Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling Inc. has been recognized as one of the 2013 Indiana Companies to Watch, an awards program presented by the Indiana Economic Development Corp. Summers and 32 other companies will be honored as outstanding second-stage companies during the fifth annual awards program on Aug. 22 in Indianapolis.
“I was actually surprised,” Summers President Steve Line said about being named to the list. “It’s a neat honor to have.”
Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling started in Noblesville when Line purchased the business in 2008 with just four employees. It has since grown to almost 100 employees and expanded to 11 different locations throughout Indiana and one in Dayton, Ohio.
“It’s been extremely fast-paced,” Line said. “We look for doors to open, and when they do, I take advantage of it… This year alone we have five new companies in Indiana. It really comes down to finding the right people because I believe I could expand faster.”
Line said the company began with a great marketing plan and then delivered its promise to customers.
“Our business model has proven success and is easily duplicated,” he said. “Realistically, I see a Summers in every community in Indiana.”
Summers focuses on residential service and replacement for plumbing, heating and air conditioning, but they also focus on the communities they serve.
“We thrive on being part of the community and being the local company in all our communities,” he said.
Locally, the Noblesville location has supported Noblesville Main Street’s Duck Race, Noblesville Schools and is the scoreboard sponsor for Guerin Catholic High School. During November and December, Summers does a food drive to benefit Third Phase. Line said customers get $5 deducted from their bills if they donate five cans, and he matches the total donation.
“Last year we donated 2,500 cans,” he said. “We loaded up a big truck.”
Companies to Watch is an awards program that celebrates businesses that are past the startup phase and face issues of growth, not survival. This year, the program attracted 308 nominees and applicants.