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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.