From One Truck to 50 Years: Appleton Campbell’s Family Legacy When Appleton Campbell opened its doors in 1976, the business consisted of a single truck and a family determined to build something lasting. Fifty years later, the Warrenton-based residential plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and electrical services company has grown into a regional provider with more than 145 employees, over 100 service vehicles, and a reputation built on trust, integrity, and personal service. accountability, remains a cornerstone of employee training. This approach has contributed to unusually long employee tenure, something customers often notice. Vice president and co-owner Scott Wayland has been with Appleton Campbell for 30 years, starting as a parton Trust Since 1976 time winter employee. Office manager Katelynn Stern joined as a temporary summer hire more than 15 years ago. The company’s CPA, Betsy James, has been part of the team for 27 years. Many technicians also remain with the business for years, allowing customers to see familiar faces in their homes. The company continues to invest heavily in workforce development through apprenticeship programs and hands-on training. In 2020, Appleton Campbell moved into new he adquar te r s at 28 5 Alwington Boulevard in Warrenton and later added a dedicated training facility on Falmouth Street to suppor t ongoing professional development. Scott Wayland & Mike Appleton Built The company’s roots trace back to founder Jim Appleton, a plumber who decided to strike out on his own. His son, James, who worked full time for the telephone company, supported the business by handling bookkeeping and licensing in its early years. James’ son, Mike, began helping after school and on weekends at age 16, riding along in the company’s single service tr uck. Today, Mike ser ves as president, his son Michael is CEO, and his daughter, Emily, joined the business three years ago — continuing the company’s fourgeneration family legacy. “That family foundation is still very much who we are,” says Heather Appleton, Mike’s wife and the company’s marketing director, who has been with the business for nearly 20 years. Nellie & Jim Appleton Appleton Campbell now provides residential services throughout Fauquier, Culpeper, Prince William, Rappahannock, and Loudoun counties, handling everything from plumbing and electrical repairs to heating and cooling system maintenance and replacements. While its size has changed dramatically over the decades, Heather says the company’s guiding philosophy remains consistent. “We’ve built our reputation on trust, honesty, and integrity,” she says. “ We believe in educating people, having a strong work ethic, and treating people well—both our customers and our employees.” Maintaining that personal approach as the business grew required careful attention to hiring and training. Technicians receive instruction not only in te c hni c a l sk i ll s b ut a l s o i n customer service and communication, reinforcing the importance of professionalism and strong first impressions. Mike often credits his grandfather w i t h s h a p i n g t h at m i n ds et , recalling how he emphasized that tec hnic ians were gue st s in customers’ homes and should always go the extra mile. That philosophy, rooted in respect and 14 Discover Fauquier ■ February 2026 the company’s identity. Employees are encouraged to coach youth sports, participate in local organizations, and stay active in the neighborhoods they serve. Appleton Campbell also supports a variet y of loc al nonprof its and charitable initiatives, reinforcing its ties to the region. Many customers, Heather says, first c alled the c ompany based on recommendations from family members or neighbors who had relied on its services for years. Communit y involvement remains another cornerstone of Michael Appleton & Emily Appleton (Brother & sister) Heather describes the 50-year milestone as both emotional and surreal. “You start looking back at old articles and remembering when we had 50 employees, then 100, and now where we are,” she says. “The growth, the trust, the customers, the employees—we’re incredibly thankful.” For more information, call (540) 347-0765. Michael Appleton, Mike Appleton, Heather Appleton, Scott Wayland Archie the Apple To advertise: 540-349-8060 ~ Kristy Gillespie www.discoverypubs.com