2014 Top Workplaces Video

Top Workplaces Video

Applewood Plumbing Heating & Electric has achieved the Denver Post’s Top Workplace designation for the third straight year. The designation is based on employee feedback and company performance and policies.

“We put an extremely high priority on delivering excellent, professional service to our customers,” said Applewood President John Ward. “The key to that is our employees. So, we hire the best people we can find and treat them well. It’s always been my goal to provide a work environment that’s challenging, respectful and recognizes employee talent. And we strive to make sure our employees have every opportunity to provide for their families.”

The designation recognizes Applewood’s effort to keep up with an industry facing large growth in employment. The employment of plumbers alone is projected to grow 21 percent from 2012 to 2022, faster than the average for all occupations, according to the Colorado Department of Labor & Employment.

Ward said, “This growth will be the result of a time when we start to see an entire trade generation retiring.” With more than 120 employees, Applewood has remained committed to creating a rich company culture. An approach that will be important as the skilled trade industry is losing interest to the heavy push for high school graduates to receive a college versus trade degree.

The average yearly wages for skilled trade employees is higher than that of teachers and police officers, both of which require four-year college degrees.

Applewood has seen unprecedented growth over the past five years and is always interested in hearing from experienced professionals interested in working for the company, Ward said. Applewood serves customers in the Denver metro area, Boulder and Longmont.

As one of Denver’s Top Workplaces, Applewood offers excellent benefits coverage, competitive wages, a wellness program and appreciation programs that include company picnics, holiday gatherings and team bonding events. Applewood also supports employee needs with updated technology, comfortable working environments and trucks fully equipped to fulfill customer service requests.

Applewood’s technicians have more than 1,000 combined years of trade experience. All of them are licensed, background checked and drug tested.

There will always be demand for plumbers, HVAC technicians and electricians, according to Ward. The current room for growth welcomes room for more companies to strive to be Top Workplaces, like Applewood, in the skilled trades industry.