About Us
Every successful individual knows that his or her achievement depends on a community of people working together.
Our History
In 1971, Orville Wagar bought Norms Mobile service from the founder, Norm LaBurge. Orville Decided to keep the original name since Norm had a wide variety of clients that already knew the name.
Orville grew up in Alberta as a farm boy. He dropped out of school at a young age to make a life for himself, learning the trades at an early age. He worked hard, learned lots on his own time, and was determined to succeed. He worked in many areas of the trade, such as instrumentation, plumbing, heating, steam fitting, and much more. He soon became an exceptionally good tradesman, and leaders quickly began to recognize him. It wasn’t long until he started running big industrial jobs of his own.
Orville later moved to BC, and eventually Nanaimo. He had worked with Norms for a few years before deciding to buy the company from him. It was Orville’s chance to fire up his entrepreneurial spirit and give it his all.
During its early stages, Orville would service Oil Burners, keeping Nanaimo’s residents warm in the cold dark winters. Throughout the year he would also tackle any plumbing disasters his customers threw his way. After some years, Orville started to bring on more people, and grow his business. He eventually bought out another plumbing company and even a sheet metal fabrication company.
Fast forward about 12 years, Orville had his son-in-law, Dave, working for him to help grow the business and learn the trade for himself. Norm’s Plumbing and Heating took off; they grew a loyal customer base that valued the great customer service that Norm’s offered. They battled night and day to keep Nanaimo’s residents warm with their heating services and made sure clean running water was always available with their plumbing services.
The economy went down during the years, and Norm’s went from a crew of 16 down to 3. Times were tough for the crew, but they continued to fight to stay alive. They went back to their roots, focusing on customer satisfaction, quality workmanship, and being an honest company.
Eventually, hard work paid off as the economy bounced back. Their small team started to grow once again and was now starting to thrive. They acquired several really good tradesmen who quickly felt like family, and have stuck with Norm’s for years now.
Now, three of Dave’s sons are continuing on with the family business. Growing up in Nanaimo, they learned to appreciate the simplicity of the city, and have high hopes to carry the “Norm’s” legacy for many years to come.
Orville is still working in the shop in his 80s, teaching the young guys the principle of hard work, determination, and the grit it takes to succeed.
From Our family to yours, Norm’s wants to thank Nanaimo for its continued support.
With 13 service trucks and our team of certified, licensed journeymen, we aim to offer a same-day response (often within an hour!) to both commercial and residential customers at competitive rates. We are a bonded company that carries pollution liability insurance, and all our work is guaranteed. If you’d like to learn more, or if you’re ready to get started with your in-home consultation, contact us today.
OUR GUARANTEE
All our work is guaranteed and covered under our no-hassle warranty. We offer competitive rates and no hidden costs.
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