For the best in mechanical service and fabrication, come to us.

Read more about Fox & Hearn's history

Fox & Hearn was founded in April of 1961 by Jim Hearn and Curt Fox. David, Jim's younger brother, joined as a full partner in 1962. They all came to Austin from Houston to work on remodeling the state capitol building. During this period, they decided to move to Austin to start a mechanical contracting firm.

Their plan was to install commercial plumbing, heating, and air conditioning as well as provide service work. Jim was to take care of the estimating, with Curt in Charge of service and David in charge of construction. In the early years, the jobs were mostly small commercial jobs with an occasional large residential job. Little by little, the company was able to bond and bid larger contract work.

Their management style was very "hands on," accompanied by high moral and ethical standards - with employees, customers, and vendors. They developed a very strong, loyal employee base with little turnover. These partners built a respected business for the next 10 years. In 1973 Curt left to start Fox Service Company. Jim left and started Southwest Insulators Company. David and his wife Juanelle continued ownership and operations of Fox & Hearn.

While David ran overall operations for the company, Juanelle came in to manage the office. Key personnel in the field moved up to supervise the work. The company maintained their reputation as a fair and honest company, no matter what the problem. Fox & Hearn always worked to make sure the customer was satisfied, no matter what the consequence to them.

Austin was a roller coaster ride for the construction business during many years. David and Juanelle managed to keep their business by putting the company before their own personal needs. The company overhead was always kept to a minimum. Knowing that they would receive a job well done, and at a fair price, particular engineering firms asked Fox & Hearn to do their jobs. The loyal, hardworking employees were a testament to David and Juanelle's fairness, and many stayed on for up to 20 - 30 years, unheard of in the construction industry.

Time did bring changes. David decided after 25 years to go "open shop" and did not renew the labor contract with the union. A big step - now the company had to train employees! Again, hard work, perseverance and a good reputation paid off, and Fox & Hearn became successful as a merit contractor. In the early '90's, the company took the opportunity to branch out and start working out of town. It was successful building prisons as far away as Montana. In 1998, David retired and his daughter and son-in-law took over running the business.

In 2011, Fox & Hearn celebrated its 50th year in business. The second generation continues the successful pattern they were given for running a business - work hard and treat customers and employees fairly and honestly. They plan another 50 years of contributing to Austin's Progress.