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Brothers Plumbing, Heating & Electric: Keeping the Family Business Thriving with a Kick-Ass Team Culture Since 1980
When Lynn Tomasek, Justin Kansteiner, and Michelle Carwin took charge in 2015, they knew they had some serious balls to keep the family biz rolling. Since its inception in 1980, Brothers has stood the test of time, providing plumbing, heating, and electrical services without slipping up. It's no small feat - it takes a hell of a lot of smarts, teamwork, and a damn good sense of humanity to keep a company afloat for that long.
The trio is determined to keep the Brothers family vibe alive, and it's no surprise they've landed the Top Workplace title from the Denver Post in 2025.
A Bloody Good Time at the Workplace
Developing lasting relationships where everyone walks away winners is the name of the game at Brothers. They make sure their clients and community see they give a damn, but it's their team members they really care about. Brothers offers a safe, honest, and helpful environment to ensure their employees are well and truly supported.
"Brothers genuinely cares for each team member, providing a positive work environment that fosters growth and skill development," says Jeff J., an HVAC technician. "Along with competitive pay and benefits, Brothers offers ongoing training and chances to climb the career ladder."
Safety is a non-negotiable at Brothers, and they take it seriously. They provide various training programs at their center and monthly safety meetings to keep their team members safe as houses. In 2025, Colorado State recognized Brothers as Workplace Safety PCC Certified.
Five-Star Ratings from the Bosses and the Bossed
When it comes to their team's culture, Brothers are the cream of the crop. In addition to steady hours, fair pay, and comprehensive benefits, leadership scores high on the kindness factor.
"Management is caring, hardworking, and always strives to create a fun and purposeful workplace atmosphere," says Bee, a Dispatcher at Brothers. "The whole gang is a team effort, and management ensures we know our worth through words of encouragement, bonuses, awards, and special events."
Happy team members mean better service, and Brothers knows it. Their vast array of five-star reviews from customers backs that up - as does the legion of clients who sing their praises.
"Jeff was insanely knowledgeable about the repairs and kept me in the loop every step of the way," said customer Michael A., who hired Brothers for a sprinkler repair. "He gave me several options, and I felt he had my best interests at heart."
Technicians often go the extra mile, teaching clients about their equipment and even shoveling snow on cold winter days or dropping off flowers to clients going through a rough patch. It takes a special kind of person and environment to cultivate that level of positivity.
The GEM Program: Recognizing the Extra Mile
When team members at Brothers go the extra mile, they're rewarded through a program called GEM. Team members can nominate each other or give themselves a pat on the back for showing that extra layer of care Brothers offers its clients and employees. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, GEM recipients are recognized at company events and have the opportunity to pay it forward through charitable donations while also earning points through Brothers' new Star Rewards program. Team Members can use their points to choose from a wide range of gifts through a third-party website.
"The Star Rewards give us a chance to shine a light on above-and-beyond performance," said Jamie Ready, Talent Acquisition Specialist at Brothers. "Through Star, team members are recognized throughout the year for meeting KPIs, achieving anniversary milestones, and various other celebratory moments."
Not only do team members collaborate during work hours. Brothers recently created a "Dungeons and Dragons" team member club, in addition to existing health and wellness groups and monthly book clubs.
The Future's So Bright, I Gotta Wear Shades
This year marks Brothers' 45th year in business, and they've managed to remain a sought-after employer and service provider in the Denver area for all this time thanks to their solid brand recognition.
"Our reputation continues to grow and impress me," said Ready. "I serve as our recruiter, and I always find it impressive when I talk to people interested in employment, and they tell me they've seen our trucks or know us through the industry."
Brothers has been strategic about their growth, too.
"We've always had a steady growth plan," said Ready. "We build upon our vision to offer top-notch service, and that reputation leads to steady growth."
The people who see the growth the most are long-time team members.
"I've been working for Brothers since 2000," said Plumbing Technician Joe R. "I plan on retiring here and encourage others to join our team."
