George Sherman Corp. celebrates 50 years in plumbing, heating, AC, oil business

George Sherman Corp., plumbing and heating, is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

The Lewes-based company has built on a foundation put into place by George Sherman and Clarence Donovan when they opened Donovan & Sherman in Milton in May 1960. At first they worked out of their homes, later opening a shop on Route 16.

Dean Sherman, CEO and president and son of the founder, says the keys to Sherman’s success have been the same for five decades – customer service and keeping up with the marketplace.

“Success is something you need to build on, not lean on,” Sherman said. He said the company has second- and third-generation customers, and many employees who have been with the company for more than 20 years.

Dean and his father bought out the late Clarence Donovan in 1980, changed the name of the business and also got into the petroleum business.

The plumbing and heating business was moved to its present location on Clay Road in Lewes in 1986 while the petroleum business, Sherman Heating Oils, stayed in Milton.

The company has more than 60 employees who travel all over the Delmarva Peninsula – a crew is currently working on a Food Lion in Crisfield, Md. The company is licensed to perform work in Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and North Carolina.

Sherman has seen many changes over the past few decades. “The need is the same, but the technology is different,” he said.

More energy efficient heating and cooling systems, green technology and computerized systems are the norm now but were unheard of several years ago. “You have to coach yourself and others around you because change is opportunity,” Sherman said.

When the company first started, air conditioning was considered a luxury; now there are few homes that don’t have it.

When the company started, the partners helped convert farmers’ wood and coal stoves to oil-fired systems. Times have changed.

He said over the years Sherman’s customers have become much more savvy. “This is the information age, and our customer base is much more informed. I think that works in our favor,” he said.

Training and certification of employees is an ongoing process.

Riding into the housing market boom in the late 1980s, the company expanded to work in new developments in New Castle County. For 10 years it was busy.

“But I saw a change, and we got out,” Sherman said.

That change almost brought the new housing market to a standstill throughout the state. Although still in the new-construction business, he redefined the George Sherman Corp. into more of a retrofit and service-oriented company. “It really paid dividends,” Sherman said.

He also said the company had an advantage as an older company with a strong reputation and deeper roots.

George Sherman Corp. offers heating, air conditioning, geothermal, heat pumps, ventilation, boilers, plumbing, service agreements and even sewer camera services. Twenty-four-hour customer service is also available.

Sherman Heating Oils offers LP gas, fuel oils, kerosene, diesel fuel and also provides installation and service of gas fireplaces and logs.

Looking ahead, Sherman said the plumbing and heating business would be about politics and technology. “We are transitioning, and it will be interesting to see how people accept or reject different ideas,” he said.

Whichever way the market goes, Sherman said, his employees will act as professional and trained consultants to educate their customers to help them make informed decisions.

George Sherman Corp. is open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday; phone 302-645-5267 for more information.