Ashley Stroud Honored as 2025 Plumbing Contractor of the Year for Transformative Leadership

The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors - National Association (PHCC) has awarded Ashley Stroud, Co-Owner and Chief Operating Officer of Plumbing Outfitters, the title of 2025 Plumbing Contractor of the Year. This prestigious recognition was bestowed during the PHCCCONNECT National Conference held in Grand Rapids, Michigan, honoring innovative leaders who exemplify customer-focused business practices, operational excellence, and a commitment to forward-thinking within the plumbing sector.

Stroud, who holds a license as a Texas Master Plumber, was acknowledged for her role in establishing a CHAMPS culture at Plumbing Outfitters - a framework based on Character, Humility, Accountability, Mindfulness, Precision, and Service. This values-driven approach has significantly improved team performance, customer satisfaction, and community involvement throughout Central Texas. The implementation of this cultural framework represents a significant shift in how plumbing businesses can operate, moving beyond traditional service models to create more meaningful customer relationships and employee engagement.

Among her initiatives is Ashley the Outfitter, a local radio segment where she leverages her expertise as a master plumber to address the most common plumbing inquiries from homeowners, making plumbing education accessible, empowering, and community-focused. This innovative approach to customer education demonstrates how plumbing professionals can extend their impact beyond service calls to become trusted community resources. The radio program represents a new paradigm in how trade professionals can build trust and educate consumers in an increasingly digital age.

I accept this award on behalf of our entire team - an amazing group of talented individuals who genuinely care for each other, our customers, and our community. It is a tremendous honor to build this business with them and utilize it to serve others while making a lasting difference, Stroud stated during the award ceremony. This recognition highlights the importance of collaborative leadership in transforming traditional trade businesses into modern, purpose-driven organizations.

PHCC commended Stroud's pioneering leadership in developing scalable business systems while maintaining a strong connection to the community. The commitment of Plumbing Outfitters to mentorship, workforce development, and servant leadership is setting a new benchmark for what it means to operate a modern plumbing company with purpose. This approach addresses critical industry challenges including workforce development and the need for more diverse leadership in skilled trades. The company's focus on these areas through their website at https://plumbingoutfitters.com demonstrates how plumbing businesses can successfully balance growth with community impact.

The Plumbing Contractor of the Year Award is one of PHCC's most esteemed individual accolades, honoring exceptional accomplishments in business excellence, community contribution, and the advancement of the plumbing industry. Stroud's recognition signals a broader industry shift toward more values-driven business models that prioritize both operational excellence and social impact. For an industry facing workforce shortages and evolving customer expectations, this approach offers a replicable model for sustainable growth and community engagement.

The impact of this recognition extends beyond individual achievement to influence industry standards and consumer expectations. As plumbing businesses nationwide seek to adapt to changing market conditions, Stroud's success with Plumbing Outfitters provides a compelling case study in how to build a thriving business while maintaining strong community ties and employee satisfaction. This award-winning approach demonstrates that technical excellence and business innovation can coexist with deep community commitment, potentially inspiring a new generation of plumbing professionals to embrace more holistic business models.