Welcome to another edition of our Hub Spotlight series where do a deep dive into the men and women who make the trades great. This spotlighted tradesperson tells us that he really enjoys trashy reality TV. “Nothing like kicking your feet up and watching someone making horrible life decisions on 90-Day Fiancé on a Sunday Read more
HVAC
Welcome to another edition of our Hub Spotlight series where do a deep dive into the men and women who make the trades great. This spotlighted tradesperson tells us that he really enjoys trashy reality TV. “Nothing like kicking your feet up and watching someone making horrible life decisions on 90-Day Fiancé on a Sunday evening.” Joking aside, for Keith McGillivary (@mps_207)—full-time business owner of McGillivary’s Plumbing Services (MPS), Gardiner, Maine, for the past two years—his story into the plumbing trades is an interesting one.
McGilivary’s path started in a small town when a small plumbing business was looking for a helper, and he was looking for a job. “Little did I know it would be the start of where I am now,” says McGillivary. Before college, McGillivary started working for a small plumbing business that primarily focused on service work. The owner, Russell, was/is a great mentor and really took the time to help him understand not only what they were doing, but why they were doing it.
After deciding to pursue plumbing, McGillivary attended Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) for its plumbing and heating program. Through college, he continued to work alongside his mentor, and after graduation, continued to work for him full time for three years. McGillivary then took a job at Bath Iron Works (BIW) as a pipefitter building destroyers, ships for the United States Navy. “The piping systems were complex, and although it was “plumbing on a ship,” it was completely different. I found it fun to learn the ins and outs of that particular plumbing,” says McGillivary.
Eventually, McGillivary joined the Pipefitter Test Crew and tested the piping systems after they were built. He worked there for six years, but the whole time he continued to work nights and weekends doing plumbing work on the side. “This allowed me to gain hours and knowledge for my Master’s test. After passing my Masters, I decided to make the plunge into self-employment because I wanted the schedule flexibility for my family,” says McGillivary.
In fact, McGillivary’s biggest motivation for self-employment was time, rather than money. “I have learned to set firm boundaries for myself when scheduling and taking on jobs. I have been able to take more time off for my family than ever. Being a service plumber, in this day in age, you could work 24/7 if you wanted. I try to work ‘normal’ hours, and if I can take a day off for family stuff, I always do,” says McGillivary.
Shout Out to Mentorship
According to McGillivary, Russell taught him everything he knows about plumbing and owning a business. “He taught me all the hands-on work, how to write estimates & bid on jobs, customer relations, and how to balance a small business/family life,” says McGillivary.
And McGillivary wants to pay it forward. “I definitely consider myself a role model for others looking to join the trade. I feel I am a good example that hard work and dedication pays off,” says McGillivary. “My mentor was so important to my journey that I try to give back what I can by being transparent about my plumbing knowledge.”
Uplifting the Trades
Recently, there has been a big push for kids to attend trade school so there has been a shift in younger people showing interest, says McGillivary. “Trade school was beneficial for me to learn the code side of things, in an environment different from the hands-on work. I think we could get more interest in the trades if the schools showcased all the different avenues someone could go once they completed their schooling, and the financial opportunities that come with them. Everyone expects a doctor to make six figures, but not everyone knows you can make that in the trades without massive student loan debt,” says McGillivary.
“Everyone expects a doctor to make six figures, but not everyone knows you can make that in the trades without massive student loan debt.”
Social media can also be used to attract more people to the trades. “I see it all too often when guys in the trade are way too harsh on people for asking questions on Facebook plumbing pages. There are so many people asking questions for the purpose of learning and gaining knowledge. We were all there at some point, so be kind enough to answer the questions in a helpful manner. Social media can also be used to form “new-to-the-trades” communities and to provide seminars,” says McGillivary.
Social media also has played a huge role in the growth of McGillivary’s business. Starting as a small, part-time business with the help of word-of-mouth recommendations on small town Facebook pages, which made McGillivary realize that social media could be used to showcase the work he is doing on a day-to-day basis. “I use my Instagram to show what I am about as a business and the work I put out. I have found that if a customer can see why you are more expensive than the other guy, then they are more likely to go with you. I use it as an open-door insight to my business both in reels and daily stories,” says McGillivary.
