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When you think of a successful home service company, you might picture a fleet of trucks, dozens of employees, and a strong local reputation. But for Chris Parham and his family, it all started in a dog kennel behind their home in Trenton, Tennessee.
Today, Parham Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric is a thriving, family-owned business serving all of Northwest Tennessee, with more than 40 employees and over 30 service trucks on the road. But the road to $10 million in annual revenue was anything but easy.
A Business Born Out of Determination
Chris grew up in the trades. His father, once a truck driver hauling livestock six days a week, decided there had to be a better way to provide for his family. In 1990, he enrolled in vocational school for refrigeration and launched the company that would eventually become Parham Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric.
At first, the business was run out of a pickup truck, with Chris’s father repairing refrigerators, freezers, and window AC units on nights and weekends. His mother soon left her job at the bank to manage calls, parts, and scheduling—and the business quickly doubled.
And yes, the company really did begin “in the doghouse.” The family converted their old German Shepherd kennel, complete with a concrete slab and roof, into their first office and warehouse.
Expanding into Full-Service Trades
Through the years, the business grew steadily, with Chris joining after completing the same vocational program his father attended. By 2008, the company rebranded from Parham Refrigeration to Parham Heating & Cooling to better reflect its core services.
But the turning point came in 2016, when the company merged with a local plumbing business to expand into full-service solutions. Soon after, they added electrical services with their first licensed electrician.
Today, Parham proudly offers HVAC, plumbing, and electrical services under one roof—a huge advantage for homeowners who want a single trusted company for all their home comfort needs.
Family-Owned. Community-Focused.
Despite their growth, Parham remains 100% family-owned and operated. Chris, his mother, and his father are all active in the day-to-day operations, ensuring the company’s original values of integrity, reliability, and personal service continue to shine through.
The company now serves a 60+ mile radius across Northwest Tennessee, stopping just short of the Memphis area, and continues to expand its service territory.
The Secret to Their Success
When asked what made the biggest impact on their growth, Chris pointed to one key decision: adding additional trades and services. By offering more ways to serve their customers, Parham not only grew its customer base but also increased loyalty—turning one-time service calls into lifelong relationships.
He also credits digital marketing and community reputation for helping the business stand out. In today’s market, homeowners turn to Google first when searching for a plumber, HVAC contractor, or electrician. Parham invested in its online presence, ensuring the company shows up where customers are searching.
Looking Ahead
With nearly $10 million in revenue and more than 40 employees, Parham Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric is no longer the small shop that started in a dog kennel. Yet at its core, it’s still a family business built on hard work, trust, and a commitment to serving the community.
For homeowners across Northwest Tennessee, that means one thing: whether you need your AC repaired, a leaky pipe fixed, or new electrical service, Parham is the name you can trust.
