In short
Bertram’s Plumbing (Yadkinville) discusses how they win customers with fair pricing, reliable on-time service, and thorough first-visit repairs, plus lessons from going full-time and scaling.
Guests
Caitlin Bertram and Daniel Bertram, owners of Bertram’s Plumbing. Daniel has been plumbing since age nine, worked for multiple plumbing companies, and grew up with parents who owned a plumbing company; they ran it on the side for 4–5 years before going full-time in January.
Key claims
they charge fair prices, show up when promised, and work with customers on payment when needed (cover parts first, then arrange remaining payment). They move needle via Daniel’s reputation, licensed/insured work, and training for gas lines.
Notable examples
Daniel checks water heaters (7–12 year lifespan), explains what’s needed now vs later, and avoids “halfway” fixes that cause callbacks; they’re expanding into commercial properties (including a gym and car dealership) and plan septic growth.
Written by AI. May contain mistakes. Listen to the episode to check what was said.
Chapters
Tap a time to open that second in VOOverview of Bertram's Plumbing
1:15 to 2:09
Caitlin and Daniel explain the services offered by their plumbing business.
“So let's go ahead and jump right into things if you don't mind.”
Passion for Helping People
2:09 to 3:05
Caitlin shares their motivation for starting the business and their pricing approach.
“So, you know, Caitlin, let's get right into the business side of things.”
Challenges of Entrepreneurship
3:05 to 4:23
Discussion on the doubts and stressors of running their own plumbing business.
“Yeah, and like you said, do you guys work with people when it comes to, you know, oh, I don't have enough money to do this, this, that, and the other.”
Vision and Growth Goals
4:23 to 5:38
Caitlin discusses their plans for expansion and maintaining quality service.
“Now, what would you say is the most stressful moment you've had as a business owner?”
Operational Insights and Team Dynamics
5:38 to 7:52
Caitlin explains operational practices and the importance of team members.
“Now, Caitlin, let's say if you could wave a magic wand and instantly fix one part of your business tomorrow, what would that be?”
Leadership Lessons and Hiring
7:52 to 9:10
Caitlin shares leadership experiences and hiring challenges in the plumbing industry.
“So it's just really just more learning than anything.”
Quickfire Round: Insights on Business
9:10 to 14:00
Cliff initiates a quickfire round with one-word prompts for Caitlin.
“I mean, it beats labor, but also to it that customer can get very irritated and people understand, you know, some things happen.”
Business Insights from Quickfire Round
14:00 to 18:40
Learn about key values and attitudes in running a plumbing business.
“I'm sure challenges will come off with, you know, running a business.”
The Future of Plumbing and AI
18:41 to 20:42
Explore the impact of AI on the plumbing industry and future growth plans.
“I appreciate you getting through that quickfire round there.”
Advice for Struggling Entrepreneurs
20:44 to 23:04
Get actionable advice for small business owners feeling overwhelmed.
“So I want you to be as honest and candid as you can on the answer to this next question.”
Show all 11 chapters
Connecting with Bertram's Plumbing
23:06 to 24:18
Discover how to engage with Bertram's Plumbing for services and updates.
“What should people be excited about coming up in the near future?”
Transcript
Automatic transcript. May contain errors.0:00Daniel Bertram:Welcome to Epic Entrepreneurs. I am Cliff McRae with Action Coach Business Growth Partners. Every week, we sit down with business owners, founders, and leaders to uncover the real stories behind building a successful business. The wins, the setbacks, the lessons learned, and the strategies that help them grow. No scripts, no fluff, just honest conversations with entrepreneurs who are in the trenches every single day. Whether you are a business owner yourself, thinking about starting a business, or simply enjoy hearing how successful people think and operate, you are in the right place. Let's jump into today's episode, shall we?
0:58Daniel Bertram:Hi, everyone. Welcome to this week's episode of Epic Entrepreneurs. I am Cliff McRae with Action Coach Business Growth Partners, where we work with local business owners to turn big ideas into real scalable growth. Today, I'm excited to be joined by Caitlin and Daniel Bertram with Bertram's Plumbing. Caitlin and Daniel, thanks for being here. How are you all doing today?
1:17Caitlin Bertram:Hi, we're doing great. Thank you for asking.
