Ferran Services & Contracting, Inc.
Johnson Electric management and employees gather in front of their headquarters at 119 East Pine Street, downtown Orlando in 1926. Founder A.B. Johnson (with straw hat) is standing third from right.
Integrity, service, quality…. these are the common threads that weave several companies together to create the fabric that is Ferran Services & Contracting Inc. of Orlando, Florida. The group had its beginnings in 1967 when Harry A. Ferran, an Orlando native and fifth generation Floridian, purchased Ward Air Conditioning. He acquired the company from Taylor D. Ward, the former director of advertising for Kimberly-Clark Corporation. The company previously known as H.A. Daugherty was purchased and renamed by Ward in June of 1952. Its distinctive dark green uniforms remain a Ferran trademark today.
In 1981, Harry purchased Johnson Electric, merging it with Ward Air Conditioning and thus creating Ferran Engineering Group Inc. Johnson Electric was originally founded in 1913 by A.B. Johnson. He began the company's operations from his home, carrying a roll of wire over each handlebar of his bicycle and his hand tools on his back. The 1921, Orlando City Directory lists what is probably the first Johnson Electric location at 11 Court Street. Johnson's reputation as an excellent electrician and honest businessman helped the company grow from one bicycle riding electrician to a fleet of trucks.
Harry's goal was to make Ferran Engineering Group the definitive choice for service and installation in Central Florida so, in 1982, Harry created Avery Plumbing. Harry extended his operation to Volusia County by purchasing D.W. Browning Plumbing & Air Conditioning in 1986. Ferran’s slogan said it all: "The Best Service Companies in Orlando Have One Name: Ferran Engineering Group."
After Harry's death in 1993, his son Robert C. Ferran took over the business. Rob added several benefits to the employee package and hired Adolph "Dolph" Marmetschke to run its operations. The company continued to prosper and grow.
After running the company for seven years, Dolph purchased the company and renamed it Ferran Services & Contracting in 2000. Under Dolph's leadership, Ferran was able to maintain its headquarters at 530 Grand Street while its two original buildings were demolished in 2006. Final construction of the new Ferran building was completed in April 2007. The new building's unique design is a representation of all the Ferran Divisions; Air Conditioning, Electrical, and Plumbing and is quickly becoming a landmark in the downtown area. Dolph's commitment to quality workmanship and ethical business practices has ensured the success and continued growth of Ferran Services & Contracting well into the future.
