Applewood Plumbing Heating & Electric placed in the top 10 of Denver’s Top Midsize Workplaces, marking their eighth time being recognized through this program for their dedication to being the best in the home services industry.
The stage was set 47 years ago, when founder John Ward, created a company that would live up to his ethical standards, provide quality service and ensure employee contributions were valued. The company has continued to grow consistently year-to-year attracting some of the top talent in home repair technicians in Colorado and the surrounding region.
In 2018, Applewood ranked 23 out of 70 in the small company category and in 2019 leaped to 7 out of 50 
in the midsize company category. In 2020, they have continued to improve by rising even further up the list with a #6 of 49 ranking of mid-sized companies in Denver.
“We have long held to our culture and business philosophy that as a business, we must respect our customers, our vendors and ourselves. This is evident in this award,” said Josh Ward, owner of Applewood Plumbing Heating & Electric. “We are grateful to our loyal employees and customers that make this all possible.”
To be considered for the Top Workplace designation, employees evaluate their organizations using these seven categories: leadership, connection, employee engagement, management, alignment, the basics and effectiveness. As an industry leader, Applewood takes pride in each of these categories. They aim to be the absolute best, which has elevated them as a company, employer and community member since 1973.
This leadership starts inside and ripples through the culture of Applewood, based on a Code of Ethics, ongoing training and setting quality service expectations. Applewood has long set an industry standard with a 60% return customer ratio. Investment in stocked trucks, a quick-response warehouse team and use of technology allows Applewood to maintain customer relationships, provide the highest quality service and meet demanding home repair needs. The company has more than 160 employees and more than 100 trucks that service the greater Denver area with more than 300,000 customers.
Community and employees are what make Applewood stand out from other companies. Applewood sponsors a variety of community programs that support local nonprofits and neighborhoods along the Front Range.
One such event is the “Caring Community Giveaway” that has given hundreds of thousands of dollars to nonprofits over the past 15 years. “Applewood House,” a partnership with St. Anthony Hospital, provides families with housing while loved ones recover from unexpected long-term medical complications. Other collaborative efforts such as the Farmers 5000, Furry Scurry, Hudson Gardens and the Colorado Avalanche expand Applewood’s community outreach throughout the metro area. The company has also supported youth sports teams, Scouting projects and other efforts than have engaged thousands of residents in communities from Erie to Castle Rock, Boulder to Aurora.
As well, Applewood employees are cared for and valued by the company and leadership. Employee initiatives include new and increased safety measures during the pandemic to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and 100% paid benefits package for employees and families and annual celebrations during the holidays. A wellness program has improved employee fitness and nutrition through ongoing challenges, workouts and activities. The results of these investments in staff and community have never wavered since the company began – in good times or not, Applewood remains committed to being an industry example.
These programs, and more, are some of the reasons why Applewood continues to rank as a Top Workplace.
