Mike Romer didn’t have to search long to find his calling. Plumbing was part of life from the start. His grandfather built the foundation, his father carried it forward, and before Mike could even read a tape measure, he was tagging along on service calls. What began with a kid sneaking tools from his dad’s toolbox grew into summers spent learning the trade firsthand, building work ethic and figuring out what it really means to earn trust through hard work. Those early years built the foundation for what would become JMS Plumbing and Heating, the family business he now leads in New York.
When Mike stepped into ownership, he quickly learned that running a company takes more than technical skill. It means carrying a reputation, managing a crew, keeping customers happy, and somehow still being present for your family at the end of the day. He admits that balance hasn’t always been easy, especially while raising kids and keeping the quality of work where he believes it should be. But that balance is what drives him. The business isn’t just about pipes and fittings; it’s about building something solid that his family can be proud of, whether or not his kids decide to take it over one day.
Mike’s passion for the trade shows in how he approaches the work. He’s always looking for better ways to serve his customers, using every tool, skill, and bit of experience to its full potential. Whether it’s tackling a stubborn drain or diagnosing a hidden issue, Mike believes in using what’s available to get the most accurate result and the cleanest outcome. For him, tools are only as good as the hands that use them, and he makes sure each one earns its keep. It’s never about rushing to the next call. It’s about using every resource to deliver work that holds up long after he’s gone.
Today, Mike leads a team of seven and still enjoys the day-to-day challenges that come with the trade. He likes meeting new people, solving tough problems, and seeing the relief on a customer’s face when everything finally works as it should. Beyond his own shop, he’s built friendships with plumbers across the country who share the same passion and pride in what they do. For Mike, that sense of community, craftsmanship, and family is what keeps the trade worth showing up for every day.
That drive to use every resource, to keep learning, and to never settle for “good enough” is exactly what sets him apart. It’s why we’re proud to recognize Mike Romer of JMS Plumbing and Heating as this month’s Drain Invader of the Month. His commitment to doing the job right, every time, represents what this trade is all about.