AYS Plumbing & Rooter has established itself as a leading plumbing service provider in Southern California, achieving remarkable growth since its founding in 2020. Under the leadership of Michael Lanphear, the company has expanded its workforce to 25 employees and reported a staggering 300% year-over-year growth, generating multi-million-dollar annual revenues. While these financial metrics reflect the company’s success, Lanphear emphasizes that the true strength of AYS lies in its unique workplace culture.
The foundation of AYS Plumbing & Rooter’s success is its commitment to creating a supportive and engaging environment for its employees. Lanphear has intentionally developed a culture that prioritizes fairness, respect, and recognition. He believes that when employees feel valued and well-compensated, they demonstrate higher levels of loyalty and engagement, which translates into better productivity and retention rates.
From the outset, Lanphear chose to invest in his team rather than adopting the industry norm of minimizing labor costs. This resulted in competitive wages that reflect the skills and dedication required for quality plumbing work. He asserts, “From day one, I made a decision that I would pay my team well. Not just adequately—well. Because when people feel valued financially, they show up differently.”
Creating a sense of accountability is another crucial element of AYS Plumbing & Rooter’s culture. Employees are empowered to hold themselves and each other to high standards, ensuring that the quality of work remains excellent. This culture of responsibility is rooted in respect and transparency rather than hierarchy. Lanphear notes, “Everyone knows what’s expected, and everyone steps up. We are a family.”
Fostering Team Spirit and Enjoyment
The mantra “work hard, play hard” is vividly brought to life at AYS Plumbing & Rooter. Lanphear recognizes that while plumbing can be a demanding field, fostering a fun and enjoyable workplace is essential for employee satisfaction. The team engages in various social events and team-building exercises that promote a relaxed yet motivated atmosphere. “When surrounded by people you enjoy and trust, the work becomes lighter,” he explains.
The strong bonds among team members are evident in the unique ways they express their commitment to AYS. Workers proudly showcase team tattoos that symbolize their loyalty and the camaraderie they share. Lanphear emphasizes the importance of this sense of belonging, stating, “We laugh a lot and support each other. We all know that our work matters, not just for the clients but for each other.”
While the company continues to expand, Lanphear acknowledges the challenges of maintaining this vibrant culture. With plans to open new offices in San Diego and Orange County, he remains focused on preserving the intimate team sizes that foster personal connections. “We don’t want to be a giant, faceless corporation,” he says, emphasizing the goal of scaling thoughtfully while keeping the company’s family ethos intact.
Commitment to Meaningful Growth
Building a strong corporate culture is no small feat, and for Lanphear and his team, it requires continuous effort, understanding, and sometimes sacrifice. The company’s impressive growth trajectory is a testament to the effectiveness of this approach. “From 2020 to today, it has become more than just about plumbing. 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,” Lanphear concludes.
As AYS Plumbing & Rooter continues to grow, it remains committed to its core values, ensuring that every employee feels valued and integral to the company’s mission. The emphasis on accountability, teamwork, and personal engagement sets AYS apart in the competitive plumbing industry, proving that a strong workplace culture is essential for sustained success.
For more information on AYS Plumbing & Rooter’s services, please visit their website.
