Bill Van Mastrigt: A Simple Profession

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

SAN RAMON — Dissatisfied with working for a large corporation, Bill Van Mastrigt followed his desire for a simpler profession to a career in the plumbing industry. “After my service in the military, I went to work for the Shell oil refinery in Martinez,” he recounts. “After about six years, I decided I didn’t like the big corporate environment and wanted to do something on a smaller scale. I knew the owner of a plumbing company in Concord, and he agreed to hire me and train me in the business. Eventually, I decided to continue in the industry with the goal of starting my own company.”

Today, as owner of Advanced Plumbing and Rooter Service, Bill says his favorite part of his job is forming long-term relationships with his customers. “I enjoy getting to know my customers on a more personal level over time. I find it very rewarding to be closely connected to my community—plus, you’d be amazed at how many bags of Christmas cookies I bring home during the holidays!”

A resident of San Ramon (where he lives with his wife, Nilda, and their children), Bill prefers to spend the bulk of his free time outside. “We’re very outdoorsy people,” he affirms. “In the winter we’re skiing and snowboarding, and in the summer we do a lot of hiking, camping, and hunting. You name it—if it’s outdoors, we like doing it.”

In regard to his professional career, Bill says he hopes to build a legacy. “My long-term goal with the business is to create something that’s both a sustainable source of income and that will provide professional opportunities for my kids as they grow older. I already have one son in the industry and, just like me, it has opened up a lot of opportunities for him. Of course, keeping the business growing and successful means maintaining the core values I started with: being honest, doing the job right and taking care of the customer.”

When asked the first thing he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, Bill says he’d expand the scope of his wilderness experience. “As an outdoor enthusiast, I’d like to travel around and see some new places. I’d also probably schedule some out-of-state hunting trips. I’ve always wanted to go moose hunting in Alaska.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: What’s your favorite local restaurant?
A: It depends on the type of food I’m in the mood for. For sushi, I like Amakara in Dublin; for Mexican food, it’s Maria Maria in Danville.

Q: What’s your favorite thing to do on a rainy day?
A: If I’m not working, I love to stay home with my kids and make grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup.

Q: Are you an early bird or a night owl?
A: I’m kind of both.

Q: What kind of music do you like?
A: Mainly country, but I have a background of listening to heavy metal bands like Metallica, which I still enjoy.

Q: What was your favorite toy as a child?
A: My Big Wheel.

Nic Ratel: Heating Up

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

CONCORD — Nic Ratel started working for Water Heaters Only, Inc. part-time during college, but once he decided to go full-time, his career began to heat up fast. “I started out working the late shift, answering customer calls and booking jobs,” he remembers. “At the time, I was studying graphic design and attending classes in the mornings. I actually had some plumbing experience—my father was a maintenance technician and I worked with him a lot throughout high school. At Water Heaters Only, I found that I enjoyed dealing with customers, and I eventually decided to join the company full-time. Over the past 11 years, I’ve worked my way up from answering phones to running the company’s entire Northern California operation.”

Today, Nic says his favorite part of his job is still interacting with customers. “I enjoy talking to people, hearing their stories and helping them with their water heater problems. I love it when I get a call from a customer who’s happy and excited about their experience with us—as a people-person, I find that very fulfilling.”

A resident of Sacramento, Nic spends his free time on a variety of pastimes, from working out to hanging out. “I’m an avid weightlifter,” he reveals. “I have a friend who’s a competitive bodybuilder and we work out together regularly. I also enjoy going four-wheeling, range shooting, and hanging out with friends and family.” Additionally, Nic likes to pursue his passion for music. “I love all kinds of music and play a few different instruments, including trombone, guitar and drums. I don’t play in a band or anything—it’s just something I do for fun on my own.”

In regard to his professional career, Nic espouses the importance of customer care. “Essentially, I try to treat every customer like family,” he explains. “Our technicians are trained to be personable and make sure customers are well taken care of. The goal is that by the end of each job, we’ve not only served a client, we’ve made a friend.”

When asked the first thing he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, Nic says he’d take his first real vacation. “I’ve been working ever since I got my first work permit at the age of 12. I’ve never taken a real vacation—it’s always been just one or two days here and there. So, if I retired, I would take a week or two and go somewhere tropical, like the Caribbean.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: If you could immediately master a musical instrument, what would you choose?
A: Piano.

Q: What’s your favorite snack?
A: Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.

Q: Would you rather live in the city or the country?
A: I do appreciate the city, but if I had to choose, I’d probably pick the country. I grew up in Grass Valley, so I’m a country boy at heart.

Q: Do you collect anything?
A: Mementos from life experiences, like photos and concert tickets.

Ricardo Lopez: A Rewarding Career

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

RICHMOND — Ricardo Lopez was initially drawn to the plumbing trade by the pay, but it wasn’t long before he discovered the true rewards his career provided. “I was told that plumbers made good money, so I decided to start an apprenticeship with a local company,” he remembers. “The pay was good, but what I really liked about the job was the opportunity to help people, especially elderly customers who are vulnerable to being taken advantage of. It felt very rewarding to be able to take care of people and provide an honest service. After five years working in the field, I decided to found my own business in 2002.”

Today, as owner of Superior Plumbing & Drain Cleaning Services, Ricardo says his first priority is providing top-notch customer service. “I personally train each of our employees in the way we present ourselves and serve our customers. To me, the most important thing is making sure every customer is satisfied, both with the work itself and the professionalism of our technicians.”

Originally from El Salvador, Ricardo resides today in Antioch with his wife, Fatima, and their two children. Outside of work, he spends his free time engaged in a variety of active pastimes. “My kids like the water, so we do a lot of swimming and boating at local lakes,” he says. “We also like to play basketball and soccer.” Additionally, Ricardo and his family make a point of traveling two to three times each year. “We regularly vacation at places like Cancun and Belize. Also, since my wife is from Mexico, we go to Guadalajara every January to see her family and take part in the holiday festivities.”

In regard to his professional career, Ricardo espouses the importance of taking care of people. “In addition to taking care of our clients, I believe in taking care of our employees,” he explains. “I try to make sure everyone who works for me is well-compensated and happy in their job. After all, when your employees are happy, they’re more likely to pass that on to customers in the form of good service, so it’s a great investment all in all.”

When asked the first thing he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, Ricardo says he’d take an extended vacation. “I would take a month-long trip with my family, maybe to Cancun or my home country of El Salvador. It’d be nice to just take some time to relax and recuperate by the beach.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: What’s your favorite sports team?
A: The San Francisco Giants.

Q: Are you an early bird or a night owl?
A: An early bird.

Q: Do you collect anything?
A: CDs and digital music.

Q: What kinds of music do you like?
A: I like all kinds, especially upbeat music because I’m a happy person.

Q: What’s your favorite snack?
A: Granola bars.

Jin Lee: Plumbing Smarts

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

SANTA CLARA — Jin Lee has always possessed a mechanical mind, so it only made sense for him to enter a field where he could utilize its full potential. “As a child, I was fascinated with how things worked and was always taking things apart and putting them back together,” he remembers. “Not surprisingly, plumbing was something that really interested me. Later, while working in furniture manufacturing, I did plumbing on the side as a hobby. When I came to the United States in 1995, I finally got a chance to pursue plumbing as a career, and in 2002, I started my own business.”

Today, as owner of Smart Plumbers, Inc., Jin says his favorite part of his job is bailing customers out of bad situations. “When someone is without water or can’t use their toilet, it’s not just an inconvenience—it’s an emergency. When I’m able to fix the problem and restore their plumbing system, they tend to be extra appreciative, which is very rewarding.”

Originally from South Korea, Jin now resides in Santa Clara with his wife, Sylvia. Outside of work, his favorite hobby is playing golf. “I try to golf at least once a week” he affirms. “Sometimes I don’t have time, but I do my best to make it happen.” Jin also enjoys following professional sports like football and soccer, as well as spending time with his children and grandchildren.

In regard to his professional career, Jin emphasizes the foundational importance of sanitation. “Modern plumbing originated because of a need for sanitation, and that’s still one of its most important aspects,” he explains. “Unfortunately, some plumbers and handymen neglect this, which can lead to unsanitary conditions and consequent health hazards. As far as my company is concerned, sanitation is a top priority—we always make sure our customers’ plumbing is clean, safe and secure.”

When asked what his life might look like if he retired tomorrow, Jin says he would spend more time doing the things he currently enjoys. “I would definitely play more golf—I’d probably go from playing once a week to playing every other day. And, of course, I’d spend more time with my wife, kids and grandkids.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: What’s your favorite sports team?
A: The San Francisco 49ers.

Q: Coffee or tea?
A: Coffee.

