Today we’d like to introduce you to Larry Street.
Hi Larry, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
It all started when I was 14 years old. My grandfather owned a plumbing business; I worked with him every summer until I was 18. He asked, “would you like a job or a career?” I asked, “what’s the difference?” He stated to me that the difference is that a job is temporary and a career is a lifetime. Of course, I chose the obvious one and worked for him for a solid two years.
The age gap showed me being 20 and him being 68, and there was always an issue with me not “proving myself” so I decided to go into the union. Making my way up the ropes and learning everything I could I landed a Forman position and then got offered numerous more opportunities after that, till one day I get a phone call.
All of my grandfather’s employees have left him high in dry. Now In their defense, he wasn’t always the best boss/ manager and he will admit to this day that this is true. Anyways it was only down to him, John (the last employee), and me. I stayed for 2 more years till John was diagnosed with lung cancer and unfortunately passed away (rest in peace, my brother).
I was his last trained journeyman plumber. At this point, I was the only one running calls day and night. I was completely burnt out and not receiving a raise not even a thank you, although I didn’t say anything due to the fact from an old rumor even before John passed, he was getting ready to retire and give the company to me or my uncle. We all came to find out that neither of us where going to get it, I came to accept that fact when I started back up with him two years and started something of my own.
Going out separate ways now, I was bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, ready to take on the world!! Our first year was the hardest, there were times when I thought of throwing in the towel. One day I get a phone call for sewer backup that no plumber could seem to fix, so me being me I hurried on out and showed it could be done. Took my sewer machine and ran it down a roof vent and pulled out a bunch of socks that his son had thrown down the toilet.
The homeowner was so surprised and asked me if I’d like to quit my job and come work for him, I told him” well sir I am the owner so if you want me, you take the whole business with it..” His eyes just widened and said,” There ain’t no way!!” I simply showed him the proof that was and am the owner. He grabbed my hand and gave me the biggest shake and went to say” I need men like you on my team, meet me in Austin Tx in a week and I’ll keep you going.
We exchanged info and found out that he is the #1 modular home manufacturer in Texas. This hid man landed me contact with Samsungs pre-construction in Austin Tx. Since then we have been doing all types of plumbing and projects together, from tiny homes to whole warehouses, the rest is still to come
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The biggest struggle in this industry is the contractors and creditors. Without going to college or being taught by a mentor, you are going in blind.
As you know, we’re big fans of Genesis Plumbing Repair LLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
We are a company of longevity compassion and transparency.
We understand that services are not affordable to many parts of Houston. We do our very best to accommodate our prices for any situation and are always willing to do the project no matter the cost. We donate our plumbing skills to widows and single mothers in low-income families.
What makes you happy?
Being a father, nothing In this world makes me the happiest man than coming home to my beautiful babies. Growing up with my father in prison made me want to do my best, give my kids something I’ve never got, and give them the love I wanted growing up.
Contact Info:
- Website: Genesisplumbingrepair.com
