Welcome to D.R. Howard, Inc.
Our Story
D. R. Howard, Inc. was built on more than plumbing—it was built on family, hard work, and a commitment to doing things the right way.
In 1989, Doug Howard and his father, Robert Howard, founded D. R. Howard, Inc. from a small garage in Winthrop, Massachusetts. Together, they built the company on values that continue to guide us today: integrity, accountability, reliability, and respect for both our clients and our people. They believed that success was earned through hard work, honest relationships, and standing behind every commitment.
In 2007, the company experienced the loss of Robert Howard. While his passing was deeply felt, the principles he helped establish remained at the heart of the business. In 2020, a third generation joined the company when Doug's son, Sean Howard, came aboard, bringing a unique combination of construction management, project leadership, and hands-on trade experience. Today, three generations of Howard leadership have helped shape the company into what it is today—a family business with deep roots and a clear vision for the future.
As the company grew, so did our capabilities. What began in a small garage in Winthrop expanded to Revere, then to Saugus, and most recently to our new headquarters in Malden, Massachusetts, where our state-of-the-art office and warehouse support the next chapter of our growth.
Today, we provide commercial plumbing solutions for projects ranging from tenant improvements and major renovations to complex life science facilities, hospitality projects, higher education campuses, and large-scale new construction. We understand that successful projects require more than quality installation—they require coordination, communication, leadership, and the ability to keep critical path work moving forward.
We have built our reputation by taking ownership of our work, anticipating challenges before they arise, and helping our clients navigate the complexities of construction. Whether supporting pre-construction efforts, coordinating with project teams in the field, or delivering highly technical plumbing systems, we approach every project with the same commitment to quality, accountability, and craftsmanship.
Above all, we believe strong relationships build successful projects. By fostering a culture of teamwork, continuous improvement and proactive problem solving, we strive to make every project easier for our clients, support our employees, and continue pushing the industry forward.