About Us

About C&K Heating, Cooling & Plumbing

C&K Heating, Cooling & Plumbing has proudly served Iowa homeowners and builders since 1968, when Corwin Stephan founded the company on a simple promise: treat people right and stand behind your work. Almost 60 years later, that same promise lives on—now carried forward by a dedicated team of more than 50 professionals.

Still family-owned and locally operated, C&K is trusted throughout central Iowa for residential HVAC and plumbing service, new construction, remodels, and custom architectural metal work. Whether it’s an urgent repair or a full system installation, we bring expertise, quality parts, and genuine care to every job.

What makes us different? It’s not just what we do—it’s how we do it. Our technicians are among the best-trained in the industry, and we believe great service starts with communication, connection, and understanding. When you work with C&K, you don’t just get a contractor—you get a partner committed to your comfort, your home, and your peace of mind.

Founders: Corwin and Kay

C&K Heating, Cooling & Plumbing began in 1968 at the intersection of preparation and opportunity. Corwin and Kay Stephan didn’t just start a company—they built a legacy rooted in service, quality, and community.

Corwin, a full-time firefighter for the City of Ames, had a unique schedule: 24 hours on duty, 48 hours off. With a growing family and 20 days off each month, he used that time to work in heating and cooling. Over the years, he became a skilled installer and eventually a foreman at a local HVAC company.

As Ames experienced a construction boom in the late '60s, builders faced a common challenge—heating and cooling contractors couldn’t keep up with demand. Corwin saw an opportunity to help both a friend in construction and the community. He shared his idea with Kay: start a mechanical service company, but do it differently. Focus on people. Deliver unmatched service. Build lasting relationships. And so, later that year, C&K Inc. was born—Corwin handling operations, Kay managing the office.

While the tools and technology have changed, the heart of C&K remains the same: serve people well, and everything else will follow.

Building the Legacy: Steven

While Corwin and Kay laid the foundation, it was their son, Steven, who transformed C&K into the structured, efficient, and process-driven organization it is today. With a deep respect for the company’s roots and a sharp eye for business, Steven brought a new level of discipline and scalability to C&K’s operations.

Under his leadership, C&K grew from a small service provider into the top HVAC and plumbing service provider in Ames, Iowa. Steven implemented streamlined systems, elevated training standards, and expanded both residential and new construction services—all while preserving the people-first values his parents instilled.

Steven’s business savvy and long-term vision took C&K to the next level. He didn’t just run a company—he cultivated a culture of excellence.

Today, the reputation we enjoy across the region is a direct result of the leadership and legacy that Steven helped build.

Our Color: C and K Green

If you’ve spent time in central Iowa, you’ve probably seen one of our green trucks. People describe the color in many ways—minty, pastel, even “Easter egg green.” To us, it’s simply C&K Green.

That signature shade wasn’t chosen in a marketing meeting. In the early days of the business, Corwin was looking for affordable vehicles to support his growing team. At an auto auction, he found several used Dodge pickups—all the same distinctive green. He bought them on the spot, unknowingly establishing a look that would become part of the company’s identity.

Back then, few service companies thought about branding. But Corwin’s instinct helped create something memorable. Today, C&K Green is more than just a color—it’s a symbol of quality, reliability, and decades of trusted service.