News

Charlotte, NC

In an era of job-hopping and industry turnover, three generations of one family have chosen Precision Plumbing as their professional home in a powerful testament to our people-first culture.

In today's workforce, where career changes are common and loyalty to one employer across decades is increasingly rare, the Barnhardt-Davis family's multi-generational commitment stands out. What makes this story especially compelling is that each generation deliberately chose Precision Plumbing--not out of obligation, but because they believe it's the best place to build a career in the trades.

For more than a decade, members of the Barnhardt-Davis family have built careers at Precision Plumbing, spanning three generations and reflecting a deep passion for the plumbing trade. What began as a family legacy has grown into a shared love for the Carolinas' leading commercial plumbing contractor.

Joey Davis, a superintendent at Precision, has spent his entire career in plumbing. "I've been doing this my whole life. I started in Asheboro working for a company installing underground water systems for towns. This is all I've ever done." Now approaching 65, he remains fully engaged in the field with no intentions of slowing down. "I love what I do. I wouldn't have brought all these kids and grandkids along if I didn't." When asked about his commitment to Precision Plumbing, he shares about our team's dependability: "You cannot find a better place to do it than right here. You're not going to find a better company to work for. These people will take care of you." Joey also recalls major projects he's been a part of, including three years in Pineville constructing a seven-story bed tower and parking deck addition at the hospital. 

Joey has always believed in bringing young people along and teaching them the trade properly. He's mentored others in the field, including stepping in to help when needed, and takes great pride in seeing his own family follow the path he's walked for decades. "We got to take these young people and start training them to take these old people's place," he says, reflecting his commitment to the long-term strength of the industry and the company.

Thomas Barnhardt, the current service manager and Joey's son, traces his path to Precision Plumbing back to his early twenties. "I originally wanted to be a mechanic. I got into that for maybe two or three years, but then I decided it wasn't for me. So I decided to get into the family trade. My grandfather was a plumber too. I've been doing this since I was 21, and I'm 42 today." He has been with the company for roughly 11 years, starting as a service technician, advancing to service field supervisor, and then to Senior Plumbing Service Specialist. "Precision Plumbing is just such a great company to work for," he says.

Thomas's son Hunter, carrying the third generation torch forward is now a journeyman on an upfit crew in client services. He explains following a similar path. "I started off in high school taking auto classes. I thought I wanted to be a mechanic. Then I got into the electrical field and tried that for about two years, but it just wasn't my cup of tea." Electrical felt limited, he says. "It wasn't as much about the mechanics or using your head to figure out problems and diagnose stuff." So he turned to plumbing and took steps towards learning the family trade. "I talked to Dad and I'd heard nothing but good things about everybody here. Charlie, Justin, Rob, all of them. Nothing but great things." He began in service under his father's supervision, ran a truck for a time, and later transitioned to client services. His goal is clear: "Definitely in the future. I want to become a foreman. There are a bunch of different options here, and that's the great thing about it."

Thomas highlights the importance of varied experience and Hunter's switch to client services: "Another reason he went over was to get the experience of install. You have to know how to install it and what's inside the walls whenever you're troubleshooting with service work."

Thomas's twins, Kegan and Haleigh, represent the most recent addition to the family tradition, both in their first year of Precision Plumbing's apprenticeship program. Kegan, with less than a month at the company, works in the pre-fabrication shop gaining hands-on experience with the tools and material of the trade. "I'm working in the prefab shop for a few months, and then once I get good with everything, they'll put me with somebody in the field." Although currently pursuing general knowledge, he has his sights set on specialization: "I want to run medical gas. That would be awesome."

Haleigh, with seven months at Precision Plumbing, has already gained valuable field exposure. She worked alongside her grandfather ("Paw-Paw") on the Wegmans project: "Whenever I was with Paw Paw over at Wegmans, that was very interesting to me...seeing everything going in the ground." Open to whatever new opportunities present themselves, she said she values the environment here: "I think it's a great company. People here are very caring."

Across generations, the family consistently praises Precision Plumbing's culture. Thomas calls it "a really family-oriented atmosphere. Everybody knows everybody really well. It's definitely a company where you would want to bring your kids into it." Joey echoes the sentiment: "They take care of all of us, and they do what they say." Hunter credits the company's strong reputation for drawing him in, while the twins appreciate the supportive, educational setting for newcomers.

The Barnhardt-Davis family's story drives home a key insight from Thomas: "It should say something about the company that a parent would want to bring their kids in early into their working career." In an industry grappling with widespread retirements, Precision Plumbing's focus on its people and its success in attracting and retaining multi-generational talent underscores its position as a premier employer. The family proudly calls it "the best in the Carolinas."

The consistent thread through every family member's comments is the sense of belonging at Precision Plumbing. From Joey's long tenure, to the twins' fresh perspective as newcomers, they all describe a workplace where people are known, supported, and genuinely cared for. Qualities that make it not just a job, but a place worth building a lifetime career.

This legacy of craftsmanship, mentorship, and dedication is only possible through the love and hard work people bring to Precision Plumbing.