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Only a true visionary would look at an abandoned business building during The Great Depression and turn it into what would be the area's ‘next big thing.' This is how Joe Hirsch's, founder of California-based Hirsch Plumbing and Supply — now known as Hirsch Pipe & Supply — story goes. After leaving a career in finance in 1933, Hirsch noticed a plumbing supply business in Los Angeles that needed some TLC. Instead of fearing the impacts of the depression, Hirsch took it as an opportunity to rise above competitors and serve customers during their time of need.

Hirsch worked with local struggling plumbing companies to purchase their extra inventory, buy out their trucks, and even hire on some of their staff who would soon be out of a job (including his own father, who worked for then plumbing supply company Westcoast.) The company survived those challenging years always remembering that no matter the economic standing, people needed clean water and sanitation.

In the mid-1960s, Hirsch brought on who would be the next great addition to Hirsch Pipe & Supply, the late Danny Mariscal. Mariscal technically joined the company as a bookkeeper, but in reality he wore many hats and became integral to the company's success. When Joe Hirsch retired in 1979, he turned the company over to Mariscal.

The early 1990's marked the next visionary who has led Hirsch Pipe & Supply to its 90^th year — Bill Glockner, Mariscal's son-in-law. Under Glockner's time as president and CEO, the company has expanded from four locations to 26 with more than 400 employees — through both geographic expansion and strategic acquisition.

Hirsch Pipe & Supply is committed to the growth and development of its employees, and that commitment shines through when you listen to the employee spotlights the company put together to celebrate its 90^th anniversary. Jiro Akasaka, who joined the company in the 1970s as a truck driver is a perfect example of internal investment. Mariscal saw bounds of potential in Akasaka, and after wearing him down a bit, finally convinced him that he was more than capable of running Hirsch Pipe & Supply's Hollywood Branch. As Glockner took the reins, he immediately noticed the great things Akasaka was doing for the Hollywood branch, and worked with him to become promoted to Director of Operations for the entire company, and a trusted right-hand man to guide future growth.

UNDENIABLE CULTURE AND EMPLOYEE SUPPORT

Although the company has a long, rich history to celebrate, Glockner is passionate about remaining forward-thinking and highlighting the company's strengths today. One of the things the company takes immense pride in is its culture. A culture that has resulted in many decades-long tenured employees and customers.

Monrovia Branch Manager Erick Pineda calls working at Hirsch Pipe & Supply, "the best 20 years of my life."

"So many people at this company helped me get to where I am today," he says. "I've been able to travel to places I never thought I would go and accomplish things I didn't expect. I'm thankful for the people that believed in me along the way."

Doug Evans, executive vice president and CFO was recruited nearly 20 years ago by Glockner. "I immediately noticed how genuine the people were at Hirsch," he says. "Bill is an innovative leader who cares about people, especially the people at Hirsch. That care for the team is what made me come onboard and I couldn't be happier about that decision."

Dony Hy, human resource manager, started her career at Hirsch working part-time. "I eventually came on full-time and was going to school full-time as well," she says. "I was about to quit as it was becoming too much to do both, but Bill encouraged me to stay on and worked with me as I finished my degree. After I completed all my school — I even moved to New York for a while — I came back to pursue and grow my career here at Hirsch."

One employee who's been with the company nearly 30 years, Frank Carrillo, divisional manager, says he's proud of the heritage Hirsh Pipe and Supply holds true to. "I'm proud to work at a place where people can work their way from the bottom to leadership positions."

Carrillo worked under Akasaka first as a truck driver. He worked his way up to be a salesman and then into management. "I was able to use my own talent — I didn't go to college — and advance my career learning from great mentors like Jiro. That's what I love about this company, the ability to grow no matter where you came from."

Maribel Venegas has been with Hirsch Pipe & Supply for 19 years. She started as an intern, went to work somewhere else for a short time, only to come right back to Hirsch in the Organizational Development department doing recruiting. She then worked alongside Glockner as an executive assistant for nine years before transitioning into marketing.

"Bill Glockner has been a tremendous source of inspiration for me during my 19-year journey at Hirsch. I'm continually inspired by his unique approach to business and his ability to generate wild and creative ideas. Bill has taught me the importance of thinking outside the box and striving for nothing less than excellence," she says. "The people in and around Hirsch are what makes us different. I genuinely cherish the interactions I have with both our customers and my fellow Hirsch employees. Over the years, I've developed strong, meaningful relationships. I don't even consider customers, customers — they are true friends and people I spend time with outside of work."

It's not just Hirsch employees that vouch for the stand-out culture — customers see it every day, too. According to one multigenerational plumber customer Grant Antaplyan, there is a family atmosphere that is evident at every level of the organization. "Doing business with Hirsch has been amazing and I wouldn't want it any other way," he says. "It's the small things they do every day that make a difference."