Filan & Conner is celebrating 50 years of serving South Jersey with plumbing, HVAC, and bathroom remodeling services for homes and businesses. The company, started in 1976 by Master Plumber Dave Filan and now led by President Brian Conner, has grown from a one-truck operation into a full-service team handling everything from new construction to complex remodels. This longevity in the trades sector highlights the importance of consistent service quality and customer trust in building a sustainable business.
The company's evolution from basic plumbing to comprehensive project management reflects broader industry trends toward integrated service models. Today, Filan & Conner provides new construction services for residential and commercial projects, residential service for maintenance and system replacements, commercial service for various facilities, and bathroom remodeling that combines design with technical expertise. This diversified approach allows the company to maintain multiple revenue streams while offering customers single-point accountability for complex projects.
Bathroom remodeling represents a particularly strategic expansion, growing naturally from the company's plumbing and HVAC foundation. Instead of treating remodels as purely aesthetic projects, the team prioritizes functional planning around water lines, drains, ventilation, and long-term maintenance. This technical-first approach addresses common industry pain points where beautiful finishes may conceal poor mechanical planning. As Christian Conner, Bathroom Remodeling Expert at Filan & Conner explains, "When one team owns what is behind the walls and what you see every day, you get a bathroom that looks sharp and works smoothly for years to come."
The company's operational philosophy emphasizes straightforward customer service practices: clear communication, property protection, transparent pricing, and reliable project completion. These fundamentals have generated positive online reviews and repeat business across generations of South Jersey customers. For business leaders, Filan & Conner's success demonstrates how traditional trade businesses can compete against larger corporations by focusing on local relationships and consistent execution.
Community engagement has been integral to the company's identity throughout its five-decade history. Filan & Conner has supported numerous local initiatives including Habitat for Humanity, local food banks, Toys for Tots, and the Ronald McDonald House. This commitment to corporate social responsibility reflects President Brian Conner's belief that "if the community supports your business, you have a responsibility to support the community."
Strategic partnerships with equipment manufacturers represent another key business strategy. As a designated Rheem Pro Partner, Filan & Conner gains access to high-efficiency products, technical training, and manufacturer-backed credibility. This partnership model provides competitive advantages in both installation quality and customer confidence, particularly as energy efficiency becomes increasingly important to homeowners and businesses.
Looking forward, the company is investing in training and equipment for emerging technologies including high-efficiency HVAC systems, tankless water heaters, and smart controls. However, leadership remains committed to the fundamental principles that have sustained the business for 50 years: qualified technicians, solid installation practices, and accountability when issues arise. This balanced approach between technological adoption and core service values offers a template for trade businesses navigating industry evolution while maintaining customer trust.
