In a company built on service calls, it’s the quiet call to serve and the way employees pour into their community that really stands out. The spirit of giving, support, and ‘paying it forward’ is deeply woven into the culture at Black Diamond Plumbing and Mechanical. What began in 1999 as a plumbing and sewer company, today has grown into a multi-division business–plumbing, electrical, and HVAC–serving McHenry County and beyond. Yet even as the reach has expanded, its heart remains focused on community—thanks in large part to the people behind the name.
The mission at Black Diamond is to offer a solution-driven customer service experience by providing world-class training and support to their employees. But it is their core values that truly distinguishes them from others. The Black Diamond principles are rooted in the belief that while you can teach someone how to fix a pipe or troubleshoot a furnace, you can’t teach someone how to care. That kind of heart—along with a positive attitude and a knack for connecting with people—is what truly defines the team.
Behind the wrenches and scheduling of service calls is a team of people who share more than just a workplace–they share the spirit of hard work and deep-rooted desire to give back. While the company has always contributed to their community through sponsorships and support, that spirit of service came more fully into focus when Marketing Coordinator, Samantha “Sam” Murphy, was seeking ways to turn compassion into action, outside of work. She wondered if her co-workers shared the same desire and began exploring opportunities.
Just over a year ago, with the support of teammates, her grassroot efforts evolved into the Community Connection Crew. The group reflects the same roll-up-your-sleeves mindset that built Black Diamond—and now, it’s building bonds and fellowship within the community. Recently, we were escorted by Sam and members of the Crew through the immaculate and well-appointed Black Diamond facility. From the classroom to the “mock house” that provides hands-on, real life training for technicians, and even a workout room, it is clear that this is a company that has an eye for details and a deep commitment to their staff–whether in the office or the field.
As we walked through the facility, it didn’t take long for it to become clear that this crew knows how to work hard and get the job done—but they also laugh often, connect naturally, and rally together for a good cause. It was that sentiment that led Sam to take the leap into philanthropy. “I felt compelled to do more in the communities that have been so supportive of Black Diamond over the years,” Sam explained. “So, I decided that I would find organizations to volunteer for and see who else would show up. It has been heart-warming to see the number of co-workers who also have the giving spirit!”
From packing grocery bags and boxes at Feed My Starving Children to hands-on labor helping repair the roof at Operation Wild Horse, this team of volunteers is dedicated to supporting organizations that focus on providing goods and services to those in need. The Community Connection Crew extends beyond Black Diamond employees to include their families and loved ones, the epitome of kinship.
Plumber Nick Caraballo, has volunteered at every event since the Crew began, drawn in by the company’s dedication to their people and fostering authentic relationships. It’s what set Black Diamond apart from other places he’s worked—and a big reason he wanted to join the team. “During my interview, they were more interested in who I was as a person than what I already knew as a plumber,” he said. “They can teach plumbing skills, but they want people who know how to connect with customers.” What resonated most with Nick and others on the Crew is the “philanthropic mindset”–the involvement in local initiattives that creates a connection within their work place but also throught the communities they serve.
More than just coworkers, this group has become a force for good and a powerful example of what’s possible when people bring heart to their work and community—driven by compassion and a deep sense of purpose. The Community Connection Crew is about people helping people and a belief that even small acts can make a lasting impact.
Special thanks to Sam Murphy, Nick Caraballo, Carly Rexford, and Ashley Allport for joining us for the photo shoot and sharing their perspectives.
From the start, they were more interested in who I was as a person than what I already knew as a plumber.
I felt compelled to do more in the communities that have been so supportive of Black Diamond over the years. It has been heart-warming to see the number of co-workers who also have the giving spirit!