Brian’s Plumbing succeeds with Support from SBDC
Brian Walser started his plumbing business with a load of ambition and a pickup, working out of his house. Today, Brian’s Plumbing is one of the largest plumbing companies in Wichita Falls, Texas, thanks in part to the advice and encouragement from America’s Small Business Development Center at Midwestern State University (MSU SBDC) in Wichita Falls, Texas.
“It has been exciting to watch Brian’s Plumbing grow and to assist them throughout the years with advice and encouragement,” said Vanda Cullar, Regional Director, MSU SBDC.
Brian and his wife Diane started Brian’s Plumbing in 1984 with a truck full of tools, a pager and a roll of quarters. Brian would drive to a pay phone, call Diane and get directions to the next job.
Communication has progressed from the pay phone to cell phones for each plumber. Each job is sent via text message by the dispatcher in the office to the plumber.
Back in the day, Brian worked day and night and never turned down a customer. Today, he is still working from sun up to sun down; however, he is now supervising a crew of 14 plumbers along with 14 apprentice plumbers with sales that exceed $2.5 million.
The business services commercial accounts, but 75% of his customers are homeowners.
Brian remembers: “My grandfather taught my dad honesty and integrity, and my dad taught me.” He built his business on his morals and honesty. If a customer was not happy, he will make it right. “Our primary goal is to exceed our customer’s expectations by giving them exceptional service with licensed professionals that use only the highest quality products and state-of-the-art equipment in the industry.”
“Brian and his wife Diane have been anchors of the revitalization efforts for downtown Wichita Falls,” said Cullar.
Brian was president of the Wichita Falls Downtown Development where he served 4 years, and after two major renovations of downtown properties you can say Brian puts his money where his mouth is.
He and his wife Diane sponsored and purchased a Main Event Horse benefiting Faith Mission, Patsy’s House and Downtown Wichita Falls Development. Brian is very involved in the community where he has donated services for Children‘s Aid Society and Daybreak Community Services Cattle Barons Ball, Red River Wine Festival to mention a few. He also donates to elderly if they cannot pay their bill; sponsors little league, donate to boys and girls club, hospice and numerous golf sponsors throughout the year.
During the five-years of drought (2010 to mid-2015) Brian and his company reached out to the community in an effort to promote water conservation techniques.
Brian is also a proud member of the Chamber of Commerce & Industry and has been a member of the Better Business Bureau since 1989, enjoying an A+ rating.