October 7, 2024 • 17 mins
Discover how a family legacy became a cornerstone of Charlotte, North Carolina, through the eyes of David Fowler, vice president and co-owner of Dependaworthy. David shares the fascinating transformation of the business from its humble beginnings as Dan King Plumbing in 1971 to its expansion into HVAC services in 1987, driven by his father and uncle's pioneering approach to straightforward pricing. Listeners will gain insights into how Dependaworthy has stood out in a crowded market by staying true to its core values of dependability and trustworthiness. We also tackle the shift in perceptions about trade careers, highlighting the vital role of apprenticeship programs in shaping the future workforce amidst a landscape increasingly dominated by private equity.
Beyond the business realm, David opens up about the personal side of leadership and legacy, transitioning from a nursing career to managing a team of 110 employees. He emphasizes the importance of investing in people and fostering a supportive, family-like atmosphere, nurturing his team members' aspirations while finding time for his own family passions like outdoor activities and sports. His dedication to excellence extends to ensuring top-notch customer satisfaction in plumbing, heating, air, and electrical services. Join us for an engaging conversation that showcases how Dependaworthy continues to make a significant impact in the community it serves, and how David Fowler’s leadership makes it all possible.
Dependaworthy
One Hour Heat & Air Charlotte
It's Electric Charlotte
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Charlotte
3030 Whitehall Park Drive
Charlotte, NC 28273
David Fowler
704-814-7283 or 704-814-SAVE
david.fowler@onehourair.com
dependaworthyonehour.com
onehourheatandair.com
itselectriccharlotte.com
benjaminfranklinplumbing.com/charlotte
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
This is the Good Neighbor Podcast, the place
where local businesses andneighbors come together.
Here's your host, Regina Lee.
Speaker 2 (00:11):
Well, hello everybody and welcome to the Good
Neighbor Podcast here inCharlotte, North Carolina, and
today I am talking with DavidFowler.
He is the vice president andco-owner of Dependaworthy, a
brand that we all know.
If you watch TV, Hi David, howare you?
Speaker 3 (00:29):
Hi, ms Regina, I'm doing well.
Thanks for having me.
How are you doing?
Speaker 2 (00:33):
I am well.
Boy is your brand famous.
I think we all can see you andyour father, mike, in the
evening.
Broadcast is typically when Isee it, so it is a pleasure to
chat with you today.
Speaker 3 (00:45):
Yes, ma'am, it's a pleasure to be here, so I
appreciate you having me come onand hopefully we can let
everybody in the Charlotte andsurrounding areas know kind of
what we do and all about us.
Speaker 2 (00:56):
Absolutely so.
I've been in Charlotte a verylong time and I've known about
you for a very long time and Ican't wait to hear a little bit
about the story and the journeyof when you guys started the
business in 1971.
My gosh, so tell us about allthat.
Speaker 3 (01:13):
Yes, ma'am.
So we started out in 1971originally as a plumbing company
Dan King Plumbing and a lot offolks that have been in the
Charlotte area they've heard ofthat business.
That was actually my uncle'sfather's company that he opened
and later on in the journey, in1987, we added HVAC to the story
(01:33):
and from there kind of the restis history.
We added the franchise One HourHeating and Air and Benjamin
Franklin Plumbing to the mix inthe early 2000s.
One hour heating and air andBenjamin Franklin plumbing to
the mix in the early 2000s.
We actually were kind ofpioneers.
I should say my dad and my unclewere pioneers in the Charlotte
area on bringing really theretail trades right to the area.
(01:57):
Before that, you know, it was,it was the contracting.
Contracting business was wasvery, it was very different and
we prided ourselves on being oneof the first to actually bring
the straightforward pricing tothe market.
Before it was always well,we'll charge you this amount per
hour and who knows how longwe'll be here.
Well, our idea was we want tobe up front with our customers,
(02:20):
right?
We want them to know hey, nomatter what, this is the price
you're going to pay at the endof the day and that you're in
good hands with us.
Speaker 2 (02:28):
Well, that's amazing.
You know you.
