FARMER & IRWIN CORP., Riveria Beach, Fla., is nearly a half century old, but it exudes the energy of youth. Because of the dynamism and forward thinking of the Farmer & Irwin team, the $23.5 million contractor is the CONTRACTOR magazine Mechanical Contractor of the Year.

Farmer & Irwin is a full mechanical contractor, specializing in plumbing, air conditioning, fire protection and sheet metal services.

Second-generation Chief Executive Officer Steve Irwin has reorganized the company and instituted a "team estimating" process. The firm has installed the latest in computer hardware and software. And it is beginning to apply Lean Principles, starting in the tool room and moving to the fab shop.

The full story on this outstanding firm starts on page 27.