1:20Daniel Bertram:Yeah, yeah. No, we're very excited to have you. So let's go ahead and jump right into things if you don't mind. Okay. All right. So for those of you who may not know it yet, you know, what is Bertram's Plumbing? What do you all provide for the community?
1:31Caitlin Bertram:We do plumbing for anyone. Service, residential, industrial, commercial, gas lines. We, you know, install your French drains. Anything small to new construction. There's pretty much not anything we do not do. Okay.
1:46Daniel Bertram:Nice. Nice. And who are you as a person? You know, who is Caitlin and Daniel Bertram? Are you personally?
1:52Caitlin Bertram:Yeah. My husband's been doing the plumbing since he was about nine. He's worked for numerous plumbing companies. His parents owned a plumbing company. So we've been doing it on the side for about four or five years, and we just decided to go this year and go full time.
2:08Daniel Bertram:Okay. Okay. Sounds good. All right. So, you know, Caitlin, let's get right into the business side of things. You know, what's something about running a business that people think is amazing, but it's actually not when you hear it?
2:20Caitlin Bertram:Um, I wouldn't say nothing's not amazing about it. I enjoy running our own business, not just because, I mean, you not really have your own freedom, but I mean, you do in other words, but mainly we went into business to help people. We were doing plumbing and noticing a lot of companies, you know, charge a lot or they don't show up or, you know, something of that nature. So So we like to make a living, but we also, too, understand that money is hard for everybody. Not everybody has a lot of money. So I wouldn't really say nothing for us. I mean, it's all challenging running a business, but I wouldn't say really nothing.
3:03Caitlin Bertram:Our biggest accomplishment is just helping people. That's why we went into business. We enjoy helping people.
3:10Daniel Bertram:Yeah, and like you said, do you guys work with people when it comes to, you know, oh, I don't have enough money to do this, this, that, and the other. Do you guys kind of work with people on pricing or does that work?
3:20Caitlin Bertram:Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah, we definitely do. There's people that we, you know, you have no water and they don't get paid for another two weeks, you know, or they can't afford it, you know, the full payment up front. So we try to work with people as long as, you know, our cost is covered for the parts. We can always work on the rest of the payment for the customer.
3:38Daniel Bertram:Yeah, okay, okay. Okay. Now, what would you say was the exact moment where you realized, you know, this business could either really work or it could completely blow up in our faces and we could lose everything?
3:51Caitlin Bertram:Well, I mean, that's always a doubt in your mind, especially because, like I said, we we quit our full time jobs in January and went full time. And we've been blessed to have our books full since January, since going full time. I mean, it's just you always have it in the back of your mind thinking, oh, my gosh, you know, my company might, you know, go down or something like that. But as long as you're good to the people and you've got good pricing and good, amazing work and you show up when you're going to, I don't see an issue as to why your company can't succeed.
4:23Daniel Bertram:Now, what would you say is the most stressful moment you've had as a business owner? You know, like a how am I going to get through this type of moment? The most stressful thing, it's mainly just learning it all.
4:36Caitlin Bertram:And if you're not born into business, it can be a learning curve. That's why it's always great to have a mentor. So someone who can, we know plumbing, but we don't know the business aspect of it as well. So it's a learning curve for someone who's never done it before.
4:54Daniel Bertram:Now, have you ever thought about quitting your business?
4:56Caitlin Bertram:Oh, no, no, no, no. So I'd like to go nationwide if I could. We'd like to get into septic as well. So we plan on expanding and growing. Okay.
5:07Daniel Bertram:So that thought never crossed your mind at all?
5:09Caitlin Bertram:Oh, no, sir. Not at all.
5:11Daniel Bertram:Okay. Okay. No, that's awesome. That's awesome. You know, a lot of times, you know, people run into a little bit of a, you know, a brick wall or they have a hard day and they're like, oh, man, what did I get myself into? And, you know, people question themselves. So that is surprising that you never thought that.
5:26Caitlin Bertram:Oh, yeah. I'm sure. Like I said, I'm sure it goes through everybody's mind and it's very scary, but it's something that we want to do. And we're good at it. We're good with the people. And, you know, we've got a great reputation. So I think we will be just fine.
5:42Daniel Bertram:Now, Caitlin, let's say if you could wave a magic wand and instantly fix one part of your business tomorrow, what would that be?
