Valerio Roberti, our founder, was born in San Vito, Lucca, Italy. He came to America with his mother and father at the age of three. He moved to Portland Oregon, where he lived for eight years, then the family moved to Gilroy, California, where Val grew up.
Val served two years in the Army during World War II. After he was discharged, he returned to work for an Italian prune farmer. In 1947 his uncle, who lived in Castroville, spoke with Val and convinced him to become a plumber. The plan was that he would work for him at his place of business, with a promise of becoming a partner. Val worked for his uncle for 6½ years, from 1947 to 1953. The partnership promise did not materialize and his uncle was considering retirement. At that time, Val decided to take a chance by starting his own plumbing business.
In February of 1954, behind a blacksmith shop in Castroville, Val started a new business called Val’s Plumbing. One year later, Val’s brother joined him at the new company. As Val’s Plumbing grew larger and more successful, in 1968 he purchased property on Front Street in Salinas, California, and constructed a new building. He then added the heating, air conditioning, and sheet metal division to the business to better serve his customers. In 1968 Val’s Plumbing became Val’s Plumbing & Heating, and growth continued.
In 1986 Val was selected by the Plumbing & Heating National Association to be a delegate representing the plumbing industry in several cities in China. When Pope John Paul appeared at Laguna Seca, Val donated the entire plumbing system for the event. In 1987, Val received the Construction Person of the Year from the Salinas Valley Builders’ Exchange. In 1990, Val was awarded the Business Excellence Award by the Salinas Valley Chamber of Commerce. In 1991 he and his wife, Laura were selected to join People to People (an organization started by President Eisenhower) to visit and share industry ideas in Russia. In 2001, Val and Laura went to Cuba once again representing People to People. Val received the Medal of Honor for the Lucchesis of the World in Lucca, Italy. In 2006 Val and Laura received the Hall of Fame Award and Philanthropist of the Year from Notre Dame High School in Salinas.
Val Roberti retired in 1993 and enjoyed a wonderful retirement for many years. In 2007, Val Roberti passed away, leaving the company in good hands to continue serving our community.
In 2023, Laura Roberti, Val’s wife, co-worker and joint owner passed away. Laura and Val both still hold a special place in the hearts of all Val’s employees.