AYS Plumbing & Rooter has rapidly established itself as a leader in the plumbing services industry across Southern California, achieving remarkable growth since its founding in 2020. Under the leadership of Michael Lanphear, the company has expanded to a team of 25 employees, serving clients in both San Bernardino and Los Angeles counties. With a staggering 300% year-over-year growth, AYS Plumbing & Rooter has reached multi-million dollar annual revenues. However, Lanphear emphasizes that the company’s success is not solely measured by its financial metrics but also by the vibrant work culture he has fostered.
Lanphear’s vision for AYS Plumbing & Rooter goes beyond delivering plumbing services. He has transformed what could have been just another business into a workplace where employees feel valued, respected, and connected. The foundation of this culture is built on principles that include fair compensation, professional respect, and recognition of individual contributions. According to Lanphear, employees who feel appreciated are more likely to exhibit loyalty and engagement, which directly enhances productivity and retention.
From the outset, Lanphear understood the importance of investing in his workforce. Instead of following the industry norm of minimizing labor costs to maximize profits, he chose to provide competitive wages that reflect the skill and dedication required for quality plumbing work. This investment in his team has cultivated an environment where employees feel their contributions matter.
“From day one, I made a decision that I would pay my team well,” Lanphear states. “Not just adequately—well. Because when people feel valued financially, they show up differently. They care more, they work harder, and they stay longer.”
The culture at AYS Plumbing & Rooter encourages accountability among employees, rooted in respect and transparency rather than hierarchy. Team members are empowered to hold themselves and each other to high standards, ensuring that projects are completed efficiently and effectively. Lanphear notes, “Everyone knows what’s expected, and everyone steps up. We are a family. That means for every project, we look out for each other and hold each other accountable.”
The company also embraces the mantra of “work hard, play hard.” Recognizing that plumbing can be demanding, Lanphear fosters a workplace environment that balances diligence with enjoyment. Regular social gatherings and team-building exercises create a relaxed yet motivated atmosphere, making the daily grind more enjoyable for everyone involved.
“Plumbing can be demanding,” Lanphear acknowledges. “But when surrounded by people you enjoy and trust, the work becomes lighter. We want to create a space where our team feels excited to get up in the morning; where they want to work hard—and have fun doing it.”
This workplace culture manifests in various ways, including shared meals and open communication. Some employees have even chosen to get team tattoos, symbolizing their commitment to AYS and the collective bond they share. Lanphear describes this connection: “We laugh a lot and support each other. We all know that our work matters, not just for the clients but for each other.”
As AYS Plumbing & Rooter continues to grow, Lanphear is mindful of the challenges that come with expansion. He acknowledges that scaling the business could potentially compromise the company’s core values. Therefore, he intends to open new offices in San Diego and Orange County while maintaining smaller team sizes to preserve personal connections and the family ethos that has become synonymous with AYS Plumbing & Rooter.
“We don’t want to be a giant, faceless corporation,” he explains. “Our goal is to scale thoughtfully, keeping the culture alive by creating smaller hubs where teams know and care about each other.”
Building a strong and reliable company culture is an ongoing effort. For Michael Lanphear and the AYS Plumbing & Rooter team, it requires understanding, listening, and sometimes making sacrifices. The results speak for themselves, with the company’s success reflecting the effectiveness of its approach. Lanphear emphasizes, “From 2020 to today, it has become more than just about plumbing. It’s about building something meaningful, a family that shows up every day ready to work hard, hold each other accountable, and enjoy the ride together.”
For more information on the plumbing services offered by AYS Plumbing & Rooter, please visit their website.