Q: What’s your favorite restaurant?
A: Sizzler.

Q: Are you an early bird or a night owl?
A: A night owl.

Q: Music or talk radio?
A: Music.

Jonathan Millington: Crash Course to Success

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

SAN FRANCISCO — Jonathan Millington’s plumbing career may have started with a crash course, but it ultimately led to an uncommon level of success. “In my early 20s, I was looking for a trade to get into and became interested in plumbing,” he begins. “I started reading some books about it and found a job with a local plumbing company. They gave me a real crash course. I think the idea was to train me really quickly and get me out in the field. As a result, I had to learn a lot from my mistakes, because I didn’t have a chance to fully learn things during my training.”

After getting a handle on the technical side of plumbing, Jonathan went to work for another company, where he gained insight on the service side. “After working in the field for a while, I was promoted to service manager and basically ran the business for the owner,” he recounts. “However, I didn’t agree with the way he handled customer service. This was back when most people used the Yellow Pages to find companies, and since he had a prominent ad there, he didn’t care whether customers were happy or came back. To me, it made more sense to invest in good service and build a loyal customer base. Not only would your customers be happy, you wouldn’t have to spend as much on advertising because of the repeat business.” Eventually, Jonathan decided the best way to implement his ideas was to start his own business, which he did in 2002.

Today, as owner of Ace Plumbing and Rooter, Jonathan says his favorite part of his job is finding solutions for his customers’ problems. “I think the problem-solving aspect was what interested me most about plumbing in the first place. Not only does it make for stimulating work, it’s fun to be the hero and save the day by fixing a customer’s problem.”

A resident of Daly City (where he lives with his wife, Marina, and son, Jonathan), Jonathan spends his time outside of work on a variety of active pastimes. “I enjoy snowboarding, playing golf and traveling when I get a chance,” he details. “I also love hanging out with my son. His favorite thing to do is ride his bicycle, so we do a lot of riding together.”

In regard to his professional career, Jonathan believes that his commitment to customer service has made all the difference in his long-term success. “Customer service has always been at the core of what we do,” he affirms. “I tell my plumbers, ‘If the customer isn’t happy at the end of the job, it isn’t finished—you need to stay there until they’re happy, even if that means getting me involved.’ Because of this, we’ve been able to build a very loyal customer base. Even if we’re booked out and can’t get to a customer’s house right away, they’re willing to wait. They don’t want to use another company because they trust us. That’s something I’m really proud of.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A: Colombia. I’ve done a fair bit of traveling, but that’s one place I still haven’t seen.

Q: Are you an early bird or a night owl?
A: I’m more of a night owl, but due to the nature of my business, I have to be an early bird. Things tend to start pretty early in the plumbing business.

Q: Do you collect anything?
A: Mainly souvenirs from traveling. My fireplace mantle is covered with odd trinkets I’ve brought back from all over the world.

Q: What’s your favorite holiday?
A: Christmas, because it’s all about the kids.

Q: What’s your favorite thing to eat for dessert?
A: Cheesecake.

Frans Cartwright: Recapturing Fulfillment

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

SAN JOSE — After finding himself at a professional impasse, Frans Cartwright was considering his options when inspiration came from an unlikely source. “After several years as an engineer in the tech field, I started to feel unsatisfied with my work and was figuring out what I wanted to do,” he remembers. “One day, we had a plumber come out to replace our water heater, and I was struck with the notion that I could do water heater installation as a small business venture. After doing a little research, I decided to go to work for a local plumbing company, which enabled me to gain experience while I studied to get my plumbing license. Within a couple of years, I was ready to launch my own water heater installation company.”

Since founding Better Water Heaters in 2003, Frans says he’s recaptured the sense of fulfillment that had been missing from his prior occupation. “I really enjoy the problem-solving aspect of the trade because it allows me to exercise my engineering skills. However, I also appreciate the opportunity to interact with and take care of my customers, which is something that had never been a part of my former career. Altogether, it’s been a very satisfying experience.”

Originally from Southern California, Frans moved to San Jose in 1996, where he currently lives with his wife, Melinda, and their five children. “San Jose is a great place to raise a family, with a lot to do locally and many nearby national parks for spending time in nature,” he says. “In addition to attending different local events and festivals, we enjoy going camping at places like Yosemite and Big Sur, as well as skiing at Lake Tahoe.”

In keeping with his values as a devoted family man, Frans has made it a point to create a family-centered culture at Better Water Heaters. “I’m all about family, and that’s the type of environment we foster here,” he affirms. “A lot of my employees have kids, so I try to be accommodating with scheduling so they can take time off for family things. Obviously, making a living is important, but I think being there for your family is an equal priority.”

When asked what his future retirement might look like, Frans says it will hopefully involve plenty of exotic locales and fine foods. “My wife and I are foodies, and we also love to travel, so that will probably be the focal point of our post-retirement ventures. It’s been quite a few years since we’ve been to Europe, so we’d probably kick things off with a trip to France or Germany.”

Ask Me Anything!
Q: What’s your favorite movie?
A: “The Usual Suspects.”

Q: What’s your favorite local restaurant?
A: Sen Dai Sushi in Milpitas.

Q: Are you an early bird or a night owl?
A: Early bird.

Q: Do you collect anything?
A: Marbles. I still have a bunch of them from when I was a kid.

Q: What’s your favorite newspaper comic strip?
A: “Pickles.”

Kyle Barnhart: Gradual Growth

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

SAN RAFAEL — Looking back on his plumbing career, Kyle Barnhart identifies a gradual progression of steady professional growth. “My entire career has basically been one big on-the-job learning experience,” he says. “It started in my childhood—my father was a plumber and he used to take me with him to jobsites. I always had an interest in the trade, especially the troubleshooting aspect. You really have to use your brain, and a lot of times, it’s like figuring out a puzzle. After high school, I got a job with a general contractor I knew and things took off from there. In 2012, I was hired at Mike Testa Plumbing and I’ve been here ever since.”

As vice president of Mike Testa Plumbing, Inc., Kyle says his favorite part of his job is passing on his knowledge to rookie plumbers. “I do a little bit of everything here, from hands-on work to office management, but I particularly enjoy training our new employees. It’s good to see younger people with an interest in the trade, and I appreciate the opportunity to teach them the right way to do things.”

A resident of Petaluma (where he lives with his wife, Kaci, and their two daughters), Mike spends his time outside of work on a variety of pastimes. “I have a 2010 Harley-Davidson FXDC that I enjoy riding and working on,” he details. “I’m also a big reader and do a lot of small remodeling projects on our home.” Additionally, Kyle enjoys spending quality time with his family. “We try to keep our kids busy, because otherwise they go crazy. They’re involved in soccer and taekwondo, and we also take them to the park and go on family bicycle rides.”

In regard to his professional career, Kyle says honesty is the best policy. “I try to be upfront about everything with our customers. I don’t like to sugarcoat things. I find that a straightforward, honest approach helps ensure our customers get the best possible value and service.”

When asked the first thing he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, Kyle says he’d plan a European vacation. “I’ve been to Europe once, but I’d like to go back for an extended length of time and bring my family. In particular, I’d like to tour the Nordic countries of Sweden, Iceland and Finland.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: What’s your favorite local restaurant?

A: Sauced BBQ & Spirits in Petaluma.

Q: Are you an early bird or a night owl?

A: A night owl.

Q: What’s your favorite thing to do on a rainy day?

A: Stay inside, read and hang out with my kids.

Q: Music or talk radio?

A: Music.

Q: What’s your favorite snack?

A: Cookies—you can’t go wrong with those.

Yussef Nesme: Expanding His Horizons

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

SAN JOSE – While landscaping and plumbing may seem like completely different industries to many people, for Yussef Nesme and his career path, one led to the other. “I started out in landscape design,” he explains. “It seemed to me that plumbing was pretty similar to landscape irrigation, and since plumbing is something everyone needs, I decided going into that industry would be a good career move.” Today, as Marketing Director of Rayne Plumbing and Sewer Service, Inc., Yussef enjoys the professional diversity that his position allows. “I love every aspect of my job, whether it’s meeting with people and building relationships on the sales and marketing side or working with my hands in the field.”

A lifetime resident of the Bay Area, Yussef says he appreciates living in what he considers the “capital of technology.” “In terms of technological innovation, the Bay Area is where the action is, so it’s exciting to be a part of that. Our area is both home to some of the major technological leaders and innovators and the place where all the new startups want to come to get established.”

When he’s not working, Yussef likes engaging in a number of sports-related activities, including playing pick-up basketball, snowboarding, jet skiing and training mixed martial arts. He also enjoys spending time with his mother and sisters, as well as his dog, Capone, a 150-pound boxer-pitbull mix.

