It was not an overnight decision to start a plumbing business. I was working for my Dad in his plumbing company since I could remember. I knew he worked very hard and sometimes worked many hours. I also knew he was around home when he needed to be. He had a lot of flexibility. He had a family with seven children he supported with a comfortable lifestyle. Everything seemed so easy. It wasn't. He made his family a top priority. Not just by making money, but giving them himself and his time.
When I got old enough to start my own company, I was married, had two children and one on the way. My wife thought the risks were too great and wanted me to stay working for my Dad. But I knew I could do it. My Dad called one day and said he was going to go into the commercial end of plumbing and all his sons were welcome to come into business and work for him or we could start our own companies. Now the decision had to be made. Start my own company or work for Dad.
With no more than excitement, energy, and vision, I decided to go for it. My wife supported me and helped get the company off the ground. Thanks to Mother Nature we had a very hard winter and a small ad I placed in a small Yellow Pages generated new customers. Many who were in such need and so grateful for my services, passed along my name. The customer base was developing and I was busy. Times were good.
After much hard work and support from the people who loved me, I set out to create a company I could be proud of and still remain a person I could be proud of. I now run a company with a full office staff and 14 repair trucks. I have been blessed with an incredible staff. They are hard workers and are able to take time off to spend with their families when they choose. I can offer them health insurance, retirement plans and other benefits.
I've been blessed with a family of 12 children and a very supportive wife. There are times I have frustrations. There are times I work long, hard hours. But I have time to be flexible and attend my kid's functions and be home when I need to be. This is probably the best example I got from my Dad. He taught me that no amount of money could earn your family time back. For that I am most grateful!