RSP 2.0 | Plumbing Zone

I thought I’d re introduce myself. I see a few familiar handles from years back and a lot of new ones. I haven’t been on this forum in quite some time. Anyhow, time in the trade is 23 years next month; in business for 14 years next week. I was 28 when I went into business and joined this forum shortly after. I thought I knew everything and exactly how owning a plumbing company would turn out. But I didn’t know sh i t. 42 now and still learning as much as I can about business. I don’t think that will ever go away.

The first few years were tough. Had issues with accounts payables, wasn’t charging enough, couldn’t keep employees. It was a real challenge.I had a good job making good wages for my area, recieved my state certification while working there. But was no where near ready to be on my own. But the economy tanked and I was laid off. It was sink or swim. I didn’t even know how to pull a permit yet. But I learned along the way I guess. But it was the toughest time in my life.

I’m up to 6 trucks and 14 employees these days. just came off a record year that I don’t think we will hit again. And I’m content with that. We do smaller commercial more than anything else. Reasturants, office buildings, ect. I have 1 truck running service. I haven’t done much service and it’s an area of the market I want to expand to but it’s hard for me to manage both construction and service at the same time. I run an ad on indeed from time to time looking For a service manager to come in and run that side of the company. But that hasnt worked out yet. I’ve interviewed a few and liked a couple but didn’t see them as a good fit. But I have all the tools and equipment to build an awesome service department. I bought a spartan elite jetter last year, the Milwaukee camera system (and I’ll talk more about that beast later!) and have about every other tool a plumber could ever need.

I’ve recently applied for a GA and CT license. May also be looking at PA. I have an opportunity to do some work in these places and have some staff that like to travel. And yes, it is completley worth it.

personally life is great. I have 5 daughters aged 6 through 17. I think I only had 3 at the time when I was an active member here. I’m married to the best mom and wife a man could ever have. She’s never had to get a job in the 17 yrs we’ve been married and takes care of all of us more than I ever could. These days we spend time out on our boat; camping in the 5thwheel, or in a VRBO somewhere. We recently rented a 46ft catamaran in the BVIs and spent 7 days sailing around the islands. Best vacation ever.

that’s about all that’s going on with me these days. I hope everyone else has had the amount of success we’ve experiences these past few years. Covid really brought in some dollars for us. It was crazy. But I fear for the future of this nation givin it’s current leadership. I believe we are in about year 4 of the complete downturn of this country. Or maybe I’m just not Woke. 🙄