By: Alexandra Perez
John Chisholm always knew he was meant to build something real. Not in a classroom, not behind a desk, but with grit, heart, and tools in hand. After trying business school and a brief stint exploring the medical field, he shifted gears, enrolled in a local technical college, and earned his degree in plumbing and HVAC. The choice wasn’t easy, but it felt right.
From there, everything moved fast. He started helping a friend with jobs. That friend now works for him as a service manager. Chisholm didn’t just learn the trades; he shaped a vision. One where his last name stood for something. One he could pass on to his kids.
Starting the business meant sacrifice. He ripped out the back seats of his Chevy Silverado to make room for tools. He had no team, no safety net, just bills to pay and a belief that it could work. He took every call, ran every job, and closed every sale. “I had to figure it out,” he said. “There was no other choice.”
In his first year, he hit one million in revenue. Each year that followed added another. By the time they reached five million, he was still operating out of his garage and basement. Today, Chisholm Plumbing is nearing eight million in annual revenue and moving into a new commercial facility built from the ground up. That progress didn’t happen through luck. It came from consistent work, clear values, and a desire to leave something behind that truly matters.
“I’ve got four kids and a wife,” he said. “That’s what I care about most. I want to spend time with them and build a life we’re proud of.”
For Chisholm, success is measured in time, not money. The business is a tool, not the destination. His company reflects that mindset. They don’t work on Sundays. They hold weekly team meetings. There’s no pressure to chase every dollar. “We treat our employees like family,” he said. “When you take care of people, they take care of the customers.”
That approach is part of what makes Chisholm Plumbing stand out in a crowded market. They match the big players in service and expertise, but operate with the heart of a local, family-run business. The name on the truck is more than a brand; it’s a promise.
Chisholm has no interest in cutting corners or following the crowd. “We’re not backed by private equity,” he said. “We’re local. People still have access to me. That matters when something goes wrong.”
The community has taken notice. Chisholm Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning has been awarded Best Plumber of Greer and Best HVAC four years in a row. They were also inducted into the Business Hall of Fame, a recognition presented by the city of Greer. “It’s not a popularity contest,” Chisholm said. “It’s chosen by the city. That means something.”
Beyond business, the company gives back. Every year, they donate a free HVAC unit to a family in need during the holidays. They support veterans and step up when it counts. It’s not about marketing. It’s about showing up with purpose.
Growth has brought change, but the core has stayed the same. One of Chisholm’s first hires, Lacey, helped transition the company from handwritten logs to digital systems. Today, technicians use iPads and iPhones to deliver faster, clearer service. Technology helps, but values lead the way.
He keeps things simple for customers. “Change your filter every month,” he said. “Clean your coils. Let your unit breathe.” For plumbing, he’s just as direct. “There’s no such thing as a flushable wipe. People still fall for that. Don’t.”
When asked what he’d tell someone considering a career in the trades, he doesn’t hesitate. “It’s one of the best decisions you can make,” Chisholm said. “You can make great money with no debt, and there’s room to grow, all the way to ownership.”
He’s already encouraging his own kids to explore the field if they want to. He’s not pushing them. He’s just showing what’s possible when you build something honest and real.
John Chisholm turned a Silverado and a dream into a thriving business rooted in integrity, family, and service.