5:53Caitlin Bertram:um as far as fixing anything probably I really wouldn't fix anything I mean we're growing and we still have a lot to learn but as far as actually changing anything it like I said it's it's going phenomenal since January so there's nothing really I would change yeah it sounds like
6:15Daniel Bertram:I mean because you kind of said it a little bit and you know a little bit ago kind of because you want to expand across the nation, right? That's kind of the big thing. I guess maybe having more funds available so you could do that a little bit faster. Is that kind of maybe the only thing?
6:27Caitlin Bertram:Yeah, we could most definitely. I mean, you could always use more funds, but funds will come, you know, with time and stuff. So it'll grow. You don't want to get too big too quickly. So we're taking that, taking our time, but also to, you know, really thinking about it and just doing what we can, in other words.
6:47Daniel Bertram:Yeah, yeah. I gotcha. I gotcha. And like you said, you're growing at a nice pace since January. How do you see, I mean, where do you see your business by the end of the year since you guys are growing so quickly?
7:00Caitlin Bertram:I hope to see it spread. We're getting into more commercial properties. We're doing a gym in Yakkinville workout anytime. We're doing another car dealership out there. So I'm just hoping our word gets out and that it grows so that people have a trusted plumber because that's where people run into the issues too. People come in and state they are a plumber and they end up making more of a mess or something like that. And it's just if you're good to your customers and you have good work, then I think you will be just fine.
7:31Daniel Bertram:Yeah, no, I agree. I agree. Now, as far as, you know, was there something about you or Daniel personally that had to change in order for your business to grow, would you say?
7:43Caitlin Bertram:Not really changed. Yeah, I wouldn't really state anything that we would have to change about us. If anything, we're just we're learning as we go. So you can always learn more about business. So it's just really just more learning than anything.
7:57Daniel Bertram:More learning than anything. OK, OK. Now, and this question is kind of hypothetical, but let's say if someone shadowed you and Daniel for a full day or let's say even a full week, what would you say would surprise them the most about how you all operate your business?
8:14Caitlin Bertram:That we're on time and we state when we're going to be there, you know, what we're going to do. My husband's very good at, he'll come in, state that, you know, you may need a new sewer line issued, but he's also going to check your water heater because, you know, most water heaters need to be changed anywhere from seven to 12 years. He's going to check on other things for you and tell you, hey, you do, I would, I wouldn't recommend that you need to change this now, but I would recommend in a couple of months, you probably will need to do this, or I would recommend you doing this. He's very good at detailing and explaining if you need something done and not just doing it or doing it halfway to where you're going to have more issues.
8:54Caitlin Bertram:Because that's where you're going to, too. A lot of plumbers, they'll only do it halfway fixed, and then they're calling you back. It can be a hassle. So my husband's really good at that.
9:05Daniel Bertram:Yeah, yeah. That's awesome. Yeah, because I mean, you know, that that prevents you from having to go back out there and redo something over again that you've already done. Correct?
9:13Caitlin Bertram:Exactly. I mean, it beats labor, but also to it that customer can get very irritated and people understand, you know, some things happen. We'll fix one thing and you may have another issue that comes about. But my husband will take care of, you know, your issue first time there as long as something else doesn't happen. But then he'll be more than happy to come back out there. Yeah.
9:34Daniel Bertram:Yeah. Okay. Okay. I love that. I love that. Now let's talk about numbers without getting too specific because obviously, you know, you guys just kind of started the business very new still. What, what, I guess, and let's see how I can phrase this. You know, how many months did it take for, I guess, the turning point to happen where things started to scale and you started to expand and become profitable? Did that happen right away or did it take some time?
9:58Caitlin Bertram:Well, my husband, like I said, we've been doing it on the side for about four or five years. So my husband already has a great reputation out here in Yadkinville as it is. So he's already had his name out there. Side business was just picking up really well. And we just decided in January that, you know, we've had great customers and we've got a good reputation that we just decided to go out on our own. And it's just it's been great ever since. I mean, we're growing. Okay.
10:26Daniel Bertram:Okay. Okay. Now, what would you say actually moves the needle most in your business right now?
