Member Spotlight: McCready & Rice Plumbing Inc

McCready & Rice Plumbing Inc: A Multi-Generational Family Business Dedicated to the MPC

Every morning at 5:30 am, Len Williams leaves his house and heads to College Point where he begins his day at McCready and Rice. Founded in the early 1930s by Richard McCready and Milton Rice, the company survived through the depression and through the war years, building a long history and tradition of professional expertise and dedication to the MPC.

Creating a Family Tradition

Jerry Bady purchased McCready and Rice in 1965, partnering with Len’s father, Al Williams. Jerry brought Len into the company 10 years later, in 1975, where he worked with both Jerry and his dad in building the business. Len began his leadership of McCready and Rice following his father’s passing and Jerry’s semi-retirement in 1990.

 “I joined McCready and Rice straight out of high school, where I had worked in the automotive business while I was still a student,” said Len.  “During that time, I discovered I had a mechanical aptitude that would serve me well in the future.”  Over the years, Len has enriched that aptitude through training and education, earning licenses as a Master Plumber, Master Fire Suppression Installer and Oil Burner Installer.

Len clearly remembers those early years at McCready and Rice. “The equipment was much heavier than it is now,” he recalls ...  “and those service trucks were nasty -- cold in the winter and sweltering in the summer. Modern technology as we know it today was non-existent: No cell phones, no computers, no internet.

“Today’s technologies have brought on-the-job communications to a whole new level, enabling instant contact with field technicians, videos of work in progress, the ability to quickly diagnose problems, and more.”

The Next Generation

Len’s son Owen ‘officially’ became a part of McCready and Rice in 2006, after attending Farmingdale University and Brooklyn Polytech, he represents the third generation of the Williams family to join the company. As a licensed plumber and fire suppression installer, Owen worked in the field up until 5 years ago and is now a supervisor along with his dad.

 “I had actually been coming in to the business for most of my life,” commented Owen. “I came in during the summer and on weekends when I was in school, cleaning up messes and putting away stock.  My dad has shared his skills with me in diagnosing problems as well as his great mechanical knowledge. I’ve learned so much from him.”

Meeting the Challenges of Change: Serving the MPC for 30+ Years

Len joined the MPC in the late 1980s, encouraged by Jerry Bady, who had been a long-time supporter and active member of the Council for many years. For over three decades, Len has spearheaded numerous committees and activities and served as President, Recording Secretary and current Treasurer.

“Today, more than ever before, it is vital to be an active, involved member of MPC,” emphasizes Len. “One of the things we’ve all noticed is the degree of involvement the DOB has in our businesses and how it has changed the business radically.  More rules and restrictions ... instant online access to our information ... constant changes, and more. It’s mandatory to belong to an organization that works together to solve these issues.”

While technology has simplified on-the-job communications, it has also brought it’s own set of challenges – especially when it comes to compliance and enforcement. 

“With everything now online – permits, paperwork and documents – it all needs to be completed immediately. Online access eliminates any excuses for not being in compliance. It is often time-consuming, difficult and confusing.  The knowledge, information and support of the MPC helps alleviate a lot of the stress,” says Len.

Owen joined the MPC 5 years ago and has served on the Board for the last two years.

“I can speak for the new generation in saying that the day-to-day access our members have to vital information is invaluable in running our businesses,” said Owen. “From my perspective, I’ve known other members since I was a kid – long before I was even in the business.  I’ve seen the comradery and close relationships among members, and the sharing of information and issues through just a phone call.”

Looking Back on the Covid-19 Crisis

“Surreal” and “Strange” are the words Len uses to describe the Covid experience over the past year.

“As we look back at the events of 2020, I realize the pandemic and it’s impact on business wasn’t handled as well as it could have been.  First, we were told we were ‘essential’ and could remain open.  A few days later, our permits were invalidated and we had to prove everything we were doing was absolutely essential.

“Never before in our history, did we have to close our doors. We were shut down completely for 8 weeks, from March until May, but in reality the entire lockdown lasted 12-14 weeks, before we were fully operational. We went from 6 or 7 calls a day to one every few days, and were forced to lay off all of our employees. 

“The city was surreal. As most of our service and repairs are in Manhattan, it was really strange to see almost-empty buildings there as people left the city in droves.

“Thankfully, we are back to full volume now.  We did participate in the government’s PPP loan program and used it the way it was intended -- for payroll.”

Looking Ahead to the Future

In addition to his 30+ years of dedication to the MPC, Len continues to keep an eye on the next generation of professionals, serving on the NYC Master Plumber’s License Board for the past 15 years.  As part of this peer review organization, he reviews applicants and their qualifications for certification as future Master Plumbers.

“Effecting positive change is what it’s all about,” concludes Len. “As we are hit with more and more regulations and restrictions  ... and as constant change continually impacts our businesses and our lives ... it’s mandatory to belong to an organization that works together to solve problems and iron out issues before fines, disciplines and potential revocations are imposed.  It’s comforting to know that as part of the MPC, you are never alone.”

Featured in the Voice of the Licensed Master Plumber, Spring 2021