Hiring Your First Plumber as a new Home Service Business

Whether it's a startup and, or you've already run a business and this is going to be a new vertical, you eventually have to start hiring. After opening a new vertical for plumbing off my HVAC company it came to that point where it was time to actually hire that first plumber.

There's a few things I was looking out for when it came to hiring my company's first plumber, so learn from my experiences and take heed of what to know.

What to Know When Hiring Your First Plumber

What do you want to look for? It's a number of things, but the biggest is finding someone who shares a spirit of growth.

Evaluate Entrepreneurial Qualities

When hiring that first plumber, consider their entrepreneurial spirit. Since you are starting a new business or a new vertical, there might not be a steady stream of jobs initially. You'll need someone with a high risk tolerance who can weather the uncertainties of a new business.

Ask yourself:

• Are they willing to see the bigger picture and build with the company?
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• Do they have a financial runway if there are no jobs for a few weeks?

You need a partner who won't jump ship at the first sign of slow business. Look for someone who can be a reliable team player and is committed to growing the business with you.

Assess General Skills and Plumbing Expertise

A good plumber should possess both technical skills and a willingness to help build the business systems. Evaluate their proficiency in general work and their specialty in plumbing.

Key considerations include:

• Technical Skills: Can they complete jobs efficiently and deliver quality service to garner five-star reviews?
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• General Skills: Do they understand how to use essential software like Word and Excel? Can they help build operational systems?

Plumbers who can contribute to the backend processes, like setting up a price book and managing warehouse contacts, are invaluable. This combination of skills ensures the business runs smoothly and can replicate success.

Ensure They Have Necessary Tools

Starting a new business involves many expenses, and buying tools for your plumber shouldn't be one of them. When hiring, check if they have:

• Trade Tools: Wrenches, sewer machines, pro press, etc.
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• Technology: A computer, laptop, or iPad for handling administrative tasks.

Having their own tools reduces your initial outlay and ensures they're ready to work from day one.

4. Evaluate Their Business and Managerial Skills

In addition to being a skilled plumber, your first hire should have some business acumen. The best candidate should help you establish standard operating procedures (SOPs) for your plumbing department. They should assist in creating:

• Price Books: What are the prices for services? How do you get these prices?
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• Business Contacts: Who are your warehouse contacts for supplies?

A candidate with managerial experience, who understands profit and loss statements and the intricacies of running a business, can significantly contribute to your company's growth.

Look for a Balanced Skill Set

In the early stages, it's beneficial to hire someone with a balanced skill set—part plumbing expert, part business manager. This person will help you manage day-to-day operations while you focus on lead generation and marketing.

Consider hiring someone who:

• Has extensive plumbing experience: Ensuring they can handle technical tasks and provide excellent service.
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• Possesses business knowledge: Helping you build and refine business processes.

Such a hire will enable you to build a strong foundation for your business without having to worry about every small detail yourself.

Is It Time to Hire?

Hiring your first plumber is a crucial step in starting a new home service business. Look for someone with an entrepreneurial mindset, a balance of technical and business skills, and their own tools.

This person will not only perform plumbing tasks but also help you build and grow your business. By finding the right candidate, you'll set a strong foundation for your new vertical and pave the way for future success.

Jack Carr, CEO of Rapid HVAC
‍‍https://rapidhvactn.com

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