Turning a $5.50 per hour job into a six-crew plumbing empire doesn't happen overnight. Jerry Houy's 20-year journey building Jerry's Plumbing reveals what's truly possible when determination meets opportunity in the skilled trades.
Jerry's story begins like many in construction - hating his daily grind as a "pack mule" carrying shingles until a plumbing company owner noticed his potential. That simple opportunity transformed Jerry's career trajectory as he fell in love with plumbing and approached every task with enthusiasm. "You don't realize people are watching you all the time," Jerry explains, describing how his reputation for reliability made him a sought-after helper.
The early days of entrepreneurship tested Jerry's resolve. With no credit history, he relied on someone believing in him enough to co-sign for essential equipment. His wife worked alongside him in the field, cutting pipe and dragging materials through mud before picking up their children each afternoon. Together, they built a foundation that would eventually support six crews handling up to 24 house rough-ins weekly.
What stands out most in Jerry's approach is his commitment to quality and relationships. After trying various systems, he implemented a dedicated quality control position filled by a former employee who inspects jobs before customers or inspectors see them. His two daughters now work in the office (one even earned her journeyman license), creating a true family business built on reputation so strong he's "never paid one penny for advertising" in two decades.
Perhaps most refreshing is Jerry's boundaries with difficult clients: "I've fired more builders than builders have fired me." His zero-tolerance policy for disrespect, regardless of potential volume, demonstrates the confidence that comes from knowing your worth.
For those struggling in the early stages of a trades career, Jerry offers simple but powerful wisdom: "Keep pushing, keep fighting. It's going to get better and you're going to reap the rewards." Ready to build your own blue-collar legacy? Subscribe now for more stories and strategies from those who've made it happen.
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More About this Episode
Building a Plumbing Empire: How Jerry Hoy Scaled His Business Through Grit, Systems, and Culture
In the world of blue-collar business, stories of success aren’t written overnight. They’re carved out of early mornings, long weeks, and an unshakable work ethic. Jerry Houy, founder of Jerry’s Plumbing, is one of those rare individuals who built something exceptional not from luck or marketing magic, but from sheer determination, practical systems, and a rock-solid reputation that speaks for itself.
From starting his business in 2008 after nearly a decade in the field to running six high-performing residential plumbing crews today, Jerry’s journey is packed with lessons for anyone looking to build a sustainable and respected operation in the trades.
A Rough Start with a Clear Direction
Jerry didn’t grow up dreaming about plumbing. In fact, he started out hating construction. Working for his father in residential framing, he spent his days hauling shingles and lumber, resenting every minute of it. But it was on those job sites that he first noticed the plumbers — joking, laughing, and enjoying themselves.
That casual observation changed his life.
One day, a plumbing contractor offered him a dollar more per hour and free schooling. Jerry took the deal, not realizing it would mark the start of a decades-long love for plumbing. “All I did was work hard and do what I was told,” Jerry recalled. That mindset quickly earned him a reputation as the guy everyone wanted on their team.
The Apprenticeship Years: Learning the Craft and the Business
Jerry put in four tough years as an apprentice, juggling work and night classes once a week. The pay wasn’t great, but he was driven by a bigger vision: owning his own business. After earning his journeyman license, he continued gaining experience under other contractors, including a close friend who had taken the leap into self-employment before him.
“I was scared,” Jerry admitted. But he slowly began gathering tools, bought his first work truck, and built connections with local builders who promised, “If you ever go out on your own, call me.”
Making the Leap: From Employee to Entrepreneur
When Jerry finally took the plunge into business ownership, he had no idea what was ahead, only that he was ready to bet on himself. His first job came through one of those builder connections. The check came in, and Jerry raced to the supply house, praying the materials didn’t cost more than he’d earned. That first $4,000 check, with $900 in material costs, gave him a huge sigh of relief and a push forward.
His wife was his first “employee,” dragging pipe, rolling gas plastic, and working beside him until it was time to pick up the kids. “She’d be out there with me till one o’clock, then go pick up the kids from school,” Jerry said. “We just made it work.”
Within a year, they had to bring on another team member. By year two, they had three. The growth was steady and organic, powered not by advertising but by reputation.
Scaling the Right Way: Faith, Systems, and Culture
Many tradesmen struggle to transition from operator to business owner. Jerry did it by creating trust with employees and clients alike. He believes deeply in hiring for work ethic and integrity, not just skill. “When you hire someone and give them the truck, the tools, the responsibility, they’re now representing your name,” Jerry emphasized.
Growth came not from flashy advertising but from consistently delivering quality work. Jerry has never spent a dime on ads. His jobs come from word of mouth, repeat builders, and a community that respects how he treats people, both customers and employees.
Stepping from one crew to six wasn’t easy. Each jump required not just tools and trucks, but a leap of faith. “There’s no guaranteed 40 hours in construction,” he said. “You’ve got to create work. Even if it’s washing the truck or organizing the shop, I just needed to keep good people busy.”
Trust, Responsibility, and QC
One of the most impactful moves Jerry made was hiring a former employee to act as a dedicated quality control (QC) officer. This wasn’t a planned strategy, it was a chance encounter that turned into one of the best decisions of his business career.
“Checklists weren’t working. Guys would just check ‘yes’ all the way down and we’d find problems on punch lists,” Jerry explained. “Now my QC catches issues before the customer, builder, or inspector does.”
That simple system keeps his crews accountable and ensures work meets the high standards Jerry set from day one.
Culture Comes First
Jerry’s shop is run like a family, and in many ways, it is. His wife and two of his three daughters work in the office. One daughter even holds her journeyman’s license and is preparing to take her master’s exam. “She’s gone out there, set toilets, run faucets — she’s earned her spot,” Jerry beamed.
His crews know what’s expected of them. Mornings start with camaraderie: laughter, jokes, and planning the day ahead. But when 7:30 hits, it’s go time. “At 8 o’clock, you could hear a pin drop,” he laughed. “They’re all out on the job.”
This culture, respectful, hardworking, family-oriented, has kept Jerry’s Plumbing growing and thriving in a notoriously challenging industry.
Knowing When to Say No
One of the biggest turning points in Jerry’s business maturity came when he realized he didn’t have to say “yes” to every client. In fact, he’s fired more builders than have ever fired him. “If you don’t respect what we do or how we do it, you’re gone,” he said.
Despite having two of the largest builders in Northwest Arkansas on his books, Jerry maintains strong relationships with eight smaller builders too. “It’s a juggling act, but it’s worth it,” he said. “We work weekends, we work late, we do what we need to, but we don’t compromise our values.”
Lessons for the Next Generation
If you’re an apprentice right now, frustrated and unsure if this path is worth it, Jerry’s message is simple: Stick with it.
“You’re going to feel stuck. But if you keep showing up, doing what’s asked, and learning, you’re going to get there. Plumbing’s not just a job. It can be your own business. It can change your life.”
His advice for those running small crews or looking to grow? Don’t try to do it all. Build systems. Invest in your people. Find someone who believes in you. And remember, every truck and shovel is a responsibility not just a tool.
Build the Business, Not Just the Work
Jerry Houy’s story isn’t just inspiring because of what he built. It’s inspiring because of how he built it - with integrity, patience, and pride in every pipe he laid. He didn't chase flashy tactics or viral marketing trends. He built a rock-solid plumbing business on consistency, craftsmanship, and connection.
If you're in the trades and dreaming about starting or scaling your own operation, take a page out of Jerry’s book. Show up. Do it right. Treat people well. Build systems that support your people and your growth. And above all, never forget where you started because that’s where the best lessons are learned.
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