Plumbing and cow herding are not two things you normally think of together — unless you’re Randy Lew Larson of Larson Plumbing and Utilities. He and his son, also named Randy, both work at the family owned and operated plumbing company, but the elder Larson likes to spend time on his 120-acre ranch in Odom as well.
“I like being outdoors,” Larson said. “The ranch has plenty of wide-open spaces.”
Larson’s father, Lew Larson, founded the business in 1980. Although Larson, who was born in Corpus Christi, moved to to Victoria after graduating, he eventually came back to join his father in the family business.
Now company president, Larson said his father built “quite a business” in the years before Larson eventually purchased it from him. Larson Plumbing serves the Coastal Bend region with 24-hour service for homes, offices and commercial properties. The company fully installs plumbing systems on industrial and new home construction and offers preventative work and repairs.
“The community depends on us for service and also jobs and community support,” Larson said. “I like knowing that I am making a difference in the Corpus Christi area by working with the family company.”
Pay it forward
Larson’s community activities stem beyond 24-hour emergency plumbing service. He is active in the Texas Youth Rodeo Association, the Buc Days barbecue cook-off and the Texas Coastal Bend Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) among other endeavors.
He attributes his community involvement to the influence of the late Charles “Buddy” Herin of Contractors Building Supply Co. Herin died last year at the age of 61.
“He donated so much to the community, from Christian youth to stock shows,” Larson said. “He was always supporting someone.”
Herin’s influence played a part in Larson’s own commitment to participating in community groups and activities. Larson serves on the ABC board as first vice-chairman. In September, he will be an active part of the 13th annual ABC Skeet and Trap Shoot at the Corpus Christi Pistol and Rifle Club. He has been known to participate in a variety of barbecue cook-offs as well.
“I like supporting family-oriented programs that get kids out doing things with their parents,” Larson said.
What you do as a community member will affect others, Larson said. His personal philosophy is that to be successful, business people must work hard and train for their professions. Young people interested in his line of work should get started now, he said, working to become the next generation of plumbing professionals.
“The average age of a plumber around here is 58 years old,” Larson said. “Plumbing provides an opportunity for young adults to engage in a field that provides a good living and is rewarding.”
A good part of what he enjoys about the business is his interaction with suppliers and contractors as well as the good feeling of satisfaction when a project is finished.
“A job can be a challenge, but it’s fun to see the final product in which you’ve put so much effort,” Larson said.
Time on the ranch
When he is not working with his son, Randy, who conducts project management and estimating for the plumbing company, he goes home to his ranch, where he enjoys touring the land with his grandchildren and showing them the herd and looking out for deer and hogs. It’s all part of living the good life in the Coastal Bend.
“With friendly people, the beaches, little traffic and good hunting and fishing nearby, Corpus Christi offers a laid-back style of life that’s easy to enjoy,” Larson said.
RANDY LEW LARSON
Owner of Larson Plumbing and Utilities, 605 Cantwell in Corpus Christi, (361) 887-6234
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
- First vice-chairman, Texas Coastal Bend Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors
- Volunteer, 13th annual ABC Skeet and Trap Shoot at the Corpus Christi Pistol and Rifle Club
- Active in Texas Youth Rodeo Association, South Texas Trail Riders, Odem A&H Booster Club and Buc Days barbecue cook-off
FAVORITE PASTIMES
- Touring his ranch with his grandkids
- Visiting with family and friends
- Hunting and fishing
