Ease is 3!
A wise professor at UNC’s Kenan Flagler businesss school once said, “don’t count the days, but make the days count.” Well, Professor Skender, I wanted to know how many there were, so I counted them. 1,096 days. And oh, did they count!
1,096 days ago, my life changed, but I didn’t know it then, and I doubt I knew it at day 100, but as I look back today, I can see how much that hot, August day transformed my life.
Over the last three years, Ease Plumbing has been my life. I’ve given it my blood, sweat, and most certainly, tears. At times, it was easy, but at most times, it’s been a difficult, yet meaningful and impactful journey. I feel like I have received my MBA 3 times, and I didn’t have to pay a dime for it. I’ve laughed more in front of sewage than I ever imagined. And, most importantly, I’ve been surrounded by incredible people.
Today, I’m thankful for many different groups of people that have impacted the company in some way or another.
The team members that make up Ease Plumbing. Without them answering the phone, running to after-hours calls, sweating in an attic, or showing up, day in and day out, Ease Plumbing would not be where it is today. Heck, Ease Plumbing wouldn’t be a business. I am thankful for past Ease employees; without them we would not be where we are today. The team members have made a lasting impact on my life, and I am forever grateful for the early folks that believed in my vision of growing a nationwide brand.
Our customers. Over the course of three years, we have had the opportunity to service great customers. I am a firm believer that your business is only as strong as the talent you have on your team, but if you don’t have customer to service, you don’t have anything for the talent to do.
My family and friends. Without the support of these folks, I wouldn’t have my hair or my sanity. Before Ease, I didn’t realize that your team members become your family and your friends become your customers. With that being said, the support that came from Valdese has been the most amazing support I could have imagined.
The Griffin Family. For some reason or another, you believed in a kid who had 0 plumbing or management experience. Thank you for the belief, the support, and the friendship. It has meant the world to me.
And finally, I am thankful for the Good Lord above. Most don’t know this, but before starting Ease, I was praying for a business. I wanted to start a business so bad I couldn’t stand it. I even started Uber driving to get my entrepreneurial juices flowing. For the longest time, I didn’t want to accept “starting a plumbing” business, but I am so glad I did. Ease Plumbing became an unanswered prayer that was exactly what I needed.
The “Ease Plumbing” name won’t be the torch we carry into the future, but I’ll always remember how the last three years helped shaped me into the entrepreneur I am today.
Here’s to the next 100 years of clearing shitters!
Just a kid,
Austin
