7 Lessons I Learned Running a Plumbing Business for 10 years

In this video, I talk about the lessons I learned running a plumbing & heating business from 2011 - 2021. I hope you find it useful!
TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Intro
0:51 Lesson 1 - Use the Profit First system
02:13 Lesson 2 - Choose a modern bank
02:56 Lesson 3 - Plan properly for big fixed costs
03:48 Lesson 4 - Set boundaries
04:39 Lesson 5 - Separate work phone
05:41 Lesson 6 - Tips for working with a partner
07:15 Lesson 7 - Create a knowledge base
09:00 Wrap up
THE PROFIT FIRST SYSTEM BOOK
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ABOUT ME
I'm Hazel, a ServiceM8 expert and Motorbike lover who helps plumbers, electricians and other service & trade businesses get rid of paperwork and become more efficient 👩‍💻

[@davewellsheatingengineer]

Not sure why this video only has 1.1k views. I think it's sums things up well. I have had a heating business for 30 years.. its a horrible trade.. I love the job, the clients, I love it all EXCEPT the awful impact on home life, yes have a separate phone, so long as you don't mind clients not being able to call you on an emergency( possibly even an emergency because of something you did.. yes even I can have a leak... rare vert rare but possible) No one should go into the plumbing and heating industry without accepting the huge impact on personal life.

[@TheDickPuller]

100% correct, you or someone else within your organisation, must be available 24/7. It’s Plumbing FFS!! Customers don’t have major leaks within office hours. Set up a Stand-By rota & charge like a Rhino for out-if-hours call outs.

[@hazelwhicher2136]

Thanks Dave :)

[@mohmeegaik6686]

Profit first is the sensible motive for running a business.

[@hazelwhicher2136]

Agreed! I wouldn’t run my finances any other way now. What business do you run mohmee?

[@samk.4158]

Thank you. Looking to get into it myself. Started my apprenticeship this year. Thanks for the video

[@hazelwhicher2136]

Great! Glad it was helpful Sam! Got a plan for how to find a plumbing business to get experience with?

[@brendanfisher2528]

Could you do a video on how you bring in work from day 1 and how you start your company from scratch, staff, jobs etc.. I'm guessing you are not on the tools? I am a gas engineer and and work is always hit and miss and find it difficult to stay busy over the warmer months..

[@hazelwhicher2136]

Great suggestion Brendan - I'm actually working on a series of short videos that cover how to start a plumbing business :). You've got a few options to stay busy during the summer, including encouraging customers to move their boiler servicing to summer months for greater peace of mind; expanding the services you offer - doesn't have to be bathrooms! Could be other plumbing jobs, or even getting a WaterSafe accreditation or moving into Commercial water or gas. What have you tried so far? H

[@Unit10Ltd]

Great Video Hazel. Can I ask what software you are using for your Knowledge base?

[@anthonygreenwood4486]

Unrealistic, Sounds like an advert for the book, Plumbing first ???

[@igorchuchro4991]

Hey There, thank you for sharing your tips. Where do you keep your knowledge base ? There is an option for that in servicem8 but only in premium plan which I don't currently need. Are there any alternatives online ? Thanks

[@hazelwhicher2136]

Hey igor! Thanks! A simple google docs document is all you need, at least initially. It can be shared online and you can add headers and sections. You could also pop links to it in your ServiceM8 account

[@anthonygreenwood4486]

Ran through