You just said you're in a very,very competitive industry and
you know your name is very wellknown and, like you said, you do
the one hour heating and airBenjamin Franklin plumbing on
time electrical heating and airBenjamin Franklin plumbing
(02:48):
on-time electrical.
That is amazing.
So what are the core values andthe mission for Dependaworthy?
Speaker 3 (02:52):
Yes, ma'am.
So we worked with our partnersto come up with that idea, and
it took about a week of themsitting in our business and
sitting with my dad and I andreally and truly the dependable
dependable where they came frombeing dependable, which actually
was one of my core values, andthen trustworthy, which which
was my dad's core value.
(03:13):
Um, and what you see is whatyou get If you watch our ads.
Um, we're not actors.
Uh, we are truly those guysthat you see in here, the battle
back and forth between dad andI.
That's exactly how we are inreal life, and so we just want
folks to know that we're stillfamily owned and operated, while
(03:36):
there's a lot of competitors inour city being sold to private
equity.
We are here and we will be herefor decades to come.
Truly, we pride ourselves onthat, being family owned and
operated.
If consumers feel like theyknow us and that's what we pride
(03:58):
ourselves on, I can actuallyspeak to.
This morning I had a customercall in and talk about how much
they loved our commercials.
And hey, you know, I'd reallylove to talk to those guys.
Well, I pick up the phone, Icall them direct.
You know, I think it'simportant to us that people
understand who we are in thatway.
That gives them a good reasonto pick us to do business with.
(04:21):
And, at the end of the day, wehave to earn folks' business and
we want them to know exactlywhat we're business with.
And, at the end of the day, wehave to earn folks' business and
we want them to know exactlywhat we're all about, and we
pride ourselves really on beingthere, being reliable, being
dependable and then doing thingsright.
Right, we're not perfect.
We make mistakes, but what Ican guarantee you is, if there's
something that needs to beresolved, I'm the first person
(04:43):
that gets on the phone and comesup with a solution.
Speaker 2 (04:48):
What are some of the misconceptions in your industry
that you would like to chatabout?
Speaker 3 (04:53):
Yeah.
So I think one thing isespecially, as many folks might
not know this, but a lot ofpeople that have practiced in
the trade for years and yearsare getting older and they are
retiring and there has not beena whole lot of, you know,
(05:15):
younger generations, right.
Even myself, I went to college.
I actually majored in nursing,which is so far off from what
I'm doing now and we can speak alittle bit about how I got here
, but I think for the past 10,maybe even 20 years it's been
pushed.
Hey, I know it was for me.
You need to go to school and goget a degree.
(05:37):
And I think what's important atleast the message I want to get
out there is the trades are notwhat a lot of folks think it's a
dirty.
It sometimes has that dirtyimage with it and that's not the
case.
We hire folks that have nohistory in plumbing, electrical
or HVAC.
Matter of fact, a lot of ouremployees came from
(06:01):
hospitalities, whether it wasworking as a waiter or a
waitress, working at a hotel ora car dealership or a variety of
other places, and we have anapprentice program and we work
to train those folks that havethe same four values and beliefs
and they get paid right off thebat.
(06:22):
So no need to to, you know,take thousands and hundreds of
thousands of dollars of debt onbefore even getting a job.
You know, entry level job outof college, you start making
money right off, right off thebat, and you can.
I think one thing that a lot offolks don't know, especially
younger generations, is how muchmoney you can make as an HVAC
technician, an electrician or aplumber.
(06:43):
Money you can make as an HVACtechnician, an electrician or a
plumber.
We have many folks making sixfigures plus, and so I think yes
, ma'am, I think yeah, but thetrade as a whole really needs to
do a better job at educatingour youth and letting them know
hey, this is a career that youcan get into at a young age and
start making money right off thebat.
Speaker 2 (07:06):
That is so true.
I know when I was younger therewas trade school and you know
you're exactly right RightCollege, and that that path is
not for everybody.
But to be able, I think, towork with your hands and earn a
good living is is such a greatpoint that you just made.
Speaker 3 (07:26):
Yes, ma'am, and even to that, to that note, is folks
who went to college Right.
I know when I came out ofcollege, even as a nurse, you
know what I was making.
