Pete the Plumber: Building a Trusted Business from the Ground Up

In this episode, Ryan sits down with Calgary legend Pete the Plumber, whose name has become synonymous with quality plumbing in the city. With over 25 years in business, Pete reflects on his journey from starting out in Ontario to building a company with 60 trucks and 80 employees in Calgary.

He shares candid stories of:

• How a recession pushed him west and why Calgary has never let him down for work.

• Lessons learned from the school of hard knocks and why every young contractor should take a small business course before scaling.

• The challenges of hiring that first employee and managing the realities of payroll, insurance, and overhead.

• The difference between working with a one-man plumber vs. a large firm—and how growth forces contractors to level up their trade partners.

• Honest advice on choosing plumbing products, warranties, and the real value of buying brand-name fixtures.

• Breaking down hot water options: atmospheric tanks, power vents, and tankless—plus when each makes sense depending on family size and how long you’ll stay in your home.

Pete’s philosophy is simple but powerful: “If I can’t stand behind what’s on my shelf, I shouldn’t be doing it.”