Heidler Siblings Grow Successful Business

When it comes to the Heidler sibling trio, three’s not a crowd, but a successful company.

Situated in Annapolis on Taylor Avenue between Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium and the Annapolis Police Department, Heidler Inc. has been servicing the community since 1947. Brothers Mickey and Steve Heidler took over the business for their father, Harry Heidler, in 1967. Their sister, Judi Speaks, later joined the team as business manager.

“We take good care of people, and they remember that,” Speaks said of their loyal customer base.

While their father maintained a modest workforce of roughly five employees, Heidler Inc. has grown to a staff of more than 20, including 10 plumbers.

“We’re known to not always be the least expensive, but we’re not the most expensive,” said co-owner Steve Heidler. “Whatever we undertake, we complete it, and it’s usually done nearly perfectly.”

Steve is the youngest of the Heidler siblings and leads the company’s remodeling efforts. Over the years, he has been involved with various industry organizations, such as the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association, for which he served on the national board. He is currently chairman of the Anne Arundel County Plumbing Commission.

“Annapolis is made up of a lot of really old houses that have radiators, so we kind of specialize in that type of heating system, which is still really, really popular,” Steve said.

Heidler Inc. offers a range of services — day-to-day plumbing issues, utility work, commercial drain cleaning, gas fireplaces, remodeling projects and new construction to name a few.

One of the company’s most noteworthy jobs was a bathroom renovation in the West Wing of the White House during George W. Bush’s administration.

“They had a thank you where the president flew in on his helicopter,” Steve recalled. “Then he came over, shook everybody’s hand [and] said, ‘You guys did such a good job.’”

Along with a dedication to customer service, Heidler Inc. prides itself on offering highly skilled plumbers. The majority of the company’s technicians have reached master plumber status — a designation that requires six years of experience in the field, as well as written exams.

“We’ve always had some of the best guys, I can put my two best plumbers against any plumber around here confidently,” said Mike Heidler, service manager and Mickey Heidler’s son. He and his cousin Steven, a senior technician for the company and Steve’s son, comprise the third generation of Heidlers in the family business.

Mike spent 12 years as a plumber after college. He was onsite for the White House renovation and decided to tap into an old trademark of his grandfather’s.

“We’ll pull an old cast iron, real vintage kitchen sink off a wall in downtown Annapolis and my grandad had written his name on the wall,” said Mike, who took out a Sharpie and left his own name within the walls of the West Wing.

“Maybe in 100 years when something happens, they’ll be like, ‘Who was this guy?’” he said.

Speaking of the future, Mike sees potential for a fourth generation of Heidler Inc. in his 7-year-old twins.

“My daughter is a CEO for sure,” Mike said without hesitation, adding that her twin brother is a more technical mind who excels at math.

Time will tell what’s in store for the next generation of Heidler Inc. and beyond, but just like the satisfaction that drove Harry Heidler to affix his name to his jobs many years ago, there is no questioning how this family feels about their business.

“We’re very, very proud of our company,” Speaks said.

Heidler Inc. services Anne Arundel County and can be reached at 410-268-7191 or www.heidlerplumbing.com.