10:33Caitlin Bertram:Moves the needle? Well, my husband's name, but also too, just because of his work. We're still a young couple, but he's one of the best plumbers that you will find around here. He's had different types of training for gas lines, for the different types of plumbing he's taken. And he is licensed and insured. So he's really good at what he does for his age.
10:57Daniel Bertram:Okay, okay. Now, what would you say is one thing that's, you know, you're doing today that's giving you and Daniel kind of an unfair advantage over your competitors out there?
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11:09Caitlin Bertram:It's still, you're still competing. There's still, you know, other people out there that, you know, have a good reputation with other plumbers. And, you know, it's just like with a banker, you know, you don't want to move. So it's just getting our name out there and doing well with the customers and just letting everybody know that, hey, we are here if you're not happy with your other plumber.
11:30Daniel Bertram:Okay. Now, what would you say is the hardest leadership lesson you all have learned while growing your team? I know you said you have two plumbers or two techs that work for you. Any hard leadership lessons you've had to learn so far?
11:44Caitlin Bertram:Not really hard lessons. I mean, you end up having some good workers and you have some bad workers. That's just with any job you go against. But I've got two great guys now, Christian and Wes. They're amazing workers. So hopefully once I get them trained and, you know, they're really well, then, you know, we can expand even more.
12:03Daniel Bertram:Now, is that kind of the plan? I mean, is that where you see it going by the end of the year? You think you'll be able to get another tech?
12:09Caitlin Bertram:Oh, yeah. Yes. Yeah. Like I said, those two guys are really well. So it's kind of hard finding plumbers. at times. We may have to, you know, go with an apprenticeship, but they end up being a phenomenal workers. That's how Wes started. And he ended up being the most amazing worker I had.
12:26Daniel Bertram:Okay. Okay. Now, now let's talk about that. Cause you never know who might hear this, you know, they, somebody may hear this a year from now and you've got a posting up for two techs or four techs or whatever. What, you know, you said Wes is kind of, his name is Wes, you said was your best.
12:41Caitlin Bertram:Yeah.
12:41Daniel Bertram:Yeah. It was your best tech. What separates your best employees from everyone else would you say?
12:46Caitlin Bertram:Well, Wes and Christian are both really well. They didn't know much about plumbing once they first came in. Wes was an apprenticeship and he wanted to do plumbing for a living. So they have both learned very well and just, I couldn't be more prouder of them. They're wanting to do plumbing and they're someone that we can count on to send to the customer's house and that I know the work's going to be done. But yeah, Wes and Christian are both phenomenal people. I wouldn't say either one of them's better than the other. I just, I shout out to Wes because Wes is so much younger. He's an 18 year old.
13:17Caitlin Bertram:He, you know, yeah, but he's phenomenal. He will outwork anybody.
13:22Daniel Bertram:Wow. 18 year old. Yeah. Shouts out to Wes, man. That's awesome. Yeah.
13:28Caitlin Bertram:Amazing guy. Yeah. And Christian too. Christian's in his thirties, but he's still a great supervisor and everything. So he gets the work done.
13:38Daniel Bertram:Now, and you know, maybe this, maybe you don't, this doesn't apply to you all, but I'm still going to ask you anyways. Have you ever had to make a tough call? Let's say like, you know, letting someone go that wasn't a fit for the company or maybe cutting something off, maybe denying a job or not doing a job that ended up being the right move long term?
13:56Caitlin Bertram:I wouldn't say I have had to, I've ran into that any issues right now. I'm sure challenges will come off with, you know, running a business. But as of right now, we haven't had any challenges, which has been a blessing.
14:10Daniel Bertram:Yeah, that's awesome. That's awesome. All right, perfect. So let's go ahead and head to what's called the quickfire round. So how this works is I'm going to give you one word, and then I just want you to tell me the first thing that comes to mind when you hear each word in regards to running your business. Okay. All right. And then kind of when you choose that one word, kind of give me kind of a little blurb, like maybe a paragraph or so why you chose what you chose, if that makes sense.
14:35Caitlin Bertram:Okay. All right.
14:36Daniel Bertram:The first word is success.
14:39Caitlin Bertram:Success. First word that comes to it. My business. I plan on having our business be very successful, not only just the business, but as humans. You know, as humans, you can always grow as long as with your business.
14:53Daniel Bertram:Failure.
