Ponca City, OK—— Adams Plumbing, a locally owned and operated business serving Ponca City and surrounding communities since 1998, has been named the 2024 Partner in Progress by Pioneer Technology Center (PTC). The award was presented during the annual Partners in Progress celebration, hosted by the Oklahoma Association of Career and Technology Education (OkACTE) and the Oklahoma Association of Technology Centers (OATC).
Known for its quality workmanship and community-focused service, Adams Plumbing has earned a reputation as a trusted provider for both residential and commercial plumbing needs. Whether handling small repairs or managing large-scale projects, the company’s fully licensed plumbers deliver expert care with professionalism. In addition to plumbing, the business offers backhoe services and is recognized for confidently tackling complex jobs with precision.
For more than two decades, Adams Plumbing has exemplified excellence in the plumbing industry and in supporting the growth of skilled trades in the region. Founder John Adams built the company on a foundation of integrity, dependable service, and innovative problem-solving across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. His contributions to workforce development, particularly in preparing the next generation of plumbers, have had a lasting community impact.
John Adams began his plumbing career at age 19, working part-time for Wilson Equipment Co. in Deer Creek, Oklahoma. Initially tasked with hauling propane, he developed a passion for plumbing during summers on the job. His strong work ethic and technical aptitude led to a full-time plumbing position, and eventually, he earned his Contracting Plumbing License. After relocating to Ponca City, he gained further experience with companies such as AA Plumbing, Phil Howe Plumbing, Cimarron Mechanical, Budget Plumbing, and Wells Plumbing.
Identifying a need for reliable, high-quality plumbing services in the area, Adams launched Adams Plumbing in 1998. While the business initially focused on residential work, it quickly expanded into commercial and industrial services, gaining a stellar reputation across the region. Over the years, Adams has hired and mentored countless plumbers, instilling in them the values of craftsmanship, safety, and excellent customer service.
In recent years, Adams’s impact has extended through his efforts to address the skilled labor shortage in the plumbing trade. Recognizing that many local apprentices had the practical experience but lacked the preparation to pass the Journeyman Plumbing Exam, he partnered with Pioneer Tech to make a difference. Volunteering his time, Adams taught an intensive 36-hour Test Prep Course over a three-week period.
This initiative, led by Heather Smith, Program Development Coordinator for PTC’s Business and Industry Services, was a collaborative effort with PTC’s Full-Time Career Programs. The course provided vital training in calculations, code book usage, and interpreting complex plumbing regulations. Adams’s practical instruction and personal encouragement helped many students overcome test anxiety and successfully pass their exams—an achievement that benefits not only the students and their families but also the broader local workforce and economy.
His contributions exemplify the powerful influence of a dedicated individual in advancing workforce development. His mentorship, industry expertise, and service to the community have strengthened the skilled trades pipeline in northern Oklahoma. His partnership with Pioneer Tech aligns perfectly with the school’s mission to prepare students for meaningful, high-demand careers.
For these reasons, Adams Plumbing and John Adams were honored with the 2024 Partner in Progress Award by PTC. Their steadfast commitment to education, mentorship, and excellence reflect the core values of the CareerTech system. The legacy of John Adams will continue to be seen not only in expertly installed plumbing systems across the PTC district but also in the lives of the apprentices and students he has helped to succeed.
