TEAM
Austin Baker
Principal | President
With a degree from Auburn University, Austin officially joined the team in April 2006. He has worked in every aspect of the company, beginning as the Service Center Manager, then moving on to Inside Sales and managing that team, and finally transitioning to President in 2021. He wears a multitude of hats around here, and is taking all the experience he has gained over the years and using that to lead the company into the next generation. When he is not in the office, learning about the latest products from our manufacturers or visiting customers, he can usually be found on a football field, baseball diamond or basketball court – whether it’s as a coach or a spectator – watching his boys do what they love. He also enjoys traveling with his family, playing golf, cheering on the Auburn Tigers, trying out the latest local brews and hanging out with his favorite golden retriever, Charlie.
Fran Williams
Principal | CEO
The mastermind behind this whole thing, Fran got started in the industry in 1976, right out of college (Go Jax State!). After working at Mangham & Associates for several years, he branched out and began Riddle & Williams in 1981. His ambitious spirit led him to open his own company a few years later, and in 1987 Williams & Associates Inc. was born. Since that time, with an abundance of hard work and putting together an exceptional sales team, the company has grown into what it is today. Although he isn’t in the office as much as he used to be, he still plays a valuable role in the company and is passing along the knowledge he’s gained over the years to his children, Austin & Laurie, who are carrying on the Williams & Associates legacy. Fran now spends more time working on projects at the lake, traveling, and burning up the roads entertaining grandkids and watching them do what they love.
Cam Davies
VP Plumbing | Sales
Cam came to us in 2011 with a background in plumbing distribution. He began as our Service Center Manager, overseeing the warehouse, shipping, receiving, and organization of product. He moved to an Inside Sales position in 2013 where he continues to add to our strength as one of the best of our inside sales force. Because of this, he was named VP of the Plumbing Department in 2021. Alabama born and bred, but he roots for Florida State University (Go Noles!). He is married with one child, two dogs and a hamster. In his spare time, he enjoys weightlifting, hunting, fishing and coaching his daughter’s soccer team.
Keith Kennedy
VP HVAC | Sales | IT
Keith is a graduate of UAB and has been working with us full time since 2011 as an HVAC estimator as well as inside sales. Besides handling HVAC quotations, Keith focuses on the needs of engineers and contractors across our entire territory. He was named VP of the HVAC department in 2021. He also heads up our IT department, regardless of his qualifications in the area. Outside the office, he enjoys golfing, fishing and taking care of his houseful of girls.
Rebecca Pickens
VP Finance | Office Manager
Rebecca joined our team in 2018 when she came to us from the banking industry. She graduated from UAB and handles all of our Accounts Receivable/Accounts Payable among many other duties. She was named VP of Finance in 2021, and she also serves as our Office Manager. She is a valuable addition to our company, and we are grateful for all the hats she wears. When she’s not at her desk, she enjoys crafting and crocheting. She is married and has 2 children – a daughter and a son – which keep her busy as well as two cats, Duke & Dexter.
Pat Sanders
Outside Sales | Sales Manager
Pat Sanders…to know him is to love him! He is simply on-of-a-kind! He has been with us since way back in 1997 when Pat Sanders Company blended into ours. Pat is well known throughout our territory for his enthusiasm and hustle. He covers our sales territory south of Birmingham and the entire Florida Panhandle, which is an amazing feat in itself. He has been married to his wife for 41 years, has 2 grown children and 3 grandsons. When he’s not on the road or spending time with his family, he enjoys golfing and reading current novels.
David Howell
Quotations Department | Inside Sales
David is one of our longest serving team members, as he has been here 26 years! Before he came to us, David spent 23 years in the plumbing wholesale side of the industry, so he was familiar with many of our products. His primary responsibility is developing our plumbing quotations. He has created a unique, efficient system that enables him to generate quotes quickly and carefully track projects from inception to completion. His kids are now grown, but he and his wife keep busy with their pets (his two dogs & her two cats), enjoy camping/glamping, and cheering on the Crimson Tide. David will soon be enjoying the title of Grandad, as his first grand baby is on the way in 2025!
Jordan Chasteen
Inside Sales | Submersible Pump Specialist
Jordan became part of the team in 2019. Prior to joining us, he was in the pump business for nine years, so he’s got a good understanding of our customers’ needs. He is one of our main inside sales representatives in the Plumbing Department. He is also going to be assisting our Quotations Department in the future. He is married with two young children. When he is not spending time with his family, he enjoys playing guitar at his church, hunting and fishing.
Ronald Varner
Field Technician | Service
Ron joined us in 2013 with an extensive logistics experience from a large distribution center. After managing our service center for two years, he moved inside to work with the plumbing sales team. Ron trained with Lochinvar to become a field service technician several years ago, and he now spends the majority of his time outside of the office assisting with startups and technical issues that may arise. He is married with a son and a dog. he roots for Alabama and the Atlanta Braves, enjoys hunting, fishing, and carpentry.
Seth Loeb
Service Center Manager