That out of school is a lot ofwhat our folks are making, you
know, with little to noexperience.
And so I think even thoseindividuals that do go to
(07:46):
college right, because I lovedcollege, it was a great
experience.
I went to University of NorthCarolina at Wilmington and it
was a beautiful place.
I absolutely would never, ever,ever go back and take that
experience away.
So, even folks that maybe wantthat college experience and
they're coming out and they're,um, I had a bunch of buddies
that were business degrees andyou know they just sent out uh,
(08:07):
200 places right, every everyplace that they could send their
resume to they, they did and um, who, maybe two or three would
reach back out to them andthat's where they kind of fell.
So, even folks that have havewent to college, I would still
encourage those folks.
You know we're we're willing totalk to those individuals and
there's still a career path forthem.
Speaker 2 (08:27):
That is amazing.
You you've had a full circle tobe such a young man, but have
you experienced any hardships inyour journey to now?
Speaker 3 (08:39):
So I think, yes, everyone, I believe you're a
human being walking this earththere's always, there's always
things right, life.
Life has its way of alwaysthrowing your curve balls right,
no matter kind of what you setyour mind to or set out to do.
There's always things that arechallenges, and I believe if I'm
(08:59):
going to speak on, you know,any sort of hardship or life
challenge that I've had.
I think you know my, what Ilike to call my wrestle with
Christ.
Right, I believe my wrestlewith Christ is probably one of
the biggest accomplishments thatI could say I've probably had
in my life, that I could sayI've probably had in my life.
You know, I grew up Baptist,southern Baptist, and for one
(09:21):
reason or another, didn't wantto just believe something
because I was told that.
And so, through my journey, Ithink the only reason why I'm
here and you know my purpose, isit's rooted in my faith, and so
I think that's what I would sayis probably the biggest thing
that I've overcome is some ofthe challenges that I had that
(09:41):
came along with being a littlebit of a rebellious, uh, young
man and um kind of finding myway and finding my purpose, and
you know, w w w.
Without my religion and withoutJesus Christ, I would not be
sitting here talking to youtoday, regina.
Speaker 2 (09:54):
That is amazing, amazing.
What are you most proud of,either professionally or
personally?
Speaker 3 (10:01):
So I'm going to have to say my biggest accomplishment
is my four-year-old little man.
That is yes, ma'am, that, thatis, that is my pride and joy.
Um, I, I see so much of myselfand his mother in him and he's
really probably the best thingthat I have ever done and
(10:24):
probably ever will do, until mylittle girl gets here, and then
I'll talk to you and we'll chatabout that, but she's expected
to be here in November.
Speaker 2 (10:32):
Oh, my congrats, oh wow.
Speaker 3 (10:35):
Yes, ma'am.
So we're excited about that.
But to this point I would haveto say that's probably my best
accomplishment.
Speaker 2 (10:42):
That is amazing.
Well, and then professionally,what are you most proud of?
Speaker 3 (10:47):
I think you know professionally, it's really
diving into this business Right.
I've been around the businessmy entire life.
Never really thought I would behere sitting here today.
Actually, as I mentionedpreviously, I went to UNC
Wilmington and actually got mybachelor's of science in nursing
.
And previously I went to UNCWilmington and actually got my
bachelor's of science in nursing.
I worked as a.
(11:08):
I worked as a nurse at CMCMaine in the emergency room for
two years and then worked in theneurosurgical ICU for a year
before transitioning over.
And I think one thing that thatthat really that I strive to do
when I, when I made thetransition, was focus on the
culture and the people, right,and so hiring good people.
(11:28):
And ultimately, you know what Itry to do in my position is I
want to know all of my people's,the 110 employees, that we have
all their dreams, their goals,their aspirations, because my
dreams and my goals have to bebig enough to be able to fit all
of their dreams and their goalsand their aspirations inside of
mine.
And so I think one of thebiggest accomplishments that
I've had, obviously with thesuccess and growing a business,
(11:52):
but more importantly, it'sinvesting in these folks' lives
and seeing how it affects theirfamily and the things that they
strive and they want, whetherit's buying a new car, buying a
new house.
