Today we’d like to introduce you to Ed Ball.
Hi Ed, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Thank you for the opportunity to share my story and the purpose behind American Mechanical Services.
For me, this company wasn’t born out of convenience — it came from years of hard work in the HVAC and plumbing industry, learning every part of the trade from the ground up. I started out in the field, doing the work with my own hands, fixing equipment that other companies said wasn’t repairable, and helping customers who felt overlooked or taken advantage of. Over time, I realized two things:
1. The quality of service in our industry had fallen.
2. Customers deserved better.
I didn’t come from money, and I didn’t inherit a business. I built my experience the same way most tradesmen do — long hours, tough jobs, and learning to take pride in doing things the right way even when no one is watching. I worked for other companies, I saw what worked, and I saw what didn’t. I learned that the biggest missing piece wasn’t skill — it was integrity, communication, and respect for the customer’s home and time.
That is what pushed me to create American Mechanical Services.
I reached a point in my career where I knew I wanted to build something that truly reflected the standards I believe in:
Honest work
Fair pricing
Skilled technicians
Treating people like family, not invoices
Quality over quantity, every time
Starting AMS wasn’t easy. It took sacrifice, long nights, and a willingness to bet on myself. But I believed there was room — and a real need — for a company that treats customers and employees the right way. I wanted to build a team that shows up in clean uniforms, takes pride in their craft, communicates clearly, and solves problems the first time, not the third.
Every decision we make at AMS comes back to one thing:
We want to be the company people can trust when something goes wrong in their home.
Today, we’re proud to serve our community with HVAC, plumbing, and boiler services backed by the highest standards. Our goal isn’t to be the biggest — it’s to be the most reliable, the most trusted, and the most respected in the Lowcountry.
Thank you for letting me share why AMS was created. This company is more than a business to me; it’s the result of every lesson, every challenge, and every moment that led me here. And we’re just getting started.
— Edward Ball
Founder, American Mechanical Services LLC
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I don’t think any entrepreneur in the trades would ever say the road has been smooth — and I’m no exception. Building American Mechanical Services has been one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done, but it has also come with real challenges.
The truth is, starting a company from the ground up takes more than technical skill. It takes patience, sacrifice, and the ability to stay focused when everything feels uncertain. There were times when the workload was overwhelming, when money was tight, and when the demands of running a business collided with the demands of life. There were moments when it felt like I was carrying the entire weight of the company on my shoulders — because early on, I was.
One of the biggest struggles has been dealing with the realities of the industry itself. The trades are competitive, and not always in the right ways. I’ve had to navigate situations where people underestimated me, tried to discourage me, or created obstacles instead of opportunities. I’ve dealt with setbacks, difficult partnerships, and learning experiences that were hard in the moment but ultimately made me stronger and more determined.
There’s also the challenge of getting people to see the value in doing things the right way. In this industry, shortcuts are everywhere — but we refuse to take them. That commitment to quality means longer hours, higher standards, and constantly training and improving. It’s harder, but it’s worth it.
But through all of it, the struggles have shaped who I am as a business owner. They’ve taught me resilience, accountability, and the importance of surrounding myself with the right people. Every challenge pushed me to get better, to grow, and to build a company that stands on integrity, not convenience.
So no — the road hasn’t been smooth. But it has been worth it. Every obstacle has pushed me forward and made American Mechanical Services what it is today: a company built on experience, grit, and the determination to do things differently and do them right.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
In my professional life, I’ve dedicated myself to becoming a true expert in HVAC, plumbing, and mechanical systems. I’ve spent years in the field working directly with complex equipment, difficult installations, and situations where customers had already been told, “it can’t be fixed.” That hands-on foundation shaped who I am today.
At American Mechanical Services, I specialize in diagnosing problems that others miss, designing efficient HVAC and plumbing solutions, and ensuring every job is done with craftsmanship and professionalism. I’m known for my ability to take on challenging projects, break them down logically, and deliver results that last. I take a lot of pride in being the person customers call when they need someone they can trust — not just someone who performs the minimum work and leaves.
What sets me apart is my focus on quality over quantity. In this industry, many companies move fast, cut corners, or push unnecessary replacements. I do the opposite. I believe in doing things right the first time, offering honest assessments, and treating every home or business with the care it deserves. I’ve built a reputation for transparency, integrity, and taking ownership of the work from start to finish.
I’m most proud of the fact that I’ve created a company where expertise and customer care actually mean something. Today, American Mechanical Services is growing because people appreciate craftsmanship, honesty, and a team that stands behind its work. That’s what drives me every day — knowing the standard I set for myself is the standard my company delivers to our community.
Any big plans?
Looking ahead, my goal for American Mechanical Services is to continue building a company that sets the standard for quality, reliability, and professionalism in the HVAC and plumbing industry. We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished so far, but we’re just getting started.
In the future, I plan to expand our services, grow our team, and strengthen our presence throughout the Lowcountry. A big part of that growth includes investing in training and developing highly skilled technicians who share our commitment to doing things the right way. I want AMS to be known not only for great work, but for being a place where people in the trades can build a long-term career they’re proud of.
We’re also planning to bring in more advanced technology — from higher-efficiency equipment to better diagnostic tools and upgraded customer communication systems — all to create a smoother, more transparent experience for the people we serve. My long-term vision is to provide full mechanical services under one roof, with the capability to handle everything from simple repairs to complex system designs.
Most importantly, I’m looking forward to continuing to earn the trust of our community. We’re focused on steady, healthy growth — not shortcuts or rapid expansion that sacrifices quality. As we move forward, we want to keep improving, keep raising our standards, and keep proving that good workmanship and honest service still matter.
The big picture?
To build American Mechanical Services into a company that outlasts me — a legacy of quality, integrity, and expertise that serves this community for decades to come.
Pricing:
- First Responder Discount
- Military Discount
- Nurse Discount
- Low Income Financing Discounts
- Disable Discounts
Contact Info:
- Website: www.amscharleston.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/americanmechanicalservices/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576020907876
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edward-ball-518229369
- Twitter: https://x.com/AMServicesCHS
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/american-mechanical-services-moncks-corner
- soundcloud: https://www.bbb.org/us/sc/moncks-corner/profile/plumber/american-mechanical-services-llc-0663-34351235
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@edward.ball02