McGillivary uses social media to learn little tricks of the trade that he just wouldn’t have been exposed to, being from such a small town. For McGillivary, it is extremely beneficial to be able to have conversations with such great tradesmen. He also talks to apprentices daily or weekly about projects, and gives them advice. “I wish when I was learning, I had this platform to learn and meet others. As visual learners, much like a lot of trades guys I know, it’s changed the way we can learn,” says McGillivary.
Making Time
Summers in Maine are short, so McGillivary tries to spend every nice weekend camping in his camper. In the winter months you can find him on his snowmobile at camp. “I would love to ride my snowmobile from camp in northern Maine to the Gaspe Peninsula to complete the “Great Gaspe Snowmobile Tour,” a six-day, 1,500-mile ride around some of the best trails,” says McGillivary.
And the last day McGillivary said it was a great day? “You know it’s funny, as I look back on just yesterday—camping with my family, beautiful weather, everyone smiling, does it get much better than that? So, the answer to that question would be yesterday!”
Go-To Tools on the Job
According to McGillivary, his go-tools are a couple pairs of Knipex Cobra pump pliers, a 6-in-1 screwdriver, and an adjustable wrench. Any good service plumber can fix most things with those!
Also, I find myself feeling naked if I don’t have my Leatherman Wave on me. Another great tool that has many uses.
Lastly, if there was one tool that changed the service plumbing game, it’s the M12 Milwaukee press tool. If you’re running a service company and don’t have one, you’re late to the party.
Eric Aune with Mechanical Hub joins American Plumber Stories for a “Signing Day” special at the Build My Future event, hosted by the Iowa Skilled Trades. Take a look at the exhibitors and the hands-on experiences offered for students considering a career in the trades. Iowa Governor, Kim Reynolds, also presents at the celebration and Read more
Eric Aune with Mechanical Hub joins American Plumber Stories for a “Signing Day” special at the Build My Future event, hosted by the Iowa Skilled Trades. Take a look at the exhibitors and the hands-on experiences offered for students considering a career in the trades. Iowa Governor, Kim Reynolds, also presents at the celebration and signs each student’s letter of intent as they commit to their future in the trades after high school.
One of the industry’s leading independent agencies, the 73-year-old Dellon Sales now represents the full Saniflo offering throughout its territory, targeting both residential and commercial segments, while placing strong emphasis on contractor product education. SFA Saniflo USA recently partnered with Dellon Sales Company to serve as its exclusive sales agent throughout the state of New Read more
One of the industry’s leading independent agencies, the 73-year-old Dellon Sales now represents the full Saniflo offering throughout its territory, targeting both residential and commercial segments, while placing strong emphasis on contractor product education.
SFA Saniflo USA recently partnered with Dellon Sales Company to serve as its exclusive sales agent throughout the state of New Jersey and the five boroughs of New York City. In this capacity, effective July 1 of this year, Dellon Sales is representing the entire Saniflo offering of above-the-floor macerating and grinding toilet systems and drain pumps, serving wholesaler-distributors, as well as project managers, engineers, contractors, and architects.
A multi-channel agency, Dellon Sales covers all segments of the construction market, residential and commercial. Its team of more than 40 outside and inside sales personnel work to specify materials and quote a wide range of commercial projects, including retail, multi-use, offices, schools, hospitals and multifamily.
Based in Albertson, N.Y., Dellon Sales currently employs over 40 personnel and operates a 46,000-square-foot warehouse stocked many of the more prominent brands in plumbing, hydronic heating, HVAC and fire protection today.
Key to its work with Saniflo will be Dellon Sales’ long-standing commitment to contractor education. Able to offer a full range of AIA and CEU-accredited courses, Dellon will leverage its expertise to conduct field demonstrations and formal trainings for Saniflo. The goal: To help familiarize plumbing contractors as well as various buying influencers with the special features and benefits of the Saniflo product line and the cost- and time-saving solutions it brings to residential and commercial projects.
Now in its fourth generation, Scott Dellon leads Dellon Sales with over 40 years of industry experience. Scott’s son David, a 2005 graduate of Penn State University, majoring in marketing and supply-chain logistics, joined the company in 2005 and now serves as company president, leading Dellon Sales with his father. Based in Albertson, N.Y., Dellon Sales currently employs over 40 personnel and operates a 46,000-square-foot warehouse stocked many of the more prominent brands in plumbing, hydronic heating, HVAC and fire protection today.
