When Kevin Jackson, a two-man plumbing company owner in Southern California, asked Facebook for advice on calculating his hourly rate, the response was a flood of recommendations from experienced plumbers, coaches, and industry insiders.
His post sparked a larger conversation about the value of business coaching and the best resources available for plumbing businesses looking to boost profitability. Here’s a breakdown of the top responses and the standout names in plumbing business coaching, featuring real comments and insights from the community.
1. Conquer Coaching
Recommended by: R and L Hospitality Services, Jessica Peterson
Why it stands out: Conquer Coaching was one of the most frequently mentioned. Jessica Peterson emphasized the value it brings to establishing strong business habits and systems. “They teach you your billable hour and provide tools that ensure you’re charging the right amount,” she said. “It’s not inexpensive, but if you apply what they teach, it’s worth it.”
2. The Blue Collar Success Group
Recommended by: Robert Gochenour, Carmanuch Ubotz
Why it stands out: Known for its straightforward, actionable advice, The Blue Collar Success Group was another frequent recommendation. Robert Gochenour summed it up: “Call them!” Simple yet emphatic.
3. Warplan.com (Trade Wins)
Recommended by: Alex Schwartz, Mitch Smedley
Why it stands out: Warplan offers customizable flat-rate price books and small trades business coaching. Mitch Smedley mentioned, “We have a plumbing flat rate price book with over 200 repair codes and 800+ excavation codes.”
4. The Wealthy Plumber (Jered Williams)
Recommended by: Copper Shine Plumbing, Eric Hernandez
Why it stands out: This program focuses on future projections and expense planning. Copper Shine Plumbing shared, “I used their hourly rate calculator, but I factored in future expenses to grow and tool up better.”
5. Action Coach (Joseph Quero)
Recommended by: Carlos CJ Granados
Why it stands out: Action Coach offers comprehensive support in planning and strategizing for growth. Carlos CJ Granados vouched for their expertise in helping businesses scale efficiently.
6. PHCC Overhead Calculator
Recommended by: Deerick B Smith
Why it stands out: The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors (PHCC) Association provides an overhead calculator that helps pinpoint the right hourly rate.
7. Grandy & Associates
Recommended by: Shannon J Linn
Why it stands out: Grandy & Associates offer labor pricing software and tools to track costs and profit margins. Shannon highlighted how their software “saved my company and shows where your money is going.”
8. Ellen Rohr’s Bare Bones Program
Recommended by: Meegan Lee Holman
Why it stands out: Ellen Rohr’s program simplifies complex financials. Meegan shared, “We hired her years ago and still use what she taught us.”
9. HVAC Masters of The Hustle
Why it stands out: Known for helping HVAC and plumbing businesses scale, HVAC Masters of The Hustle focuses on sales training and mindset coaching. Business owners frequently praise their seminars and courses for transforming their approach to selling and boosting their revenue.
10. ServiceMVP
Why it stands out: ServiceMVP has built a reputation for equipping trades businesses with sales and service strategies that lead to higher close rates and customer satisfaction. Online reviews highlight the practical nature of their training, with many contractors reporting measurable growth in profits after attending their workshops.
Key Takeaways from the Comments Section
Ryan Pinney suggested undercutting competition by 10-20%, but Kevin Jackson clarified he wanted to focus on profit margins, not just break-even rates.
Robert Gochenour countered Pinney’s advice, emphasizing that break-even rates for small shops can be high, especially during growth phases.
Anthony Vodnik reminded everyone that pricing should reflect lifestyle goals. “Do you want four vacations a year and a Porsche?” he joked.
Actionable Advice to Get Started
- Call your competitors and gauge market rates (Joe Crossley).
- Use tools like PHCC’s overhead calculator to get accurate insights (Deerick B Smith).
- Budget thoroughly and calculate your target profit margin (John Stutt).
Finding the right coach or consultant can redefine how you price services and scale your plumbing business. Whether it’s through Conquer Coaching, Blue Collar Success Group, or the Warplan flat rate price book, the consensus is clear — coaching pays off if you apply the lessons.
How to Choose the Right Plumbing Business Coach
Running a plumbing business isn’t just about fixing pipes—it’s about managing finances, growing profits, and building a sustainable company. Finding the right business coach can be the difference between thriving and barely breaking even. But how do you choose the right coach for your specific needs?
Here’s a breakdown of how to select the best plumbing business coach and five additional areas to focus on to scale your business.
1. Choosing the Right Plumbing Business Coach
1. Define Your Goals: Are you looking to increase profits, improve efficiency, or expand your team? Knowing your goals will help you find a coach that specializes in what you need.
2. Look for Industry Experience: Choose coaches who have direct experience in the trades. Coaches from groups like Conquer Coaching or The Blue Collar Success Group understand the unique challenges of plumbing businesses.
3. Read Reviews and Testimonials: Look for coaches with proven track records. Sites like Warplan.com and resources from HVAC Masters of The Hustle often feature client testimonials highlighting real-world success.
4. Ask for Case Studies: A good coach should be able to provide examples of businesses they’ve helped scale or turn around.
5. Prioritize Accountability: The best coaches hold you accountable for results. Avoid coaches who simply offer advice without a follow-up process.
2. Pricing Services for Maximum Profitability
Pricing isn’t just about being competitive—it’s about knowing your worth and your costs. Use tools like the PHCC Overhead Calculator or The Wealthy Plumber Hourly Rate Calculator to determine what you need to charge to hit profit targets. Remember, undercharging leads to burnout, not growth.
3. Building Recurring Revenue Streams
Consider offering maintenance plans or VIP memberships to create predictable income. This stabilizes cash flow and increases customer loyalty. Programs like those from ServiceMVP provide strategies to upsell without being pushy.
4. Mastering Sales and Customer Retention
Your technical skills are critical, but closing sales and retaining customers will drive growth. Look to resources like HVAC Masters of The Hustle for sales training that translates directly to higher close rates.
5. Developing Leadership and Growing Your Team
A business grows when the team grows. Investing in leadership coaching through programs like Action Coach helps you cultivate leaders within your company, allowing for smoother operations and greater scalability.
6. Streamlining Operations with Technology
Efficiency is king. Using the right software can drastically improve productivity. Look into platforms like Housecall Pro and ServiceTitan to manage scheduling, invoicing, and customer communications all in one place.
Take Action Now
Choosing the right plumbing business coach isn’t just a checkbox—it’s a powerful investment in your company’s future. Combine coaching with actionable strategies for pricing, recurring revenue, sales, leadership, and technology to see measurable growth.
If you’re ready to level up, start exploring coaches from The Blue Collar Success Group, Conquer Coaching, and ServiceMVP today. Your business will thank you for it.
