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A b o u t    Us . . .

Partners J.D. Young, a sheet metal fitter, and Frank M. Pratt, a plumber and pipefitter, brought their specialty contracting firm to Austin in 1929.  Already established in West Texas in 1922, Young & Pratt moved to capitalize on the building boom spurred by the growth of the University of Texas.  During subsequent years, Young & Pratt installed steam boilers, piping, plumbing, and sheet metal in buildings on the UT campus and around Austin.

Despite unsteady economic times, J.D. Young kept the business going -- and growing -- and today it is one of Central Texas' most successful mechanical contracting firms.

Innovation, Experience, and Integrity

One of the 600 largest specialty contractors in the country, Young & Pratt specializes in the mechanical portion of commercial and industrial construction and renovation.  The company installs and services plumbing; heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems; performs specialized services for technology companies; and fabricates various metals, plastics, and piping.

President Joseph C. Zern, an engineer who became co-owner when Young retired in 1967, says there is no secret to the company's longevity.  "We still live by J.D. Young's philosophy of standing behind our work.  We've been around a long time and plan to stay around a lot longer."

Zern, in partnership with his son, David, is typical of Young & Pratt's staff of 75; most are longtime employees serving their customers from 10, 20, 30, even 40 years.  "We provide continuity of manpower and experience," says Zern.  "When a customer comes back to us, he knows that the employees who originally built the project are probably still here."  This longevity has helped Young & Pratt to earn its excellent reputation.

So from a past filled with work on many of Austin's landmark projects to a future of many exciting opportunities, let Young & Pratt put its people to work for you.

copyright 2002