Being good NEIGHbors: Bradbury Brothers of The Woodlands gives back

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- Whether it's food or fitness, military veterans or kids, cancer or special needs, Bradbury Brothers turns up the heat when it comes to charitable service.

The family-owned business serves The Woodlands and surrounding area for heating, air conditioning and plumbing needs.

The team is also committed to serving the community. In fact, five percent of the company's profits are returned to the community through various charities.

"To be on our leadership team, you have to spearhead one of our charitable activities," said "Bradbury Mom" and Director of Marketing Jacki Bradbury. "And to be a member of our team, you have to volunteer at least once a year. We try to have one to two items per month so they can choose something that suits them."

There's a wide range to choose from: The Woodlands Taste of the Town, The Woodlands CrawPHish Festival, Special Olympics, National Day of Prayer, YMCA Dragon Boat Team Challenge, Lymphoma Light the Night Walk, CASA Super Hero Run, David's Dream Run benefiting Texas Children's Hospital and several more.

More than a dozen Bradbury Brothers employees recently gathered at Henry's Home, a "horse and human sanctuary" in Montgomery County. The team installed new toilets, sinks and a water heater.

The upgrades are part of the Leadership Montgomery County Class of 2017 project.

"When we found out that Leadership Montgomery County had chosen Henry's Home as their project for this year, we really wanted to donate some or all of the work," Jacki said. "We were really excited to do something for a great charity, but also to team up with Leadership Montgomery County."

Jacki said Moore Supply Company in Conroe also helped out by giving Bradbury a great deal on supplies and materials.

Henry's Home, in conjunction with Leadership Montgomery County, will officially open its upgraded facility with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at noon April 19.

Bradbury beginnings

Jacki first got into the HVAC business 30 years ago in California.

"I was a single mom; my boys were very little," she said. "I was able to be a mom and make good money."

She encouraged all three boys to go college. The oldest, Todd, and the youngest, Jason, chose to follow in the family business. Her middle son, Michael, chose to attend grad school at Rice University in Houston and eventually suggested Jacki move the business to Texas.

"Literally in three months, we sold the house, sold the business in California, and found a place here in The Woodlands," Jacki said.

Bradbury Brothers Heating & Air Conditioning is a repeat Woodlands Online Best of The Woodlands winner. The company has expanded to include Bradbury Thornton Plumbing Services, also a Best of The Woodlands recipient.

Today, the company has more than 50 employees.

Intentional giving

While there is incredible joy in giving back, Jacki said they have had to become more focused on the charities the company is able to donate time and funds to.

Some of the causes closest to the family's heart are based on real-life experiences.

Every Friday, field employees wear red uniforms in honor of the Texas Army National Guard and everyone who has been deployed. Todd has served time locally and abroad in Egypt.

The company also supports Team Red White and Blue, and other organizations that work with veterans suffering from PTSD.

Jacki's daughter-in-law Annie is a graduate of Leadership Montgomery County, and Jacki has long been involved with the Kiwanis Club of The Woodlands/South Montgomery County.

"It's wonderful to see the culture of our company exemplified through our family and our employees," Jacki said. "The Woodlands community has given us so much, and we want to give back. It's part of our mission statement – that we are of value to the community."

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