HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce has named Sturgeon Plumbing and Air Conditioning as its August Small Business of the Month.
Owner Ron Sturgeon launched the company after Stevens, Inc., where he had worked for 16 years, closed shortly after the birth of his youngest daughter. With a young family to support, Sturgeon drew on his HVAC background and quickly expanded into plumbing, building the business through mentorship and customer referrals.
What began as a one-man operation has grown into a company employing nine people, with as many as 20 at one time. Sturgeon Plumbing and Air Conditioning has been part of many major Hutchinson projects, including the Cosmosphere, Hutchinson Community College, City Hall, the Sports Arena, Tyson, local schools and churches.
The company prides itself on experience, with more than 100 years of combined expertise among its staff. Sturgeon said that knowledge often allows the team to save customers money by repairing older systems rather than recommending full replacement. Employee retention is another point of pride, with each staff member having at least five years of service, and one with more than 25 years.
As Hutchinson’s only union plumbing and HVAC provider, the business offers benefits, retirement plans and a workplace culture Sturgeon describes as both professional and fun. Beyond its operations, the company supports local schools, SkillsUSA, Hutchinson Community College and disaster relief, while employees volunteer in areas such as fire safety education and student mentorship.