About

The History of B. F. Mahn & Sons, Inc.

Established in 1868, B. F. Mahn & Sons, Inc. has been a pillar of the Jefferson County community for over 155 years, evolving through economic challenges and industry changes while remaining a family-owned business. It began as a horse and carriage blacksmith shop run by John Kempe, and later continued by his son, Henry Kempe. In the 1920s, Henry’s daughter, Mildred, and her husband, Bernard F. “Dutch” Mahn, took the family business in a new direction. Dutch, an entrepreneurial tinsmith, expanded operations, working on roofs, gutters, and stovepipes in the upstairs portion of the family’s two-story brick building while blacksmithing continued on the ground level.

By the mid-1930s, with the rise of automobiles, the need for blacksmithing dwindled, prompting Dutch to steer the business toward plumbing and heating technologies. This strategic shift laid the foundation for future generations to build upon.

In the 1950s, Dutch’s sons, Phillip “Phil” William Mahn and Bernard F. “Bernie” Mahn, Jr., took over the business. Phil specialized in tin work and turning wrenches while Bernie ran and expanded the thriving business. During this time, Biff Mahn, Bernie’s son, was introduced to the trade at the tender age of 10, holding flashlights for the men and sometimes getting into crawl spaces, in between floor joists, or anywhere else the bigger guys couldn’t fit. He didn’t collect a dime but gathered more knowledge than available at any university. Biff began earning a paycheck during high school, working summers as a plumber’s apprentice. He’s been with the company ever since as key leader and ensuring the legacy of quality service continues.

Beth (Mahn) Ross, Biff’s younger sister, started working summers when she was 15, but unlike her brother, she didn’t come back into the family business as an equal collaborator until 1993 when their father, Bernie, was forced into early retirement due to failing health. At that time, Beth returned to take on an active role in the business. Together, Biff and Beth navigated the company through years of industry changes and economic fluctuations, including the 2008 recession and the COVID-19 pandemic.

In recent years, Biff and Beth have passed the torch to the next generation. They entrusted the leadership of the business to J.P. Mahn, Biff’s eldest son, and his wife, Courtney Mahn. While Biff and Beth remain actively involved—Biff as Vice President and Beth continuing as Operations Director—they are preparing for their eventual retirement, leaving the company in capable hands.

J.P. Mahn (5th Generation) joined B.F. Mahn & Sons, Inc. in 2005 while still attending high school. Through dual enrollment in both high school and HVAC technical school, J.P. demonstrated his ambition and drive by working after school and during summers at the family business. He started in the field, completing service calls, replacements, and new construction installations for both the plumbing and HVAC divisions. After 10 years of full-time fieldwork, J.P. transitioned into a management role, overseeing the HVAC division. Today, he holds the top position as President of this historic company, continuing to build on its legacy. Under his leadership, the business has expanded its offerings to include all plumbing and HVAC services for residential and light commercial properties, preventative maintenance agreements for HVAC, services ranging from fixing small water leaks to full bath remodels, new construction, drain camera inspections, and emergency after-hours services.

Gabe Mahn, J.P. 's younger brother, joined the crew at B. F. Mahn & Sons, Inc. in 2016. Working on the plumbing side of the business, Gabe has become an integral part of the team, contributing to the company's tradition of quality craftsmanship and reliable service.

Courtney Mahn joined the family business in 2022 after a career in healthcare, working as a Rehab Director and Physical Therapist Assistant from 2016 to 2022. When J.P. became president, Courtney took on the role of Operations Manager, helping to support the company’s growth. Together, they oversee a team of 31 employees, continuing the family’s tradition of excellence.

The business remains headquartered in its original two-story brick building at 112 W. Clement Street, DeSoto, making B.F. Mahn & Sons, Inc. the oldest business (family or otherwise) still operating in Jefferson County.

As time moves forward, one thing remains certain: B.F. Mahn & Sons, Inc. is here today—and will be tomorrow.