Those are the things thatreally get me up and motivate me
every day in and day out.
Is, you know, helping thesefolks achieve their dreams and
(12:14):
their ambitions?
Speaker 2 (12:16):
That is fabulous, you know.
It just came to mind theplumbing, heating and air
electrical.
Those businesses aren't goinganywhere and for people
listening who themselves, ortheir child or someone they know
is wanting to make a transitioncareer wise, this would be an
excellent, excellent path.
And you guys sound like youknow you run your business from
(12:39):
your heart, which is fantastic.
Speaker 3 (12:42):
Absolutely.
I think that's, you know,that's very important to me.
Again, the people build theorganization.
I'm a firm believer in that.
My job is to just, you know, behere as a supporting cast and
ultimately kind of paint thepicture.
And the ones that you know,people that are listening to
(13:05):
this podcast, if they use ourservices, they're the faces that
they're seeing every single daythose individuals are the ones
that are the backbone of what wedo, and I think it's important
that we not only, you know,support them but give them the
training, the coaching and thesupport that, ultimately, that
they need in both their careersbut also their life, support
(13:27):
that, ultimately, that they needin both their careers but also
their life.
Like I said, we truly are afamily and I believe all of my
employees, you know, they feelthat and it's important to me
that we continue to have thatculture.
Speaker 2 (13:40):
That's fabulous, david, very much something to be
proud of.
So when you're not working,what do you and the little man
and wife, and soon to be baby,what do you do to enjoy time
away?
Speaker 3 (13:53):
Yeah, absolutely Quite a few things.
We, you know I try to keep himoutside as much as possible,
outside doing activities,whether we're outside and he's,
you know, hitting golf balls orwe're throwing the football um
taking him to events.
I know we we just uh took himto the Thomas a train um up in
(14:15):
Spencer, north Carolina, and heabsolutely loved that he's.
He's real big on Sonic and TomThomas a train right now.
So just trying to keep him um,we just went to Disney on Ice,
you know.
So just keeping him involved inthings that you know keep him
busy other than just staring atan iPad and because it's so easy
(14:38):
in today's society, you know,to just have kids, they want to
watch, you know, videos and whathave you.
So I think we really enjoyriding bikes and just doing
activities as a family outside.
And then me myself, if I canget time away, I do love to play
some golf.
Speaker 2 (14:57):
I was about to say you've got your son hitting
balls.
There must be some passion fordad in that.
Speaker 3 (15:03):
Absolutely.
I love playing golf.
I would be lying if I said Iget to play it as much as I used
to, but it's great and Brooksreally loves it and he's all
into sports.
He's a big fan of the CarolinaPanthers.
I said sorry, buddy, I'm bornand raised in Charlotte and I've
(15:25):
been a fan through thick andthin, right all the way to the
Cam Newton and Glorious Days andsome not-so-good days going
back to I don't know if I shouldsay it on the podcast or not,
but there's been somenot-so-good times and I told him
I'm like, hey, buddy, I'm sorryfor this, because he absolutely
loves me, he's like theCarolina Panthers and even when
(15:46):
he's playing football inside andwe're just last night, we're
throwing the football back he'spretending like mommy, take a
picture, take a picture of theCarolina Panthers, you know, and
he, he, he loves it, he lovesit, but that's that's.
That's been my, my, my, my teamthrough thick and thin.
Speaker 2 (16:20):
I'll always stand by them, but we'll see.
We're in a rebuilding phasethere, but do our listeners find
Dependaworthy and you know wementioned the three businesses
that are under the umbrella ofDependaworthy but how do they
reach you?
Speaker 3 (16:36):
Yes, ma'am.
So there's a couple ofdifferent ways.
You can always go online, right.
You can type in Dependaworthyone hour Dependaworthy Benjamin
Franklin.
Dependaworthy on-timeelectrical.
Or you can search them directly, right One hour heating and air
Benjamin Franklin, plumbing ofCharlotte, on-time electrical.
Or you can call our number.
We still have that same numberfrom 1971.
(16:58):
That will always lead you toour staff, no matter which
problem, whether it's electrical, plumbing or HVAC, and that
number is 704-814-7283 or704-814-SAVE.
