Brown’s Plumbing and Heating transitions ownership in Lowville

LOWVILLE — A long time Lowville business transitioned into two different businesses to begin 2025. Brown’s Plumbing and Heating — a family business founded by William C. Brown in 1915 — officially closed its doors at the end of December, Naturally Lewis said in a Jan. 22 announcement. Brown’s Plumbing and Heating has now transformed into two businesses. They include Howland Pump and Supply and Lowville Appliance and Air Conditioning. “It is our hope that you will find in our successors the same qualities and traits that led to this company’s longevity and reputation,” Arel and Barbara Brown, owners of Brown’s Plumbing and Heating, said in the announcement. Howland Pump and Supply, a business with its own century-old history, bought the Browns’ store in Forest Avenue, Naturally Lewis said. As of Jan 2, the store started operating as Howland Pump’s newest branch offering an expanded product line and “continuing its tradition of quality services with familiar faces” including Bill Stevens, Merle Roes, and Chris Murdie. Simultaneously, the appliance division of Brown’s Heating and Plumbing will rebrand as Lowville Appliance and Air Conditioning under the ownership of Brad and Megan Moser, long-time employees of Brown’s Heating and Plumbing. The Mosers started 2025 continuing to offer appliance sales, installation, and repair from their Shady Avenue location, with plans to expand services in the future. Naturally Lewis, Inc. assisted in facilitating the ownership transition of Brown’s Plumbing and Heating through its Center for Businesses in Transition (CBIT) program. The CBIT program connects retiring business owners with aspiring entrepreneurs to preserve and grow local businesses. “The average business ownership transition takes five years. Naturally Lewis began working with Arel and Barbara Brown in 2019, showing their dedication to their business and community,” Jenna Lauraine, programs and partnerships director at Naturally Lewis, Inc., said in the announcement. “CBIT is an important facet of our work because it retains businesses, services, and jobs in our community. Supporting transitioning businesses like this ensures our local economy remains vibrant and our communities continue to thrive.” The Mosers are excited to build upon the legacy of Brown’s Plumbing and Heating while bringing “new energy to their operations,” Naturally Lewis said. “We are excited to continue with the family-run business model upon which Brown’s was built,” Brad Moser said in the announcement. “Arel took a chance on me fresh out of technical school, and we wouldn’t be where we are today without their guidance and support.” This business transition is a “testament to the enduring spirit” of local businesses and the “resilience of our community,” Naturally Lewis said.