The Wells County Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors recently surprised VacMan Air Duct Cleaning as they were named the June Member of the Month, recognizing the company’s long-standing commitment to quality service, family values, and dedication to improving indoor air quality for homes and businesses across Northern Indiana.
VacMan Air Duct Cleaning is a family-rooted business built on service, hard work, and a desire to help people breathe easier—both literally and figuratively. The company began more than three decades ago through the vision and determination of Ryan’s father-in-law, Matt Steenbeke, who first entered the industry after transitioning from a background in printing and manufacturing. After being introduced to HVAC and duct cleaning work through family connections, he quickly recognized both the need and the opportunity to provide a service that directly improved people’s health and comfort.
What began as a small operation soon became a family effort. Ryan's mother-in-law, Carrie Steenbeke, shared that the early days were filled with uncertainty, learning curves, and long hours, but also a strong belief in the mission. The business truly began to take shape when the family committed to focusing fully on air duct cleaning as a specialty. “Matt realized he could really make a difference for people’s health if he focused on doing one thing well,” she shared, reflecting on the early foundation of the company.
That commitment eventually grew into a thriving, multi-generational business. Today, Ryan operates alongside family members, including his wife, Dani, and their children, continuing a legacy that has spanned more than 30 years. After originally working in South Bend, Ryan helped expand operations into his hometown area nearly nine years ago, strengthening the company’s footprint across Northern Indiana.
Ryan shared that returning to his hometown to continue growing the business has been especially meaningful. “We moved back here, where I’m originally from, and my in-laws were gracious enough to grow the business,” he explained. “It’s been a full schedule ever since, and we’re grateful to serve the community we live in.”
VacMan Air Duct Cleaning specializes in residential and commercial air duct cleaning, helping remove dust, allergens, and contaminants from HVAC systems. Each job typically takes between three and seven hours, depending on the size of the home or facility, with services tailored to ensure systems are thoroughly cleaned and operating efficiently. The company serves a wide region across Northern Indiana, including Goshen, Mishawaka, Granger, South Bend, LaPorte, Bluffton, Plymouth, Elkhart, Culver, and Fort Wayne.
In addition to technical expertise, the company is known for its strong customer relationships and personal approach. Many clients choose to trust VacMan with access to their homes even when they are away, a reflection of the long-standing relationships built within the communities they serve. “It’s not just about the job,” Ryan noted. “It’s about taking care of people and doing right by them.”
One of the most memorable aspects of the business, according to Ryan, is the unexpected nature of the work—ranging from retrieving pets that have wandered into ductwork to solving unique airflow challenges in older homes. Despite the surprises, the focus remains the same: providing reliable, professional service with care and integrity.
Looking ahead, VacMan Air Duct Cleaning remains committed to growing its service area while maintaining the family-centered values on which it was built. As the business continues to expand, the team remains grounded in its original purpose—helping people breathe cleaner air and improving the spaces they call home.
If you would like to learn more about VacMan Air Duct Cleaning, visit their website at www.govacman.com, follow them on Facebook, or contact their office at (574) 273-0796 for service inquiries. Pictured holding the Member of the Month sign are Ryan and his wife, Dani, along with their children, nieces and nephews, Matt and Carrie Steenbeke, and members of the Wells County Chamber staff and Ambassadors.
Please view more photos from the event on our Facebook page.