From Sandwich Shop to $978K in Sales: How One Young Tech Became a Plumbing Powerhouse
In the competitive world of plumbing contractors, few success stories are as motivating as Jason’s. From making sandwiches to nearly $1 million in residential plumbing sales, Jason’s transformation is proof that mindset, training, and support can unlock massive growth in the plumbing business.
In a recent podcast interview, Jason shared how the right coaching and systems helped him scale from a helping hand to a high-performing technician. His journey is a roadmap for other home improvement contractors, whether you’re in HVAC, electrical, or roofing who want to elevate their game and their income.
Success Starts with Education, Not Upselling
Jason doesn’t believe in hard selling. His secret? Education.
“Most people don’t think about their water heater until it fails. If we don’t show them what’s possible, they don’t know what to ask for.”
This mindset is at the heart of effective plumbing sales training. Empowering customers with knowledge leads to confident decisions and bigger tickets without pressure.
From Helping Hand to High Performer
Jason’s first job in the trades was hauling water heaters for his father-in-law. Everything changed when he attended CertainPath’s Plumbers Advanced course.
“That class changed everything. I followed the process, and my revenue jumped from $16,000 in January to over $400,000 by December.”
It’s a powerful example of how business coaching for trades from technical skills to communication and pricing drives real-world growth for plumbing contractors, HVAC technicians, and electrical contractors alike.
How Jason Runs a High-Performance Service Call
Jason follows a consistent process that’s made standard by CertainPath and embraced by top contractors coach leaders across industries.
Pre-Call Prep
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Reviews call history and notes in contractor management software
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Looks for open estimates, customer behavior, and preferences
Customer Interaction
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Adjusts tone and pace using DISC personality insights
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Builds rapport through respect, observation, and relatability
Service Walkthrough
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Performs full safety and system inspections
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Educates the customer on what’s working, what’s at risk, and where improvements could help
Option Presentation
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Presents three clear options (A, B, C) with financing
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Leads with per-month pricing to emphasize affordability
This structured service call framework is now a best practice among elite HVAC contractors, electrical contractors, and roofing contractors across the country.
Drain Cleaning: Turning Panic Into Peace of Mind
Most techs avoid drain calls. Jason leans into them.
“If the house is backed up, people are stressed. You show calm, you earn their trust.”
With the help of tools like hydro-jetters, HD cameras, and modern plumbing business software, Jason doesn’t just fix the issue he shows the homeowner the cause and outlines long-term solutions like repipes or trenchless repairs.
Big Jobs, Bigger Trust
Jason routinely closes big-ticket projects like $12,000 tankless water heaters and $15,000 sewer line replacements because he builds trust every step of the way:
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Before: Sets clear expectations and shares photos of past jobs
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During: Brings in team support to minimize downtime
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After: Follows up with documentation and keeps the relationship open for future services
This approach has turned Jason into a trusted partner—not just a service provider—within his community.
Financing Makes It Happen
Jason always offers payment flexibility critical for larger jobs across any trade, whether it’s HVAC installation, drain repair, or full electrical panel upgrades.
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0% interest for short-term fixes
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Up to 132-month plans for major renovations
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Retail pricing and monthly payment options are always included in the proposal
“Customers aren’t embarrassed to finance anymore. They just want it done right without draining savings.”
This flexibility, paired with smart contractor management services, removes friction and increases close rates.
Why Business Coaching for Trades Matters
Jason’s company shuts down operations several times a year for team training, and the investment pays off.
“Every time I go to a CertainPath class, I come back sharper. My sales go up. My confidence improves. That affects the whole team.”
This focus on professional development through HVAC business coaching, electrical business coaching, and contractor-led peer groups is what keeps small companies competitive against larger HVAC companies and electrical firms.
Jason’s Advice to Other Technicians
“Just follow the process. The system works. Don’t overthink it.”
Jason’s advice is a reminder that trades work whether you’re a plumbing contractor, electrician, or roofing business owner is one of the last places where your effort directly controls your income.
“Whether your company pays hourly or commission, you’re on performance pay. Your success is in your hands.”
Ready to Grow Like Jason?
If you’re ready to take your HVAC business, electrical contracting company, or roofing company to the next level, you don’t have to figure it out alone. CertainPath has helped more than 1,000 contractors grow with proven coaching, technology, and support systems.
Book Your Free 90-Minute Starter Session
Learn the same systems and tools that helped Jason grow from sandwich shop employee to nearly $1 million in sales.