Speaker 2 (17:14):
That is wonderful.
It is such a pleasure to talkto you and learn more about this
family, wonderful familybusiness.
David, thank you for your timetoday and I look forward to
seeing you soon.
Speaker 3 (17:24):
Yes, ma'am Regina, thank you so much.
I appreciate it Absolutely.
Thank you for your time todayand I look forward to seeing you
soon.
Yes, ma'am Regina, thank you somuch.
Speaker 2 (17:28):
I appreciate it Absolutely.
Speaker 1 (17:29):
Thank you for listening to the good neighbor
podcast.
To nominate your favorite localbusinesses to be featured on
the show, go to GNP southcharlotte.
com.
That's GNP south charlotte.
com, or call 980-351-5719
This is the Good Neighbor Podcast, the place
where local businesses andneighbors come together.
Here's your host, Regina Lee.
Speaker 2 (00:11):
Well, hello everybody and welcome to the Good
Neighbor Podcast here inCharlotte, North Carolina, and
today I am talking with DavidFowler.
He is the vice president andco-owner of Dependaworthy, a
brand that we all know.
If you watch TV, Hi David, howare you?
Speaker 3 (00:29):
Hi, ms Regina, I'm doing well.
Thanks for having me.
How are you doing?
Speaker 2 (00:33):
I am well.
Boy is your brand famous.
I think we all can see you andyour father, mike, in the
evening.
Broadcast is typically when Isee it, so it is a pleasure to
chat with you today.
Speaker 3 (00:45):
Yes, ma'am, it's a pleasure to be here, so I
appreciate you having me come onand hopefully we can let
everybody in the Charlotte andsurrounding areas know kind of
what we do and all about us.
Speaker 2 (00:56):
Absolutely so.
I've been in Charlotte a verylong time and I've known about
you for a very long time and Ican't wait to hear a little bit
about the story and the journeyof when you guys started the
business in 1971.
My gosh, so tell us about allthat.
Speaker 3 (01:13):
Yes, ma'am.
So we started out in 1971originally as a plumbing company
Dan King Plumbing and a lot offolks that have been in the
Charlotte area they've heard ofthat business.
That was actually my uncle'sfather's company that he opened
and later on in the journey, in1987, we added HVAC to the story
(01:33):
and from there kind of the restis history.
We added the franchise One HourHeating and Air and Benjamin
Franklin Plumbing to the mix inthe early 2000s.
One hour heating and air andBenjamin Franklin plumbing to
the mix in the early 2000s.
We actually were kind ofpioneers.
I should say my dad and my unclewere pioneers in the Charlotte
area on bringing really theretail trades right to the area.
(01:57):
Before that, you know, it was,it was the contracting.
Contracting business was wasvery, it was very different and
we prided ourselves on being oneof the first to actually bring
the straightforward pricing tothe market.
Before it was always well,we'll charge you this amount per
hour and who knows how longwe'll be here.
Well, our idea was we want tobe up front with our customers,
(02:20):
right?
We want them to know hey, nomatter what, this is the price
you're going to pay at the endof the day and that you're in
good hands with us.
Speaker 2 (02:28):
Well, that's amazing.
You know you.
You just said you're in a very,very competitive industry and
you know your name is very wellknown and, like you said, you do
the one hour heating and airBenjamin Franklin plumbing on
time electrical heating and airBenjamin Franklin plumbing
(02:48):
on-time electrical.
That is amazing.
So what are the core values andthe mission for Dependaworthy?
Speaker 3 (02:52):
Yes, ma'am.
So we worked with our partnersto come up with that idea, and
it took about a week of themsitting in our business and
sitting with my dad and I andreally and truly the dependable
dependable where they came frombeing dependable, which actually
was one of my core values, andthen trustworthy, which which
was my dad's core value.
(03:13):
Um, and what you see is whatyou get If you watch our ads.
Um, we're not actors.
Uh, we are truly those guysthat you see in here, the battle
back and forth between dad andI.
