Six California Firms Won Ethics Awards

The Better Business Bureau recognized these local companies for their commitment to integrity and community trust.

Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Local Services

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In September 2026, the Better Business Bureau named six Central California businesses as winners of the 2026 Torch Award for Ethics. These awards highlight companies that prioritize ethical leadership in their daily operations.

Why it matters

The program helps residents identify local businesses that demonstrate a consistent commitment to trust and integrity with their customers, employees, and communities. This recognition signals a standard of service that impacts how households choose vendors for home projects and professional needs.

The Better Business Bureau selected six winners across categories ranging from firms with 1 to 5 employees to those with more than 100 staff. The awards span diverse service industries in Visalia, Fresno, Bakersfield, and Sacramento.

The players

Better Business Bureau

A private non-profit organization that rates businesses based on their trustworthiness and ethical performance in local marketplaces.

Monarch Home Services

A Fresno-based company providing home maintenance and service solutions that earned the 2026 award in the 16 to 30 employee category.

Can Do Crew Plumbing Heating & AC

A Bakersfield-based contractor specializing in home systems that received recognition in the 31 to 50 employee tier.

Lee's Air, Plumbing, Heating

A Sacramento-based service provider that was awarded for ethical practices in the large business category.

The details

The selection process categorizes businesses by employee count to evaluate their specific ethical practices relative to their operational scale. Award winners are judged on their demonstrated commitment to integrity, transparency, and building lasting relationships with their local customer base. This recognition serves as a marker for households to verify a company's dedication to fair business standards before hiring for household services.

September 2026: Six businesses were named Torch Award for Ethics winners.

The Home Front

This recognition program operates as a benchmark for local service providers, highlighting businesses that prioritize consumer-friendly practices. It follows the long-standing trend of using independent audits to help homeowners navigate the often-opaque home service market.

When evaluating potential home contractors, consider checking if a local service provider has been recognized by consumer-protection organizations like the Better Business Bureau. This simple verification can offer peace of mind when vetting companies for significant household repairs or improvements.

The takeaway

Selecting businesses that are committed to ethical transparency can help you avoid service-related disputes at home. Keep a list of recognized local firms to consult whenever you need to hire professionals for plumbing, heating, or general home maintenance.