slowing down, being present, and finding value beyond constant productivity remains significant. However, I am consciously working to approach life differently—focusing on balance, self-awareness, and finding joy in the moment. These shifts are enabling me to grow not just as a professional but as a person who prioritizes well-being alongside success.
Could you provide us with an overview of Durham Combustion Limited?
Addressing all of your Boiler, Combustion, Instrumentation, Electrical and Control field service requirements.
Durham Combustion Limited provides expert service for pneumatic, DCS and PLC based boiler controls and burner management systems.
Field Services
Reliable, efficient services delivered on time. Durham Combustion employees are available on a regularly scheduled basis, for emergencies and on scheduled conversions and turnarounds to provide all instrumentation, electrical and control needs.
Reliable, efficient services that demonstrate the effectiveness of outsourcing.
Durham Combustion Limited employees are available on a regularly scheduled basis, for emergencies and on scheduled conversions and turnarounds to provide all instrumentation, electrical and control needs.
- Burner Management System Installations, Field Approvals & Troubleshooting
- Final Control Element Installations and Overhauls
- Control System Engineering Design, Installation and Commissioning
- Control Panel Fabrications, Installations and Commissioning
- Electrical & Pipe Fitting
- Gas Technician Services
- Custom Re-Design and Rebuild of Existing Control Panels
Downtime is costly, so Durham Combustion employees work closely with plant management to ensure that work is completed on time and on budget.
- Electrical, Instrumentation and Controls
- Electrical & Pipe Fitting
- Gas Technician Services
- Fabrication
- Design/Build
Are there any ongoing research and development projects at Durham Combustion that you’d like to discuss?
At Durham Combustion Limited, we are continuously engaged in research and development efforts to stay aligned with our customers’ evolving needs. Our clients frequently upgrade their systems to enhance performance, efficiency, and compliance with modern standards. In response, we collaborate closely with them, leveraging our expertise to research and develop tailored solutions that meet their specific requirements.
Our R&D initiatives focus on designing and implementing innovative systems that optimize applications and deliver superior results. Whether it involves enhancing burner management systems, upgrading control panels, or integrating advanced technologies into existing infrastructures, we prioritize creating customized solutions that provide the best possible outcomes.
This collaborative approach allows us to address unique challenges and stay at the forefront of industry advancements. By continually refining our methods and staying responsive to customer needs, we aim to not only meet expectations but also exceed them, reinforcing our commitment to excellence and innovation in all we do.
Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently in your career?
Looking back on my career, I wouldn’t change a thing. Every experience, whether good or challenging, has shaped me into who I am today and brought me to a place of fulfillment. Over thirty years ago, my husband and I envisioned this life—a peaceful haven deep in nature, free from chaos and filled with serenity. Surrounded by trees, a tranquil lake, and the beauty of the wilderness, I’ve found a space where my soul is nourished, and I can truly be present.
This setting has given me the freedom to explore and create in ways I hadn’t allowed myself before. Today, I dedicate my time to serving others, helping them embark on their own journeys of self-discovery and healing. I guide them to reconnect with their authentic selves, shedding the layers imposed by the world. Through this work, I aim to inspire others to find inner peace and contribute to raising collective consciousness, fostering a more harmonious and relational world for us all.
How do you cultivate a growth mindset within your team?
We cultivate a growth mindset within our team by fostering an environment of presence, collaboration, and open communication. By actively listening and creating a space where everyone feels seen, safe, and heard, we encourage honest dialogue and the sharing of ideas. Feedback is highly valued because it helps us identify areas for improvement that may otherwise go unnoticed. As we often say, “We don’t know what we don’t know until we know it,” and constructive criticism acts as a mirror, reflecting back opportunities for personal and professional growth.
We recognize that our strength lies in our collective effort, and it is our responsibility to continually grow, not just individually but as a team. This commitment extends beyond our workplace to the impact we leave on our families, customers, and the broader community. By striving for even 1% improvement each day, we maintain momentum toward achieving our dreams and ensure we are moving forward with purpose and intention.
“We don’t know what we don’t know until we know it,”
“Every experience, whether good or challenging, has shaped me into who I am today.”
“We are continuously engaged in research and development efforts to stay aligned with our customers’ evolving needs.”
“Challenges have been a constant throughout my professional journey, shaping both my personal and entrepreneurial growth.”
Company Name : Durham Combustion Limited
Website : https://durhamcombustion.com/
Management Team
Janet Hamilton | Office Manager