That's exactly how we are inreal life, and so we just want
folks to know that we're stillfamily owned and operated, while
(03:36):
there's a lot of competitors inour city being sold to private
equity.
We are here and we will be herefor decades to come.
Truly, we pride ourselves onthat, being family owned and
operated.
If consumers feel like theyknow us and that's what we pride
(03:58):
ourselves on, I can actuallyspeak to.
This morning I had a customercall in and talk about how much
they loved our commercials.
And hey, you know, I'd reallylove to talk to those guys.
Well, I pick up the phone, Icall them direct.
You know, I think it'simportant to us that people
understand who we are in thatway.
That gives them a good reasonto pick us to do business with.
(04:21):
And, at the end of the day, wehave to earn folks' business and
we want them to know exactlywhat we're business with.
And, at the end of the day, wehave to earn folks' business and
we want them to know exactlywhat we're all about, and we
pride ourselves really on beingthere, being reliable, being
dependable and then doing thingsright.
Right, we're not perfect.
We make mistakes, but what Ican guarantee you is, if there's
something that needs to beresolved, I'm the first person
(04:43):
that gets on the phone and comesup with a solution.
Speaker 2 (04:48):
What are some of the misconceptions in your industry
that you would like to chatabout?
Speaker 3 (04:53):
Yeah.
So I think one thing isespecially, as many folks might
not know this, but a lot ofpeople that have practiced in
the trade for years and yearsare getting older and they are
retiring and there has not beena whole lot of, you know,
(05:15):
younger generations, right.
Even myself, I went to college.
I actually majored in nursing,which is so far off from what
I'm doing now and we can speak alittle bit about how I got here
, but I think for the past 10,maybe even 20 years it's been
pushed.
Hey, I know it was for me.
You need to go to school and goget a degree.
(05:37):
And I think what's important atleast the message I want to get
out there is the trades are notwhat a lot of folks think it's a
dirty.
It sometimes has that dirtyimage with it and that's not the
case.
We hire folks that have nohistory in plumbing, electrical
or HVAC.
Matter of fact, a lot of ouremployees came from
(06:01):
hospitalities, whether it wasworking as a waiter or a
waitress, working at a hotel ora car dealership or a variety of
other places, and we have anapprentice program and we work
to train those folks that havethe same four values and beliefs
and they get paid right off thebat.
(06:22):
So no need to to, you know,take thousands and hundreds of
thousands of dollars of debt onbefore even getting a job.
You know, entry level job outof college, you start making
money right off, right off thebat, and you can.
I think one thing that a lot offolks don't know, especially
younger generations, is how muchmoney you can make as an HVAC
technician, an electrician or aplumber.
(06:43):
Money you can make as an HVACtechnician, an electrician or a
plumber.
We have many folks making sixfigures plus, and so I think yes
, ma'am, I think yeah, but thetrade as a whole really needs to
do a better job at educatingour youth and letting them know
hey, this is a career that youcan get into at a young age and
start making money right off thebat.
Speaker 2 (07:06):
That is so true.
I know when I was younger therewas trade school and you know
you're exactly right RightCollege, and that that path is
not for everybody.
But to be able, I think, towork with your hands and earn a
good living is is such a greatpoint that you just made.
Speaker 3 (07:26):
Yes, ma'am, and even to that, to that note, is folks
who went to college Right.
I know when I came out ofcollege, even as a nurse, you
know what I was making.
That out of school is a lot ofwhat our folks are making, you
know, with little to noexperience.
And so I think even thoseindividuals that do go to
(07:46):
college right, because I lovedcollege, it was a great
experience.
I went to University of NorthCarolina at Wilmington and it
was a beautiful place.
I absolutely would never, ever,ever go back and take that
experience away.
So, even folks that maybe wantthat college experience and
they're coming out and they're,um, I had a bunch of buddies
that were business degrees andyou know they just sent out uh,
(08:07):
200 places right, every everyplace that they could send their
resume to they, they did and um, who, maybe two or three would
reach back out to them andthat's where they kind of fell.
So, even folks that have havewent to college, I would still
encourage those folks.
You know we're we're willing totalk to those individuals and
there's still a career path forthem.
Speaker 2 (08:27):
That is amazing.
