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In an industry where scale and speed can overshadow character, Thos. Somerville Co. stands out not just by what it delivers — but how it delivers it. What began in 1861 as a modest brass foundry has grown into a Mid-Atlantic plumbing, heating, and HVAC supply powerhouse. But Somerville’s real strength lies in a culture grounded in craftsmanship, relational trust, and service — principles forged in the foundry that are still alive today.

When Thomas Somerville first opened shop in Washington, D.C., in 1861, the business was defined by meticulous workmanship, reliability and innovation. More than 160 years later, those founding virtues remain embedded in the business DNA.

"Our beginnings as a brass foundry laid the foundation for everything we are today," explains Doug Riley, president and CEO. "In those early days, success depended on precision, innovation, and a commitment to quality — principles that continue to guide us nearly 165 years later."

That heritage isn’t just history for Somerville; it’s a living playbook. "The foundry roots instilled a respect for hard work, technical knowledge and integrity," Riley adds. "We still draw on that same spirit as we embrace new technologies and sustainable solutions."

Growing branch by branch

Somerville’s expansion across the Mid-Atlantic has been deliberate and pragmatic, guided by both opportunity and discipline.

"One of our earliest big moves came in 1955, when the Somerville family used TS Realty to purchase land in Annapolis," Riley recalls. "That was followed by Fairfax in 1958, and together those two locations planted the base for future growth in and around the DMV."

The company took another leap forward in 1981 with the acquisition of PA&S Smalls, which included branches in Owings Mills, Maryland, and three in south-central Pennsylvania — Lancaster, York, and Chambersburg. Today, expansion efforts have pushed into Delaware, where the company sees long-term potential.

"We’re always ready to capitalize on opportunity," Riley says. "At the same time, we’re not too proud to close a failing location. This isn’t a hobby — it’s about long-term profitability and success."

Leadership through generations

As a family-owned business, Thos. Somerville has enjoyed the advantage of continuity. Each generation of leadership has carried forward the same values of integrity, service, and innovation, while empowering the next group to chart its own path.

"Our leadership team has always focused on more than just short-term results," Ray Mikell, executive vice president says. "That continuity creates a culture of trust that inspires employees and strengthens customer relationships. It’s given us the stability to weather change and the vision to keep growing."

That stability is visible on the branch floor as much as it is in the boardroom. In Thos. Somerville Co.’s We Supply America episode, one longtime employee remarked, "People come first. This isn’t just a place to work; it’s a place to belong, grow, and feel valued."

Shared success, mutual respect

The heart of Thos. Somerville’s success lies in its people-first culture. Respect, teamwork, and a sense of shared success permeate the company, from the distribution center to the delivery trucks.

"We treat employees, customers, and partners like part of the family," Mikell says. "That means nurturing collaboration, encouraging learning, and celebrating achievements together."

Contractors in the field echo the sentiment. Jeff Kohan, president of the Bryant Group, describes the company as having "a true family atmosphere" despite its size. "They may be a high-volume plumbing and HVAC supply business, but at their core, they operate with the mindset of a down-to-earth, small business," he says. "They’re so much more than just a supplier. We know each other’s birthdays, our kids’ names, even our likes and dislikes. That kind of personal connection is rare in this industry."

Kohan adds that the relationship has had a tangible effect on his own company’s success. "This year we’ve grown together, and the process has actually gotten easier," he says. "No question is ever too big to ask. They make it easy to sit down, troubleshoot challenges, and work collectively toward solutions. It’s a true partnership in every sense."

In order for culture to flow outside the branch doors and into external customer relationships, Mikell points out that Thos. Somerville looks at itself as more than a distributor. "We’re more than a distributor, we’re a partner who invests in long-term relationships, delivers innovative solutions, and empowers our employees to go above and beyond for our customers every day."

That emphasis on partnership is baked into Somerville’s customer service model. "We’ve built generational relationships by eliminating the one-size-fits-all mentality," Mikell explains. "Whether it’s specialized training, flexible delivery, in-house tech support, or customized online ordering processes, we tailor solutions to meet contractors’ specific needs."

Chris Carspecken, president of Capital Mechanical, says Somerville’s reliability has been central to his company’s growth since 2003. "From day one, we knew that having a reliable wholesaler was essential to our success," he explains. "In the fast-paced world of residential construction, timing is everything. If the right materials aren’t on-site exactly when needed, it means lost productivity, missed deadlines, failed inspections, and unnecessary costs chasing down supplies. Thos. Somerville has helped us avoid those setbacks."

