Vearl Manwill

Way back in 1920, a young Vearl Manwill loaded up his horse drawn wagon with a load of pipe, a small selection of tools and a crate of carbide lights and headed out on his own. Vearl traveled from farm house to farm house throughout northern and central Utah, living with each family, while he installed "modern" carbide lanterns and piping for the first indoor lighting system. When the first natural gas line came into Salt Lake, Vearl worked on the pipeline crew. He eventually settled in Salt Lake City with his first garage located in South Salt Lake on 2700 south.

In 1943, Vearl opened his first showroom located at 365 east 300 south in Salt Lake. Since the bank would not loan money for selling just plumbing and heating goods, Vearl had to open up a complete hardware store including appliances and jewelry. Vearl purchased one of the first black and white television sets that came to Salt Lake. He set it in his showroom window and turned it on. Soon hoards of people gathered around his shop to see the latest invention. The television was such a hit that his name spread all around town. As business improved, he discontinued the appliances and displayed what he did best, plumbing and heating.

James Manwill

Vearl's son James, took over the business in the mid 50's and expanded the business to include air conditioning and excavating. James built a new building and moved the business in 1964 to our present location on 3900 south. Through the building boom of the '60s and '70s, James contracted for a large part of the plumbing and heating in the residential and light commercial market. If you were to look today, you'd probably find one of our company stickers on your furnace or water heater.

Jim Manwill (third generation)

Jim grew up in the family business doing everything from digging trenches, plumbing new homes, performing repairs and service, and selling HVAC equipment. In 1996, Jim purchased the family business. Jim now employs over 40 highly trained service personnel concentrating on providing the best customer service, most reliable products and clean quality craftsmanship. In 2008, Jim was awarded the "Circle of Excellence" award. This award in presented to only the top 25 HVAC contractors in North America and Canada.

Brian Jackson  (fourth generation)

Running the business alongside Jim is Brian Jackson, Jim's nephew. Brian has worked full time since 1994. He has done all aspects of our business and is currently in managing the majority of the day to day activities.

Manwill Plumbing and Heating is looking forward to the future and making preparations to maintain their leadership in the industry.