14:58Caitlin Bertram:First word that comes to failure. Hmm. Nothing really when it comes to failure. You always have it in the back of your mind, but I couldn't think of one word or anything to go with failure because it's just not in my vocabulary.
15:12Daniel Bertram:I like that. I like that. She's like, I'm not even thinking about that.
15:18Burnout.
15:19Caitlin Bertram:No burnout. I mean, it's very stressful, you know, running a business at times and the hours are long, but I don't see if you love what you're doing and you enjoy helping people, I don't see how we get burned out. Like I said, I've got great employees, so we take very good care of them. We're always, you know, make sure the guys are taken care of. So nothing really as far as that one either.
15:42Daniel Bertram:Scaling.
15:46Caitlin Bertram:Let's see. I'm always scaling for more opportunities. I'm always looking to meet new people, to build connections. You never know who you're going to meet or who they know. So I always state that, be nice to everybody, and it'll come back to you.
16:02Daniel Bertram:Hiring?
16:03Caitlin Bertram:Um, hiring can be difficult at times, especially when it comes to a trade, especially plumbing. Not a lot of people want to do plumbing for a living. So if anybody's looking, please give us a call.
16:16Daniel Bertram:Yeah. Yeah. It seems like, it seems like I hear that from, uh, you know, cause like I talked to a lot of different entrepreneurs, uh, here on the podcast and, you know, and mostly in the trades and it seems like the, you know, I guess maybe the younger generation doesn't really want to go in the trades as much as prior generations did. Is that, have you noticed that?
16:32Caitlin Bertram:Yeah, we've noticed that quite a bit. It's something sad, but like I said, we've gotten with some of our apprenticeships, so we've gotten lucky. But yeah, it is definitely hard to find someone with plumbing experience or let alone that wants to do it for a living. Mm hmm.
16:49Daniel Bertram:Yeah. That's why when you told me about the 18 year old, you know, about Wes, I was like, oh, that's why I was so shocked. I was like, man, there's still kids that want to, you know, want to do this. You know what I mean? Because it's kind of it's kind of tough to tough to find nowadays. Everybody wants to be a YouTuber or, you know, streamer or whatever. You know, everybody wants to do that now.
17:05Caitlin Bertram:And there's not that wrong with that. Yeah, there's not that wrong with that. But we, you know, we need some more trade people, especially the younger generation.
17:12Daniel Bertram:Yeah, no, I agree. I agree. All right. Sorry about getting off track there, but the next word is competition.
17:20Hmm.
17:20Caitlin Bertram:You have competition all the time. As we went, you know, prior to saying this, there's always going to be somebody out there that will maybe do it cheaper than us or not as good and cheaper. But in the long run, there's enough plumbing for everybody. We work with other plumbers too. There's sometimes, you know, we can't get to a job and, you know, we'll reference someone else that we trust and, you know, they do the same for us if they can't get it. So I don't really see competition as a bad thing. I see it's a good thing. It makes you work harder for your business. But also, too, like I said, you work with other people in trade.
17:55Caitlin Bertram:So just because you're in competition doesn't mean you have to be enemies.
17:59Daniel Bertram:I like that. I like that. And the last word is freedom.
18:04Caitlin Bertram:Freedom. It's a beautiful word. When it comes to that, I enjoy, as far as the freedom, just everyday life, I guess. You being able to wake up and be able to do what you want to do, go to work. Not every person has that opportunity. So it's a blessing for us to be able to have that.
18:28Daniel Bertram:Yeah. And it's a huge blessing, like you said, to be able to get up and do something you enjoy.
18:32Caitlin Bertram:Yeah, exactly.
18:34Daniel Bertram:And yeah, because you don't dread coming into work every day. You actually enjoy what you do. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. All right. Perfect. I appreciate you getting through that quickfire round there. So, you know, with all of this talk of AI and self-automation, you know, I talk to tradesmen all the time, like I said earlier, where do you think your industry is going? What do you what do you see plumbing in the industry in total in the next 10 years from now?
18:57Caitlin Bertram:Oh, plumbing will still be here. AI can take, in my opinion, AI could take a lot of our jobs. But when it comes to trades, I don't see how trade can do it. But I just, I don't see how AI can take, can, you know, root a sewer line or can unclog a toilet. I just, I don't think AI is going to affect the trades as much.
