NAPLES, Fla. (Oct. 5, 2023) – GrowFL has named Pro-Tec Plumbing & Air as a 2023 Company to Watch, a statewide honor celebrating high-performing, second-stage companies that demonstrate innovative business strategies and high potential for significant growth in the years ahead.

Founded in 2008 by brothers Richard and Brandon Hume, Pro-Tec is a premier, full-service water and HVAC systems organization serving residential and commercial customers in Collier, Lee and Charlotte counties, with locations in Naples, Fort Myers, Ave Maria and Babcock Ranch.

The Naples-headquartered company specializes in new construction and large special projects, with services that include leak detection, repiping, drain cleaning, sewer inspections, water heater installation and a full slate of air-conditioning service, installation and repair options.

Pro-Tec Plumbing & Air is the only Collier County company among the 50 GrowFL honorees, and one of just three from Southwest Florida. The 2023 winners were announced on October 5 and will be formally recognized at a February 2024 awards celebration in Orlando. Pro-Tec was also named a 2021 finalist for the award.

“GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch was designed to celebrate the spirit of entrepreneurship and to shine a spotlight on the most deserving companies,” said Jennifer Taylor, president and CEO of GrowFL. “This year’s honorees span 20 different counties, represent 18 different industries and 32% of them are woman, veteran, or minority owned. This diverse group of honorees can only mean one thing - Florida is the place where entrepreneurs thrive!”

Judging criteria for the awards, developed by the Edward Lower Foundation, includes growth in number of employees; impact of the business in the job market; increase in sales and/or unit volume; current and past financial reports; innovativeness of the product or service; response to adversity; and contributions to aid community-oriented projects.

“We are truly honored and humbled to be recognized as a GrowFL Company to Watch,” said Pro-Tec President Richard Hume, who founded the business in 2008 with a few tools in the back of his pickup truck. “And it wouldn’t be possible without the hard work and commitment of our front-line employees and the trust, confidence and continued support of our many satisfied customers across Southwest Florida.”

GrowFL defines second-stage companies as those with six to 150 full-time employees that report $750,000 to $100 million in annual revenue in 2023 while developing valuable products and services, creating quality jobs, enriching communities and broadening new industries throughout Florida.

Now in its 13th year, GrowFL has celebrated the accomplishments of 650 Florida entrepreneurs, business owners and their teams. The winners were selected by a panel of past honorees, economic development leaders and corporate partners of GrowFL.

About Pro-Tec Plumbing & Air

Founded in 2008 by brothers Richard and Brandon Hume, Pro-Tec Plumbing & Air is a premier, full-service water and HVAC systems organization serving residential and commercial customers in Collier, Lee and Charlotte counties. Pro-Tec installs and repairs toilets, plumbing fixtures, water heaters, garbage disposals and water filtration systems. Additional services include leak detection, repiping, drain cleaning and sewer inspections, and a full slate of air-conditioning service, installation and repair options. The company is fully licensed and insured, and measures success through its five core values: teamwork, loyalty, reputation, high expectations and family. Pro-Tec is A-rated by Angie’s List and the Better Business Bureau. For more information, please visit PTPnaples.com or call 239-261-1000.