Camp's Plumbing grows with eye on service, hard work
By Tom Peterson
Pat and Cyndi Camp of The Dalles understand hard work and service.
It is the thread that runs through their endeavors since starting Camp’s Plumbing in 2005.
Pat and Cyndi Camp of Camp’s Plumbing LLC have assembled a larger crew to provide plumbing services throughout the Gorge. The couple have built the business based on customer service, quick return phone calls and treating others as they would like to be treated.
Both grew up in homes where their parents owned their businesses.
Pat’s father was a contractor, and Cyndi’s dad leased carpet cleaning equipment.
“We’re second generation in the service industry,” Cyndi said.
So they realize they are only as good as their last job or conversation.
That sense of pride has led them to their success. The company, based in The Dalles and serving the greater Mid-Columbia region, is now in its 15th year and employs five - Brent Cramblett, Levi Phelps, Jamia Long, Kia Long & Jake Buell. Cyndi and Pat take the total to seven.
That’s why you can find them on their phones at 7:30 or 8:30 p.m. calling customers back.
“You have to earn your trust with clients. You can’t make everybody happy in the service world, but it’s something we strive for,” Cyndi said.
There is no answering service with this business. You talk to either Pat or Cyndi when you call Camp’s.
They offer service and repair for any plumbing issue that you have.
Communities they serve include The Dalles, Mosier, Hood River, Odell, Parkdale, Mt. Hood, Cascade Locks, Bonneville, Stevenson, Carson, Underwood, White Salmon, Bingen, Lyle, Goldendale, Rufus, Arlington and Boardman.
The company is licensed and bonded in both Oregon and Washington - OR # 177235, WA # CAMPSPL938Q9. Learn more by calling (541) 298-2267 or visit their website at https://www.campsplumbing.com/
Pat is from White Salmon and Cyndi moved to Underwood in 1994. They began their plumbing endeavors in Troutdale before making the move back to the Gorge.
Pat started plumbing new construction homes and worked his way into custom builds such as Stave and Stone Winery in Hood River.
“We are now into our second year of full service,” Cyndi said, noting that’s when they began adding employees to meet the demand in the area.
Employees are abiding by all of the COVID-19 guidelines, using masks, gloves and social distancing. And they are also practicing the golden rule - they treat others as they would like to be treated.
“They are kind and courteous,” Cyndi said. “We have clients call us back and request the same employee because they did such a good job of working with them.”
That recipe of good work and good attitude is propelling the business.
Camp’s Plumbing LLC’s from left, Jake Buell, Jamia Long, Brent Cramblett, Levi Phelps, Kia Long owner Pat Camp.
“It’s kind of scary getting bigger,” Cyndi said. “But we have good employees and a good system.”
It’s not too much different than when they started - business equals risk.
They started the business five months after they were married with a little pushing from Cyndi’s father.
“If you don’t try, you don’t know,” Cyndi said.
They are still getting the job done.
Pat and Cyndi have two daughters, Rylee, 12, and Heather, 10. And the family likes a little entertainment mixed in with the hard work. Pat is the lead singer for the band Suckerpunch.
Cyndi also does bookkeeping for other businesses and has a sweet little sideline, Cupcakes by Cyndi. She can make them anyway you like - including vegan, keto, nut-free and non-gluten recipes.
Services offered by Camp’s Plumbing
Service & Repair
Backflow testing
Gas piping
Water heater install and repair
Drain cleaning
Water service and tie in
Sewer service and tie in
New construction
Commercial
Remodels
Ejection pump
Camera for drain, waste, and water lines
