Jim Lagina Acquires Full Ownership of Louis Schmitt Co.

Company, Now Known As Lagina Plumbing,
Maintains Wisconsin Commercial Projects Focus

MILWAUKEE, Nov. 29, 2006 -- Jim Lagina has acquired full ownership of the Louis Schmitt Co. and has renamed the business Lagina Plumbing.

Lagina, a Milwaukee native, joined the Louis Schmitt Co. in 2001 as a minority shareholder. There were just a few employees at that time. Since then, the company has expanded significantly. It now has more than 30 employees and a fleet of 16 trucks serving commercial clients throughout southeastern Wisconsin.

The Louis Schmitt Co. was established as a residential plumbing company in Milwaukee in 1895. Lagina acquired the majority share of the business from the Schmitt family.

Staff Retained; Continued Growth Expected

With the acquisition, the company retains its staff, offices and prefabrication facility at 1600 Miller Park Way, West Milwaukee. Continued growth of the company throughout 2007 is anticipated.

A new web site, www.laginaplumbing.com, and a new logo accompany the acquisition.

Through Lagina’s guidance, the company has been involved in some key developments and renovations, including the 875 East office tower in downtown Milwaukee, the American Family Insurance Claims Processing office building in Pewaukee, Bayshore Mall in Glendale, and the Milwaukee Public Market.

“It’s been a great experience helping this company reach its current stature,” Lagina said. “We have a great team of people on board. With their experience and insight into creative and resourceful plumbing, I am confident our business will continue to expand.”

Long Career In Commercial Plumbing

Lagina began his career in plumbing after graduating from Boys Tech High School (now the Lynde and Harry Bradley Technology and Trade School) in 1976. His career included positions at Zien Mechanical, Friese Mueller and JF Ahern. His career includes positions as plumber apprentice, field foreman, estimator/project manager, sales and marketing and department manager.

Lagina is on the editorial advisory board for Wisconsin Perspective, a publication for Wisconsin plumbing and HVACR-related industries and also serving as the 2006 president of the Plumbing & Mechanical Contractors Association of Southeastern Wisconsin.

He also is partner in Loch-Lagina Motorsports, a late-model stock car racing team.

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