Mark Speck, owner of Speck Plumbing, Inc., has been an active part of the development of Ames for over 50 years. “I grew up in Ames north of 24th Street and Highway 69,” said Speck. “Our family farmed the area that is now occupied by North Grand Mall and Northwood Preschool Center during a time that predates Inis Grove Park as we know it today.”
During his senior year of high school, the land they farmed west of Grand Avenue was turning residential and land to the north commercial. “When my dad said that if I was interested in continuing to farm, we would need to purchase land elsewhere,” said Speck. “I made the decision at that time to not go into farming and started the process of what else I might do.”
Through the Ames High School VICA program, Speck was given an opportunity to work half days with local plumbing company. VICA is a national organization that serves high school and college students to help them prepare for careers in technical, skilled, and service occupation. “In just a few weeks, I knew that was what I wanted to do. After graduation, I transitioned to a full-time apprenticeship program.”
At the time, it was difficult to break into the plumbing businesses in Ames. After a four-year apprenticeship in residential and commercial plumbing applications, Speck passed the written and hands-on test to receive a Journeyman and later a Master Plumber license. “We began Speck Plumbing in 1971 with an office in Gilbert, a truck, tools, and a backhoe to install septic systems and plumbing for new homes.” In the early 1980’s, Speck Plumbing relocated to its current location on E. Lincoln Way.
Today, Speck Plumbing specializes in design build residential and commercial projects, site utilities, remodels, septic systems, water heaters, water softeners, and all other types of plumbing.
Over the past fifty years, Speck has seen not only the landscape of Ames change, but the plumbing industry and how he can best serve clients. He points to how photo texting has allowed for efficiency in assessing solutions. Video recording cameras can now accurately pinpoint drainpipe breaks and blockages. Copper and cast-iron piping have been replaced by PVC and Pex water lines.
“And after fifty plus years, I still enjoy the challenges and working with our clients,” said Speck. “We have 50+ years of heartfelt thanks and great appreciation for our many loyal clients and skilled, faithful, caring employees who have and continue to put clients’ needs and satisfaction first.”