Throughout his career, Yussef has learned the value of the age-old maxim: the customer is always right. “A lot of times, people will get carried away trying to convince somebody else that they’re right,” he explains. “But the amount of energy, time and frustration involved is rarely worth whatever they’re arguing about. As a professional, I’ve found it’s much more beneficial to avoid arguments altogether and just do what I need to do to make the customer happy.”

When asked the first thing he’d do if he could retire tomorrow, Yussef expresses a desire to expand his horizons. “I’d travel the world,” he says. “I’d especially like to visit Greece—besides the historical sights, I’ve been told it’s gorgeous and the people live really simply, which sounds like it’s right up my alley.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: If you had a theme song, what would it be?
A: “Simple Man” by Lynyrd Skynyrd.

Q: What’s your favorite movie?
A: “Dumb and Dumber.”

Q: What were you most known for in high school?
A: I guess I was the class clown.

Q: Who’s your favorite comedic actor?
A: Will Ferrell.

Q: Which Seinfeld character do you most identify with?
A: Kramer.

Leigh Marymor: Pipes and Pictographs

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

EMERYVILLE — As renowned as Leigh Marymor has become after 30 years in the Bay Area plumbing industry, he’s garnered an even more prominent reputation in the field of archeology. “I have an avocational passion for rock art research, which means I study prehistoric cave paintings and Indian rock art such as petroglyphs and pictographs,” he explains. “I’ve been doing this type of research for almost 40 years, and I’m also an activist for the conservation of local and international endangered historical sites. Additionally, I maintain a research database for the Bancroft Library at UC Berkeley, which gives students and researchers access to the literature of rock art studies.”

While his involvement in the archeological field was inspired by pure fascination, Leigh’s plumbing career originated from more practical motives. “I was actually a starving art student at the time, attending a textile art school in Berkeley,” he remembers. “I got introduced to plumbing when my roommate offered to take me to work with him a couple days a week. I think he was just tired of me stealing his groceries!” After he graduated college, Leigh found himself at a vocational crossroads. “By the time I finished school, I was married and wanted to start a family. I realized that my art degree wasn’t going to pay the bills, so I decided to stick with plumbing.”

Leigh founded his own plumbing business in 1981, which he operated out of Oakland for nearly two decades before partnering with Jim Lunt to establish The Lunt Marymor Company in 1999. “We were friendly competitors for years, and through a series of conversations, we eventually decided to join forces.” Today, Leigh says the partnership has culminated in a company that offers the utmost in quality and service. “Both of us put a high value on customer service, craftsmanship and artistry, and over the years we’ve been able to combine these attributes into an affordable package.”

Originally from Philadelphia, Leigh lived in various locations throughout the United States before eventually settling in the East Bay Area. Several years later, he continues to enjoy life in his adopted setting, where he lives with wife, Amy. “I fell in love with the Bay Area the moment I came here to attend college, and I still love being here today. As someone who travels a fair amount, it’s always a great place to come home to.”

Juggling both a professional career and avid avocational interests—he jokes about doing plumbing in his spare time—Leigh says he’s no different from others in the Bay Area who wear a number of hats. “A lot of my generation is made up of what you’d call ‘Renaissance people.’ The skills we learned in college prepared us for our careers, but we also came to develop personal interests outside of that realm. Rather than choosing one over the other, we decided to combine it all and live full, versatile lives.”

When asked the first thing he’d do if he could retire tomorrow, Leigh’s answer comes as no surprise. “I’d probably head to a cave somewhere,” he laughs. “If I could somehow get an invitation, I’d love to visit the Chauvet Cave in Southwestern France. They’ve found 32,000-year-old cave paintings there that are as beautiful and sophisticated as anything found in later periods, so that’s something I’d love to see.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: If you could time travel, would you go to the past or the future?
A: I would go to the past so I could meet some of the people whose art I’ve been looking at for all these years.

Q: What’s your favorite local restaurant?
A: Saul’s Restaurant & Deli in Berkeley.

Q: What’s your favorite holiday?
A: My wife’s birthday.

Q: Fiction or nonfiction books?
A: Fiction. I particularly enjoy Latin American surrealistic authors like Gabriel Garcia Marquez and Jose Saramago.

Q: Who makes you laugh?
A: Robin Williams, as well as some of the old classics like Red Skelton and Jackie Gleason.

Jason Schlunt: Part of the Family

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

SANTA CRUZ — Even though Jason Schlunt is co-owner of a family business, he hasn’t always been part of the family. “I got started in the plumbing and HVAC trades when I went into business with my father-in-law, Greg, who was just my girlfriend’s dad at the time,” he explains. “Prior to that, I did some consulting and worked a little in television. I knew I wanted to run my own business one day, so when Greg offered me the opportunity to partner with him, I accepted. Soon after, I married his daughter, so now I’m part of both the family and the family business.”

Today, as co-owner of Bellows Plumbing, Heating & Air, Inc., Jason lists several aspects he enjoys about his adopted career. “It’s a good business to be in—it’s challenging, technical, and we get to help people make their homes more comfortable. Overall, it’s very satisfying in terms of what you come away with at the end of the day.”

A resident of Marin (where he lives with his wife, Chelsea, and their daughters, Brooklyn and Hazel), Jason expresses his appreciation for living and working in the North Bay Area. “As someone who enjoys the outdoors, I love being in a place with so much natural beauty that’s close to both the mountains and the ocean. From a business standpoint, there’s a good economy here. There are a lot of homeowners who are concerned about maintaining their homes, so that keeps us busy.”

Outside of work, Jason engages in a variety of active pastimes, both at home and abroad. “We like to travel, and we’ve been all over the world with the kids,” he says. “We also enjoy outdoor activities like biking and camping. Personally, I love surfing, which is one of the reasons Chelsea and I wanted to live somewhere close to the beach.” In addition to his nuclear family unit, Jason says he enjoys hanging out with his extensive extended family. “We have a huge family, with relatives spread all throughout the Bay Area, so there are a lot of get-togethers and activities. It seems like we’re doing something with someone almost every weekend.”

In regard to a professional philosophy, Jason says his primary goal is earning the loyalty of his customers. “There’s no greater value for a business than having long-term customers. If all your customers are just one-timers who don’t ever return, it’s very hard to grow and succeed. That’s why I’ve always stressed the importance of customer service and satisfaction, because we want to have customers for life.”

When asked the first thing he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, Jason says he would find ways to keep himself occupied. “Even though I enjoy my free time because I get to travel and go biking, I like to stay busy as well, so I would probably get involved with a trade or business. I just don’t think I could sit still.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: What are your favorite sports teams?
A: The San Francisco Giants and the San Francisco 49ers.

Q: What’s your favorite thing to do on a rainy day?
A: Watch a movie.

Q: Coffee or tea?
A: Coffee.

Q: What’s your favorite food?
A: I love Asian-style soups like ramen and pho.

Q: What’s the best gift you’ve ever received?
A: My family.

Cameron Mason: An Unplanned Profession

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

SAN ANSELMO — When Cameron Mason started plumbing to pay his way through college, he never thought it would become his primary livelihood. “I worked as a plumber while earning my degree in physical therapy,” he explains. “After graduating, I did an internship with a local physical therapist, but eventually I realized it wasn’t for me. I had fond memories of plumbing, so I decided to return to the trade full-time. After completing my five-year apprenticeship, I started my own business.”

Today, as owner of Mason Plumbing, Inc., Cameron says his favorite part of his job is solving problems. “I enjoy going into a customer’s home, looking at the problem they’re having and coming up with a solution. As a plumber, every day brings a new challenge, as well as a new opportunity to help someone.”

A resident of Marin County (where he lives with his wife, Kamber, and their two children), Cameron expresses his appreciation for his longtime locale. “I was born and raised in Marin, so I feel very connected to my community. I really like the culture—it’s kind of a unique little bubble within the Greater Bay Area.”

Outside of work, Cameron spends the bulk of his time with his family. “During the last five years, my biggest hobby has been driving the kids to and from activities,” he laughs. “My son is a competitive swimmer and my daughter dances ballet, so I do a lot of chauffeuring.” When he’s not on call for child transportation, Cameron enjoys activities like mountain biking, working on his house and traveling. “We try to take a trip with the kids at least once every six months. We’ve been to Rome, Paris and Mexico, and we’re going to England later this summer.”

In his life and career, Cameron espouses the importance of integrity. “I believe in being a man of my word,” he affirms. “If I say I’m going to be somewhere at a certain time, I have to follow through with that. Basically, actions speak louder than words, and that’s what success in both life and business is all about.”

