Harold J. Heide and Jarrad T. Cook met in 1946 while the two men worked for Pacific Base Contractors at Tripler Army Hospital. The post-World War II business environment was teeming with development and military construction. Developing a quick friendship, the two saw a business opportunity for themselves.

Armed with the apprentice plumbing experience they had accrued at Kaneohe Marine Base in the early years of World War II, Heide took the lead and asked Cook to found H & C Plumbers with him. The two began their business installing plumbing in homes at a new residential development in Aina Haina.

The company, Heide & Cook Ltd., was officially incorporated in 1950. Today the company is led by Earle Matsuda, President, and Dexter Kekua, Chief Financial Officer. It has grown from a small plumbing company in 1946 to one of Hawaiis largest and most respected full service mechanical contractors. Under Matsudas and Kekuas leadership, the company has experienced rapid growth and assembled a list of current and past clients that includes Hawaiis best and most well known commercial enterprises.