Madsen Inc.

Rooted in principles that instill honesty, quality and service, Madsen Inc. embraces new industry-leading tools, techniques and training in order to make it one of the premier mechanical contracting companies in Philadelphia and beyond. Founded by David S. Madsen Sr. in 1946, Madsen has remained a family-owned business with David S. Madsen Sr.’s sons, Andy Madsen serving as President and the late David S. Madsen Jr. (Stan) having served as executive vice president of the company. Now his grandson, David S. Madsen III, serves as vice president. Along with Andy, they are carrying on the tradition of ethical standards set forth by David Sr. “I will do no work that will not enhance my reputation for honesty, quality and service,” he would say.

Andy, along with his late brother Stan, grew the company to what it is today, which includes over 60 employees with some of the best managers, supervisors, mechanics and support staff in the industry. The family-owned and -operated company is still running strong on second- and third-generation family ownership. The signature Madsen pink and blue service trucks are a familiar sight throughout the Delaware Valley, part of a growing fleet of more than 50 trucks carrying trained and certified professionals.

Quality on display

“I think what sets us apart is our team,” shares Andy, who has been with Madsen for more than 40 years. “We have about 65 employees and everyone cares to make the customer happy; that a job is done the right way with good quality materials and workmanship.”

Today Madsen is still known for expert commercial and residential HVAC and plumbing service, but the company has also grown into a significant kitchen and bath retailer. “When my father started the business over 70 years ago, Madsen was strictly plumbing and HVAC,” says Andy. “Within the second year, we started our kitchen and bath division business.”

In Broomall, Pennsylvania, Madsen boasts a 3,000-square-foot showroom, featuring 17 kitchen and bathroom displays. The company offers a full range of cabinetry, along with granite, solid-surface and quartz countertops on display with all coordinating backup samples. Taking a walk through full room settings allows customers to experience a wide array of features, from countertops to faucets, sinks to toilets and everything in between.

The strong reputation that Madsen has established for providing a quality product and getting it done right the first time has proven to be a major asset. With 80 percent of the company’s work stemming from repeat clients and referrals, Madsen is more than able to keep its employees busy. “Having quality people that get satisfaction from doing a job right and completing a job on time is one of the most important aspects for achieving success,” says Andy. “I think our customers recognize that and that is one of the reasons people have been referring us for the past 70 years.”

A bright future

Stan’s son David III, vice president and a third-generation Madsen who oversees the day-to-day operations of the company, says, “My grandfather built the company on a solid foundation to ensure the future of our company.”

In addition to the ebb and flow of the construction industry, many firms face the challenge of a dwindling workforce. Madsen is the exception. Along with customer referrals, Madsen has many employees who were referred through word-of-mouth and other recruitment efforts. “We actually attract a lot of millennials,” says Andy. “I believe that you should treat your employees better than you treat yourself.”

Through lean times, the company takes a look at how it can rearrange management, rather than trimming its workforce — a practice that has made employees a priority since the company’s inception. “Young people who are starting out in the apprenticeship program have a hard enough time making it on their own, let alone being cut back completely,” Andy explains.

Madsen also works with the local technical schools through internship programs, which can earn students college credit through the apprenticeship program. “Apprenticeship schools are very big right now,” says Andy. “My brother Stan helped start one in Broomall, Pennsylvania. Our Associated Builders and Contractors chapter has a lot of nice ones. It allows students to build up college credit before they even start taking classes.”

Madsen’s strong, versatile service in its plumbing, heating and kitchen and bath divisions ensure clients’ satisfaction. “You can rely on us to provide you with a complete design system with solutions that fit your needs,” assures Andy. “The Madsen family business earned a reputation for doing it right the first time.”

A company that clients can depend on, Madsen Inc. has been serving residential and commercial clients for more than seven decades and continues to invest for future generations.