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Saunda McDaniel: Leading With Purpose

By Caitlyn Stair, Diamond Certified Research Reporter

Saunda McDaniel’s path into the plumbing industry wasn’t exactly conventional. She initially became involved with the Neighborly family of brands through a Mr. Electric franchise after her then-husband sought a way to expand his electrical business into the residential market. During franchise training sessions, however, she found herself gravitating toward another group. “We started hanging out with the plumbers because they were a lot more fun,” she recalls. “They didn’t take themselves as seriously as the electricians.”

Recognizing an opportunity, Saunda decided to purchase a Mr. Rooter franchise in Humboldt County. That was a turning point—within just four months, the plumbing business had surpassed the electrical business in sales. Over the years, she expanded into Sonoma and Shasta Counties while also operating a brand called Rainbow International before ultimately focusing her efforts on Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Sonoma County.

Although Saunda never expected to become a plumber, she discovered that the role allowed her to embrace what she’d always been at heart: a teacher. Rather than simply managing employees, she invests in their personal and professional growth. To that end, her weekly team meetings include discussions about personal development that are designed to help everyone become better parents, partners and individuals. “I accidentally created a really cool culture where people want to come to work,” she says. “That’s my favorite part of the job.”

A resident of Rohnert Park, Saunda says she appreciates the centralized convenience of life in Sonoma County. “We moved here when my daughters were young and they got involved in sports, so we quickly learned that it’s a great, supportive community. Both of them work in the business with me now, so that has been very cool. They grew up cleaning the shop and passing out flyers at home shows, so I’m honored that they’re still part of it today.”

Outside of work, Saunda’s favorite way to unwind is spending time outdoors with her family. Whether she’s boating and camping at Lake Berryessa or skiing in Tahoe during the winter, she values any opportunity to connect with nature.

Saunda’s outlook on life is guided by a personal mantra she adopted nearly two decades ago after listening to motivational speaker Wayne Dyer: “In spirit and on purpose.” She believes people grow through challenges and often reminds others that there’s an important distinction between struggling and suffering. “Sometimes we take away the struggle from our family members or kids, but that’s where they build confidence,” she offers. “We shouldn’t let people suffer alone, but the struggle is often where we create the best parts of ourselves.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: What’s the first thing you’d do if you could retire tomorrow?
A: I’d probably do exactly what I do now: wake up, enjoy a cup of coffee and take my dog for a walk.

Q: If you could immediately travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A: Africa. It’s already on my bucket list because I’ll be joining a group of women who bring handheld lights to remote communities that don’t have access to electricity.

Q: If you could time-travel, would you visit the past or the future?
A: The past. I’d love to spend a day with my great-grandparents and see what life was like when they settled in California.

Q: What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
A: Skydiving is probably the scariest thing I’ve ever done, although walking across a suspension bridge thousands of feet above the ground in Switzerland comes pretty close.

Q: What’s your favorite holiday?
A: Thanksgiving. I love cooking, having a house full of family and spending time together.