When asked about his future plans for retirement, Cameron says he doesn’t believe in bucket lists. “I’m already living the life I want to live. I work hard, but I get to have breakfast and dinner with my family every day, and I’m off nights and weekends. It’s a good balance, and you can’t ask for much more than that.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: What’s your favorite sports team?
A: The San Francisco 49ers.

Q: What’s your favorite TV show?
A: “Fixer Upper.”

Q: Music or talk radio?
A: Music.

Q: What kinds of music do you enjoy?
A: I’m all over the place—I’ll listen to anything from Edith Piaf to Rancid.

Q: If you could time travel, would you go to the past or the future?
A: I’d probably go to the future and try to figure out what we could do right now to make it better.

Scott Duncan: Westward Expansion

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Program Reporter

SANTA CRUZ — For Scott Duncan, the decision to migrate from the East Coast to the West was prompted as much by the allure of adventure as it was by an occupational opportunity. “When I was 27, I moved from Cape Cod, Massachusetts to Santa Cruz,” he recounts. “My dad moved here a short time before I did, and he told me that in California, anything you could want to do was within a day’s drive, whether it was hiking, fishing, sailing or visiting the city. So, when my uncle gave me an opportunity to apprentice at his plumbing business, I eagerly accepted.”

It didn’t take long for Scott to realize he’d found a good fit in the plumbing trade. “I found that I enjoyed everything about plumbing, from the technical aspects of the work to interacting with customers,” he says. Today, 15 years after striking out on his own and founding Duncan Plumbing Ent., Inc., Scott says as an employer, he’s grown to appreciate another aspect of his job. “I get the most satisfaction from seeing my younger employees come into their own and make their place in the world.”

As a resident of Santa Cruz (where he lives with his wife, Joy, and their sons, Chance and Josh), Scott enjoys being a part of his local community. “As a business owner, I’ve enjoyed forming long-term relationships with local homeowners and business owners,” he says. “I’ve done work at the grocery store my wife shops at, as well as for our mechanic and insurance agent, so it’s just neat to see how the local business community relies on each other.”

Outside of work, Scott spends the bulk of his time with his family. “Through my boys, I’ve become an expert in two things: Legos and fishing, which are their respective obsessions,” he says. “We also like to go on short trips to the snow or nearby lakes and just enjoy nature. Basically, whenever we get a chance to get away for a day or two, we take it.”

In regard to his professional career, Scott espouses a piece of wisdom he gleaned from his grandfather. “When I was a young man trying to make my way in the world, my grandfather told me it didn’t matter what I did; as long as I did the best job I could, I’d be successful. That’s stuck with me throughout the years, and in addition to applying it in my own life and career, I’ve passed it on to my employees.”

When asked the first thing he’d do if he could retire tomorrow, Scott says he’d embark on an expedition to the United States’ northernmost annex. “I would take a trip by boat to Alaska. And I don’t mean just take a cruise—I’d buy a boat and sail there myself. That’d be a dream come true.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: What’s your favorite sports team?
A: The New England Patriots.

Q: Are you an early bird or a night owl?
A: An early bird.

Q: Music or talk radio?
A: Talk radio.

Q: What’s your favorite local restaurant?
A: Salsa’s Taco Bar in Santa Cruz.

Q: What’s your favorite snack?
A: Anything salty.

Matthew Hechim: Water Heater Master

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

CONCORD — Matthew Hechim’s involvement in the plumbing industry may have begun from a family connection, but it was his own talent and drive that led to his mastery of the trade. “My grandfather worked construction, and when I was growing up, I tried my hand at several aspects of the industry, from demolition to concrete to carpentry,” he says. “I enjoyed plumbing the most, so that’s what I ended up sticking with. I started doing it professionally in the early ’90s, worked my way up from an installer to a field supervisor and, in 2006, founded Water Heaters Masters with my partner, Alex Diaz.”

Today, after 25 years in plumbing, Matthew says his favorite part of his job is the versatility made possible by modern industry innovation. “Things have changed a lot since I first started—there are more high-end, energy-efficient products on the market, which gives us more flexibility when it comes to finding products that meet our clients’ needs. Plus, with our long-term experience, we’re able to utilize today’s technology to come up with smart solutions for particular problems.”

A lifetime resident of the Bay Area, Mathew grew up in Brisbane and today resides in Vacaville with his wife, Maura, and daughter, Samantha. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with family and pursuing outdoor activities. “As a family, we love going skiing at Lake Tahoe in the winter, as well as going to Disneyland when we get a chance,” he says. “I also enjoy fishing; playing golf; and going to 49ers, Raiders, and Warriors games.”

In regard to his professional career, Matthew espouses the value of going above and beyond for customer satisfaction. “In addition to doing good work, I think our commitment to taking care of our customers is the secret to our success,” he affirms. “For example, we always clean up after ourselves because we want to leave things looking better than when we arrived. Also, if a customer has a problem with something we’ve installed, we go back and take care of it at no extra charge. It all comes down to customer service.”

When asked what his future retirement might look like, Matthew says he’ll make sure to stay active. “I’ll probably play a lot of golf and do a lot of hiking, as well as get involved with some type of charity work. But as it stands, I’m not really thinking about retirement because I like working, and I hope to be doing plumbing for a long time.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: What’s your favorite TV show?
A: “Mad Men.”

Q: What was your favorite toy as a child?
A: My Evel Knievel toy, which came with a ramp so you could build your own jumps.

Q: What’s your favorite local restaurant?
A: Scott’s Seafood in Walnut Creek.

Q: Have you ever read a book more than once?
A: I’ve read “The Lord of the Rings” a few times, as well as some of Ernest Hemingway’s books, like “The Old Man and the Sea” and “The Sun Also Rises.”

Q: What’s your favorite snack?
A: Pretzels, carrots and hummus.

Daniel Gagne: Plumbing Pride

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

NOVATO — When Daniel Gagne began his plumbing career, he had no idea of the level of success he’d one day attain. “My dad was a plumber, so I was introduced to the trade at a very young age,” he recounts. “After high school, I worked for the family business for a while, and after doing some traveling in my 20s, I ended up in Marin County, where I got a job with a local plumbing company. In 1996, my brother and I co-founded our own plumbing business, which focused on new construction and remodeling work in Marin, Napa, and Sonoma Counties.”

Three years into their joint venture, Daniel and his brother decided to reorient their focus toward service and repair; little did they know it would completely change the face of their business. “We joined a plumbing organization that specialized in training owners how to run profitable service and repair businesses,” he explains. “Through this organization, we were introduced to Benjamin Franklin Plumbing—a brand concept one could license that included a ready-made logo and everything. I liked the concept and decided to sign up. Once we began advertising as Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, things really took off. Our business exploded, and within three years, our staff had quadrupled in size. Ten years later, we have almost 100 employees and three different locations in the Bay Area.”

Today, Daniel looks back with pride upon his accomplishments of the past decade. “I never really intended to build such a big business—I was more interested in being able to write my own story. Still, I feel proud of the things we’ve accomplished as a company. We kind of pioneered, at least in the Sonoma-Marin area, the way plumbers are perceived by creating a cleaner, more professional presentation. I’m also proud of the fact that we provide our employees with good wages and full benefits so they can live comfortably and take care of their families.”

A resident of Fairfax (where he lives with his wife, Ann), Daniel spends his time outside of work engaged in a variety of active pastimes. “Ann and I love getting out into nature and going hiking at local national parks. We also love to travel—we take about three major trips each year. We were recently in Bali, where Ann hosted a retreat that she put together, and afterward we visited her daughter in New Zealand. We both have family outside of the country, so we have plenty of reasons to travel.”

In regard to a professional philosophy, Daniel believes that having happy employees translates to having happy customers. “We’ve discovered the best way to ensure our customers stay satisfied is to put our employees first,” he explains. “When your employees are happy, they’re more invested in doing good work and treating customers right, and when that happens, everyone wins.”

When asked the first thing he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, Daniel says he’d embark on a Greener lifestyle. “I would probably buy a property somewhere with lots of nature around it, build a self-sustainable home and plant an organic garden. I think it would be a very peaceful and rewarding lifestyle—to live in harmony with the Earth.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: What’s your favorite style of music?

A: World music, especially Latin-based.

Q: What’s your favorite snack?

A: I like to eat healthy, so I prefer things like wild berries and raw veggies.

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

A: I’d like to spend some time in Southeast Asia and visit Myanmar, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. I’m attracted to the culture and history there, including all the old temples and artifacts.

Q: What’s your favorite thing to do on a rainy day?

A: Do some cooking and watch a good movie.

Q: Are you an early bird or a night owl?

A: Both. I usually wake up early during the week, but I like staying up late on the weekends.

