Today we’d like to introduce you to Billy Syms.
Billy, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My story begins in 1989 when needing a little extra money for my (new) son’s diapers. Not having seen my brother in a while I asked what he was doing these days. He replied “Reglazing Bathtubs”. Like most, I had no idea what that was and when I asked he told me he was (basically) painting bathtubs. I thought that was the craziest thing I ever heard but he asked me to check out a project he was working on the following weekend.
When I arrived, I saw a fiberglass tub and shower combo he reglazed. I was amazed! I told him “That looks like you replaced it”! My brother then turned to me and said “I’ll give your $45 for every one of these your prepare for me to paint”. He knew that I was very good with my hands and that I needed diaper money. The following weekend he walked into a bathroom where I was masking off my very first prep job, saw how neat it was as said “You do this like a pro”! Three weeks later I was doing the full job on my own. Two months later I was his best technician.
Bathtub reglazing is a very difficult trade to master. You have to be extra clean and neat. I guess my brother knew this was right up my alley. I did not learn this from a franchise where I had to knock out three jobs a day rather I was allowed (he insisted) that my jobs come out perfect and that time was not a factor. I worked for my brother’s outfit for 6 years. Along the way I learned how to perform many tasks his jobs bathrooms needed to be rent ready. Cleaning and repairing tile, regrouting, recaulking and even installing shower doors.
In 1996 (with my brothers blessings) I put an ad in the Yellow pages and I was off and running. Very quickly I was known as the gold standard in the bathtub reglazing trade. However I needed a niche that separated me from other reglazing companies. Most companies forbid it’s laborers from touching anything having to do with plumbing. I thought this was short sighted as almost every tub I worked on needed a new drain, tub spout or other plumbing accessory to spruce up the job. I was also being asked to install new tile as well as hang shower doors. I was also getting tired of just doing the same job (almost) every day.
So In 2000 I had done a few remodeling projects. I could perform all tasks involved in remodeling a bathroom at a journeyman level so I decided to get licensed. Now, not only could I do a reglazing job better than anyone, I could also be your 1 stop shop for all your bathroom needs. Besides being licensed in synthetic products, I also (now) carried licenses in Tile and Plumbing. People sure liked me being able to take care of multiple tasks (not having to call multiple companies to have their bathrooms spruced up) when I talked to them. This really set me aside from everyone else.
I saw there was great value in a licensed contractor who really knew his stuff. Clean, neat, organized and showed up when I said I would. I always answered the phone too in real time saying “Yes, you’re talking to the owner”. People in Los Angeles have hectic schedules and needed a company who arrived when he said he would and did the job he said he was going to do, unlike the horror stories most complain about waiting for guys like me to show up. I was also (and still am) right there to honor my workmanship and take care of any issues my customers had. This was also very unusual with contractors. I’ve gone the extra mile taking care of people to make them happy at no charge. It was my way of paying it forward and resulted in a great referral base for my business.
Now 29 years later my customers rave about me in a way that everyone searching the internet can see. My sites on (any) social media pages have glowing reviews. My attention to detail, communication and knowledge are hard to match. My tenacity in solving a problem to make your project one that you are happy with are second to none.
One of my Yelp reviews says it best, “When it comes to any job you choose two of three options – fast, cheap or good. If the middle option is all you care about it is readily available under every other listing under contractors on Yelp. But if you’re looking for actual value – industry best work done with industry best execution – Bill Syms is quite simply all there is”.
I don’t do jobs to do them fast, I do them right. You hired a licensed professional and (with me) that’s exactly what you get – my mission statement.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Running a business is never easy. It’s a labor of love. It requires that you are married to it. It’s also important to know what your competition is doing – so you can do it better. Competing with the low price guys is a struggle at times, but (I have to believe) the crème always rises to the top. There’s a niche market for the best of the best. If you can get your name out there with a solid reputation, it makes it a whole lot easier.
Bill Syms Bath Maintenance, Inc. – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I provide my customers in Los Angeles County with the best bathtub reglazing services that are offered. Bathtub reglazing is my specialty but am also known as the guy who can spruce up a bathroom (or kitchen) for a price far less than completely remodeling them. I’m one outfit that can handle multiple tasks in your home and do each task as if it was being done in my home. I’m very proud of my reputation as a consummate professional, something other companies can’t offer.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
To me, being successful means not losing money. We all make money but it can’t be your first priority for having to do something twice is unprofitable and goes against the professionalism you’re out there selling. For those looking for these types of services, I’m out there waiting to answer their calls.
Pricing:
- Reglaze a Porcelain Bathtub $350
- Reglaze a Fiberglass Tub / Shower Unit $550
- Reglaze a Porcelain Bathtub and Ceramic Tile Surround $750
Contact Info:
- Address: 5412 Veloz Ave., Tarzana, CA 91356
- Website: billsyms.com
- Phone: (818) 515-3731
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: BillySyms
- Facebook: Bill Syms Bath Maintenance, Inc.
- Twitter: Bill Syms Bath Maintenance, Inc.
- Yelp: Bill Syms Bath Maintenance, Inc.
- Other: Pinterest – Bill Syms Bath Maintenance, Inc.
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
