Concept Application Topic - Plumbing Industry

Product/Service:

"The plumbing industry is a basic and substantial part of every developed economy due to the need for clean water, and for the proper collection and transport of wastes. Plumbing is the skilled trade of working with pipes, tubing, and plumbing fixtures for drinking water systems and the drainage of waste. A plumber is someone who installs or repairs piping systems, plumbing fixtures, and equipment such as water heaters. Plumbing also refers to a system of pipes and fixtures installed in a building for the distribution of potable water and the removal of water born wastes. Plumbing is usually distinguished from water or sewage systems in that a plumbing system serves one building, while water and sewage systems serve a group of buildings or city." (Wikipedia, 2009). A majority of the plumbing work that is performed in populated areas is governed directly or indirectly by standards that have been determined by governmental agencies due to the direct impact on the public's health, safety, and welfare. Plumbing installation and repair work on residences and other buildings should always be done in accordance with plumbing and building codes to protect inhabitants of the buildings and to ensure safe, quality construction to future buyers.

Brief Background

The company was founded in 1926 by two individuals each having an equal share in the company. The following year one of the partners had passed away leaving the business to continue on as a one person operation for several years before expanding. The business was relocated several times and was primarily run out of the owner's garage at each new location until post WWII the owner eventually made the purchase of an abandoned bomb shelter where the company presently still resides. The company started out by performing small residential projects and as it grew in size actively pursued larger and more complex commercial and industrial projects.

Question 1:

For each of the 5 Cs, briefly describe the key issues that pertain to your concept application topic. (Do not include issues that do not pertain to your topic.)

1. Customer:

a) There are a number of markets, clients, and customers that continue to show an interest in the services that Gorman-Lavelle Corporation has to offer. The company has established itself as one of the premier plumbing contractors in Northeast Ohio and is known for its ability to successfully carry out some of Northeast Ohio's largest and most complex commercial and industrial works projects which include:

• Industrial

o Power Plants

o Manufacturing Facilities

• Commercial