Roman Scanagatta: Plumbing Opportunity

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

PETALUMA — As soon as he reached adulthood, Roman Scanagatta took advantage of a professional opportunity that would set him up for long-term success. “After high school, my fiancée and I wanted to get married, so I knew I needed to find a career that would pay the bills,” he explains. “I had a friend who was apprenticing at a local plumbing company, so I asked if he could get me an apprenticeship as well. Basically, I figured learning a trade would give me skills I could take anywhere, so when I saw the opportunity to do so, I went for it.” After working for the same company for 15 years, Roman founded his own plumbing business in 2010.

Today, as owner of Roman’s Plumbing, Inc., Roman says his favorite part of his job is its dynamic character. “I love being out and about, working at a different location every day and encountering new problems to solve. I also enjoy the opportunity to meet new people—in fact, a lot of my former clients have become good friends of mine.”

A resident of Petaluma (where he lives with his wife, Eleni, and their two daughters), Roman expresses his appreciation for its quaint yet cultured character. “Petaluma is a great town. It has grown a lot over the years but still managed to maintain its small-town feel. It’s also located at the edge of Marin and Sonoma Counties, which enables our company to service a sizeable area.”

When he’s not working, Roman can usually be found with his family. “As a business owner, I don’t have a lot of down time, so when I get it, I like to spend it with my girls,” he affirms. “One of my favorite activities is making food with my daughters. I’ve always enjoyed cooking and actually considered becoming a chef before I became a plumber. I taught my daughters how to cook and bake, and now they’re better at it than me.” Roman also enjoys attending his daughters’ sporting events (“My younger daughter plays basketball and my older daughter plays volleyball.”) and going on dates with his wife.

In regard to his professional career, Roman says he’s a big proponent of customer education. “We make it a point to give our customers options and help them make informed decisions. Plumbers often get the reputation of being rip-off artists who take advantage of unknowing people, so we’re always working hard to change that perception. Basically, it all comes down to educating customers and taking care of them the same way we take care of our own families.”

When asked the first thing he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, Roman says he’d take an international vacation. “My wife has family in Greece, so if I were to retire, I’d probably book a trip there with my family. I’d also bring along a few books. I love to read but I never have time for it, so I’d take the opportunity to catch up on my reading.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: What’s your favorite book?
A: “The Sicilian” by Mario Puzo.

Q: What’s your favorite sports team?
A: The San Francisco Giants.

Q: What’s your favorite local restaurant?
A: Mi Pueblo in Petaluma.

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A: Italy—I’m of Italian heritage and I still haven’t been there.

Q: What’s your favorite thing to eat for dessert?
A: New York cheesecake.

Dominic Capito: An Early Opportunity

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

SANTA ROSA — Thanks to a family connection, Dominic Capito got an early start in what would eventually become his career. “I first started plumbing during the summer between sixth and seventh grade,” he remembers. “We had a family friend who was a plumber and he offered me an opportunity to learn the trade. I spent the next several summers working for him. At first, I wasn’t thinking about it in terms of a future career—I just enjoyed fixing things. Plus, the pay was pretty good for a kid my age!”

Following high school, Dominic dove headfirst into full-time plumbing work. “I actually left high school early,” he clarifies. “I knew I wasn’t going to college, so I took the equivalency test and skipped my senior year. At that point, I was almost a journeyman-level plumber, so it just made sense to keep going. After gaining a few more years of experience, I decided to start my own business, which I did in 2010.”

Today, as owner of Elite Plumbing Services, Dominic says his favorite part of his job is the sense of accomplishment it gives him. “I enjoy helping people, solving problems and getting the job done. Everybody needs a plumber at some point, so it feels good to be the hero.”

A resident of Sonoma County, Dominic spends most of his time outside of work with his fiancée, Caity, and their children. “Caity and I each have two children, so we stay pretty busy keeping them entertained,” he details. “We take them to the park or the pool and attend their sporting events. On occasion, we like to get out of town and take trips to places like Tahoe and Hawaii.”

In his life and career, Dominic espouses the value of efficiency. “Time is the only thing you can’t get back, so I think it’s important to make the most of it,” he says. “That’s why I try to perform each job as efficiently as possible; otherwise, I’m wasting everybody’s time. The same goes for my personal life—even when I’m not working, I like to get up early and get as much as I can out of each day.”

When asked what he would do if he were to retire tomorrow, Dominic says he’d volunteer his time. “I still have a bunch of kids at home, so it’s not like I could just travel around Europe or something. Sure, I’d probably take a vacation, but realistically, I’d probably help at my kids’ school and find other volunteer opportunities.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: What’s your favorite local restaurant?

A: Sweet T’s in Windsor.

Q: What’s your favorite sports team?

A: The Oakland Raiders.

Q: Did you play any sports in high school?

A: I played football, baseball and basketball.

Q: Are you a cat person or a dog person?

A: I’m a dog person.

Q: What kind of music do you like?

A: My go-to is classic rock—stuff like Boston, Queen and Led Zeppelin.

Jonatan Bautista: Plumbing Inspiration

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO — When asked what made him want to become a plumber, Jonatan Bautista traces his inspiration back to a particular incident in his young life. “On my 17th birthday, just a few hours before my party was going to start, our house’s sewer system backed up,” he recalls. “The plumber came out, fixed everything and pretty much saved the day, which really made an impression on me. I’d always been mechanically inclined, so when I graduated high school, I decided to give plumbing a shot. I went to trade school in Fremont and spent a decade working in the field before starting my own business, which is where I’m at today.”

Today, as owner of Oro Pro Plumbing, Inc., Jonatan says his favorite part of his job is the daily variety it entails. “I enjoy interacting with different customers, as well as the variety of situations I encounter. Every day is different—you never know what you’re going to get into—but having a good team and the right equipment allows me to solve every problem and provide great service along the way.”

A lifetime resident of San Bruno, Jonatan expresses his appreciation for the Bay Area’s characteristic diversity. “Working in the Bay Area, we serve customers from all different cultures and lifestyles, which is something I really enjoy. It’s interesting, though—despite our many differences, I still find similarities in the way we all look at and experience life.”

Outside of work, Jonatan enjoys a variety of pastimes, from following professional sports to engaging in outdoor activities. “I’m a big sports fan and enjoy watching football, basketball, and baseball,” he says. “I also like hanging out with friends and taking my dog, Ziggy, on hikes and trail runs around the area.”

In regard to his professional career, Jonatan espouses the importance of educating customers. “Plumbing is an expensive service, so I like to make my customers feel comfortable by being as informative as I can,” he says. “I always explain what we’re going to do and what kinds of scenarios may arise, so they never feel taken off guard. Overall, I find that informed customers tend to be more comfortable and confident, which is better for everyone.”

When asked the first thing he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, Jonatan says he’d plan an international vacation. “I would take a month-long trip to Europe. Anywhere in Europe would be nice, but in particular I’d like to see Italy and Spain, especially because I’m a big fan of Italian food.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: What’s your favorite sports team?
A: The San Francisco Giants.

Q: What were you most known for in high school?
A: Being the class clown.

Q: If you could time travel, would you go to the past or the future?
A: Probably the past, just because I wouldn’t want to know my future.

Q: Music or talk radio?
A: Music.

Q: What kind of music do you like?
A: I’m all over the place. I listen to everything from hip hop and R&B to salsa music.

James Burton: True Survivor

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

BENICIA — Before he was general manager of Oak Plumbing Inc., James Burton handled logistics for major corporate accounts—no small responsibility, to be sure. “In my prior career, I ran massive warehouses on huge accounts for clients like Honeywell and Hewlett-Packard,” he details. “One of the biggest accounts I managed was a billion-dollar vaccine program. It wasn’t unusual for me to be managing up to 400 employees at one time.”

So, how did someone accustomed to handling such large-scale operations end up working at a small plumbing company? As James relates, it resulted from the combination of a lifelong friendship and a life-altering event. “I’ve been friends with Matt Harris, the owner of Oak Plumbing, for about 30 years. What’s more, he saved my life. When I was 30, I found out I had stage 4 cancer and, if I didn’t get to a specialist immediately, I might be dead within a couple of days. When my insurance company declined to cover an airlift or ambulance transport, Matt rushed me from Nevada to San Francisco in his car to get me the care I needed. He was there for me throughout my recuperation as well. Incredibly, I made a complete recovery, and now I’m totally cancer-free.”

Following his recovery, James took the opportunity to reboot his professional livelihood. “Matt and I always wanted to work together, but it just never worked out,” he explains. “When Matt started Oak Plumbing in 2016, I helped out as a consultant, assisting him with things like corporate structure and process. Eventually, it made sense for us to work together on a permanent basis, so I joined the company and have been working here ever since.”

