Today, cousins Mike and Keith Summey lead the company their grandfather started, following in the footsteps of their uncle Jack Summey and Mike’s father Steve Summey, who incorporated the business in 1975 and built its foundation for long-term success.

For both Mike and Keith, the path into the business was not entirely straightforward. He worked shifts with his dad when he was young for the rate of $5 an hour. “I really didn’t want to work here then,” he said. “I always said, ‘I’ll never be a plumber.’ But it just comes natural to us—it’s in our blood.”

Keith had a similar introduction after high school. “Honestly, when I got out of high school I didn’t really have a direction,” said Keith. “I came to talk to my two uncles, Mike’s father and Jack, and told them I wanted to try plumbing out. They tried to talk me out of it, but they gave me a shot. I started out as Mike’s helper, and he showed me the ropes. I just kind of fell in love with it. I was good at it, and it came naturally to me. I really enjoyed problem-solving and craftsmanship.” 

From their uncles, the cousins learned values that continue to define the company. “Mostly, how to treat people—the rules of doing good business and how to treat customers,” said Mike. Keith agrees, adding, “Jack and Steve really found a niche with customer service. They set the bar very high with the quality of our work. We like challenges, so we’ll come in and just try to give people the best craftsmanship we can and the best customer service. We pride ourselves on our reputation, and that means a lot to us.”

That reputation has carried the company through economic highs and lows. “Our business is very dependent on the economy,” said Keith. “I remember Jack telling me there was a week where they weren’t sure they could make payroll. Then a big freeze came through, and the phones started running off the hook. Obviously, 2008 was another challenge with the housing crash, but Jack and Steve always planned for the future. They taught us to enjoy the good times while they’re here, but prepare for the hard times.” 

Through it all, Summey Plumbing & Heating has maintained a family-like atmosphere not only among its owners but also with its employees. “We definitely try to promote just a great work culture,” said Keith. “All our guys are family. There’s no corners being cut—we’re going to do the job right no matter what. Our guys really appreciate that, and the majority have been here 10 plus years.” 

Looking ahead, a fourth generation of family ownership might be possible. “I have one son that works full time here, and Keith and I both have sons who work part-time in the summer,” said Mike. “But it’s not something that’s going to get handed to them. They’re going to have to earn it and really want it, just like Keith and I had to do.” 

For now, Mike and Keith remain deeply involved in daily operations, continuing the legacy of service their family built. “We’re very hands-on,” says Keith. “We’re going out, looking at jobs, providing customers with estimates, coming back out when the techs are starting the work, laying things out, and making sure the job is done in the manner we want. We provide value and quality—we’re not trying to sell something you don’t need. We want to give customers something they can depend on.” 

From a small shop in downtown Hendersonville to a respected regional company, Summey Plumbing & Heating has weathered challenges, embraced growth, and remained committed to its customers. With its third generation at the helm and the possibility of a fourth on the horizon, the company’s legacy of craftsmanship and service continues to run deep in Henderson County.

 Learn more at SummeyPlumbing.com.