AYS Plumbing & Rooter has rapidly established itself as a leading plumbing services provider in Southern California, achieving significant growth since its inception in 2020. Founded by Michael Lanphear, the company has expanded to a team of 25 employees and reported an impressive 300% year-over-year growth, reaching multi-million dollar annual revenues. Beyond these remarkable financial figures, Lanphear places greater emphasis on cultivating a supportive workplace culture that fosters employee loyalty and teamwork.
The journey of AYS Plumbing & Rooter is not just about the services offered or the number of projects completed. Lanphear believes that the key to the company’s success lies in the dedication of each employee. He has developed a culture centered on fair compensation, respect, and recognizing individual contributions. “Employees who feel valued and fairly compensated demonstrate significantly higher loyalty levels,” Lanphear explains. This philosophy became apparent early on, even when the company was just a one-person operation striving to carve out its place in a competitive industry.
Instead of adhering to the conventional practice of minimizing labor costs to maximize profits, Lanphear has prioritized investing in his team. This includes offering competitive wages that reflect the skills and dedication required for quality plumbing work. By creating an environment where employees feel their contributions matter, AYS Plumbing & Rooter has built a culture that impacts retention and productivity.
Creating a Family-Like Atmosphere
At the heart of AYS Plumbing & Rooter’s ethos is the commitment to fostering a sense of family among employees. Lanphear has intentionally nurtured an environment where accountability is rooted in respect and transparency rather than hierarchy. Employees are encouraged to support one another while maintaining high standards of work quality. This collaborative spirit is essential in preventing common issues such as project delays or subpar service.
“Everyone knows what’s expected, and everyone steps up,” Lanphear states. “We are a family. That means for every project, we look out for each other and hold each other accountable.” This sense of camaraderie extends beyond the workplace, reinforcing the idea that every employee is part of something larger.
The mantra “work hard, play hard” resonates throughout AYS Plumbing & Rooter. Lanphear understands that creating a fun and engaging workplace is crucial for employee morale. The team participates in various social events and team-building activities, which help cultivate a motivated atmosphere that balances the demands of plumbing with enjoyment.
“Plumbing can be demanding,” Lanphear acknowledges. “But when surrounded by people you enjoy and trust, the work becomes lighter. We want to create a space where our team feels excited to get up in the morning.” Team members even display tattoos representing their commitment to AYS, a unique testament to their bond and shared values.
Navigating Growth While Preserving Culture
As AYS Plumbing & Rooter continues to expand, maintaining its vibrant workplace culture presents ongoing challenges. Lanphear recognizes that growth can sometimes conflict with the core values that define the company. With plans to open new offices in San Diego and Orange County, he is determined to keep team sizes intimate enough to foster personal connections and uphold the family ethos.
“We don’t want to be a giant, faceless corporation,” Lanphear insists. “Our goal is to scale thoughtfully, keeping the culture alive by creating smaller hubs where teams know and care about each other.” This strategic approach prioritizes quality over quantity, ensuring that the essence of AYS Plumbing & Rooter remains intact.
Building a robust company culture requires understanding, listening, and sometimes sacrifice. For Michael Lanphear and the AYS Plumbing & Rooter team, the effort has proven worthwhile. The company’s success and growth reflect their commitment to fostering a meaningful workplace.
“From 2020 to today, it has become more than just about plumbing,” Lanphear shares. “It’s about building something meaningful, a family that shows up every day ready to work hard, hold each other accountable, and enjoy the ride together.” For more information on their plumbing services, please visit AYS Plumbing & Rooter.
