Since 1977, Ward Plumbing, Heating & Air has been a trusted name for families and businesses across Western North Carolina. But what truly sets them apart isn’t just their expertise in plumbing, heating, cooling, and water treatment—it’s the heart behind every service call. With a people-first mindset, Ward has grown into a 60+ employee operation while maintaining the values of a tight-knit, local team. Co-owned by three WNC natives, including one who leads the company’s culture and direction, Ward is more than a service provider; they’re a neighbor you can count on. Their team is dedicated not only to getting the job done right the first time but to building lasting relationships rooted in trust, comfort, and community care.
Ward’s commitment to excellence is reflected in everything from their beloved mascot “PipeMan” to their hands-on community outreach, including local donations and initiatives like their space heater GoFundMe campaign. Their mission, “Setting The New Standard for 5-Star Service™,” speaks to their passion for doing the right thing—both in and outside the home. Whether it’s volunteering time, supporting local causes, or simply making a customer feel cared for, Ward Plumbing, Heating & Air is building a legacy that goes far beyond HVAC systems and water lines. They’re creating a ripple of positive impact, one relationship at a time.
Tell us about your business and the role you play in it.
Ward Plumbing, Heating & Air has been a trusted partner of Western NC families and businesses since 1977. We provide top-quality plumbing, heating, cooling, and water treatment services. But what really sets us apart is how we approach our work: with heart. We treat our customers like friends and our teammates like family, ensuring their comfort and safety always come first. Our team is dedicated to delivering exceptional service while staying deeply connected to the community we serve. Over the years, we’ve grown not only in size- employing 60+ Western North Carolinians as of 2025- but in how we engage with and give back to our neighbors, making sure we’re more than just a service provider— we’re a trusted part of the community. As a co-owner, I oversee culture and direction of the company, as well as many marketing efforts. All 3 co-owners of Ward PH&A are Western NC natives. Our deep connection to the community drives our mission of being a neighbor our customers can trust like a friend.
What makes your business unique in its field?
While many companies focus solely on fixing problems, we believe in building relationships. Our team of highly skilled plumbers, HVAC technicians, and support staff take pride in getting the job done right the first time, but it’s our commitment to customer care that truly stands out. We’re not just about pipes and air filters—we’re about people and relationships. From helping 3,000+ customers each year to community donations and volunteer work, we make sure we’re always supporting the place we call home; setting The New Standard for 5-Star Service™
What’s a little-known fact or trivia about your business?
Here’s a fun one: “PipeMan”, our beloved mascot, is based on a sculpture made from galvanized piping that’s been in the front window of our original Sylva location since the 1970s. People of all ages share with us that they remember driving by or visiting us and seeing “PipeMan” in our window as kids, viewing him as a “Hero” of sorts. While the company has changed a lot since 1977 and came under new ownership in 2014, “PipeMan” represents a reputation in our community that spans generations.
What is most important to you/your company now?
What matters most to us right now is making a lasting impact—both in the homes we service and the communities we are privileged to serve. We aim to create a sense of trust and reliability with every customer interaction, ensuring that people feel safe, comfortable, and cared for when they choose us. Beyond providing exceptional service, we’re focused on fostering stronger community connections and making meaningful contributions to local causes. The results we strive for go beyond fixing problems; we want to build relationships, uplift our neighbors, and leave every situation better than we found it. Whether it’s in the comfort of someone’s home or through community initiatives, our goal is to make a difference that lasts.
What does the word “community” mean to you?
To us, community means connection, support, and shared responsibility. It’s about being there for one another, whether that means fixing a broken water heater in the dead of winter or donating space heaters to those in need through our GoFundMe initiative. It’s about lending a hand, not because it’s good business, but because it’s the right thing to do. Western North Carolina isn’t just where we work—it’s our home, and we’re committed to making it a better, safer place for everyone.
What do you see as your company’s legacy?
We want to be remembered as more than just a plumbing and HVAC company. Our legacy will be the lives we’ve touched, the comfort we’ve provided, and the community we’ve helped build. Whether it’s through our charitable contributions, volunteer efforts, or simply treating our customers like friends and our teammates like family, we hope to leave behind a reputation for integrity, compassion, and excellence.
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Learn more about Ward Plumbing, Heating & Air at www.wardph.com and stay connected via Facebook or Instagram.