Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexander Ekimov.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I fell into plumbing and construction by accident. But to back track, I arrived in the US from St. Petersburg, Russia in 2006 as a student and assistant professor at USC majoring in Physics. I had $800 to my name and knew that the reason I came to the US was for opportunities that lacked in the country where I grew up. I had wanted something more and to explore another country.
Psychics although I was very good at it, and had always maintained good grades, I did not enjoy nor did I see myself using it in the future or utilize it as my income source. I fell into plumbing and construction by sheer coincidence, when an acquaintance introduced me to the person who would become my mentor and guide. I did not make a lot of money being the assistant however I had gained valuable knowledge that would in a few years allow me to become completely self-sufficient and able to work independently. Plumbing and home improvement projects that a lot of knowledge, knowing code, and having a knack for relating to customers. I did not envision that one day I too, would have employees but the years of experience and learning have allowed me to expand and grow my vision. I do not regret being a professor in a university, I like the hustle of working on time sensitive projects, and being able to provide quality work for my customers.
Has it been a smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road as someone who was starting out as an independent company owner, I did not know how to get customers nor where to get financing for big projects for the upfront costs. I think those were the biggest growing pains to date. As a business grows, there are a lot more things to consider, rules to follow and since you solely rely on yourself for income, it has at times been challenging to create a work and family life balance.
So, let’s switch gears a bit and go into the I-Plumbing Services story. Tell us more about the business.
I-Plumbing Services specializes in all residential plumbing solutions but we also pride ourselves in being able to tackle many different types of home improvement projects. We are known for being the one stop shop as we can tackle the new bathroom addition, build decks, or simply change a kitchen faucet. It is a challenge we accept with happiness as we enjoy being the company customers can rely on for everything. I think that is what sets us apart from others. Working with us, customers do not sacrifice quality with plumbing and they can hire the same team to work on other necessary projects. I am most proud of being first generation immigrant and being able to accomplish this as my own father, never had the same opportunity for growth. I am proud of our reputation as being timely, efficient, and making a connection with our customers that goes beyond a monetary exchange for a service completed. We love our customers for being loyal to us and trusting us with their plumbing needs or bringing their home improvement visions to life.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I believe that the home improvement industry will continue to be in high demand going forward. This is one of the industries that will always flourish due to the vast categories that it covers. I think we will continue to see product improvement and innovations when it comes to plumbing to make them more efficient, more compact if needed, and durable.
Pricing:
- Service Call $60
- Main Line Snake Cleaning $100+
- Customer Jobs: Based on materials and project. We assess job site to provide a fair and accurate quote
- Water Heater Replacement $225+ for labor
Contact Info:
- Address: 522 s chevy chase dr.
glendale CA 91205 - Website: iplumbingservices.com
- Phone: 323-603-6925
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/i_plumbing/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iplumbing
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/i-plumbing-services-glendale
- Other: https://nextdoor.com/pages/i-plumbing-glendale-ca/
Image Credit:
Alexander Ekimov
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