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On this episode of the OWNR OPS Podcast, I had the privilege of interviewing John Diekel, owner of Master Plumbing and Heating. John’s story is nothing short of inspiring, and his approach to leadership, business growth, and community-building truly sets him apart in the home service industry.
John Diekel’s career path is a testament to the power of diverse experiences and leadership skills. From serving in the military to working with government contractors and finally purchasing a plumbing business, John’s journey has been anything but ordinary. With a strong military background, John transitioned into the world of small business ownership and has managed to scale a plumbing and heating company to new heights in just a short period.
John’s Background and the Decision to Buy a Business
Before becoming the sole owner of Master Plumbing and Heating, John spent years learning about leadership, operations, and business management. His time working with Gotham’s, a government contractor in Austin, taught him critical lessons about scaling small businesses and managing large projects. After years of service, John decided it was time to apply these skills in the world of plumbing and heating.
In 2023, John acquired Master Plumbing and Heating with the goal of growing the business, not just for financial success, but also to make a meaningful impact in his home state of Vermont. His mission was clear—build a strong team, offer excellent service, and improve the local community.
How John Scaled the Business with Systems and Partnerships
Scaling a plumbing business isn’t easy, but John’s approach was built on strong community engagement and leveraging technology to streamline operations. Here’s how he did it:
1. Community Engagement for Growth
John understood the importance of communicating his vision for growth with the local community. While the previous owner had built a strong, successful business, the business wasn’t focused on scaling. John made sure to inform everyone in the community that Master Plumbing was ready to grow, but not through traditional marketing methods. Instead, John used word-of-mouth, strategic partnerships, and online CRM systems to facilitate communication and boost the business.
2. Implementing Software to Scale Efficiently
John introduced systems that allowed the business to scale more efficiently. Using tools like Jobber, John streamlined processes such as quoting, scheduling, invoicing, and customer follow-up. This allowed Master Plumbing to take on more work without overburdening staff or losing the personal touch that makes service businesses stand out.
3. Respecting the Old Guard and Blending Experience with Innovation
While John leveraged technology to streamline operations, he also valued the knowledge and experience of the longtime employees who had been with the company for decades. These employees, who had worked with the previous owner for years, knew the community and the trade inside and out. John fostered a working environment where younger employees and older staff could collaborate, creating a dynamic work culture.
The Numbers Behind John’s Business Growth
John’s story is one of growth through smart decisions and hard work. Here’s a closer look at the financials behind his growth:
- Revenue Milestones:
Since purchasing the business in May 2023, John has grown the business from 7 employees to 23 by March 2024. His goal for 2025 is to continue scaling in a sustainable manner while staying grounded in his commitment to quality service.
- Profitability:
John’s approach to managing costs—like overhead, labor, and supplies—has allowed him to maintain healthy profit margins. For example, he recently completed a large project with a total job cost of $3,500, earning significant profits after factoring in labor and materials.
Key Takeaways from John’s Journey
There’s a lot that aspiring business owners can learn from John’s journey. Here are the top lessons that can be applied to any service-based business:
1. Embrace Technology to Simplify Operations
Implementing software like Jobber and using CRM systems for scheduling, invoicing, and tracking jobs is a must for scaling your business. This reduces the risk of error and ensures smooth operations, even as you grow.
2. Don’t Forget the Community
Communicating your vision for growth to your local community—whether through word-of-mouth, social media, or traditional networking—helps build trust and loyalty. Engaging with your community isn’t just about marketing; it’s about making sure people know what your business stands for and how it can help them.
3. Mentorship and Leadership Matter
Being a good leader isn’t just about making decisions—it’s about being there for your team and guiding them through both the ups and downs of the business. John’s ability to balance mentorship with effective decision-making has played a significant role in his success.
4. Know Your Numbers
As John highlights, it’s essential to know the true cost of labor, overhead, and materials to ensure profitability. By keeping track of these numbers and regularly reviewing them, business owners can make informed decisions that promote long-term success.
John’s Blueprint for Success in Plumbing and Heating
Building a business from scratch is challenging, but John Diekel’s approach shows that it can be done with dedication, strategic planning, and smart partnerships. From his military leadership background to his success in plumbing, John’s journey is proof that with the right mindset and tools, anyone can scale their business—even in a competitive industry.
If you’re looking to start a service business, follow John’s lead: focus on creating strong partnerships, implementing smart systems, and respecting the experience of those who’ve come before you. John’s journey is just beginning, and as he looks toward further growth, his story will continue to inspire aspiring entrepreneurs across the country.
Listen to the full episode with John Diekel now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave us a 5-star review if you’re getting value from the show! Your support helps us reach more business owners in the home services and trades. Thanks for being part of the OWNR OPS community—and remember:
Work hard. Do your best. Never settle for less. 👊
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