Brothers' fantastic team culture is strengthened each year with a "cornerstone" theme that aligns with their goals for the year. This year's theme? "Buckle down: Discipline Secures Success."
"We're using this year's theme to get back to basics, maintain our legacy, and push towards the future," said Ready. "And we're thrilled to continue focusing on our key building blocks that make Brothers such a fantastic workplace for the next 45."
And there you have it - Brothers Plumbing, Heating & Electric, your go-to guys for all things plumbing, heating, and electrical, with a team culture that's pretty damn awesome. Here's to the next 45 years!
- The family business, Brothers Plumbing, Heating & Electric, has maintained a strong presence in the industry since 1980.
- The trio of Lynn Tomasek, Justin Kanstecker, and Michelle Carwin have ensured the continuation of the company's culture and values since taking charge in 2015.
- The Denver Post recognized Brothers as a Top Workplace in 2025, reflecting their commitment to a positive work environment.
- Building relationships is a cornerstone of the business, with a focus on both clients and team members.
- Team members find a supportive, safe, and honest environment at Brothers, contributing to their overall well-being and job satisfaction.
- Competitive pay, benefits, and opportunities for skill development are afforded to team members in the company.
- Safety is paramount at Brothers, with regular training programs and monthly safety meetings to ensure team members work in a secure environment.
- In recognition of their safety efforts, Brothers was awarded the Workplace Safety PCC Certified by Colorado State in 2025.
- Customer reviews affirm the quality of service provided by Brothers, with employees described as knowledgeable, considerate, and supportive.
- The company encourages team members to go the extra mile and recognizes their efforts through the GEM program.
- Team members can be recognized by peers or themselves and are awarded at company events, opportunities for charitable donations, and points in the Star Rewards program.
- The Star Rewards program offers team members the ability to access various rewards through a third-party website.
- Besides collaboration during working hours, Brothers fosters team bonding through recreational activities such as book clubs, health and wellness groups, and a "Dungeons and Dragons" team member club.
- After 45 years in business, Brothers remains a successful and in-demand employer in the Denver area.
- The company's reputation is vital to their continued success, with ongoing brand recognition a key aspect of their growth plan.
- Brothers employs a steady but strategic growth approach, focused on maintaining a high level of service for their clients.
- Team members have enjoyed long tenures with the company, with some working with Brothers since the early 2000s and looking forward to retirement within the organization.
- The company's annual "cornerstone" theme helps align goals for the year and strengthen the company culture.
- The current year's theme, "Buckle down: Discipline Secures Success," aims to reinforce essential values and lead the company toward the future.
- By focusing on team culture and employee wellness, Brothers has fostered a strong reputation that attracts top talent and keeps clients satisfied.
- The company's reputation extends beyond the local Denver community, making it an attractive option for aspiring team members.
- Brothers is committed to creating a work atmosphere that promotes growth, learning, and lifelong development for team members.
- In alignment with the culture of inspiration and collaboration, the company encourages team members to learn from each other through sharing experiences, ideas, and expertise.
- Brothers partners with educational institutions to provide opportunities for team members to advance their careers and educational pursuits.
- The company embraces diversity and inclusion, recognizing the importance of a varied team that reflects the community in which they serve.
- The family atmosphere encourages team collaboration, with employees referring to each other as extended family members.
- The devices and tools made available to team members promote helpful communication and collaboration across departments and locations.
- Brothers is dedicated to maintaining a sustainable work culture, striving for responsible resource management and minimizing their ecological footprint.
- The company's eco-friendly efforts have extended to their services, with green products and practices incorporated into their offerings.
- By adhering to budgeting principles, Brothers has managed their finances effectively, ensuring stability and growth for the business.
- Their discipline in managing finances is exemplified by their shrewd investments in venture capital, private equity, and real estate.
- Brothers has demonstrated a keen understanding of the housing market, anticipating trends and adjusting their strategies accordingly.
- As part of their community involvement, Brothers has supported various social causes and charities, aligning with their culture of giving and caring for their neighbors.
