The Joyce Agency Inc., a manufacturers’ representative firm in the plumbing industry, is celebrating 40 years in business. The company, headquartered in Chantilly, Virginia, with a satellite office and warehouse in Newport News, Virginia, represents over 30 manufacturers in a five-state territory, including Washington, DC.

Gary S. “Skipper” Joyce, Jr. founded The Joyce Agency in December 1982 with Charlotte Pipe and Foundry as its first manufacturer. Skipper recalls that he ratified his contract with Charlotte Pipe “with a handshake. And I still consider a handshake my promise that we will always do our very best for our manufacturers, customers, and employees.” Today, the agency’s reputation for extraordinary customer service endures as they continue to build its portfolio of manufacturers who deliver quality products to the marketplace.

In 2010, Todd Joyce and Troy Joyce purchased the company from their father. The brothers’ complementary skills and long careers with The Joyce Agency have allowed them to excel as co-presidents of the company, which now employs 55 people with an average length of service of 15 years. Todd says, “This statistic is one that means a lot to Troy and me. Everyone always says that the customer comes first, and that’s true. But you can’t take care of customers unless you’re taking care of the people who work with you.”

As The Joyce Agency has grown, the business structure has also evolved. The Joyce Agency has five divisions —plumbing, architectural, specialty accounts, hydronics, and a service group. This internal structure allows the business to focus on the specialized needs of its customers while providing unsurpassed sales coverage in its market. Additionally, The Joyce Agency has a training department at the forefront of their industry — delivering training and specialized knowledge to over 2000 customers in the past year alone.

To commemorate the 40th anniversary, employees of The Joyce Agency and their families, along with guests from their manufacturers, gathered at the Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, part of the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum. Guests dined next to historical aircraft, viewed the exhibits, and took photos in front of the space shuttle Discovery. Skipper, Todd, and Troy Joyce all delivered speeches that emphasized their appreciation for everyone they have worked with over the years. 

“When thinking about an anniversary, it causes you to reflect on the past and what you’ve already accomplished. That’s wonderful, but we are so focused on the future,” Troy Joyce said. “With new employees added to the company, fresh perspectives, and advances with technology — I get really excited thinking about the future and the next generation of this independent manufacturers’ rep agency.” While the industry is ever-changing, The Joyce Agency’s core values remain the same: through building and maintaining positive relationships with manufacturers, customers, and employees, The Joyce Agency works to ensure the mutual success of its partners.