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Learning how to hire your first plumbing technician is a big moment for any home service business, whether you're expanding your existing services or starting a new vertical. In my own business I navigated this process on my own, step by step, and learn a lot along the way. Here’s a a look into my own experience to guide you through hiring your first plumber, ensuring they're not just skilled but also a strategic fit for your business’s growth.
Understanding the Role of a Plumbing Technician
When stepping into the plumbing industry or adding it as a new vertical to your existing business, understanding the multifaceted role of a plumbing technician is important. Here are the things to consider:
1. Entrepreneurial Spirit vs. Job Security
The ideal candidate for your first plumbing hire should balance entrepreneurial drive with a practical understanding of job security:
- Entrepreneurial Spirit: Is the candidate ready to embrace the uncertainty of a startup? Can they operate without immediate job flow? Do they have a risk tolerance?
- Job Security: While you need someone who can handle the ebb and flow of a new business, they must also be dependable and not prone to leaving at the first sign of trouble.
2. Generalist vs. Specialist
Your first plumbing technician should ideally be a blend of a generalist and a specialist. Can they juggle multiple chainsaws? Look for:
- General Capabilities: Apart from technical plumbing skills, the candidate should understand basic business operations like using software tools (Word, Excel) which are crucial for systematizing your business.
- Specialization in Plumbing: They should possess deep knowledge and experience in plumbing to handle diverse job requirements effectively.
Key Attributes to Look for in a Plumbing Technician
Tools and Equipment
Ensure that your plumbing hire has the essential tools of the trade. This not only includes basic hand tools like wrenches and sewer machines but also more sophisticated equipment like a pro press if applicable.
This readiness reduces the initial capital you need to invest in equipment and not spend right out the gate.
Skill and Expertise
A good plumber must:
- Perform Efficiently: Have the ability to execute the tasks efficiently enough to earn positive reviews and repeat business.
- Customer Service Skills: They should be personable and capable of delivering a customer experience that aligns with your business’s values.
Building the Plumbing Division
Creating a robust plumbing division involves more than just technical skills. You should consider a few different things:
- Managerial Experience: Having someone with managerial experience, as in our case where we hired a former auto store manager turned plumber, can significantly benefit business operations.
- Understanding Business Metrics: The ability to understand and contribute to the business's financial health through actions like cost management and pricing strategy is invaluable.
- Licensing: Depending on your location, ensuring your plumber has the necessary licensing is crucial for legality and credibility.
Integrating Your First Plumbing Technician
Using platforms like ServiceTitan can streamline integrating new services into your business. ST helps manage job scheduling, customer management, and pricing strategies so that you can focus on other things. That said, ServiceTitan is, admittedly, not cheap.
You're looking for a 50/50 split of skills and work balance that can help lighten the load.
Conclusion
Hiring your first plumbing technician is a blend of assessing technical skill and business acumen. I'd recommend focusing on candidates who offer a mix of both, along with the necessary tools and an understanding of the business implications of their work.
This balanced approach will help lay a strong foundation for your new plumbing division, ensuring its growth and sustainability in the competitive market.
Jack Carr is the CEO of Rapid HVAC.
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