You you've had a full circle tobe such a young man, but have
you experienced any hardships inyour journey to now?
Speaker 3 (08:39):
So I think, yes, everyone, I believe you're a
human being walking this earththere's always, there's always
things right, life.
Life has its way of alwaysthrowing your curve balls right,
no matter kind of what you setyour mind to or set out to do.
There's always things that arechallenges, and I believe if I'm
(08:59):
going to speak on, you know,any sort of hardship or life
challenge that I've had.
I think you know my, what Ilike to call my wrestle with
Christ.
Right, I believe my wrestlewith Christ is probably one of
the biggest accomplishments thatI could say I've probably had
in my life, that I could sayI've probably had in my life.
You know, I grew up Baptist,southern Baptist, and for one
(09:21):
reason or another, didn't wantto just believe something
because I was told that.
And so, through my journey, Ithink the only reason why I'm
here and you know my purpose, isit's rooted in my faith, and so
I think that's what I would sayis probably the biggest thing
that I've overcome is some ofthe challenges that I had that
(09:41):
came along with being a littlebit of a rebellious, uh, young
man and um kind of finding myway and finding my purpose, and
you know, w w w.
Without my religion and withoutJesus Christ, I would not be
sitting here talking to youtoday, regina.
Speaker 2 (09:54):
That is amazing, amazing.
What are you most proud of,either professionally or
personally?
Speaker 3 (10:01):
So I'm going to have to say my biggest accomplishment
is my four-year-old little man.
That is yes, ma'am, that, thatis, that is my pride and joy.
Um, I, I see so much of myselfand his mother in him and he's
really probably the best thingthat I have ever done and
(10:24):
probably ever will do, until mylittle girl gets here, and then
I'll talk to you and we'll chatabout that, but she's expected
to be here in November.
Speaker 2 (10:32):
Oh, my congrats, oh wow.
Speaker 3 (10:35):
Yes, ma'am.
So we're excited about that.
But to this point I would haveto say that's probably my best
accomplishment.
Speaker 2 (10:42):
That is amazing.
Well, and then professionally,what are you most proud of?
Speaker 3 (10:47):
I think you know professionally, it's really
diving into this business Right.
I've been around the businessmy entire life.
Never really thought I would behere sitting here today.
Actually, as I mentionedpreviously, I went to UNC
Wilmington and actually got mybachelor's of science in nursing
.
And previously I went to UNCWilmington and actually got my
bachelor's of science in nursing.
I worked as a.
(11:08):
I worked as a nurse at CMCMaine in the emergency room for
two years and then worked in theneurosurgical ICU for a year
before transitioning over.
And I think one thing that thatthat really that I strive to do
when I, when I made thetransition, was focus on the
culture and the people, right,and so hiring good people.
(11:28):
And ultimately, you know what Itry to do in my position is I
want to know all of my people's,the 110 employees, that we have
all their dreams, their goals,their aspirations, because my
dreams and my goals have to bebig enough to be able to fit all
of their dreams and their goalsand their aspirations inside of
mine.
And so I think one of thebiggest accomplishments that
I've had, obviously with thesuccess and growing a business,
(11:52):
but more importantly, it'sinvesting in these folks' lives
and seeing how it affects theirfamily and the things that they
strive and they want, whetherit's buying a new car, buying a
new house.
Those are the things thatreally get me up and motivate me
every day in and day out.
Is, you know, helping thesefolks achieve their dreams and
(12:14):
their ambitions?
Speaker 2 (12:16):
That is fabulous, you know.
It just came to mind theplumbing, heating and air
electrical.
Those businesses aren't goinganywhere and for people
listening who themselves, ortheir child or someone they know
is wanting to make a transitioncareer wise, this would be an
excellent, excellent path.
And you guys sound like youknow you run your business from
(12:39):
your heart, which is fantastic.
Speaker 3 (12:42):
Absolutely.
I think that's, you know,that's very important to me.
Again, the people build theorganization.
I'm a firm believer in that.
My job is to just, you know, behere as a supporting cast and
ultimately kind of paint thepicture.
