Jamie Carter Receives the PHCC Contractor of the Year 2017

Jamie Carter is the proud recipient of the 2017 Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractor’s Association (PHCC) Contractor of the Year award.  The PHCC is comprised of over 3,000 of the nation’s leading plumbing, heating, and cooling contractors, as well as manufacturers, suppliers, and service companies who provide products and services to contractors.  The PHCC is the oldest national association in the construction industry and the premiere organization for plumbing, heating, and cooling professionals.  Since 1883, it has been the leader in promotion, advancement, education, and training and is responsible for establishing a framework for the industry’s first apprenticeship system, championing the cause of safe and adequate sanitation practices to state legislatures, encouraging the invention of better plumbing appliances and fixtures, and spearheading education programs to keep pace with technological change, among other things.

Denny Smith presents the PHCC Contractor of the Year Award

Jamie’s distinction was focused on the successful family business he was able to grow with his wife Lisa, after joining his father as the second-generation of Carter in the business.  He and his father are now joined by Jamie’s son Kelson in the family business, making Carter’s My Plumber a third-generation family business.  Stepping in as the second-generation of a family business is not always easy.  As is said in the introduction to Jaime’s award at the ceremony, it is “sometimes fun, sometimes not fun.”  Parents dream of building a family business to pass on to their children, and it can be exciting and rewarding, but working together and building a lasting company can often prove to be more difficult and complex than anyone could initially realize.  The stress of financial risk, complex familial and working relationships, unsolicited input from family members who do not work in the company, varying levels of skill and commitment to the company among family members, and a lack of sound structures, rules, and policies all frequently lead to the downfall of family-run businesses.  Things become even more difficult when the second-generation steps in- entitlement, laziness, indifference, a lack of resources, and a lack of a network often lead to second-generation business failure.

Passing the torch of family business

However, a select few family businesses can navigate the complex landscape of personalities, priorities, and sacrifices required to build a thriving family business.  Even fewer can pass the torch from an open-minded parent (someone willing to listen to their child tell them there might be a better way to do things) to an appreciative child (someone who recognizes what their parent has built and is thankful for the opportunity) who is as skilled and committed to the business as their parent.  Jamie is an example of the few second-generation family business members able to join the company and grow its stature.  Carter’s was a one-man shop until Jamie joined his father.  He did everything his father did but was open-minded enough to know there might be better ways of doing things.  His father was open-minded enough to listen to him and the result is eighteen national awards, and a strong business that continues to grow and serve the community in new ways.

Carter’s My Plumber fueled by integrity for over 30 years

Jaime continues to manage the business, along with his father and son Kelson.  They lead the company with the same integrity that has fueled its growth and shaped its reputation for 30 years.  Jaime is honored and humbled that the PHCC chose him for this amazing distinction.  Please feel free to watch the video below.

Contractor of the Year Award Video