the evolution of msi
In 1979, Les Giese learned about the latest trend in the housing market: Condominiums. On his own, he learned as much as he could about these new residential dwellings and officially began a Condo Management company in 1981. After a few years, Les realized that the Associations were spending a lot of money on basic maintenance. To combat this expense, Les added Maintenance to the name, and Condo Management Maintenance Corp (CMMC) was born.
Over time, the business continued to evolve, especially once Les married Anne Thornton in 1986. Seeing the potential in Les's venture, Anne decided to leave her career in telecommunications and focus on growing their business. Her strategic mindset and business acumen proved instrumental in expanding their services and bolstering the company’s reputation.
Plumbing was added to the line-up in 2004, again in response to customer feedback at the condos. Customers frequently inquired if plumbing services were available, prompting the couple to listen and expand their offerings. Shortly thereafter, they added Remodeling services for the same reasons, ensuring that their clients' evolving needs were met with precision and dedication.
Today, MSI Plumbing & Remodeling is a local, woman-owned and operated business, renowned for its unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction. The team prides itself on answering calls promptly and always returning voicemails. For MSI, customers are the most important part of the business, and the company’s history is marked by a continuous effort to listen and adapt to customer needs, ensuring a legacy of trust and excellence.
MSI is officially certified as a Women Business Enterprise in New Jersey. Originally founded by Anne Thornton and Les Giese, MSI is now proudly transitioning to the second generation of leadership under their daughter, Audra Giese.
With a rich legacy of excellence in plumbing, remodeling and HVAC, MSI continues to uphold its commitment to quality and customer satisfaction under the expert guidance of Remodeling Manager Brad Howell and Master Plumber Rich DeTorres. This certification marks a significant milestone in our journey, reinforcing our dedication to diversity and empowerment within our business community.
A New Chapter: Audra Giese Takes the Helm
Audra Giese, the daughter of Anne Thornton and Les Giese, has assumed the leadership position as President and is now poised to lead MSI Plumbing & Remodeling into the future. Audra grew up in the heart of the family business, starting her journey by putting labels on postcards as a child. Her deep-rooted connection to MSI and her extensive experience within the industry fuel her passion and vision for the company.
Audra is excited to continue the amazing legacy of excellence that her parents have built. With a strong emphasis on employee engagement, she is dedicated to ensuring that everyone at MSI feels respected and valued while enjoying their work environment. She understands that innovation and customer-centric solutions are incredibly important to uphold the company's values while steering it towards new opportunities. Her leadership promises to inspire creativity, foster growth, and maintain the high standards of quality and service that MSI is known for.
locally owned and operated
our customers are the most important part of our business...
about our business
High Quality Remodeling at a Reasonable Cost
supported causes
Hunters Helping the Hungry
A venison donation program. HHH raises funds, and coordinates efforts by butchers, hunters, and food banks throughout New Jersey with the goal of getting more healthy alternatives to the hungry people of New Jersey.
Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce
MSI has been a member of the Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce for 30 years. We have participated in many, many events by heading up committees and giving presentations. MSI is also the donating Education Sponsor for the last 10 years of the Women’s Business Forum’s Leadership Summit. We have paid for 100 women to attend this event in the last 10 years. MSI is also a founding member of the Hunterdon County Chamber Foundation, which purchased and is remodeling the Large House in Flemington to create a new business education center.
North Hunterdon Rotary Club
The Rotary Club of North Hunterdon is a member organization of Rotary International, a world wide organization of business and professional leaders that provides humanitarian service, encourages high ethical standards in all vocations, and helps build goodwill and peace in the world. The Club supports initiatives globally investing in polio eradication, clean water and working with a club in the Dominican Republic to aid in the education of their youth.
Women's Presidents Organization
As a Woman Owned business, MSI Plumbing & Remodeling is proud to be a supporting member of the international group Women's Presidents Organization. The organization was formed to improve business conditions for women entrepreneurs, and to promote the acceptance and advancement of women entrepreneurs in all industries. The WPO is the premier membership organization for women presidents, CEOs, and managing directors of privately held multimillion-dollar companies. Through global, confidential, and collaborative peer-learning groups, the WPO accelerates business growth, enhances competitiveness, and promotes economic security. It is the ultimate destination for successful women entrepreneurs.
BW Nice
BW NICE (Business Women Networking Involving Charity & Education) is a special organization that blends the successful building of women in business with helping other women achieve their potential in life and profession.
United Way - Hunterdon County
United Way of Hunterdon County is a community center of volunteerism, leadership and philanthropy that envisions a community where all individuals and families achieve their full potential through income stability, healthy lives and education.
Prevention Resources
Prevention Resources supports the health and wellness of individuals, families, and the communities we serve by providing education, counseling, advocacy for policies, and collaboration necessary to keep our communities healthy and drug free.
Raritan Headwaters
Raritan Headwaters' mission is to protect, preserve and improve water quality and other natural resources of the Raritan River headwaters region through science, education, advocacy, land preservation and stewardship.
Hunterdon County Polytech
MSI has been a supporter of Polytech for more than 20 years. In 2018 MSI was named Business Partner of the Year for Polytech. We provide employment for apprentices and participate in National Apprenticeship Week by giving presentations to students. MSI also supports the Polytech program at the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women in Clinton. Our president, Anne Thornton, regularly gives talks to inmates from the “employer’s perspective” for hiring and keeping a job.
Hunterdon County Division of Seniors & Veterans
MSI has long participated in the “Mr. Fixit” program by providing low cost repairs to seniors and veterans in Hunterdon County.
Somerset County Business Partnership Leadership Group
In 2018 MSI, among other local businesses, donated appliances, products and work for Agape House, an emergency shelter for families and single women in downtown Somerville.
MSI is also involved in local community events by donating auction baskets to groups like BW Nice, Prevention Resources and various chambers of commerce and business groups. We also love to sponsor sports teams for our employee’s children.