And the ones that you know,people that are listening to
(13:05):
this podcast, if they use ourservices, they're the faces that
they're seeing every single daythose individuals are the ones
that are the backbone of what wedo, and I think it's important
that we not only, you know,support them but give them the
training, the coaching and thesupport that, ultimately, that
they need in both their careersbut also their life, support
(13:27):
that, ultimately, that they needin both their careers but also
their life.
Like I said, we truly are afamily and I believe all of my
employees, you know, they feelthat and it's important to me
that we continue to have thatculture.
Speaker 2 (13:40):
That's fabulous, david, very much something to be
proud of.
So when you're not working,what do you and the little man
and wife, and soon to be baby,what do you do to enjoy time
away?
Speaker 3 (13:53):
Yeah, absolutely Quite a few things.
We, you know I try to keep himoutside as much as possible,
outside doing activities,whether we're outside and he's,
you know, hitting golf balls orwe're throwing the football um
taking him to events.
I know we we just uh took himto the Thomas a train um up in
(14:15):
Spencer, north Carolina, and heabsolutely loved that he's.
He's real big on Sonic and TomThomas a train right now.
So just trying to keep him um,we just went to Disney on Ice,
you know.
So just keeping him involved inthings that you know keep him
busy other than just staring atan iPad and because it's so easy
(14:38):
in today's society, you know,to just have kids, they want to
watch, you know, videos and whathave you.
So I think we really enjoyriding bikes and just doing
activities as a family outside.
And then me myself, if I canget time away, I do love to play
some golf.
Speaker 2 (14:57):
I was about to say you've got your son hitting
balls.
There must be some passion fordad in that.
Speaker 3 (15:03):
Absolutely.
I love playing golf.
I would be lying if I said Iget to play it as much as I used
to, but it's great and Brooksreally loves it and he's all
into sports.
He's a big fan of the CarolinaPanthers.
I said sorry, buddy, I'm bornand raised in Charlotte and I've
(15:25):
been a fan through thick andthin, right all the way to the
Cam Newton and Glorious Days andsome not-so-good days going
back to I don't know if I shouldsay it on the podcast or not,
but there's been somenot-so-good times and I told him
I'm like, hey, buddy, I'm sorryfor this, because he absolutely
loves me, he's like theCarolina Panthers and even when
(15:46):
he's playing football inside andwe're just last night, we're
throwing the football back he'spretending like mommy, take a
picture, take a picture of theCarolina Panthers, you know, and
he, he, he loves it, he lovesit, but that's that's.
That's been my, my, my, my teamthrough thick and thin.
Speaker 2 (16:20):
I'll always stand by them, but we'll see.
We're in a rebuilding phasethere, but do our listeners find
Dependaworthy and you know wementioned the three businesses
that are under the umbrella ofDependaworthy but how do they
reach you?
Speaker 3 (16:36):
Yes, ma'am.
So there's a couple ofdifferent ways.
You can always go online, right.
You can type in Dependaworthyone hour Dependaworthy Benjamin
Franklin.
Dependaworthy on-timeelectrical.
Or you can search them directly, right One hour heating and air
Benjamin Franklin, plumbing ofCharlotte, on-time electrical.
Or you can call our number.
We still have that same numberfrom 1971.
(16:58):
That will always lead you toour staff, no matter which
problem, whether it's electrical, plumbing or HVAC, and that
number is 704-814-7283 or704-814-SAVE.
Speaker 2 (17:14):
That is wonderful.
It is such a pleasure to talkto you and learn more about this
family, wonderful familybusiness.
David, thank you for your timetoday and I look forward to
seeing you soon.
Speaker 3 (17:24):
Yes, ma'am Regina, thank you so much.
I appreciate it Absolutely.
Thank you for your time todayand I look forward to seeing you
soon.
Yes, ma'am Regina, thank you somuch.
Speaker 2 (17:28):
I appreciate it Absolutely.
Speaker 1 (17:29):
Thank you for listening to the good neighbor
podcast.
To nominate your favorite localbusinesses to be featured on
the show, go to GNP southcharlotte.
com.
That's GNP south charlotte.
com, or call 980-351-5719
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