NANAIMO – Third-generation journeyman Mark McHattie is taking Faucet Plumbing & Heating Ltd. to places it has never been before.
This year, the commercial and residential trades company is celebrating its 30th anniversary.
For the last three years, Mark and the team have adopted a new progressive approach to the business, embracing new technology and innovative business practices to drive Faucet Plumbing into the future. As a result, the business has experienced unprecedented growth, expanding both staff and fleet to serve a central-island market.
Mark’s father, Bruce, founded the company in 1989, moving from Vancouver where Mark’s grandfather also owned his own plumbing business (where Bruce underwent his apprenticeship).
“For the most of the company’s history, my dad kept the business small, focussing on residential and service projects,” says Mark. “I worked all across Canada for about 10 years, getting hands-on experience in project management, quoting, supervision, and client interaction before moving back to get involved in the family business.”
Since returning, Mark has grown the company from a two-man operation to a team of 15 plumbers with five vehicles. As of June 1, the company has moved into its new 1,800 sq ft warehouse and office at 2535 McCullough Road.
From day one, Faucet Plumbing has kept quality and good workmanship as its top priority, developing a strong reputation and getting repeat business from its contractors.
“Though we are in a new era with a new mindset, we stay focussed on doing quality work,” says Mark. “We’re always working to find better, more efficient ways of doing things, and are forward thinking.”
The company uses the latest technology wherever possible. Recently, the team began using an advanced quoting software to increase efficiency. All of their on-demand hot water heaters use new technology called ProPress, eliminating the need for soldering.
Additionally, the Faucet Plumbing team uses a diesel fleet for fuel efficiency to get to their job sites.
When asked why the company has been so successful in the last three years, Mark responded: “We have a progressive mindset, and customer service is always at the forefront. We have also experienced a lot of growth through key partnerships with companies like Tectonica Management, Ballard Fine Homes, WestUrban Developments, and McMann Homes.”
As the company continues to grow, it still remains a family business. Bruce continues to be involved with the company in an advisory role. Mark’s brother Trevor is also an integral part of the team, working in the field as a journeyman plumber.
“Both Trevor and I completed our training under our dad, and all three of us attended trade school at BCIT,” comments Mark.
As the team continues to grow and innovate, Faucet Plumbing is looking at future expansion in new areas.
“Right now, we’re specializing in multi-family projects,” says Mark. “We have a lot on the go right now. We’re currently working on a 46-unit apartment building in Downtown Nanaimo and a 59-unit apartment building on Uplands. We also keep a busy residential department.”
To find out more, contact Mark McHattie at faucetplumbingltd@gmail.com