A confident plumber stands in front of his service van with arms crossed, while a blurred businessman in the background holds a “For Sale” sign, symbolizing the threat of private equity buyouts in the plumbing industry.

Keep your plumbing company - and your freedom

Plumbing Profit Accelerator Series
July 29, 2025•3 min read

Keep your plumbing company  -  and your freedom

Remember when...
you started your business so you could call the shots?

Now private equity is calling the shots in your market. They’re buying out plumbing companies left and right  -  offering fast cash, then cutting corners and gutting soul. This week, we show you how to stay independent, stay premium, and stay profitable.

Plumbing Profit Play Series (Week 1 of 5): Stand Tall or Sell Out

✅ Week 1: Stand Tall or Sell Out
Week 2: Lock in Loyal Revenue
Week 3: Hire and Keep Elite Techs
Week 4: Expand Services Without Bloat
Week 5: Exit on Your Terms (If You Want To)

What’s happening now

  • Over 800 home-service companies, including plumbing, have sold to private equity since 2022

  • These roll-ups use big budgets, slick CRMs, and SEO armies to win market share

  • But customers and techs are noticing  -  service quality is slipping and culture is disappearing

Three Strategic Moves

1. Sell Value, Not Discounts

Why it matters:
PE-backed companies compete on scale. You win on trust and craftsmanship. Raising prices while communicating value attracts better customers and creates margin for growth.

How to implement:

  • Create a “No-Compromise Plumbing” package  -  guaranteed on-time, spotless cleanup, and follow-up call

  • Train techs to say: “We’re not the cheapest  -  just the most thorough.”

  • Use before-and-after photos in proposals to show work quality

What to avoid:
Don’t get sucked into price wars. Discounting is a race to the bottom

2. Build Contracts the Big Guys Can’t

Why it matters:
Recurring revenue is the holy grail. PE firms know it. You can offer more personal, premium versions.

How to implement:

  • Offer a “Family Plan”  -  annual inspections, priority scheduling, and member perks

  • Bundle services like water heater flushes, camera inspections, and leak detection

  • Send handwritten thank-you cards or small seasonal gifts to stand out

What to avoid:
Don’t over-automate. People want convenience and connection

3. Invest in Loyalty, Not Churn

Why it matters:
PE-backed firms burn through staff. You build loyalty with culture and growth. Happy techs sell better, stay longer, and grow your brand.

How to implement:

  • Offer a “Path to Ownership”  -  with bonuses, revenue share, or equity

  • Hold quarterly training and team meals

  • Celebrate wins with job-site shoutouts, bonuses, and monthly spotlights

What to avoid:
Don’t assume a paycheck is enough. Top techs get recruiter DMs every week

"You don’t need private equity money to win. You need pricing power, people power, and a premium customer experience."

5-Day Execution Plan

Monday
Audit pricing  -  are your packages built for margin or just fear of losing bids?
→ Outcome: Higher-margin offers
→ Tip: Raise prices for same-day bookings  -  rush means premium

Tuesday
Build a service contract worth renewing
→ Outcome: Recurring revenue that sticks
→ Tip: Call it a Peace of Mind Plan  -  not a contract

Wednesday
Meet with your techs about what independence means
→ Outcome: Buy-in and team loyalty
→ Tip: Offer a bonus for anyone who generates a new recurring customer

Thursday
Text the last 10 customers a thank-you note
→ Outcome: Surprise and delight
→ Tip: Include a referral reward

Friday
Respond to every recent Google review
→ Outcome: Boosted visibility and reputation
→ Tip: Turn the best reviews into marketing material

Bottom-line recap

Private equity is flooding the trades, but independence still wins. Raise prices, deepen loyalty, and turn your team into your moat.

Next-week tease

In Week 2, we’ll build recurring revenue with sticky service contracts and subscription plumbing

Your next step

Before you get another buyout call or lose another tech to a PE-backed competitor, download the Private Equity Guide for Home Service Owners. Learn how the game is played  -  and how to win, whether you stay or sell.
👉 https://thebluecollarwave.com/pe-guide

Jim Cosmas
The Blue Collar Wave
https://thebluecollarwave.com

plumber retentionretain top plumbersplumbing team cultureblue collar employee retentiontrades hiringplumbing team growth
Hi, I'm Jim Cosmas, a specialist in transforming services businesses through expert consulting. My focus is on refining operational efficiencies and strategic marketing to elevate both your market presence and bottom line. Leading businesses in the home services sector, I have a proven track record of driving innovation and operational excellence that directly translates into enhanced profitability. In my online presentations, one on one coaching, and detailed workshops, I share targeted strategies that integrate effective marketing with streamlined operations, ensuring that every investment in your business maximizes returns. I debunk outdated practices and introduce systems that enhance productivity, explode profitable sales while emphasizing strategic advertising decisions that not only increase reach but also significantly boost conversion rates. My philosophy centers on a vital truth: "Revenue feeds your ego, PROFIT feeds your family." This approach reshapes your business perspective, ensuring that every strategic decision contributes to your net profitability. I guide you through the complexities of operational efficiencies and strategic market positioning, helping you create a robust, profit-generating machine. In fact, I can show you in LESS than 45 minutes how you can easily double your profitability WITHOUT spending an extra dollar on marketing or advertising. Join forces with me and let's transform your business together. With a focus on operations that enhance customer satisfaction and strategic marketing that expands your reach, we will not just increase your revenue—we will significantly enhance your profits, ensuring your business supports your family, the families of your team, and your future.

Jim Cosmas

Hi, I'm Jim Cosmas, a specialist in transforming services businesses through expert consulting. My focus is on refining operational efficiencies and strategic marketing to elevate both your market presence and bottom line. Leading businesses in the home services sector, I have a proven track record of driving innovation and operational excellence that directly translates into enhanced profitability. In my online presentations, one on one coaching, and detailed workshops, I share targeted strategies that integrate effective marketing with streamlined operations, ensuring that every investment in your business maximizes returns. I debunk outdated practices and introduce systems that enhance productivity, explode profitable sales while emphasizing strategic advertising decisions that not only increase reach but also significantly boost conversion rates. My philosophy centers on a vital truth: "Revenue feeds your ego, PROFIT feeds your family." This approach reshapes your business perspective, ensuring that every strategic decision contributes to your net profitability. I guide you through the complexities of operational efficiencies and strategic market positioning, helping you create a robust, profit-generating machine. In fact, I can show you in LESS than 45 minutes how you can easily double your profitability WITHOUT spending an extra dollar on marketing or advertising. Join forces with me and let's transform your business together. With a focus on operations that enhance customer satisfaction and strategic marketing that expands your reach, we will not just increase your revenue—we will significantly enhance your profits, ensuring your business supports your family, the families of your team, and your future.

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