In the competitive world of plumbing, one company stands out not just for its technical expertise but for its commitment to people-first leadership and a culture of excellence. AYS Plumbing & Rooter, under the guidance of its founder and CEO Michael Lanphear, is redefining what it means to succeed in the blue-collar trades. What started as a single van and a handful of tools has grown into a multi-million-dollar business in just four years. The reason behind this extraordinary growth isn’t just skillful plumbing; it’s a culture built on trust, integrity, and a relentless focus on people.
Michael Lanphear’s journey is one of perseverance and purpose. He didn’t come from wealth or big investors. Instead, he began with little more than his determination and a desire to do things differently. What sets him and his company apart from others in the industry is his unwavering belief in the power of people—whether it’s his employees, his customers, or his community.
Building a Culture That Pays It Forward
Unlike many companies in the home services industry, AYS Plumbing & Rooter has made it a priority to create a work environment that nurtures its employees rather than exploiting them for short-term gains. Michael is steadfast in his belief that taking care of his people leads to long-term success.
“I want my people to live good lives—not just survive,” says Michael. “I want them to go home financially stable, spend time with their families, and be proud of what they do every day. I want them to feel like they’re part of something bigger—an organization that helps people every single day, day in and day out.”
This commitment to the well-being of his team is reflected in AYS’s compensation structure. Michael pays his employees top-of-the-market wages, far beyond the industry average, as part of his mission to build a workplace that is impossible for competitors to replicate. By investing in people, he’s not only boosting morale but also elevating the quality of service the company provides. This culture-first approach has proven to be successful, with AYS Plumbing & Rooter becoming a go-to plumbing provider in Southern California.
Core Values as the Guiding Compass
At the heart of AYS Plumbing & Rooter’s success are the company’s 10 Core Values, which guide every decision, interaction, and service call. These values aren’t just displayed on posters in the office; they’re woven into the company’s DNA and serve as the moral compass that guides the team.
The first and most important of these values is simple yet profound: Helping People First.
“Our primary mission is to help people by providing solutions to their plumbing problems with friendly, fast, and affordable service,” Michael explains. “Money should never be our master. We exist to make a positive impact in our community and provide value to every customer we serve.”
Honesty and integrity are also at the core of AYS Plumbing & Rooter’s operations. As Michael puts it, “We believe in doing the right thing, even when no one is looking.” This dedication to honesty and transparency has helped establish the company’s reputation as a trusted provider of reliable, high-quality plumbing services.
A Service Commitment Like No Other
AYS Plumbing & Rooter’s slogan, “At Your Service,” is more than just a tagline—it’s a promise. Whether a client is paying for a small repair or a major installation, they are guaranteed the same high level of service, every time. Michael’s philosophy is clear:
“We go the extra mile—not because we have to, but because it’s the right thing to do.”
This commitment to providing five-star service, regardless of the invoice size, has earned AYS Plumbing & Rooter over 2,000 five-star reviews in just four years, a testament to the company’s dedication to customer satisfaction. This dedication to service has helped build a loyal customer base that continues to return to AYS for all of their plumbing needs.
From Humble Beginnings to Rapid Growth
AYS Plumbing & Rooter didn’t start with investors or a large bank loan—it started with Michael’s determination and resourcefulness. He used every penny he could scrape together to buy a van, a few tools, and some essential equipment. In those early days, it was just Michael, a van, and the drive to provide exceptional service.
“We didn’t have the luxury of investors or a big marketing budget,” says Michael. “We just worked hard, learned from every job, and focused on doing the best work possible.”
What began as a one-man operation has grown, in just four years, into a multi-million-dollar company with a fleet of over 30 vehicles and a team of highly trained professionals serving all of Southern California. This rapid growth is a direct result of Michael’s commitment to building a strong, values-driven company.
Eyes on Expansion: AYS’s Roadmap for the Future
The growth of AYS Plumbing & Rooter is far from over. Under Michael’s leadership, the company has ambitious expansion plans, with new offices being opened across California. The company’s expansion strategy includes branching out into markets such as San Diego, Los Angeles, Orange County, Ventura County, Palm Springs, and Northern California, including Sacramento and San Francisco.
Despite this rapid growth, the mission of AYS Plumbing & Rooter remains unchanged: to provide the highest level of service while continuing to care for the people who make it all possible—their employees and customers. As the company expands, Michael’s core principles of integrity, honesty, and a people-first approach will continue to guide every decision and every service call.
Giving Back to the Community
Michael’s commitment to giving back extends beyond the business world. He is an active volunteer with the safety team at Sunrise Church and stays involved in his local community. Michael believes in using his platform not only to grow AYS Plumbing & Rooter but to make a positive impact in the lives of others.
“When you build something great, you have a responsibility to give back,” Michael says. “I want AYS Plumbing & Rooter to be a company that’s known for doing the right thing, leading with integrity, and showing up when it matters most.”
Balancing Leadership with Passion
Outside of his professional life, Michael is an avid aviation enthusiast, finding peace in the sky while flying planes. He also enjoys the freedom of riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle and cherishes time spent with his three cats, Harry, Dorris, and Brother. This balance of hard work, passion, and personal enjoyment helps keep Michael grounded and focused on the mission of AYS Plumbing & Rooter.
“My goal is simple,” says Michael. “To do good work, help people, and always do the right thing—even when no one is looking.”
AYS Plumbing & Rooter: More Than Just a Plumbing Company
AYS Plumbing & Rooter is not just another plumbing service—it’s a movement. It’s a movement built on a strong foundation of integrity, honesty, and respect for both customers and employees. Michael Lanphear has built a company that is redefining what it means to work in the trades, setting a new standard for customer service, employee care, and leadership.
With over 2,000 five-star reviews and a rapidly growing presence across California, AYS Plumbing & Rooter is more than just a business—it’s a beacon of what’s possible when you put people first.
Connect with AYS Plumbing & Rooter
For more information about AYS Plumbing & Rooter or to inquire about services, visit the company’s website at www.aysplumbingrooter.com. You can also follow the company on Instagram at @aysplumbing and on Facebook at AYS Plumbing & Rooter.
