About

Our Expertise, Your Peace of Mind

About Us

Some companies begin with a business plan. PRO-TEC Plumbing & Air began with a young man, a strong work ethic, and a family that believed in the power of hard work and learning every skill you can. Long before Southwest Florida knew the PRO-TEC name, a teenager named Rick Hume was standing beside his father in the hazardous recycling field, earning certifications he didn’t yet realize would shape his future. OSHA training, hoisting licenses, breathing air certifications, a CDL with multiple endorsements—every achievement was more than a qualification. It was a lesson in responsibility, safety, and pride in a job done right.

Rick didn’t know it then, but those early mornings, long days, and hands-on experiences were building something far bigger than a résumé. They were planting the seeds of a company built on integrity, craftsmanship, and care.

A Path Built One Skill at a Time

After a few years in industrial recycling, Rick followed another opportunity—driving a truck for a plumbing and HVAC distributor. It was honest work, steady work, and work that gave him a clear view into an industry that would later become his calling. One day, a local plumbing company owner took notice of his consistency and attitude. He offered Rick a chance to apprentice in the plumbing and heating trade.

Rick remembered his father’s advice:

The more certifications and licenses you have, the more opportunities you’ll create.

So he said yes.

What began as curiosity quickly grew into passion. Rick completed his apprenticeship, earned his journeyman license, and found a trade that allowed him to blend technical expertise with the satisfaction of helping people. But life had another twist waiting.

A One-Week Decision That Changed Everything

In late 2004, while visiting his brother in Florida, Rick casually looked at local job postings. Within days, he had an offer from R&R Plumbing in a small corner of Southwest Florida. One week later, he packed up his life in Massachusetts and drove south, trusting that the leap would be worth it.

It was.

Rick earned his master plumber license, gained invaluable field experience, and quietly nurtured a dream—starting his own company someday.

When the Economy Turned, His Vision Took Flight

When the Economy Turned, His Vision Took Flight

Choosing the right AC system plays a major role in your home’s comfort and energy efficiency. When you install a new unit, you’re making a smart investment that can lower your energy bills and improve your indoor air quality. You’ll enjoy consistent cooling throughout your home and a more peaceful environment thanks to quieter modern systems.

You don’t have to navigate the options alone. We help you select the right system for your home and install it so it performs at peak efficiency. Our work ensures that your AC runs smoothly, lasts longer, and supports healthier air quality. With our PRO-TECtion Plans, you’ll also gain long-term peace of mind through regular maintenance and exclusive savings designed to protect your investment.

Growing With Intention, One Relationship at a Time

As PRO-TEC grew, Rick began building a team defined not just by skill, but by character. His mother’s advice— “The company’s money is not your money, and always save because the checks come in before the bills”—guided every decision. Rick reinvested thoughtfully, ensuring the business remained strong, stable, and ready for growth.

In 2012, his former boss retired and offered him the chance to purchase R&R Plumbing, including the iconic 239-261-1000 phone number that still rings in the PRO-TEC office today. Around that time, Rick’s brother joined the company, bringing strength to the office side of the business while Rick continued leading field operations. Together, they created a culture built on family values, honest work, and a commitment to doing things the right way the first time.

By 2014, PRO-TEC outgrew Rick’s home office and moved into a rental unit in the Naples Industrial Park. In 2019, the company purchased its first building there—now PRO-TEC’s main headquarters. Rick wasn’t done building. Not even close.

Expanding the Vision

Always looking ahead, Rick earned his HVAC license in 2021, paving the way for the launch of PRO-TEC’s HVAC division in early 2022. With that milestone came a new chapter and a new name: PRO-TEC Plumbing & Air.

Growth followed quickly and intentionally:

Every expansion had one purpose: to better serve the families, builders, and property managers who trust PRO-TEC with their homes and businesses.

Who We Are Today

PRO-TEC Plumbing & Air has grown from a one-man operation into a respected, community-focused team serving homeowners across Southwest Florida. While the company has evolved in size, technology, and service offerings, its heart remains unchanged.

We still believe in showing up on time, doing the job with care, and treating every home as if it’s our own. We still believe in education over pressure, in transparency over shortcuts, and in long-term solutions that protect families now and for years to come.

Our promises reflect those values:

These aren’t marketing lines—they’re the standards we hold ourselves to every single day.

Looking Ahead With Purpose

Rick’s journey—from hazardous recycling to plumbing apprentice to CEO—reflects what PRO-TEC stands for: resilience, craftsmanship, and a belief that people deserve to feel safe and comfortable in their homes.

Today, PRO-TEC Plumbing & Air is more than a service company. It’s a team built on trust. A family that continues to grow. A neighbor that shows up when it matters. And a brand committed to raising the standard for what homeowners can expect from their plumbing and HVAC professionals.

As Rick often says, “Success isn’t just about where we’ve been—it’s about where we’re going.”

And with every passing year, that future grows brighter—for PRO-TEC, for its employees, and for the Southwest Florida families we proudly serve.