John W. Payne Jr. began his career bagging groceries as a teenager in Dekalb County, Georgia. Hard work, determination, and persistence lead him into the Armed Services as an engineer, and then back home to work with several large mechanical contractors. In 1970, Mr. Payne decided it was time to strike out on his own. He opened John Payne Company in his basement with one plumbing crew and a truck. No job was too small or too difficult- ranging from grocery store remodels, to small design-build projects, to schools, to shopping centers- the company’s reputation grew quickly. By exceeding expectations for both quality and performance, John Payne Company grew steadily into one of North Georgia’s leading mechanical contractors. Repeat business from the same clients, became a cornerstone of its success. Today, John Payne Company’s management has transitioned into the third generation and holds tightly to the same values and principles upon which it was founded.