A Century of Service and Growth

Since 1922, we’ve had the pleasure of bringing comfort to the communities of Charlottesville and Albemarle community. What began as a small, backyard plumbing business has evolved into a full-service home comfort systems company with a century-long reputation for quality and service.

The business is founded by W.E. “Willie” Brown and Guy Johnson. It was originally named Brown & Johnson and was located in a little building on Second Street Southwest.

Brown receives his master plumber’s license from the City of Charlottesville. It is thought to be the oldest such license in the city.

Brown and Johnson decide to part ways, and the company is officially named “W.E. Brown”. The business moves to a larger building on the 500 block of West Main Street.

W. E. Brown completes plumbing work at Charlottesville’s Paramount Theater. The total cost of the project, which includes the installation of hot and cold water lines into the boiler room, was $143 total.

Though plumbing and heating services and appliances sales were doing well, the onslaught of the Depression hits hard. Brown closes the West Main facility and moves operations to his backyard. For the next 7 years, Brown works out of his garage on Douglas Avenue in the Belmont neighborhood.

Brown’s daughter Barbara’s partner, Merritt P. “Duke” Martin joins the family firm. Martin helps the business add on new services, including air and water heating and sheet metal services.

W.E. Brown buys four lots on Monticello Road in Belmont. They open up a building of twenty-four feet by eighty feet that is still part of the company’s offices today.

Brown’s son, Gene, becomes president of the firm. The facility continues to expand and grow at 915 Monticello Road.

Barbara’s and Merritt’s son, John Martin, takes the reins of the family-owned company.