Chris' great grandfather, John Pearl, started his plumbing career in 1945 and retired in 1960. John's son, William Pearl and Chris' grandfather, took over Pearl Plumbing & Heating when his father passed until his retirement in 1995.

Chris' father, Larry Merkle, started Merkle Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning in 1987 and now Chris runs his family owned business helping builders and homeowners around the Western New York area.  His father, Larry now works for Chris in his "retirement."