The father-and-son team that leads Dellon Sales (Albertson, NY), now in its fourth generation of family ownership: David (left) and Scott Dellon.
“Dellon Sales is excited to form this new partnership with Saniflo, a recognized brand leader and the inventor of above-floor maceration that has built a strong and growing market for the technology over the past two decades,” says David Dellon. “Our agency has an exceptional inside and outside sales team, filled with industry veterans and up-and-coming industry leaders who are eager to boost brand awareness and project specifications in the New York and New Jersey markets for Saniflo.”
“New Jersey is our home state in this country,” notes SFA Saniflo CEO Regis Saragosti. “Along with New York City, it is also one of Saniflo’s largest and most vibrant markets, one that offers a huge and growing potential. Working with Dellon Sales, one of our industry’s leading independent reps, we expect to fully capitalize in the years ahead on all that opportunity that New York and New Jersey have to offer.”
For more information on Saniflo’s partnership with Dellon Sales, visit: https://saniflo.greenhousedigitalpr.com/dellon-sales
The top training and business coaching provider for the contracting industry connects dealers with innovative online Equipment Exchange Business Development Resources (BDR), the training and business coaching authority for home services industry professionals, announces the launch of a unique online resource to help HVACR dealers work together to ensure they are properly equipped for new 2023 Read more
The top training and business coaching provider for the contracting industry connects dealers with innovative online Equipment Exchange
Business Development Resources (BDR), the training and business coaching authority for home services industry professionals, announces the launch of a unique online resource to help HVACR dealers work together to ensure they are properly equipped for new 2023 efficiency standards.
BDR’s Equipment Exchange allows individual dealers to connect online and arrange transfers of equipment impacted by a range of changing local, state and federal energy regulations set to take effect on Jan. 1, 2023.
“With the unprecedented number of new standards starting at the beginning of 2023, dealers may find some of their inventory is outdated overnight,” said Bruce Wiseman, president and owner of BDR. “BDR’s new online Equipment Exchange network allows individual dealers to post their available equipment, see listed products, and negotiate agreements so everyone has the equipment they need to serve their customers.”
The Equipment Exchange is a free service for dealers directly affected by rapidly changing energy standards and is intended for limited exchanges. BDR is not involved in any transactions and recommends dealers always contact their distributor partner first for their product needs.
“The goal of our Equipment Exchange is the overall benefit of our industry during a period of enormous potential disruption,” Wiseman said. “Without a program like this, dealers could be stuck with equipment they can’t use, forcing them to absorb significant losses or pass them on to contractors and their customers. BDR remains committed to the distributors who are an essential part of this industry.”
For more information about BDR’s Equipment Exchange, visit https://www.bdrco.com/exchange/.
Plumbing and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) contractors have unique challenges when it comes to marketing. You’re working in hidden spaces, and potential clients usually don’t know much about you until something goes wrong. Even then, your work is often invisible, with the only evidence being a bill or the lack of one. In Read more
Plumbing and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) contractors have unique challenges when it comes to marketing. You’re working in hidden spaces, and potential clients usually don’t know much about you until something goes wrong.
Even then, your work is often invisible, with the only evidence being a bill or the lack of one. In other words, this isn’t exactly a field where word-of-mouth works as well as it does for hotels or restaurants.
So what can you do to grow your business?
The answer lies in digital marketing strategies that will get you more leads, clients, and sales in today’s connected world. But, the trick is knowing which tactics are worth your time and which aren’t.
In this article, we’ll give you some essential digital marketing tips for plumbing and HVAC contractors so that you know how to market yourself effectively online. If you’re ready to dive in, read on!
#1. Go Social
With more than 4.6 billion users worldwide, social media platforms are an ideal place to boost your online presence and gain more eyeballs. That said, social media marketing can be tricky, but it can also be extremely effective. You have to be careful not to fall into the trap of posting to your social channels just to publish something.
You should be using social media to engage with your audience and build relationships with people who might need your services. Use the right social media channels for your business. If your industry is visual, Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest might be a better fit than Facebook.