Today, as general manager of Oak Plumbing, James says his favorite part of his job is having a positive impact. “One thing I like about working in the service industry is the opportunity to help people and be a positive presence in their lives, if only for a short while. When you have a chance to interact with someone and improve their day, it feels very validating.”

A resident of Rocklin (where he lives with his wife, Maricar, and their two children, Camille and James), James spends his free time on a variety of active pastimes. “I’m not the type of person who likes to sit still, so if I’m not working or having family time, I’m usually busy with one of my hobbies,” he affirms. “My main hobby is creating independent comic books for a company called Scattered Comics. I make appearances at comic conventions and have won a few awards for the books I’ve done.” James’ other pastimes include restoring vintage vehicles (“I have a 1976 Harley that I’ve been rebuilding forever.”) and teaching kung fu.

In regard to a personal philosophy, James espouses the power of a positive mindset. “When I began cancer treatment, the doctor explained that if I didn’t maintain a positive mindset, the stress would cause a chemical reaction that would destroy my immune system and I wouldn’t survive. Afterward, I was sitting there with Matt and I said, ‘What did I do wrong to make this happen to me?’ He replied, ‘You didn’t do anything wrong. You’re a good person, and bad things are always trying to bring good people down. It’s up to you to decide how you’re going to respond to this bad thing.’ That had a big impact on me, and it helped me change my mindset. I’d never been a very positive person, but I now saw that it was up to me whether I was going to be a victim or a survivor. That was the second time Matt saved my life.”

When asked the first thing he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, James says he’d devote more time to the people and pastimes he loves. “As a cancer survivor, I feel that I’m living on borrowed time, so I try to make the most of it. On that note, if I retired from my job, I would spend more time on my two favorite pastimes: being with my family and creating comics.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: What’s your favorite book?

A: “American Gods” by Neil Gaiman.

Q: Music or talk radio?

A: I love music, but these days I mostly listen to podcasts. I have a really long commute, and listening to podcasts gives me a chance to learn something new and make the most of that time in the car.

Q: Are you an early bird or a night owl?

A: Both.

Q: Do you have a favorite movie?

A: My all-time favorite movie is “Army of Darkness.” However, a more recent favorite is “Logan,” which I appreciated in a way I never thought I would. A superhero infected with cancer, watching his surrogate father die—it hit pretty close to home.

Q: What’s your favorite kind of food?

A: I really love Asian food and Mexican food. I married into a Filipino family, so Asian food is a staple. On the other hand, you can’t beat a good taco!

Mostafa Sowadah: One Source for Success

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

SAN FRANCISCO — Following high school, Mostafa Sowadah knew he wanted to get into a trade—it was just a matter of deciding which one to pursue. “When I was enrolling in trade school, I had the choice of going into automotive, plumbing or HVAC,” he says. “Based on what I saw most people signing up for, it seemed that plumbing was the least popular option. However, I’d always heard good things about plumbing, so I decided to give it a shot.” After finishing his two-year program at WyoTech-Fremont, Mostafa did a four-year apprenticeship with a local plumbing company and then worked another three years as an employee before starting his own business in 2013.

Today, as owner of One Source Plumbing and Rooter, Inc., Mostafa says his favorite part of his job is building relationships of trust with his customers. “The first time you do a job for a customer, they aren’t totally sure if they can trust you. However, when they call you again a couple of years later, it shows there’s trust because the first job didn’t fail. That’s a great feeling.”

A lifetime resident of San Francisco, Mostafa expresses his appreciation for the character of life and work in the City by the Bay. “There are three things I like about San Francisco: the diversity, as there are people here from all over the world; the nice weather, which is good for plumbers because we do a lot of work outside; and the simple fact that I’ve lived here my whole life and it’s home.”

When asked about a professional philosophy, Mostafa offers a simple guideline for ensuring quality workmanship. “On every job, I have the mindset that I want my work to outlive me,” he explains. “When your main goal is to build something to last as long as possible, you’re going to do a better job than if you’re just looking to make money. The great thing is that when you build something to last, your customers are going to be happy and bring you more business, so the money will follow naturally.”

When asked the first thing he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, Mostafa says he wouldn’t. “That’s a tough one, because I’ve sort of become programmed to stay busy. I think it started during my apprenticeship, where for four years I worked six days a week, with no holidays or vacations. As soon as I finished it, I took a week-long vacation; the first two days were nice, but by the third day I was kind of bored. That’s why I’m not sure I could retire—I like being busy and I enjoy my work, so the idea of retirement just doesn’t appeal much to me.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: What’s your favorite kind of food?
A: Mediterranean.

Q: Are you an early bird or a night owl?
A: An early bird.

Q: If you could time travel, would you go to the past or the future?
A: The future, just so I don’t have to worry about it anymore.

Q: What’s your favorite snack?
A: Chips.

Q: What’s your favorite thing to do on a rainy day?
A: Work—we get really busy when it rains.

Ray Ramirez: A Pipeline of Opportunity

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Program Reporter

ANTIOCH — After several years in the restaurant business, Ray Ramirez was longing for a change of pace, so when an opportunity arose to enter a new vocation, he didn’t take it lightly. “I was working in a restaurant and wasn’t really happy,” he remembers. “I wanted to get into a trade like HVAC or electrical, but I was having a hard time finding a company that would take me on. Finally, I was given an opportunity to apprentice with a plumbing company, which is what led me to where I am today.”

As president of General Plumbing and Rooter, Ray embraces multiple aspects of his career. “I never liked being stuck in one place, so I appreciate that plumbing allows me to go to different places throughout the day,” he says. “I’m also very interested in the technological aspects of the job, and I enjoy staying up-to-date with the latest industry innovations.”

Originally from Mexico, Ray came to the United States at the age of 18. Today, as a resident of Pleasant Hill (where he lives with his wife, Alicia, and their children, Anahi and Eric), he says he appreciates the central proximity of his adopted hometown. “My family and I like going on short trips to nearby places like San Francisco, Monterey, Santa Cruz and Reno.” Ray also enjoys staying active with hobbies like soccer and auto restoration. “I’ve been playing soccer since I was a kid, and I still play two or three times a week, which helps keep me in shape,” he says. “Another hobby that I recently started with my son is restoring old cars. Our first project is a ’64 Chevy pickup, which is currently in pieces. I’m not sure how we’re going to get it back together, but I guess that’s why we have the Internet!”

In regard to his professional career, Ray espouses the importance of deriving satisfaction from his livelihood. “If you’re not happy in your work, you’re basically wasting time and energy, so it’s important to make an effort to improve your situation,” he says. “I’ve been there myself—I was very unhappy while working in the restaurant business, but now that I’ve found something I enjoy, it gives me a feeling of satisfaction and purpose.”

When asked the first thing he’d do if he could retire tomorrow, Ray says he’d do some volunteer work, as well as spend more time on his recently acquired hobby. “I’d do some volunteering with Habitat for Humanity and other organizations that benefit those in need. I’d also like to get more involved in buying and restoring old cars.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A: Mexico. Even though I’m from there, there are so many parts of it I’d like to see.

Q: What’s your favorite local restaurant?
A: Chili’s in Pleasant Hill.

Q: What’s a website you visit on a daily basis?
A: Craigslist. It’s a good place to browse classic cars and find parts.

Q: How do you like your eggs?
A: Over medium.

Q: What was your favorite toy as a child?
A: My soccer ball.

Albert Nahman: Crash Course to Success

By James Florence, Senior Writer

BERKELEY — Whereas most budding professionals make a point of gaining field experience before offering their services, Albert Nahman got hired first and asked questions later. “I had just moved from San Francisco to North Lake Tahoe and was looking to get into a trade,” he recounts. “One day, while working in a restaurant, I overheard a customer say he needed a plumber to work on some condominiums in Squaw Valley. I spoke up and volunteered my services. I didn’t know much about plumbing, but within a few weeks, I was on the job. It was pretty haphazard, I have to admit!”
Despite taking a crash course at the outset, Albert’s gutsy move ultimately led to a successful career. “I may not have had any experience with plumbing, but I was extremely motivated and quickly learned the ropes,” he says. “I did a lot of reading on my own and learned from other professionals when I had the opportunity. Thirty-six years later, I’m still at it and running my own business. It just goes to show how far a little determination can take you.”
Today, as owner of Albert Nahman Plumbing and Heating, Albert says his favorite part of his job is interacting with people. “I have many long-term employees, and I love seeing them grow and develop over the years. Of course, I also enjoy serving our clients. It’s very gratifying to receive positive feedback and know we’re doing a good job.”
A resident of Berkeley (where he lives with his wife, Marjorie), Albert expresses his appreciation for his adopted hometown. “As everybody knows, Berkeley is a unique place. My business is actually within a mile of my house, so I feel very connected to the community I serve. Plus, I have a lot of family close by, so it really feels like home to me.”
Outside of work, Albert likes to stay active, whether with sports or volunteer work. “I’ve been playing in a softball league for many years, and so far they haven’t kicked me off the team,” he laughs. “I’m also a board member for Rebuilding Together East Bay-North, which rehabilitates homes for low-income and disabled residents of Berkeley, Richmond, and Emeryville.” Additionally, Albert enjoys spending time with family, including his and Marjorie’s three children and three grandchildren.
In regard to a professional philosophy, Albert says it’s all about the clients. “I really feel that I’m here to serve my customers. Obviously, as a business, we have to make a profit, but my main focus has always been helping people. I think my employees and I do this very well by treating our customers with the utmost respect and doing the best work we possibly can.”
When asked how his life might look if he were to retire tomorrow, Albert doesn’t anticipate a lot of change. “I don’t think things would be much different, honestly. I like my life and enjoy running my business and spending time with my grandchildren. Maybe I’d do a little more traveling, but other than that, I’m not pining for any big changes.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: Coffee or tea?
A: Coffee.

