Ashley Petry, Indianapolis Star


When Economy Plumbing Supply opened its doors in 1932, it faced numerous challenges – including the staggering financial pressures of the Great Depression. But the company weathered that storm, and many others, to become Indianapolis’ premier kitchen and bath supplier. It was one of the first plumbing supply companies in the nation to open a consumer showroom, serving the needs of both plumbing professionals and do-it-yourself homeowners.

Today, the company runs two HomeStyle showrooms, one in downtown Indianapolis and one near Fishers. Redesigned in 2006, the showrooms feature the latest in kitchen and bath design and technology from manufacturers such as Villeroy &Boch and Toto.

“Kitchens and baths have really become the focal point of a home — both from a lifestyle perspective and from a design perspective,” said John Strong, owner and president. “Our showrooms have tried to address those changes.”

In addition, Economy Plumbing Supply offers sessions with trained design consultants who can help homeowners choose the best options for kitchen and bath projects. And, the company still carries a full range of professional-grade plumbing supplies, from water heaters to pipe fittings.

With two showrooms and more than 25 employees, Economy Plumbing Supply is a thriving business. But at its heart, the company remains a family affair. Strong is the third-generation owner of the business, which was founded by Herbert E. Strong Sr. in 1932 and later owned by John’s father, Herbert Strong Jr. In addition, John’s wife and sister both work for the company.

“We’re a small, family-oriented business, and that’s how we try to treat our customers,” Strong said.

An evolving business

Economy Plumbing Supply always has been in the Strong family, but other things have changed. The company was founded at 311 N. Alabama St., Indianapolis, where is opened one of the nation’s first consumer showrooms in 1939.

The company continued to grow and expand, and eventually the office was bursting at the seams. By 1975, Economy Plumbing Supply occupied 305-311 N. Alabama St. and had added parking and warehousing space.

Finally, in 1984, the company relocated to its current downtown location, 625 N. Capitol Ave. The remodeled 60,000-square-foot facility brought all of the company’s operations under one roof, including warehousing, offices, the plumbing and repair parts counter, and the consumer showroom.

The new facility also featured self-serve aisles of plumbing supplies, a retailing innovation that landed the company on the cover of the trade magazine Supply House Times.

The magazine featured Economy Plumbing Supply again in 1995 when it opened a 10,000-square-foot suburban showroom near Fishers. Originally called Economy Kitchen & Bath, the Fishers showroom later was renamed HomeStyle.

Both showrooms were heavily renovated in 2006, and they continue to feature the best and most innovative kitchen and bath manufacturers and designers.

The secret to success

After more than 75 years, the Strong family members are small-business experts. But running a business, they say, ultimately is about the old-fashioned values of customer service and employee satisfaction.

“It’s all about taking care of your customers and taking care of your staff,” Strong said.

As Economy Plumbing Supply approaches its centennial, it will continue to changes its product mix and showroom designs to meet the changing needs of consumers and plumbing professionals. But some things — like the value of customer relationships — are destined to stay the same.

Time line

1932: Herbert E. Strong Sr. founds Economy Plumbing Supply at 311 N. Alabama St. along with his brothers, William Strong and Edward Strong.

1939: Economy Plumbing Supply opens its first consumer showroom.

1946: Herbert Strong Jr. joins the company after graduating from Purdue University and completing a tour in the U.S. Navy.

1983: John Strong joins the company after graduating from Indiana University.

1984: The company relocates to 625 N. Capitol Ave., a 60,000-square-foot facility that consolidates the counter, showroom, warehouse and offices.

1995: A HomeStyle showroom opens in Fishers at 9755 Hague Road.

2006: The company completes major renovations of both its downtown and Fishers HomeStyle showrooms.