Local Business Q&A: A Family Affair

This Q&A feature helps readers learn more about people living and working in the Mount Vernon business community.

This week’s Q&A profiles longtime Alexandria resident Seth Kramer, operations manager for Kramer & Sons, a Mount Vernon-based plumbing, heating and air conditioning company.

Founded in 1989, Kramer & Sons is a family-owned and operated business serving the plumbing needs of homeowners across the Northern Virginia area. Kramer provides homeowners with complete residential plumbing services, upgrades, installation and repairs, with a company-wide focus on superior customer service and satisfaction.

According to Seth, his parents, Martin Sr. and Pam Kramer, started the business more than 20 years ago from the basement of their home in Alexandria.  Since that time, the company has evolved and grown. In 1999, the family expanded their services to include underground sewer and water line replacement and repair. Last spring, Kramer & Sons expanded their service portfolio to include heating and cooling services.

A family affair, Seth, and his sister-in-law, Candace, the company’s marketing manager, head up operations at Kramer & Son’s Cooper Road headquarters. Seth’s brother, HVAC Service Manager Marty Kramer, Jr., has 15 years of heating and cooling industry experience.

Seth, along with his wife and five-month-old son, recently moved from Dale City, returning to the Mount Vernon community.

Describe your business.

We provide homeowners with complete residential plumbing and HVAC services, upgrades, installation and repairs.

How did you become interested in your current line of work?

My dad started as plumbing apprentice back in the late 70s/early 80s. He became a licensed Master Plumber, and then decided to start a company that could help provide quality services to the local community. I decided that I would follow in his footsteps...I attended plumbing apprentice school and also received my Master Plumber’s License.

What’s an interesting aspect of your job?

Dealing with all of the different people who live in our area. I really enjoy talking with them and figuring out how we can help them.

How does your company stand out from the local competition?

We try to set ourselves apart by providing superior customer service. We respect our customers, their property and give them the type of service that we would want to receive if we were in their situation.

What do you enjoy most about your line of work?

The satisfaction of being able to help homeowners resolve their problems. In emergency situations, people can be really stressed out. It’s good to know we’re here to be able to help them...so we can make their situation a little less stressful.

Where is your favorite place to go in the Mount Vernon area?

I really like to go to Taco Grande. There’s always great conversation there, and they always remember your name.

Do you have any hobbies?

I like to go fishing along the GW Parkway. It’s beautiful along the river.

If you weren’t in this business, what would you be doing?

I think I would be a taxi driver. I like the idea of being able to meet and talk to lots of different people all throughout the day, but also not being locked into one particular location.