Q: What was your first car?
A: A 1959 Ford Fairlane. It was the family car that was handed down to me, and people used to make fun of me because wherever I drove, a big cloud of black smoke followed me.

Q: What’s your favorite thing to eat for dessert?
A: Any kind of fruit pie, especially blueberry, raspberry or boysenberry. Put a dollop of ice cream on the side and I’m in heaven.

Q: The Beatles or The Rolling Stones?
A: The Beatles.

Q: If you could speak to any famous person, living or dead, who would it be?
A: I’d want to speak with somebody like Gandhi, the Buddha or Jesus—one of those people who actually figured it out, so to speak, and lived their life without letting material things get in the way.

Nick Neira: Filling the Void

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

CAMPBELL — Originally a general contractor by trade, Nick Neira started a plumbing business to fill a void he saw in the industry. “While working as a general contractor, I had a hard time finding reliable plumbers,” he explains. “It seemed like the industry needed more good plumbers, so instead of continuing to depend on unreliable contractors, I decided to start my own plumbing business.”

Today, as owner of NIC Plumbing Co., Nick says his favorite thing about plumbing is the swift gratification. “Large building projects often last for several months, which can get a little repetitive. In contrast, most plumbing jobs only take a few hours, so you get the satisfaction of a completed job in a fraction of the time.”

A resident of San Jose (where he lives with his wife, Lalia, and their children), Nick spends his time outside of work on a variety of pastimes. “I enjoy playing golf, going to concerts and attending my daughter’s soccer games. She’s in high school and has been playing soccer for about 10 years, so we do a lot of traveling during the season.” Nick also enjoys taking his family on vacations to destinations like Hawaii and Lake Tahoe.

In his life and career, Nick espouses the importance of doing the job right the first time. “In life, it’s sometimes hard to know whether you made the right decision until later down the road, but with plumbing, there’s basically only one way to do the job,” he muses. “That’s why I never cut corners—I just do the job correctly the first time.”

When asked the first thing he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, Nick says he’d gather his clubs and head to the fairway. “If I retired, I’d definitely play more golf. I used to play more regularly—maybe once a week—but these days I only have time to play about once a month. It’d be nice to be able to get out there more often.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: What’s your favorite local restaurant?

A: Three Flames in San Jose.

Q: What’s your favorite sports team?

A: The Oakland A’s.

Q: What was your first concert?

A: Guns N’ Roses and Aerosmith at the Shoreline Amphitheater when I was about eight years old.

Q: Do you collect anything?

A: Antique tools.

Q: What’s your favorite holiday?

A: Christmas.

Joel Ledesma: A Fitting Career

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

SAN FRANCISCO — Whereas many people discover their life’s calling early on, for Joel Ledesma, finding his niche as a plumbing professional came at the end of a lengthy pursuit. “I used to have a lot of dead end jobs—at various points, I was a bartender, a soccer referee and a massage therapist, but none felt like it suited me,” he says. “When I started plumbing, I could immediately sense something was different. It came easy to me, and it didn’t even feel like work. I enjoyed the problem-solving aspect, and it felt good to stand back and look at my accomplishments.”

Not long after starting a job with a local plumbing company, Joel felt the entrepreneurial urge and opened his own business in 2005. “By doing my own thing, I figured I could create an environment where I’d be comfortable and have greater control of things like pricing and customer care.” While he’d intended it to be a small, one-man operation, Joel soon found his business growing at a rapid rate. “At first, it was just me and a helper, but we started getting busier and busier. I never thought we’d get to be as big as we are now.”

Today, as owner of Atlas Plumbing & Rooter, Joel says he enjoys being on the cutting edge of industry innovation. “I like the challenge of learning new things and keeping up with the latest plumbing technology. Not only is it neat to see all the innovation, it’s also becoming easier to do what we do, thanks to advancements like trenchless sewer line replacement.”

As a resident of San Bruno (where he lives with his wife, Sarah; daughter, Julia; and son, Joely), Joel appreciates the perks of living and working in the San Francisco vicinity. “In such a large and old city, there’s no shortage of strange things for a plumber to come across. Every so often, I’ll see something I’ve never seen before, like a 50-year-old copper-lined water heater.” Joel says he also enjoys the close-knit character of his San Bruno community. “It’s a small neighborhood, so everyone knows each other, which I really like.”

Outside of work, Joel enjoys spending time with family and attending local sporting events. “I’m a sports guy, so I like going to Giants and 49ers games, but I also enjoy taking my kids to places like the zoo,” he says. Regardless of the destination, Joel’s outings also give him an opportunity to practice his hobby of photography. “I enjoy photography, whether I’m taking pictures of my kids, animals at the zoo or athletes at sporting events.”

In regard to his career, Joel espouses the importance of professional integrity. “If someone is unhappy with my service, I don’t dodge their phone calls; rather, I get to the bottom of it, even if it means refunding their money,” he explains. “I just want to be as fair as possible, which is something I think my customers appreciate.”

When asked what he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, Joel says he’d transition into a full-time career as a stay-at-home dad. “I’d stay home with my kids, take them to school and pick them up afterward. I currently coach my daughter’s soccer team, so I’d probably be more involved with that as well.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: What’s your favorite restaurant?
A: Trapeze Restaurant in Burlingame.

Q: What kind of movies do you like?
A: I like goofy comedies like “Dumb and Dumber” and “Ace Ventura: Pet Detective.”

Q: Did you play any sports in high school?
A: I played baseball and basketball, but I particularly excelled at soccer.

Q: What was your favorite video game as a child?
A: Super Mario Bros.

Q: If you could talk to anyone living or dead, who would it be?
A: Freddie Mercury, just because I’m a big Queen fan.

Bill Shepherd: A Plumbing Affinity

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

SAN JOSE — A third-generation plumber, Bill Shepherd was introduced to the trade at an early age and never looked back. “My family has been doing plumbing since the 1930s, starting with my grandpa,” he recounts. “I did my first job when I was six years old, when I helped my dad install a toilet at a neighbor’s house. From that point on, I basically fell in love with plumbing. I really enjoyed working with my hands and just had a natural ability for it.” During his teen years, Bill regularly worked for his father on afternoons, weekends and during summers before coming on full-time after high school. After 10 years of managing the business, Bill bought his father out and became its sole owner.

Today, as owner of Shepherd’s Plumbing Heating & AC, Inc., Bill says his favorite part of his job is solving tough problems. “I enjoy fixing something that nobody else can. Time and time again, we’re called into customers’ homes to deal with problems that other plumbers haven’t been able to fix. When we provide an effective solution, the customer is very happy, and that’s a great feeling.”

A resident of Sunnyvale (where he lives with his wife, Anna, and their four children), Bill spends his time outside of work on a wide range of active pastimes. “I love my job, but I also love my hobbies,” he says. “I’m a scuba instructor and I teach scuba lessons in Scotts Valley. Most of my family scuba dives as well, so we enjoy doing that as a family. We’re also into fishing, camping, backpacking…basically, if it’s outdoors, we’ve probably done it.” Additionally, Bill and his family regularly engage in charity work through their church, whether locally in their community or in foreign countries.

In regard to his professional career, Bill says his philosophy hinges on two essential values. “When it comes to dealing with customers, we’re all about honesty and integrity. Even if we’re installing something under a house or in the walls where no one is ever going to see it, we still make sure it looks nice and is done properly. Likewise, we’ll never sell customers something they don’t need. If there’s a less expensive solution available, we’ll tell them about it. I believe this approach has helped us build relationships of trust with our customers.”

