Last night Carissa started watching Supergirl on Netflix. She was going on and on about how good Michelle Pheifer still looks. I finally looked up to give C-Rocket the bad news, that wasn’t Michelle Pheifer, it was Calista Flockhart. Her mind could not be changed until we made a bet and a quick Google image search once again proved how talented I am at recognizing Miss Ally McBeal. What did I win you ask? I would not have to make supper the following night. What am I doing now you might ask? (Besides writing this) I’m making supper. I’m making supper because operating Family Plumbing and Heating allows me the opportunity.

The work life of a service plumber can be very gruelling. Plumbing troubles are always happening and often need to be addressed immediately. You can bet the house (especially on a Friday) that at 4:30 you’ll have wrapped up your last call and driving home and like clockwork  the work phone will ring.

Office: Hi Brenden

Me: Yeeeees?

Office: A homeowner just called in, their water heater burst and they have water everywhere.

Now every tech’s initial reaction is to tell the office where to go and how to get there. But that’s not the name of the game, it’s not what we signed up for.

Me: Okay, send me the address, I’ll head there right now.

And now I know that even though I have been rolling since 7:30 in the morning, I likely will not be home for another 2-3 hours.  Too many times can I count how many plans I’ve cancelled last minute or refused to make plans at all out of fear of jinxing it. Not just suppers either. I’ve missed concerts, birthdays, and funerals just to name a few. All due to a profession that does not limit itself to between the hours of 9 to 5. (Dolly?) There have been years where I’ve felt as if I was on call 24/7, even if I wasn’t that night’s on-call tech the call load could be so large backups were needed. And not to get into the whole work-life balance spiel but too much work does burn a person out.

*And yes, I’m not a crazy person, I know there are countless other professions that come with this same lifestyle. This post is for all of us.*

But now owning Family Plumbing and Heating has allowed me the opportunity to have a little more control over my work life. While I was at home today going through invoices I was also able to cook supper for Carissa and the kids. This was a task that usually would fall upon Carissa as I would not be home for another hour. (Or until all the little water heaters go to bed for the night). Tomorrow I get the treat to walk my son Smith to his first day of Kindergarten. I have been looking forward to this all summer. I don’t have to feel guilty for taking the time off, or feel the need to rush back to work. I can simply enjoy the moment. And don’t think for one second I don’t recognize who is helping to give me this opportunity. Tyler and I thank each and every one of you who take the time to read our blog posts and allow us into your homes.

We couldn’t do this without you, and our goal is to repay you with the best service possible.