If you’re an HVAC contractor, Facebook and Instagram are great places to start. If you’re a plumbing contractor, you might want to try a combination of Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
#2. HVAC Contractors: Start With Lead Generation
The best way to generate leads for your business is to offer something for free. Whatever your industry, there are likely organizations that could use your services but don’t have the money to pay for them. You can help these organizations by offering your services for free, and in exchange, they’ll give you something: their contact information.
This type of marketing is called lead generation, and it’s a great way to attract new clients and grow your business without spending any money. There are organizations that could use your services just about everywhere.
Start by thinking about your local community and the places you spend time: your kids’ school, your church, your gym, your sporting events, and more. Throughout the year, these places celebrate birthdays, host fundraisers, and hold other events. You can offer your services for free, and in exchange, you’ll get the contact information of everyone involved.
#3. Invest in An Engaging Content Marketing Strategy
You might not be a content marketing pro, but chances are that you have something to say. And if you want people to pay attention to you, you need to say it in a way that’s easy to find, read, and share.
Most businesses should have an editorial calendar, which is a schedule for publishing content. Your calendar should include topics that are relevant to your industry, your clients, and your business.
Organize your calendar by topic and make sure to include content for all of your marketing channels. If you’re an HVAC contractor, for example, you might create a blog post about how to choose the right type of air filter, publish a how-to on installing solar panels, or create a HVAC salary guide to help HVAC business owners hire top talent.
Or, if you’re a plumbing contractor, you might write an article on how to winterize your water heater or create a training video or tutorial video showing how to unclog a drain using a plunger. Whatever your industry, there are topics that will interest your clients.
#4. Take Advantage of Local SEO
Local SEO is the art of making sure your business is listed on the best local directories and maps. It’s also about optimizing your website and social media profiles for local search. You want to ensure that when potential clients search for your services in your area, your business appears at the top of relevant searches.
That way, you don’t need to go door to door to find new clients. Depending on which state you’re in, your clients may also be able to find you through state-level directories like Angie’s List. If you’re a plumber, you should add your business to Yelp, Google My Business, and Plumbers.org.
If you’re an HVAC contractor, your business should be listed on Yelp, Angie’s List, HomeAdvisor, and Local.com. Make sure that each of your local listings has accurate contact information, including a telephone number. You can also use your listings to add information about your business, including hours of operation and specialties.
#5. Set Up a Responsive Website
In today’s digital world, having a website is a must for businesses. It’s safe to say that your website is the foundation of your online marketing. Think of it like your 24/7 online store. It’s where potential clients will learn about your business, see what you can offer, how to contact you and decide whether you’re right for them.
This also means that your site needs to be accessible on any device and optimized for search. You don’t want your potential clients to have to squint to read your content every time they open your site and try to learn more about your service.
#6. Leverage User-Based Advertising
Social media advertising is growing in popularity because it’s one of the most effective ways to reach your target audience. You can target users on Facebook and Instagram based on their age, location, interests, hobbies, and more.
When you run a social media ad, you’re paying to get your ad in front of an audience that Facebook has identified as relevant to your business. When you’re advertising on Facebook, make sure that you’re creating your ads with the right mindset: you’re trying to get people to click, not to buy.
#7. Plumbing Contractors: Try Display Ads and Podcasting
If you’re a plumbing contractor, you might be ready to get more inventive with your marketing strategy. You might have the best marketing strategy in the world, but if potential clients can’t find it, you’re wasting your time.
You can use display ads to get your message in front of a more general audience. You can write an article or create a video and then promote it with display ads on social media and on major websites.
You can also try podcasting. Podcasts are a great way to engage your audience, and they’re growing in popularity. You can talk about your industry and answer your clients’ most pressing questions. You can even interview experts in your field or conduct interviews with your team members.
Conclusion
Your business is unique. That means you need a unique marketing strategy that works for you and your clients. These digital marketing tips will get you started, but don’t forget to experiment to see which one works and which one does not at the moment.
In this fast-paced world, you may find that a strategy that doesn’t work for your business today could be your secret sauce tomorrow. Keep an eye out for trends and try new things. With a little effort and these essential digital marketing tips, you’ll be well on your way to a successful business.
Guest Author
Guest AuthorAndre Oentoro is the founder of Breadnbeyond, an award-winning explainer video company. He helps businesses increase conversion rates, close more sales, and get positive ROI from explainer videos (in that order).