19:19Daniel Bertram:Now, do you all use it in your day-to-day, like as far as helping out with customers at all or?
19:25Caitlin Bertram:No, not AI. I mean, I have my laptop and, you know, we use Google and stuff. But as far as using AI, I mean, there's really no need for us to use it. Okay.
19:37Daniel Bertram:Now, where do you think your particular business will be by 2030? Where do you guys see yourself?
19:43Caitlin Bertram:Oh, hopefully with a lot of crews, I'll expand it, accept it. I'm hoping, you know, well, not hoping, I know for sure that, you know, we will expand, we will grow, which is the way we're going and how we treat people. I don't see any issue with it.
20:00Daniel Bertram:So you're thinking, I mean, how many crews do you think you'll have? How many employees do you think you'll have? What do you think?
20:06Caitlin Bertram:I want to go big, but I don't want to go too big. That's where you run into a lot of the corporation issues with the pricing and everything. I'd like for us to still stay small, but have small crews throughout the counties or states, you know, still keep it family owned and small. But by the time I'm done with it, I would like to have a Bertram's Plumbing in every state if I could, along with Septic. And there are a few other ones we would like, you know, to invest in stuff in later on down the road. But I'm hoping to have, you know, one in every state by the time Bertram's Plumbing, you know, we pass.
20:41Daniel Bertram:2030. OK. All right. All right. So I want you to be as honest and candid as you can on the answer to this next question. But, you know, Caitlin, let's say if somebody is listening to the podcast episode with you today and let's say they're just having a tough go at 2026. I mean, we're almost halfway through the year already. That's wild because it feels like I just said Happy New Year's yesterday. It felt like. But let's say, you know, a small business owner, small entrepreneur is listening to the podcast episode today and they're just not, you know, they're just feeling stuck or overwhelmed. They're just not profitable yet this year.
21:14Daniel Bertram:What's a piece of advice you'd want them to hear from you today?
21:18Caitlin Bertram:Give it time. It will come. As much as people hate to hear that. I also recommend marketing. If you can get into different types of marketing, get out and speak to the people. We are taught in our B &I classes that people work with who they know, trust, and like. So people can hear Bertram's Plumman, you know, and most people give us a try. But there's some people that you're going to work with that, you know, they want to know you more. So that's what I see is I'm getting out more now into marketing, getting people to know your name, your face. Marketing is what helped us the most. As long, you know, besides us doing it on the side for four or five years, my husband already having a good name.
22:01Caitlin Bertram:To get our name outside of Yackinville, where we're at, into Winston, Louisville, Clements, we've been marketing. Marketing has been phenomenal. You can do it on Facebook. You can go to B &I, Chambers of Commerce, Home Builders Association. there's all kinds of marketing teams to get out there to, to help grow your business. So do not stress about that. Just, you got to get out and be a people person more.
22:24Daniel Bertram:Okay. Okay. Now you recommended BNI. I know BNI is, I believe it's BNI is a paid subscription, correct?
22:30Caitlin Bertram:Yes, it is. All of them are. You do have to pay for all of these, but it is the reason you pay for it is because the outcome is so high. Yeah.
22:40Daniel Bertram:Like it's like they say, right? You got to pay, You got to pay some money to make some money, right?
22:44Caitlin Bertram:Exactly. Yep. And that's, I mean, it's not the best thing when it comes to business, especially when you are a small company and, you know, you don't have a lot of capital as it is. So it can be frustrating and kind of scary for someone starting out. But if you actually put your mind to it and actually do it, it will work out for you. Okay.
23:04Daniel Bertram:Okay. Now, what's next for Bertram's Plumbing? What should people be excited about coming up in the near future? Um, as far as we're doing, there's just a few, few things that we're doing as far as like the B &Is and stuff that we're, you know, joining.
23:22Caitlin Bertram:But as far as exciting things, we're just, we're just trying to expand, you know, our commercial properties are going up. So that's great that we're getting more commercial properties. And it's just hoping the purchase plumbing just, you know, spreads out and gets the word out more. Okay.
