The Shadow
COVINGTON, VA (VR) – Chapman Plumbing and Heating was founded in 1961 by Warren C. Chapman who had been employed at West Virginia Pulp and Paper Company in Covington.
Chapman Plumbing’s roots go back almost 100 years. The late Mr. Chapman purchased Powell Plumbing and Heating in 1961 that was located on Highland Avenue and changed the name to Warren Chapman Plumbing and Heating. A short while later Mr. Chapman purchased J.A. Shumaker Plumbing and Heating on Court Street. Shumaker had been in the business since the 1930’s. Chapman moved his business to the Court Street location which was also known as the Barr Building. He was joined in the operation of the family-ownedbusiness by his wife, Ruby, who was the office manager. She had worked at Alleghany Chevrolet before joining her husband in the new business venture.
In 1981, the late Connie M. King was employed to assist Ruby in the office. Mr. Chapman died in 1983, and Ruby assumed management and ownership of the business. In 1984, the business was incorporated and became Chapman Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning Inc.
Ruby retired in 1990 and sold the business to Connie King, who had been serving as office manager for several years.
Connie moved the business to Maple Avenue in the building that also housed Hotel Collins, which had rooms on the upper floors of the building. Chapman operated out of 122 S. Maple Avenue for a short time until 1993 when Connie purchased the building at 119 W. Main Street and moved the business to that location where it remains today.
Also, in 1990, Connie’s daughter, Tiffany King-Sanders joined the business to assist her mother.
In August of 2009, Connie lost a battle against cancer and passed away. Her daughter Tiffany became the new owner and manager of the family-owned business. Tiffany is married to Michael Sanders who is ironically the nephew of the founder, Warren Chapman. Mike recently retired from Smurfit-Westrock.
Tiffany’s father, the late Dennis King worked at the business his wife owned after his retirement from Westrock until his death in 2023.
Currently Chapman Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. has ten employees, including Tiffany who has worked for the company for 36 years. Holly Stayton joined the company in 2012 as Tiffany’s Administrative Assistant. She had worked for Dr. Gilbert until his retirement. Holly holds an Associate Degree in Business Management. She was promoted to Business Manager in 2018 and currently oversees the day-to-dayoperations. James M. Gibson began his career with the company 30 years ago as an apprentice. Since that time, he has obtained his Master’s license in Plumbing, HVAC, Electrician and Gas Fitter. He is the senior lead technician and field supervisor. Other employees includeAlex Medina, Ethan Bunch, Austin Clark, Shane “Bubba” Hiner, Scott Kimberlin, Casey Burks and Hunter Smith.
The employees are the backbone of a successful company. Chapman Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. provides training and education through the Virginia Apprenticeship Council. Tiffany was personally recognized by Terry Austin, House of Delegates for the commitment and successful training of apprentices with her company for over 25 years.
The company received an award of excellence from the Commonwealth of Virginia for the many years of service as a registered apprenticeship training sponsor and continued selfless efforts to improve workforce development, economic growth and prosperity of the community and the Commonwealth of Virginia.
The company was awarded Business of the Year by the Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce in 2016. They pride themselves on the state-of-the-artproducts they sell and install, and superior service they deliver.
In 2019 the company received the Dogwood Award for beautification. In an effort to better serve the community, they added a new showroom featuring a variety of fixtures for every budget. Holly offers design assistance by appointment, including everything from the paint colorto the fixtures, to the accessories. She will make the remodel stress free and enjoyable. She will even assist with financing options to make your dream a reality.
The company is also a member of the Better Business Bureau with an A+ accreditation.
Chapman Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. is a Class A Contractor specializing in all aspects of Plumbing, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) as well as Gas Fitting, Electrical, and Duct Work Cleaning. They provide service to both residential and commercial customers.
Tiffany and her staff are proud to be serving the Alleghany Highlands and continuing a tradition of excellence. She would like to thank the many loyal customers who have helped make the business a success. She would also like to thank her dedicated and valuable employees for their commitment to providing safe and professional service.
They look forward to many more years of serving the community.
To celebrate this milestone, Chapman will be hosting an event on Thursday, October 1st from 8am-4pm at 119 West Main Street featuring Big Al and the prize wheel from 11am-1pm, Shiner donuts from 8am-12pm, The Pour Mare Latte trailer from 8am-1pm and Blow’N Smoke BBQ from 11am-4pm. Chapman will be giving away vouchers throughout the day while supplies last. The following vendors will also be on location: Barnwood Blessings with beautiful home décor, Driven Designs will be set up with their spirit tent featuring school logo merchandise and Lombardo Bee Company offering honey, wax and lip balm.
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Chapman will be giving out special swag bags (while supplies last), a cause especially close to our hearts as Tiffany celebrates 8 years of being a cancer survivor.
Chapman has always believed in giving back to the community. They will be collecting donations of cat and dog food for the Alleghany Humane Society and non-perishable food for the Food Pantry.
Tiffany King-Sanders
