From technological advancements to shifts in consumer behaviour, the landscape of our HVAC, plumbing and electrical industry has been transformed in ways that would have been unimaginable just a few decades ago. Despite these changes, our company has remained steadfast in our commitment to providing quality products and exceptional service. As we look back on the last 25 years, we’re proud of the progress we’ve made and excited for what the future holds. Join us as we celebrate our journey and the many milestones that have brought us to where we are today.
As we celebrate our 100-year anniversary, it’s hard to believe how fast time has flown by. It seems like we were gathered together just yesterday to commemorate our 75th anniversary. A local paper, who published an article about our journey, acknowledged our significant milestone. They told the story of CJ Brubacher and how heating and plumbing had changed over the past 75 years. Looking back at that time, we realize how much the industry and our business had changed.
Keeping Traditions Alive
Now that we have reached our 100-year milestone, we are embracing changes in heating and plumbing as we move into the future, but also keeping some traditions alive. One aspect of business at CJ Brubacher that will never change is our dedication to customer service.
At CJ Brubacher, our business thrives on providing exceptional customer service. While many aspects of the industry constantly undergo innovation and change, our commitment to putting our customers first will never waver.
We understand that our clients are the backbone of our success and that trust and transparency are critical to fostering strong relationships. From the initial consultation to the finishing touches on a project, we prioritize clear communication and timely responses to ensure our customers are satisfied every step of the way. At CJ Brubacher, our unwavering dedication to our clients is what sets us apart.
The Location
Our original location on Arthur Street in Elmira, Ontario, is a historic landmark that dates back to 1923. The building served as our company’s home for over three decades, but it faced some challenges in 1951 when it needed to be demolished. Despite this, our resilient company didn’t let this discourage us. We temporarily moved down the street while they reconstructed a new building, which we then moved back to in 1953. The restoration process was long and tedious, but the CJ Brubacher business team couldn’t have been happier to have its own building once again.
In 1968, CJ Brubacher bought a building from B&L Metal on First St. E, which we moved into in 1970. In 1998 when we were celebrating our 75th anniversary, we were in the midst of expanding this location with a 2,000 sq. ft addition onto the back of the building, which was to house the rental store and general offices. During this time, the front of the storefront was being remodeled to become the new home of Frey’s Flowers. The exterior of the building was also being covered in coloured steel, which still stands in place today!
This location is where our family company still calls home today, but its roots will always be tied back to its original, beloved building on Arthur Street.
Industry Changes Over The Years
When celebrating our 75th anniversary, we took the time to look back at the way our industry has changed throughout the decades. Major strides in plumbing were made since the 20s, including moving from cast iron and steel pipe to copper and through to plastic.
Over the past 25 years, numerous improvements have been driven by new technologies that have been developed to enable more efficient and effective plumbing systems. For example, new materials such as PVC and PEX have become popular for use in pipes, reducing instances of leaks and the need for repairs.
Additionally, there have been major improvements in water conservation through the use of low-flow toilets and showerheads, as well as new regulations requiring more efficient water heaters. These innovations have not only improved plumbing systems’ functionality but also had significant implications for the environment and consumers’ energy bills.
In heating, consumers moved from gravity furnaces to forced air and electric heat. In the early 60s, gas came on the scene and was soon used by everyone who could access it. To this day, it still remains the most widely used fuel for home heating.
The heating and cooling industry may not have seen any major breakthroughs in recent years, but the progress made in improving energy efficiency is noteworthy. With advancements in technology, consumers now have a range of options to choose from when it comes to heating and cooling their homes.
From geothermal systems that utilize the earth’s natural energy to hybrid heating systems that combine multiple energy sources, the industry has come a long way in pursuing environmental friendliness and energy conservation. Looking back at the history of HVAC, we can see that these improvements have been a long time coming. Today, consumers can take advantage of these advancements and make choices that benefit both wallets and the planet.
The past 25 years have also brought monumental changes to the world of electrical services. From the introduction of smart home technology to the shift towards renewable energy sources, there’s no denying that the industry has come a long way. These improvements have paved the way for a safer, more efficient, and more environmentally-friendly approach to electricity. With the rise of smart meters and advanced monitoring systems, customers now have more control over their energy usage than ever before. In addition, new building codes and safety regulations have standardized the installation and maintenance of electrical systems, reducing the risk of accidents and improving the overall quality of service.
Our Employees
Since our last major milestone of 75 years, just as the industry has changed, so have some of our employees. James and Peter Brubacher were at the head of the company for our last celebration, but now, 25 years later, Kyle (the original owner, Clare’s great-grandson) is at the helm. James and Peter’s legacy lives on through Kyle as he carries on the traditions and values of the business as he acquired full ownership in 2019.
The legacy of CJ Brubacher has been passed down from generation to generation, and Zack Brubacher is the most recent family member to carry on the tradition. His apprenticeship at CJ Brubacher began in 2020, as he started learning from his ancestors and actively preserving and strengthening the business.
With his great-great-grandfather Clare as the company’s founder, Zack is proud to continue his family’s legacy and contribute his skills to the success of CJ Brubacher. He will undoubtedly face new challenges and opportunities as he continues his journey. Still, the invaluable knowledge he gains from his apprenticeship will help him overcome them and continue building upon the company’s rich history.
Some of our other newest employees include other family members such as Julie Adams (great-granddaughter of Clare), who started working in the office in 2008, and in 2022, another of Clare’s great-granddaughters, Karyn Fox, joined the company’s office team.
We are a family business through and through; even those who are not our blood relations are still considered and treated like family.
Some Things Remain The Same
Over the last 25 years, our company has weathered some major changes in the industry. However, many aspects of our business have remained constant despite these shifts. From maintaining strong relationships with our clients to staying true to our values, our company has stayed grounded despite new developments and technologies.
We are proud to have withstood the test of time and continue to provide reliable and high-quality services to our valued customers. While the industry may continue to evolve, we remain committed to our core principles and are confident that we will continue to thrive in the years to come.
We couldn’t be more proud of our accomplishments, not just since our 75th anniversary but over the past 100 years. Join us as we celebrate our 100-year anniversary at our milestone event on Saturday, June 10th, from 11am -2pm at Bolender Park in Elmira. We’d love for you and your family to join in all the fun!
Honouring Our History