23:38Daniel Bertram:Okay, great. and what's the best way for someone to connect with you and to learn more about what you all do
23:43Caitlin Bertram:in case you're interested please reach out to me on facebook we have instagram to bertrams plumbing and that's b-u-r-c-h-a-m-s plumbing i have you can reach me out on any of my social media you can give me a text a call 336-941-7579 my email is info at bertrams plumbing.com they can reach out to meet anywhere, anytime. I would love to talk with anybody.
24:08Daniel Bertram:Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Yeah. And yeah, that's really, that's really any social way. You did say Facebook and everything. Do you guys have an Instagram or TikTok?
24:15Caitlin Bertram:We do have Instagram. I haven't set up a TikTok. I do need to set up a TikTok, but I do have Instagram.
24:20Daniel Bertram:Yeah. TikTok is huge. Like that's, man, I've, we've had some people start up TikToks and they're like, man, I doubled my business within a month. So yeah, TikTok is huge. It just seems like everybody's on TikTok now, especially the younger generation. Definitely. Yeah. Yeah. So, all right. Perfect. Yeah. So, you know, Caitlin, this has been fantastic. I really appreciate you coming on and sharing your story and your perspective. I'd really love, you know, to have you back on maybe as a repeat guest, maybe in two or three years, because I'm sure you would have a lot more to talk about because you do have a bunch of crews and maybe some people drive, you know, driving your nerves and everything, you know, you maybe you'd have a little bit more, you know, as far as the, you to tell and stuff like that as far as your business.
25:00Daniel Bertram:So I'd love to have you on, but that's up to you. But yeah, but I really appreciate you giving your real behind the scenes of building your business. Any last words you'd like to give to the audience before we let you go?
25:11Caitlin Bertram:No, I really appreciate all the time to help. And please give us a call if you ever need a plumber. We are open 24 hours, seven days a week and we do get free estimates.
25:19Daniel Bertram:Okay, perfect, perfect. Yeah, well, thank you for everything you're doing for the community and we wish you continued success in the future.
25:25Caitlin Bertram:Thank you so much. Thank you. Hey, thanks for listening to the Epic Entrepreneurs Podcast. Here's three things that you can do. Number one, remember to subscribe to the podcast. It takes very little effort on your part. It's going to help you and your fellow entrepreneurs. Plus, you guys know how it works. The more subscribers we get, the more cool things we can offer to you. Second, to learn more about growing your business, just download my book, The Coach Approach. It's free for you at giftfrombill.com. That's giftfrombill.com. Hey, and if you'd like more info about growing your business and what we can do to help you grow your business, send me an email directly.
26:16Caitlin Bertram:Just send it to williamgilliland at actioncoach.com. That's my personal email that I read. No one else reads it first. It's not screened. It's my real email. Just send it to me. I can't wait to talk to you. Hey, and until then, all the best.
From the publisher
You can tell a lot about a business by what they obsess over, and Caitlin and Daniel Bertram obsess over the basics most people mess up: showing up on time, treating customers with respect, and doing plumbing work the right way the first time. We talk with the owners of Bertram’s Plumbing about how a family-owned plumbing company grows in the real world, from residential service calls to commercial projects, gas lines, drains, and new construction, without hiding behind vague promises or flashy branding.
We get into the behind-the-scenes decisions that matter for any local service business: how they think about fair pricing, why they sometimes work with customers who cannot pay everything up front, and what it felt like to quit full-time jobs and go all-in. Caitlin is candid about the learning curve of running a business when you know the trade but you are still mastering operations, leadership, and the numbers. We also talk hiring and training, why apprenticeships can be the answer when skilled labor is hard to find, and what separates a tech you can trust in a customer’s home.
Then we zoom out to the bigger picture: competition in the trades, collaborating with other plumbers instead of treating everyone like an enemy, and why AI and automation are unlikely to replace hands-on skilled trade work any time soon. Caitlin also shares practical small business marketing advice that helped them expand beyond their immediate area, including Facebook, BNI, Chambers of Commerce, and builder networks, plus the simple truth that people buy from who they know, trust, and like.
If you care about small business growth, plumbing entrepreneurship, and building a trusted local brand, you’ll get a lot from this conversation. Subscribe for more trade and entrepreneur stories, share this with a business owner who needs momentum, and leave a quick review to help more listeners find the show.
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Thanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/
All the best!
Bill
Please hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review, and share this podcast. You can reach me at williamgilliland@actioncoach.com or at https://billgilliland.biz/
