By: Alexandra Perez
John Chisholm never loved the classroom. He gave business school a shot, dipped his toes into the medical field, and quickly realized neither was a fit. Books and lectures weren’t his zone of genius. What he did enjoy was solving problems with his hands. Building things. Fixing things. Figuring stuff out. For Chisholm, the trades weren’t a backup plan. They were the path to real freedom.
After earning his plumbing and HVAC degree from a local tech college, he started doing side jobs with a friend. That same friend now works for him as a service manager.
From the start, Chisholm knew he wasn’t wired to follow someone else’s rules. “I’ve never been a good employee,” he said. “I’ve always wanted to work for myself.” He tried landscaping, selling on Amazon and eBay, and tinkered with different income streams, but nothing offered a future he could scale for his family. Owning a business wasn’t just an idea. It was a promise.
With a stack of bills, a wife, two kids, and tools in the backseat of his Chevy Silverado, he launched Chisholm Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning. No team. No office. No safety net. He answered the phones, handled paperwork, did the installs, and knocked on doors himself. It was pure survival mode, and he gave it everything.
His first year brought in one million dollars in revenue. Then another million the next year. He ran the business out of his garage and basement until they hit five million. Today, they’re nearing eight million and preparing to move into their first commercial building.
There was no roadmap. No mentors. No consultants. Chisholm learned the hard way, through trial, error and fast adjustments. “I made plenty of mistakes, but I learn fast,” he said. “I just keep figuring it out.” He studies, reads, watches videos, and constantly adapts. The drive comes from within.
As the business grew, his idea of success evolved. At first, it was about building income and momentum. Now, it’s about time. “I’ve got four kids and a wife,” he said. “That’s all I care about. I just want to spend time with them.” The goal isn’t money. It’s freedom. If he can be present, provide for his family, and build something meaningful, that’s what matters.
Chisholm Plumbing competes with national companies, but what sets them apart is heart. Same quality. Same services. None of the corporate coldness. “We are a family-owned business. We care about our community,” Chisholm said. “My name is on the trucks. It’s on the building. That matters.” Unlike private equity firms chasing numbers, his company shows up. Every year, they donate a full HVAC unit to a family in need during the holidays. They support veterans and stay deeply involved in the local community.
The city of Greer has taken notice. Chisholm Plumbing has been awarded Best of Greer for Plumbing by Business Rate. They have also earned Best of Greer for HVAC Contractor for four years in a row, a streak that placed them in the Business Hall of Fame. Beyond Greer, they were recognized in the Community Choice Best of Upstate Awards for both AC/Heating Contractor and Plumbing Contractor. Voting has closed, and while they didn’t take the top spot, they proudly finished in the top three, officially as a finalist and technically in second place.
Inside the company, culture is everything. Weekly meetings keep the team aligned. Sales are honest and pressure-free. Sundays are reserved for family and faith. “We go to church, and we give our employees that opportunity too,” Chisholm said. “We’re not chasing every dollar. We’re building something that lasts.” His team is treated like family, and they treat customers the same way.
One of his earliest hires, Lacey, joined six months in. She helped digitize their systems, bringing order to the chaos. What started with handwritten notes now runs on iPads and iPhones. Estimates are quick, communication is clear, and service is seamless. The tech evolved, but the values stayed old school.
When it comes to advice for homeowners, Chisholm keeps it simple. For HVAC, it starts with clean coils and changing filters. “Change your filter every month. Do it when you get your power bill,” he said. “Keep your coils clean so the unit can breathe.” For plumbing, he warns against myths. “There is no such thing as a flushable wipe. Don’t put them down the drain.” He also encourages regular checks for hidden leaks, especially under the house.
To anyone considering the trades, Chisholm gives it to you straight. “It’s the best thing they could do,” he said. “You can get a high-paying job without the college debt.” From entry-level to ownership, the trades offer real growth and endless opportunity. With rising demand and increasing specialization, the future looks solid.
John Chisholm built his business on grit, vision, and deep family values. He shows up for his team, his customers, and his community. That’s what legacy looks like.
