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In the competitive world of plumbing and HVAC, few companies manage the transition from construction to service with as much foresight and success as Cleary Plumbing and Air. Based in Florida, this family-run business has carved out a powerful niche in both residential and commercial service — and their journey is a masterclass in growth, adaptability, and community connection.
A Family Legacy Transformed
Founded in 1992 by Chris Cleary’s father, Cleary Plumbing began as a construction-focused business. But as the recession hit in 2008, the team made a strategic pivot into service work — a move that required not just operational changes, but a complete mindset shift.
"With construction, you often have a long lead time and predictability. In service, you’re relying on the phone ringing daily," Chris explains. "That shift was a little scary at first. But once we committed, focused on processes, and got serious about how to generate leads — everything started clicking."
Building on Community and Trust
In the early days, marketing was simple: show up, be visible, and build trust. Chris recalls his dad heading to little league practice in his work boots — ready to leave if a call came in. “Our business really started with community involvement and word-of-mouth,” he says.
That grassroots strategy laid the foundation for long-term success. And while their tactics have evolved, their customer-centric values have never changed.
Scaling Up: From Plumbing to HVAC
Today, Cleary Plumbing and Air runs 15 trucks and has added HVAC service in the last five years — a growth milestone driven by customer demand and strategic expansion.
Their ideal customer? “It’s the blue-collar, hard-working people — folks like us,” says Chris. “They understand the value of good service, and we connect well with that demographic.”
Lessons in Marketing: What Worked and What Didn’t
Chris is candid about the early marketing missteps — including reliance on platforms like HomeAdvisor and Angie’s List.
“They felt like band-aids. You get calls, but it’s super competitive and the lead quality isn’t always great. You’re just a name on a list,” he says.
Instead, Cleary Plumbing has doubled down on its digital presence. “At one point, we didn’t even have a website,” Chris laughs. “Now we’re all in — we focus on SEO, reviews, and showing up online where our customers are searching.”
A Balance of Tradition and Innovation
Chris credits his father for the technical foundation of the business, while he brings the entrepreneurial fire — constantly pushing into new marketing strategies and digital channels. “He’s more hands-on, I’m more about taking risks and testing new ideas,” Chris says. “It’s a great balance.”
Looking Ahead
With a strong foothold in their local market, Cleary Plumbing and Air is now focused on optimizing every touchpoint — from lead gen to booked jobs — and continuing to evolve with the times.
If there’s one takeaway from Chris’s story, it’s this: success in the plumbing and HVAC space isn’t just about tools and trucks. It’s about people, processes, and the willingness to adapt.
