06/05/2026
Wow! This month marks my tenth year as Jon The Plumber LLC. I didn't just start out as Jon The Plumber, I was first just Jon The helper.
I began my plumbing journey just after I left the Army, in 2003. Mainly due to my dad's enthusiasm and encouragement. I first began just using a shovel and digging ditches, for underground plumbing drain lines. It truly wasn't for the faint of heart.
Moving forward, I learned how to plumb residential homes, while becoming proficient at it. Then I moved to another type of plumbing, commercial. I began learning how to run copper, core drilling, read prints, gas work, and different codes. I was still a novice but with more experience than most.
In 2005, I moved to Union and began working with Howard Boulware, my mentor and friend. He taught me more about what I already knew and then enhanced it by teaching me about the municipal aspect about plumbing as well. This is where I was able to become well diverse in all principles of the trade, of plumbing.
I am now approaching a quarter of a century, of my life, as a plumber and ten years as a business owner. It has not been easy to do. I have endured long hours, lost wages and family time, hurt and sore body, physically and mentally drained, loss of customers and friendships, and so much more. Many people feel that owning a business will make you wealthy and solve all of your problems. However it is only the beginning.
For a plumber, anyone can glue two pieces of pipe together and claim they are now a plumber. Then under-charge what I would and make a few extra dollars. But when you don't have to pay for the liability of what "could" happen then it is easy to not have to charge what bigger companies charge. Believe me, no one wishes for bad will for any one person, but the truth is in today's time people will protect their investment, even if they have to do litigation process.
Plumbing is and always will be an evolving education profession, and the day I believe that I know everything there is about it, is the day I will hang it up for good. Because I don't know everything and I love to learn and moreover I love to pass on my knowledge to those who want to learn. But even that has proved to be challenging because most people now feel as though they know more that you do, and underestimate the profession.
Being a business owner has taught me so many things. The first, is that the IRS can be brutal. That is why I never attempted to do it on my own. The second, never take on a job that you can not do by yourself. (Meaning employee's are hard to come by and good one's are even more difficult keep) Then third, just be honest. I try to be honest with everyone. I have made mistakes, stepped on toes, and made wrong decisions but I am only human, who hasn't? But I don't steal and I don't cheat people. I have worked hard for what I have earned and to get where I am today.
Ten years ago, when I opened my company, I wanted to do it right. Have my plumbing license, my insurance, workman's compensation insurance, and truck insurance. Today, I still have it and still I don't have to look over my shoulder in fear of an inspector to come catch me, for not having any of it. I am in favor of anyone of any trade excelling and doing business for themselves, but I am also in favor doing it the right way and protecting themselves and the customer, by being licensed, in their prospective profession. Even professional cooks go to culinary school. Why wouldn't you want your professional contractor to be licensed? Is saving a few dollars worth the price of the lack of knowledge or lack of insurance? Below is a copy of my Plumbing license...any licensed contractor should have one, at all times, just like this and/ or similar to it and can be obtained from LLR.sc.gov to verify.
Either way, it is always up to you to decide which contractor to use, for what job.
I just want to personally thank anyone and everyone that has ever used my plumbing services over the course of years. I am truly grateful and humbled to be able to continue to serve you, with the hopes that I will continue to do so for many years to come.
As a token of my appreciation for all of my past, current, and new customers for the rest of the month, of June 2026, I am offering a 15% discount on all service calls, if you mention this post, at our next visitation (limit one per household/ family).
Thank you very much, from the bottom of my heart and thank you for allowing me to Remain #1 IN THE #2 BUSINESS 🤙
