Born: February 5, 1947
Hometown: White Oak, Ohio
Drew Nieman was born to Andrew J. and Ellen Nieman and raised in the White Oak neighborhood of Cincinnati, Ohio. He attended St. James Grade School before becoming part of the second graduating class at LaSalle High School in 1965. Soon after, he became a father and husband, marrying his high school sweetheart and beginning his journey to support and grow a young family.
After attending the University of Cincinnati and working various jobs, including at the P&G Soap Factory, Drew found his calling in the plumbing trade. He began his plumbing career working for his father-in-law, Joseph H. Macke, who owned and operated JH Macke Plumbing on Republic Street in downtown Cincinnati.
Through dedication and firsthand learning, Drew completed his apprenticeship through the Cincinnati Master Plumbers Association and earned his journeyman’s license. In 1974, at the age of twenty-seven, he founded Drew Nieman Plumbing, buying a truck with a blown engine for $350 and rebuilding it himself in his garage. From those humble beginnings, Drew built a family-run business that would grow into one of the region’s most respected plumbing companies.
His first employee, Doug Walterman, joined in 1976 and worked for the company for over 46 years. Together, they laid the groundwork for a business that would weather economic downturns, support countless families, and expand steadily over the decades.
Initially headquartered in the garage and basement of the family home on Weiss Road, Nieman Plumbing grew rapidly in the 1980s. By 1989, the company opened its current headquarters at 2030 Stapleton Court, a property Drew had the vision to purchase and develop. Over the years, the facility grew to include over 12,000 square feet of warehouse space, ten offices, a mechanics shop, and two access roads on a 3.5-acre campus.
Drew’s leadership style was rooted in humility, mechanical genius, and a relentless work ethic. Whether fixing trucks, coaching youth sports, or solving plumbing problems on Christmas Eve, Drew was always willing to lend a hand. He treated employees and customers like family and upheld the simple yet powerful principle: “Treat others the way you want to be treated.”
Today, Nieman Plumbing is led by Drew’s sons, AJ Nieman (President), and Brian Nieman (Vice President), employing over sixty-five professionals and offering complete plumbing services, including residential installations, service work, exterior plumbing, and light commercial jobs.
Drew Nieman wasn’t just a founder. He was our rock. His legacy continues to guide every job we do.
Drew’s legacy lives on through the company he built, the countless technicians he mentored, and the values he instilled in everyone he encountered. As his voicemail always said: “At the tone, you got the deal—Go.”
Born: October 10, 1946
Hometown: White Oak, Ohio
JoEllen (Macke) Nieman was born to Joseph and Ruth Macke and grew up in the White Oak neighborhood of Cincinnati, Ohio. An only child, she was surrounded by a close-knit family and strong community values that shaped her for life. She attended Colerain High School, where she was a Rhythmette, graduating in 1964. It was during these years that she met the love of her life, Drew Nieman, beginning a devotion to each other that lasted more than six decades.
JoEllen’s father, Joe Macke, owned J.H. Macke Plumbing in downtown Cincinnati from the late 1960s through the 1980s. She grew up helping with bookkeeping and learning the rhythms of the plumbing business firsthand. After marrying Drew, JoEllen carried that knowledge into their own business. Together they co-founded Nieman Plumbing, with Drew in the field and JoEllen managing the heartbeat of the company—finances, employees, and the culture of respect that remains today.
Her greatest devotion was to her family. She and Drew raised three children—A.J., Marla, and Brian—while balancing the demands of a growing company. No matter how late Drew worked, JoEllen ensured the kids were cared for, nurtured, and supported in every way. As the family grew, her six grandchildren became her pride and joy. From summers on the houseboat at Lake Cumberland to ski trips out West and winters in Naples, Grandma was ever-present.
Outside of work and family, JoEllen lived life fully. She loved her Maltese dogs—Ivy, Desiree, Daisy, and Lily—and spent countless hours volunteering at local shelters. She and Drew enjoyed golf at Clovernook Country Club, trips with friends, and unforgettable nights filled with laughter, Nutzi games, line dancing, and the occasional handstand or split at the end of the evening.
She also had a playful side, often visiting casinos to try her luck at the slots. But everyone who knew her agreed—the real jackpot was being loved by her. JoEllen’s devotion shaped not only her family but also her community. She supported St. James School, LaSalle High School, and McAuley High School, giving generously of her time and resources.
Her influence at Nieman Plumbing is still felt today. Even years after her passing, her devotion remains the compass by which the company navigates. In closing, JoEllen wasn’t just a co-founder—she was the heart of our home, the center of our family, and the guiding spirit of our business. While she sometimes tested her luck at the slot machines, all of us who knew her can say without question: we won the lottery having JoEllen Nieman in our lives.
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