BUSINESS AND TRAINING 11
30 years of flow: reflecting on the past, pioneering the future
By
By Craig Lourens ActionCOACH Business Coach
Do you have business related questions? Coach Craig is a professional business coach who is keen to answer your queries. Email your business questions to tanya @ interactmedia. co. za with subject line Ask Coach Craig.
As we celebrate 30 years of Plumbing Africa, it would be a good time to look back at one of the greatest transformations in the plumbing industry. It hasn’ t just been in technology or compliance, it’ s been in mindset.
The rise of the businessman has changed the game for plumbers across South Africa. What was once a trade rooted solely in technical skill has evolved into a professional business, built on systems, strategy and scalable success.
How have plumbing businesses changed over the last 30 years?
From tools to teams Plumbers have shifted from working in the business to working on the business. Solo plumbers became employers. One-man vans became branded fleets. With the right mindset and mentoring, many discovered how to build strong teams, delegate and grow.
Understanding the numbers Many plumbers started out as technicians, not accountants, and have discovered that to be around for 30 years required basic financial mastery. Margins, cash flow, pricing for profit, quoting with confidence- these became new tools in their belt.
Marketing like a pro“ Build it and they will come” was replaced with structured marketing strategies. Plumbers built referral systems, created lead generation pipelines and turned happy customers into loyal raving fans.
Customer service and reputation The landscape has grown in competitivity, and it was quickly discovered that good work isn’ t enough- memorable service is key. The customer experience was refined; plumbers learnt to go online and manage their reputation and build long-lasting trust.
Resilience through economic ups and downs From power cuts to pandemics, plumbers have faced their fair share of challenges. Successful businesses embraced the business tools to adapt, evolve and remain profitable, no matter what was happening in the economy.
And the next 30 years? How can we prepare our business?“ The best way to predict the future is to create it. And plumbers, yes, plumbers are in a prime position to do just that.”
If I were to sit down with a room full of plumbers, here’ s what I’ d say:
Think like entrepreneurs, not employees: Don’ t just install pipes; install systems that save water, reduce bills and create value. The future belongs to those who innovate, not imitate.
Image supplied by Craig Lourens
Craig Lourens, Business Coach, Action Coach
The climate clock is ticking: With increasing focus on sustainability, plumbers will be at the frontline of helping homes and businesses go green. Solar geysers, rainwater harvesting, water purification- these are not extras anymore, they’ re expectations. If you ' re not learning about them now, you ' re already behind.
Technology is your teammate, not your threat: Embrace smart systems, IoT-enabled leak detectors and even AI-driven diagnostics. The tools are changing, but the human touch still wins the trust.
Build a brand, not just a business: The world doesn’ t need more plumbers; it needs more trusted plumbers. Build a name. Deliver unforgettable service. Leave customers raving, not guessing.
Lift as you rise: The industry needs more mentors, more apprentices, more business owners who grow people as well as profits. Don’ t hoard knowledge, pass it on. That’ s how legacies are made.
As Plumbing Africa celebrates its 30th year, let’ s remember: the next wave of success won’ t come from fixing yesterday’ s problems, but from solving tomorrow’ s.
To every plumber reading this: your job is essential, your business is valuable and your future is only limited by how boldly you ' re willing to dream.
Now go out there and pipe the future, one job, one customer, one bold idea at a time. PA
September 2025 Volume 31 I Number 07 www. plumbingafrica. co. za