He continues: "They consistently treat us like their top priority. Together, we’ve developed innovative solutions that streamline operations, boost productivity, and reduce material costs. Without the steadfast support of Thos. Somerville, Capital Mechanical would not have achieved the growth and success we’ve enjoyed over the past 22 years."

Feedback comes through customer visits, surveys, branch-level conversations, and industry events — and the leadership team insists on acting on it. "By listening closely and responding quickly, we make sure our customers have the tools, support, and confidence they need to succeed," Riley says.

Technology with a human touch

For a company with such deep roots, Somerville has proven remarkably agile in adopting new technology. "Technology has helped us work smarter and serve our customers better," Mikell says. "From automated systems that ensure accurate orders, to online tools that give 24/7 access to inventory and deliveries, to digital platforms that improve communication — it all adds up to a smoother, more reliable customer experience."

Still, the company insists technology should never replace the human connection. As one branch manager put it during the We Supply America filming, "We get to focus on the relationship, not paperwork."

Thos. Somerville utilizes online tools that let customers check product availability, place orders, and track deliveries whenever it’s convenient for them. Similarly, Riley adds that digital platforms make it easier for the team to stay connected, so they can respond to customer needs more quickly. At the end of the day, technology allows for the business to offer more tailored, around-the-clock support.

"With improved customer tools, we can better understand preferences and provide recommendations tailored to specific needs," Riley says. "Technology gives you more ways to get help when you need it, whether online, by phone, or through self-service options. In short, technology helps us save time, reduce costs, and deliver a smoother, more reliable experience for the customer."

Community leadership

Somerville’s care extends beyond customers and employees into the broader community. While the company has long supported local teams and donated products to nonprofits, leadership wanted to do more. That opportunity came with the creation of the Committee for Contractors Against Cancer in 2024.

"Honestly, for years and years we did small gestures, but it never felt like enough," Riley admits. "Now we have three employees on the committee, and we’ve stepped up as the lead financial sponsor."

The event, held at Congressional Country Club, includes tailgating, a live concert, an auction, and a celebrity golf scramble. In its inaugural year, it raised $577,000 for the Colorectal Cancer Alliance. "This year our goal is to break $800,000," Riley says with determination.

Steady in the Storm

Challenges like inflation, tariffs, and global supply chain shocks are nothing new to Somerville. With over 160 years of experience, the company has learned how to steady itself in turbulent waters.

"We manage challenges by maintaining strong, long-term partnerships with manufacturers, investing in technology, and leveraging our regional distribution network," Mikell explains. "Just as important, we communicate openly with our customers, setting clear expectations, offering alternative solutions, and prioritizing their most critical needs."

That transparency has built trust in moments when others might falter. "Resilience has always been part of who we are," Riley adds. "It’s what allows us to keep delivering even when conditions get tough."

Facilities built for the future

Behind the customer-first approach lies a strong operational backbone. With 20 trade locations, nine retail stores, and a central distribution center, Somerville has designed its network to move quickly and efficiently.

Walking the warehouse floor during the We Supply America visit, one supervisor noted the pride employees take in their work. "We optimize our layout so the work flows, not clogs," he said. "That’s how we keep up when demand spikes."

Aggressive and ambitious

Somerville’s leadership has no intention of standing still. "We are in an aggressive expansion mode," Riley says. "Every week we get reports from commercial realtors in three or four markets, letting us know if potential land or warehousing becomes available. We’re ready and poised to capitalize on strategic opportunities that position us for the next 165 years."

That ambition is balanced by discipline — the same pragmatism that allows them to close underperforming branches. Growth for Somerville is never about vanity; it’s about long-term strength.

In the crowded and commoditized world of plumbing and HVAC distribution, Thos. Somerville Co. remains a standout — not because of the size of its footprint or the volume it moves, but because of the way it moves. It honors its past but isn’t bound by it. It invests in its people while never losing sight of the contractor. It expands ambitiously without sacrificing discipline.

As Mikell puts it, "Our legacy gives us credibility, but it’s our people that truly make the difference."

For PHCP-PVF wholesale distributors wondering what makes a supply house truly great, Thos. Somerville offers a compelling answer: a company that runs like a family but delivers like a force of nature.