Editor’s note: On Friday, June 20, The Business Journal revealed its honorees for the fifth-annual Family Owned Business Awards, highlighting some of the Valley’s most well-known and longstanding family-owned businesses. Three of the nine honorees will be recognized as the top family-owned businesses at The Business Journal’s awards event on August 19. Click here for tickets to the event.

 

Dee’s Plumbing: Where new and vintage flow together

 

By: Ben Hensley

In 1939, Deron P. Torosian started Dee’s Plumbing with one thing in mind — bringing quality repair work to residents and businesses in the Central Valley.

Nearly 90 years later, the Torosians continue to fill that need in the community, providing plumbing services with the knowledge and know-how passed down through three generations.

Now with a focus primarily on commercial and industrial plumbing needs, Dee’s Plumbing, located at 3563 E. Tulare Ave. in Fresno, has seen growth under the leadership of 2nd generation owner Deron “Harry” Torosian, establishing and maintaining large accounts in the Valley and building trust among their long-time customers while providing the same quality service they have throughout their 86 years in business.

“Many of our customers have been coming to our shop for years and say they remember coming here with their parents when they were a kid,” Harry said. “We do our very best to help and connect with our customers and provide them with what they need.”

And Dee’s Plumbing takes “what they need” to a level many other plumbing companies can’t. Dee’s Plumbing is also a source of vintage plumbing supplies ranging from toilet tank lids and seats to vintage-colored fixtures and tubs that are no longer available from mainstream plumbing and appliance manufacturers.

With a sustainable family succession plan in place, the Torosians — Harry and his children, Taylor and Teryn — look to continue serving the community now and into the future with three business pillars laid out by Harry.

“I want the legacy of Dee’s Plumbing Inc. to be defined by integrity, craftsmanship and community trust,” Harry said. “Our goal is to be reliable and a company that any customer can call without hesitation because they know we will do the job correctly, treat them fair and honest, and stand behind our work.”

Fresno Equipment Co.: Powering agriculture for generations

 

 

By: Frank Lopez

Fresno Equipment Co., an agricultural equipment dealership providing sales and service of the full line of John Deere tractors, is an honoree for this year’s Family Owned Business Awards.

The company was established in 1961 by Mark Vucovich and William Hansen with three locations in Fresno, Five Points and Firebaugh.

In 1963, Vucovich purchased 100% of the shares and became the sole owner.

Vucovich passed away in 1980 and left the business to his family — Marsha Vucovich of the second generation and her son Reid Pinion of the third generation.

During the 1990s and 2000s, the company adapted to changes in agricultural practices, shifting more focus to orchard and vineyard equipment.

In 2010, Marsha became the sole owner of the company. Reid, an attorney, joined the business in 2014, providing legal expertise and serving in various roles before becoming chief financial officer and operations manager.

Along with Marsha, daily operations are led by Pinion, General Manager Joseph Ayerza and store and Sales Manager Jimmy Perry.

The company has shown major growth over the decades with increased customers, employees, revenues and diversity of equipment lines offered.

Marsha said they are excited for the future and are proud of the legacy that has led the company where it is today.

“Now, having the opportunity to run the business alongside my son is a proud and humbling experience,” Marsha said. “It’s a reflection of the values our family holds dear — dedication, perseverance and a passion for serving those who work the land every day. Agriculture is at the heart of everything we do, and this nomination energizes our entire team. It’s a testament to the relationships we’ve built over generations and the continued trust placed in us by our community.”

Lars Andersen & Associates: Engineering growth from Valley roots

 

By: Ben Hensley

When Lars Andersen & Associates was incorporated in 1941, service was placed at the core of its foundation.

Today, nearly 90 years later, the firm remains client-focused, remaining true to their business roots as well as their four-generation family legacy.

Lars Andersen & Associates has been carried on through the original founder Lars’ daughter, Mary Mommer, and now grandson, Scott Mommer. With a passionate attitude about continuing his grandfather’s legacy, Scott pursued a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering before expanding the firm to its largest size during the mid-2000s.

“To be a finalist for the Family Owned Business Award is a complete honor and truly shows how far family businesses can go within a competitive industry,” said Ashley Nulick, director of projects and administrative operations at Lars Andersen & Associates. “To just carry on my great grandfather’s legacy of being one of the oldest engineering firms within California is a true honor.”

The firm has expanded to serve clients and communities in the Central Valley and beyond. In 2021, Lars Andersen & Associates opened their second location outside of California in Peoria, Arizona, expanding the reach of the engineering firm.

Scott aims to keep the firm in the family in the future, planning strategies and training for the next generation of leadership. That includes placing promising individuals in administrative positions and offering hands-on training with essential tasks.

“Our long-term goal is to create a strong pipeline of skilled, knowledgeable, and aligned leaders who are ready to step into senior positions when the time comes,” Nulick said. “This approach ensures stability, preserves institutional knowledge, and promotes loyalty and growth from within.”

As Lars Andersen & Associates continues to grow, partnering with Fortune 500 companies and local developers, its second office in Arizona seeks to spread the firm’s reach further, building on its already established and reputable reputation.