When asked what he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, Bill says he’d become more involved in international charity work. “I don’t ever plan on retiring, but if I did, I would probably spend more time going to impoverished countries and helping those in need. I currently do a fair amount of charity work overseas—for example, after the big earthquake in Haiti, we went down there to help with disaster relief. If I had more free time, I’d look for more opportunities like that.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: What’s your favorite snack?
A: Fruit.

Q: If you could time travel, would you go to the past or the future?
A: I’d go back to the mid-19th century. I love that time period and the ideals and people associated with it.

Q: Are you an early bird or a night owl?
A: An early bird.

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A: Normandy, Germany, to see the World War II battlefields. I’m a pretty big history buff, so that would be fascinating to see.

Q: What’s the most death-defying feat you’ve ever attempted?
A: Driving in the Bay Area.

Adam Garza: Plumbing Pride

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

SAN JOSE — Adam Garza learned about plumbing from his father while he was growing up, but it wasn’t until later in life that he acquired a sense of pride in the family trade. “My father has been a plumber for 35 years, and he started San Jose Plumbing back in 1991,” he details. “As a kid, I used to ride around with him and he would teach me about the trade. However, it wasn’t something I wanted to do for a living—after all, not too many eight-year-olds aspire to become plumbers.”

Following high school, Adam enrolled at a local junior college, unsure of his professional path but confident it wouldn’t involve plumbing. However, when a family emergency struck, he suddenly found himself in the thick of it. “During my second year of junior college, my dad fell ill,” he recounts. “There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for my family, so when he asked if I’d come on board and help out with the business, I dropped out of school and came to work.” Not long after getting into plumbing full-time, Adam noticed an unexpected development. “Somewhere along the way, I learned to really enjoy plumbing. I liked the fact that every day was different, and I enjoyed working with my hands and helping people. After my dad regained his health and returned to work, I decided to stick with it. Twenty years later, it’s turned out to be a great career for me.”

Today, Adam says his favorite part of his job is the opportunity to help others. “It feels really good to have a job where I get to help people every day. A lot of our jobs are emergency situations, so it’s very rewarding to show up, assure the customer that everything is under control and see them breathe a sigh of relief.”

A resident of Gilroy (where he lives with his wife, Mia, and their three children), Adam expresses an appreciation for his local community. “I was born and raised in San Jose, so I feel like I’m very much a part of this community,” he says. “I take a lot of pride in being able to serve my friends and neighbors.”

Outside of work, Adam likes to stay active with physical exercise and outdoor activities. “My job is very physically demanding, so I like to stay in shape by working out, running and mountain biking,” he affirms. “I also enjoy going camping with my family. We’re very outdoorsy, so we spend a lot of time in Tahoe going hiking and stuff like that.”

In his life and career, Adam espouses the importance of communication. “Communication is central to any good relationship, whether it’s with your family, your staff or your customers,” he asserts. “When there’s clear communication, everything is out in the open and expectations are real, but when there isn’t, it really limits your potential, so I always make an effort to keep those lines open.”

When asked the first thing he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, Adam says he’d book an extended stay at his family’s favorite vacation spot. “I’d probably spend a summer at Tahoe with my family. We love it there and try to go a few times a year, so it would be a blast to do the whole summer!”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: What’s your favorite sports team?
A: The Golden State Warriors.

Q: Music or talk radio?
A: It depends. During the day I listen to KNBR sports talk radio, but in the evening I enjoy music.

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A: Italy. My wife is Italian and has family there, so I’d like to take a trip to meet them.

Q: If you could time travel, would you go to the past or the future?
A: The past. I really love the 1950s and ’60s, especially the muscle cars of that era, so it would be fun to travel back to that time.

Q: What’s your dream car?
A: A Mustang Boss 302.

Tom Cortez: Taking the Field

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

PLEASANTON — Even though Tom Cortez never reached professional status as a football player, he found success after applying his experience on—or rather, in—another field. As he recounts, it all started with the dual fraternal influences that shaped his childhood aspirations. “Growing up, my two older brothers were my primary role models,” he says. “One of them coached football and the other was a plumber, so I got involved with both the sport and the trade. When I didn’t get drafted to the pros after playing football in college, I decided to join the plumbers union. I really enjoyed working with my hands and solving problems, so it turned out to be a great career for me.”

Tom began his plumbing career working in institutional settings like hospitals, prisons and research facilities, but when he established his own business in 2000, he shifted his focus toward the residential and commercial sectors. Today, as owner of Savior Plumbing, Inc., Tom explains the ethos behind his company’s name. “We’re not the Savior; we’re just here to fix the plumbing,” he laughs. “My faith permeates everything I do, and I think the best way for me to live that out is by operating with integrity and treating others fairly and honestly.”

Born and raised in Hayward, Tom resides today in Pleasanton with his wife and business partner, Tammy. An avid outdoorsman, he appreciates the many opportunities the lush Bay Area setting affords. “I love bicycling, camping and getting out into the wilderness, and this is a prime place to enjoy those things.” Besides cycling for fun, Tom likes doing it competitively—especially when there’s a charitable cause involved. “I participated in AIDS/LifeCycle this past year,” he says. “It’s a 600-mile ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles, and the proceeds go toward funding AIDS research.” When he’s not on his bike, Tom enjoys spending time with his family, including his and Tammy’s three grown children and granddaughter, Anna.

In regard to his life and career, Tom says being a plumber entails a greater responsibility than most people realize. “When I first started in this industry, I was taught that plumbers are responsible for the health of the nation. In servicing the sewer, water, and gas piping in homes and businesses, we’re accountable for making sure things are operating safely and efficiently. I take pride in being responsible for maintaining my customers’ plumbing systems.”

When asked the first thing he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, Tom says he’d jump on his bike. “I guess I’d go for a long bicycle ride, but to be honest, I don’t plan to ever retire—I want to continue running my business for as long as I can. I would like to do a little more traveling, though.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: What were you most known for in high school?
A: Being an athlete. I was the quarterback of our football team.

Q: What are your favorite sports teams?
A: The USC Trojans, the San Francisco 49ers and the Oakland A’s.

Q: Music or talk radio?
A: Music.

Q: What’s your favorite local restaurant?
A: Los Compadres Mexican Restaurant in Hayward.

Q: What’s your favorite TV show?
A: “American Idol.”

Ernie Ongaro: A Family Dynamic

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

SANTA ROSA — A third-generation plumbing and HVAC professional, Ernie Ongaro reflects on the longstanding legacy of his family’s business. “My grandfather started Ongaro & Sons in 1932,” he recounts. “All three of his sons followed him in the business, and it was the same way with me, my brother and our two cousins. Now, with my son and nephew joining the company, we’re heading toward our fourth generation of family ownership.”

As president of Ongaro & Sons, Ernie says his favorite part of his job is staying on the cutting edge of his professional field. “It’s really important for us to keep up-to-date with our industry, so we’re always looking for the latest equipment and methods of doing things. I also enjoy watching our technicians start from scratch and progress in their careers. It’s kind of exciting to see the growth of your employees—it gives you a sense of pride.”

A longtime resident of Santa Rosa (where he lives with his wife, Debbie), Ernie has fond memories of growing up in rural Sonoma County. “In addition to running the company, my dad was sort of a gentleman farmer and raised cattle. Growing up on a ranch was fun, even though I used to have to milk the cows twice a day. I still love living in Sonoma County—it’s a beautiful place.”

Outside of work, Ernie engages in a variety of active pastimes, from traveling to restoring vintage cars. “My wife and I love to travel, both within the United States and abroad,” he says. “I also enjoy restoring vintage vehicles. I have a 1942 Willys Jeep that I drive in local parades, and I also restored a 1932 Chevy pickup that I modeled after my grandfather’s first plumbing truck.” Additionally, Ernie enjoys reading and spending time with his family, including his grown children, Ernest and Allison.

In regard to his professional career, Ernie says the family dynamic has always played a vital role at Ongaro & Sons. “Being a fourth-generation business, family is very important to us, and that informs the way we treat our employees and customers. We treat our employees like part of our family and try to be sensitive to their needs. Likewise, we take care of our customers and always follow up with them to make sure they’re 100 percent satisfied.”

When asked the first thing he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, Ernie says he’d hit the open road. “I would probably take a road trip and visit some places in the U.S. that I haven’t seen yet. Actually, I recently finished a book about Lewis and Clark, and I think it would be neat to take a trip that follows the path they traveled.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: What kinds of books do you like?
A: I’m a history buff, so I love to read biographies and historical accounts.

Q: What’s your favorite kind of food?
A: Italian.

Q: Do you collect anything?
A: Vintage cars, trucks and military vehicles.

Q: Are you an early bird or a night owl?
A: Definitely an early bird.