The plumbing industry from an employer's perspective

[phishfood]

I have plenty of personal experience from the employee's perspective, both as an installer and as lower (field) management. And, as just about every other field employee probably has, I have said a fair share of derogatory things about "the office".

So, I am just curious as to what it is like on the other side of the coin.

What are some of the biggest recurring headaches? What policies have you had to put in place to address these that seems to drive your employees bonkers? What are some of the biggest problems that you have with customers? What are some of the biggest problems that you have with employees?

[Reedwalker]

My biggest problems in order of importance:

1. Getting paid for jobs that have been completed. (My number one priority is making that payroll nut every week)

2. Employees spending money at supply houses. I don't mind them buying gloves, hand wipes, booties, etc. It's when they buy faucets and other things just to rob the parts and then don't charge the customer accordingly. I have a shop full of useless fixtures.

3. Employee safety. I hate to admit its this low on the list. I am constantly "nagging" about safety goggles and ear protection. Comp insurance is expensive enough, the last thing I want is a claim. Or worse one of my men is seriously injured and I have to call his wife.

4. If I sell a job at one price and my tech figures out a way to "save the customer money". Your job is to earn money for the company (see #1), not save the customer money.

It's very easy to add up your weekly totals and subtract your paycheck and think "I made this much for my boss this week." What most techs leave out is the cost of the truck they drive, the cost of insurance, the MAJOR expenses of advertising, and even the cost of the supplies they used to earn that money.
It is difficult to make money in this business these days. We're competing with not only other plumbers, but "handymen", and people who are laid off of another job and think they can do it.

[majakdragon]

It only took a short stint as the "boss' to learn that most employees think only of themselves. Letting an employee take the company truck home, only to find he was doing side jobs with "my" tools and materials, and even buying more stuff for their own jobs on my account at the supply house. 1/2 hour breaks and hour long lunches, and this time started after driving 20 minutes from the jobsite for a "better" meal. The kicker here was needing to work overtime to get the job done and the customers water back on. I paid over the prevailing wage, hoping to get quality employees. Found it better to be a one man shop and hire a helper when needed. I ended up going back to being an employee. Found it much better and less stressful.

[phishfood]

I have seen the results of robbing parts from faucets and valves to fix others. At one company I worked at, I helped the warehouse guy sort through a whole room of faucets and such that were missing parts. I wouldn't have been surprised if there had been $50,000 of now-worthless stuff in there.

When I was running jobs, I was always having to chase guys around after break and lunch. 5 minutes over is one thing, but when break is over at 9:45 and you still aren't back to work by 10..... It isn't hard to see how 8 hours pay only gets 7 hours of work, with that work ethic.

[DUNBAR PLUMBING]

As majakdragon alluded to, it's hard to find subordination in employees.


The turnover rate is high for plumbers as well. Not as high as restaurant or retail because the majority don't even bother to apply.

What I've found is what so many will say and lie about to get hired on, then they get comfortable and "settle in" like they've got more control than you.


And if you've ever met someone that knows the ropes of being an employee, knows that he gets paid for his mistakes as well, or "you need him more than he needs you" mentality,

you'll soon find out how much control they really have over you.

It's adult babysitting in a nutshell and you'll hear every damn excuse in the world why they can't come in to work 5 days a week. Ridiculous.

I've been one myself and I could easily fire myself for some of the things I did. The attitude changes when you work for someone else, and you're fulfilling someone else's dream and not your own.

That mentality is hard to break down and change.

If mexicans spoke clear english I'd hire them in a second. Very hard workers and reliable, they put work as their first priority. I just don't want to learn the language. I press 1 enough already.

[Austin]

I've found similar issues in every field I've worked in. How do you motivate but keep them subordinate in a culture were the only thing that matters is money? When you have that figured out let us know. That's a million dollar idea.

[Reedwalker]

Originally Posted by Houston

I've found similar issues in every field I've worked in. How do you motivate but keep them subordinate in a culture were the only thing that matters is money? When you have that figured out let us know. That's a million dollar idea.

The answer to that question is commission and sales based annual bonuses. This also creates a competitive environment between techs and sales managers.

[Driller1]

A year ago I went to all 1099's. End of problem. Of course, we only have two people and work seven months a year.

It was THEIR idea. They just KNEW Obama would "give" them health care. They miss it now.......

[Chris]

Originally Posted by Driller1

A year ago I went to all 1099's. End of problem. Of course, we only have two people and work seven months a year.

It was THEIR idea. They just KNEW Obama would "give" them health care. They miss it now.......

Don't they have to have their own contractors license to do that?

[Driller1]

Originally Posted by Chris

Don't they have to have their own contractors license to do that?

No. They just get 1099's.

http://www.irs.ustreas.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i1099msc.pdf