FALLS CHURCH, Va. (Oct. 31, 2025) – Recognized for his innovative business practices, dedication to workforce training, and commitment to customer care, Larry Shoemaker of Deluxe Plumbing has been named the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association’s (PHCC) 2025 HVAC Contractor of the Year. The award, sponsored by PHCC Corporate Partner Rheem, was presented during PHCC CONNECT 2025 in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Shoemaker is widely recognized for leading by example and setting the highest standards of professionalism for his team of more than 40 employees. Under his leadership as company owner, Deluxe Plumbing has prioritized ongoing training in plumbing, HVAC, and electrical work, with an emphasis not only on technical expertise but also on customer service excellence. He has developed structured programs to ensure client satisfaction, including customer feedback surveys, technician performance scorecards, incentive programs tied to service quality, and a 24-hour satisfaction resolution policy.

Shoemaker has championed forward-thinking management and efficiency, introducing innovations like companywide iPad use for technicians. This streamlined field and office workflows, enabling real-time communication, digital invoicing, accurate job tracking, and timely customer updates.

At Deluxe Plumbing, efficiency and innovation are top priorities. Under Shoemaker’s leadership, the company has expanded its pipelining division with trenchless technology and cured-in-place pipe solutions, minimizing disruption and speeding project turnaround. The team also has adopted prefabrication methods to assemble piping components in advance, reducing on-site time and ensuring consistent quality.

Beyond running a successful business, Shoemaker has made significant contributions to workforce development and the skilled trades. He has been active in PHCC on the local, state, and national levels, serving as president of PHCC of Pennsylvania and as a member of the PHCC—National Education Board. He has taught plumbing apprentices since 2007 and has served on multiple educational boards to align training programs with real-world needs. Shoemaker also organizes and judges statewide trade competitions for high school students and has lobbied for improved licensing standards in Pennsylvania to advance the profession.

Community service is another cornerstone of Shoemaker’s career. Through Deluxe Plumbing and his PHCC involvement, he has supported local charities, sponsored community events, and promoted careers in the trades to students and young adults. His outreach efforts – ranging from educational programs to scholarships and school partnerships – have helped strengthen his community while enhancing the public image of the plumbing, heating, and cooling industry.

Indeed, Shoemaker embodies the qualities of PHCC’s HVAC Contractor of the Year – technical excellence, innovative leadership, and a deep commitment to his employees, customers, and community.

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About PHCC
The PHCC National Association, formed in 1883, provides legislative advocacy, education, and training to approximately 3,500 plumbing and HVACR businesses and 65,000 technicians. Members of PHCC have access to a wide variety of services designed to increase their professionalism, grow their business, and improve profitability. For more information about PHCC, visit phccweb.org.

About Rheem®
Founded in 1925, Rheem Manufacturing is a global leader committed to delivering innovative products that save energy and support a more sustainable future for heating, cooling, water heating, pool & spa heating and commercial refrigeration products and solutions. Rheem is America’s #1 water-heating brand with products available in more than 80 countries. Paloma Co., Ltd. of Nagoya, Japan, acquired the iconic Rheem brand in 1988, and today the company’s portfolio of premium brands include Rheem®, Ruud®, Friedrich®, Raypak®, Nordyne®, Sure Comfort®, WeatherKing®, Eemax®, Richmond®, IBC™, Intergas®, Splendid®, Solahart®, EverHot®, and MHG™, as well as commercial refrigeration brands Russell®, Witt®, ColdZone® and Kramer®, which are part of the Heat Transfer Products Group (HTPG®) division.