Marco Vargas: Plumbing Pride
By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter
LIVERMORE — When Marco Vargas got hired as a laborer for a local plumbing company, he had no idea just how far this initial step would take him. “In 2005, I got the opportunity to do some work for a local plumber who had a big project going,” he recounts. “I ended up staying with the company, and over time, I moved up through the ranks. Eventually, there came a point when I was basically running the whole operation. When the owner, David Reed, saw how well the company was doing under my watch, he decided to make me co-owner. So, I guess I’ve come a long way from my first gig as a laborer!”
Today, as co-owner of D A Reed Plumbing Company, Marco says his favorite part of his job is keeping his customers satisfied. “I love taking care of people, and I pride myself on being fair and doing good work. Customer satisfaction is the thing that drives me—I’m always telling my guys to do their best because I never want to get a bad review.”
A resident of San Leandro (where he lives with his wife, Laticia, and his stepson), Marco spends his time outside of work on a variety of active pastimes. “I like watching and playing sports, especially basketball and soccer,” he says. “I’m not the best player, but I love to compete. I also enjoy spending time with my family, going on vacation and relaxing. One of my favorite ways to relax is washing my cars—it allows me to pull away from the constant busyness of work and just zone out.”
In regard to a professional philosophy, Marco espouses the value of a strong work ethic. “I saw a quote recently that said, ‘Don’t sleep like you’re rich—work like you’re broke.’ And that sounds like me because while I’ve been blessed with a good life, I still work hard every day. I know there are a lot of people who came from the same background as me but don’t have the opportunity to live the life that I do, and I don’t take that for granted. I’m not your typical business owner—I’m out there working hard like everyone else, and I would never ask one of my guys to do something that I wouldn’t do myself.”
When asked the first thing he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, Marco says he’d spend more time with his family. “As the owner of a plumbing business, a lot of things revolve around my job, including my schedule, which can make it challenging to make time for family. So, if I retired tomorrow, I would definitely take the opportunity to spend more time with them. Plus, I’d finally have a chance to get to a few home improvement projects I’ve been putting off.”
Ask Me Anything!
Q: Do you collect anything?
A: I collect cars. I have a lifted Chevy Silverado, a 2020 Range Rover and an old-school 1972 Chevy Impala.
Q: What’s your favorite TV show?
A: I mainly enjoy crime shows like “The Blacklist” and “NCIS.”
Q: If you could go anywhere on vacation, where would you go?
A: Thailand. My wife has always wanted to go there.
Q: What’s your favorite local restaurant?
A: Vallarta in San Leandro.
Q: What’s your favorite thing to do on a rainy day?
A: Play soccer! Soccer in the rain is by far the best soccer you can play. Everyone is sliding, slipping, falling—it’s a blast!
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