Q. Kindly give our readers an introduction to your business. Please include what your business is all about, in which city you are located and if you have offices in multiple locations/ cities.
Ans: Hello, we are “The Plumber in Your Neighbourhood!” Perfection Plumbing & Drain Cleaning Ltd. Has been serving clients in Saskatoon, Martensville and Warman SK. for the over 22 years
Q. Kindly give us a brief description about yourself (it should include your brief educational or entrepreneurial background and list some of your major achievements).
Ans: I have been involved with the plumbing trade for over 30 years. I have obtained Journeyman Red Seal certification along with a long list of other certifications applicable to the plumbing industry. My wife and I have been running our own plumbing company for the last 22 years focused on the “residential plumbing service” model
Q. What inspired you to (start a new business venture) or (to make significant changes in an existing business)? How did the idea for your business come about?
Ans: When I moved to Saskatoon, I noticed that there weren’t any plumbing companies completely focused on the residential sector just doing service so I took it upon myself to correct that missing link.
Q. What three pieces of advice would you give to budding entrepreneurs?
Ans: Have patience, Get used to working long hours in the beginning and don’t give up!
Q. What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?
Ans: Patience, the ability to ask questions and seek help, being able to hear “No” many times and continue to push forward
Q. How many hours do you work a day on average?
Ans: When I started the business, I worked 12-14 hour days, 5-6 days a week. Now I work 4-5 hours a day 4-5 days a week
Q. To what do you most attribute your success?
Ans: Taking guidance from outside help in the areas where I knew I was weak in the business
Q. How do you go about marketing your business? What has been your most successful form of marketing?
Ans: The main focus is our online strategies. We also stay consistent with radio advertising and community involvement
Q. Where did your organizations funding/capital come from and how did you go about getting it? How did you obtain investors for your venture?
Ans: I started this business with nothing but hard work and a focus to achieve! I re-invested most of the money that came in thru the business building it slowly but surely
Q. What is the best way to achieve long-term success?
Ans: I believe that long-term success comes from looking at where your business is now and where you want it to be in the future. Building a long-term vision and hiring the right team that believes in that vision
Q. Where you see yourself and your business in 5 – 10 years?
Ans: In 5-10 years, I see myself still working in the company but more from the sidelines. I am confident that we will dominate our marketplace!
Q. Excluding yours, what company or business do you admire the most?
Ans: I really admire Service Round Table. They are a great group of consultants focused on the plumbing and HVAC industries
Recommended Questions –
Q. How important have good employees been to your success?
Ans: Having good employees is extremely important, without them any company will struggle. Continuing to train them is equally important.
Q. How long do you stick with an idea before giving up?
Ans: I will stick with a business idea for a year. If it hasn’t produced the forecasted in that time period, I chalk it up as a learning experience.
Q. What motivates you?
Ans: I get motivated by hearing great reviews about our company and the people in it. I get motivated from the happy clients we work with and last but not lease and arguably the most important…the well being of my family motivates me the most!
Q. How do you generate new ideas?
Ans: I am always looking at other businesses outside of my industry to see what they are doing and how I can relate it to my business. Following trends online also produces great ideas
Q. How do you define success?
Ans: Spending your time with who you want and when you want. When you get to that point in life you are more than likely financially stable and get what is really important. Money can be replaced…Time cannot be!
Q. How do you build a successful customer base?
Ans: Have a focus and a plan on who and where your ideal client is and commit to that plan with patience.
Q. What is your favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur?
Ans: I love the idea of providing a happy environment for my employees and the freedom to choose my path in business and life.
Q. What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
Ans: Giving back to the community…We helped a single mother who had been badly ripped off by a contractor by completing all of the plumbing in her renovation for no cost
Q. What do you feel is the major difference between entrepreneurs and those who work for someone else?
Ans: The biggest difference between them is the fact that an entrepreneur has to be a risk taker and have the mental fortitude to move forward in their business venture with no financial safety net.
Q. What kind of culture exists in your organization? How did you establish this tone and why did you institute this particular type of culture? We have a “family” culture in our organization.
Ans: We believe that most people are comfortable around family members so we make sure to let all our team members know how much they are appreciated on a weekly basis as well as ensure them that there is always an ear to talk to if things start to get stressfull.
Q. In one word, characterize your life as an entrepreneur.
Ans: Blessed