The Gentlemen Plumbers
The technicians at The Gentlemen Plumbers, this year’s Readers’ Choice Gold winner in the Plumber category, aim to set a very high bar for residential-based services.
Originally named Action Auger when the company was founded in Calgary in 2001, later expanding to Edmonton in 2003, the new branding reflects the high standard required of sta before they even set foot in a customer’s home, says owner Brham Trim.
“I grew up in the plumbing trade; my dad and grandfather were plumbers, so it’s been a family tradition for generations now,” says Trim, whose business has also expanded to Red Deer, Lethbridge and Medicine Hat.
“We set a high standard. We’re 100 per cent drugfree and we do criminal background checks. We’re in people’s homes every day – if I feel comfortable having one of my guys in my house, then my customers should be able to feel the same.”
The new name is reflected in the uniforms and cleancut appearance of Trim’s technicians – he shies away from the term plumber because they’re also qualified to work on heating systems. And they’re ready to deal with any issue, from a leaky faucet to a collapsed main sewer line, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
“Our guys are proud of what they do,” says Trim.
This also shows in the team’s dedication to serving the community at large. A major cause supported by sta is Little Warriors and its e orts to raise awareness of child sexual abuse. And, when disaster strikes, the Gentlemen Plumbers are ready – they were first on the scene after the 2013 Calgary flood, helping to pump out deluged basements, Trim says.
“If one of our technicians goes into a home and sees that they’re having a rough time, they can make the call to say the job is free; the technician donates the time and it’s a surprise to the customer,” says Trim, adding technicians can pick one household each to receive the complimentary service.
Trim thanks Journal readers. “It’s always nice when you’re recognized,” he says. “We don’t blow our trumpet. We just continue to go along and try and do a good job.”