Next Gen All Star: Levi Torres
AGE: 37
COMPANY: High 5 Plumbing, Denver, Colorado
TITLE: Owner
How long have you been in the PHCP-PVF industry?
LT: I’ve been around the plumbing industry my entire life because my father was a plumber. I received my apprentice card when I was 16 years old, and I’ve been working in the industry ever since.
What drew you into the industry?
LT: Watching my father work in the industry played a major role in my decision to become a plumber. Seeing how he interacted with the customers and the joy he received from helping them solve a problem motivated me at a young age to pursue the same career.
What is the most rewarding aspect of working in the industry?
LT: The most rewarding aspect of working in the industry is helping people, and that doesn’t always mean fixing a plumbing issue. While I love finding the proper solutions to repair a problem, I also enjoy being able to help the community that has supported us. Whether it’s repairing a clogged drain or helping a non-profit through our High 5 Cares program, it is rewarding to help people in our community.
What is one thing you wish more people knew/understood about the PHCP-PVF industry?
LT: I wish more people understood that the typical stereotypes associated with the plumbing industry aren’t true. That’s why we have pushed to eliminate those stereotypes. We eliminated the traditional button-up shirt and gave our employees baseball jerseys with our logo on them. In addition, I wish more people realized how rewarding it is to be a plumber. We aren’t always dealing with messy situations. It can be a really fun job. You can live an amazing lifestyle by working in the trades.
What has been the proudest moment in your career so far?
LT: Starting High 5 Plumbing is by far the proudest moment in my career. It’s been amazing to see it grow. To know that we have 30-plus people supporting their families because of High 5 is really an accomplishment.
What is one thing most people don’t know about you?
LT: I am a shot glass collector. Every time I travel somewhere, I buy a shot glass, so I have cases and cases of shot glasses in my house.
Why he was chosen as a Next Gen All Star Top 20 Under 40 winner:
“In 2012, Levi opened High 5 Plumbing in Denver. Since starting the company, he has remained dedicated to contributing to the industry beyond just providing excellent plumbing services. One of Levi’s goals was to revolutionize the industry outside of the services they provided. One way he did this was by flushing away the stereotype of how a plumber looks. Eliminating the traditional button-up shirt, Levi outfitted his employees with baseball jerseys that sported their logo. The change was an instant success with customers in the Denver area clamoring to own similar merchandise. This led to Levi rolling out High5Colorado.com, a clothing website where customers can purchase High 5 clothing and other merchandise. Through these efforts, Levi and High 5 Plumbing are proving that the plumbing industry can be fashionable by presenting personality through their apparel.
“While changing the perception of the industry is something near and dear to Levi’s heart, he hasn’t lost sight of the main reason he entered the industry — helping the customers. High 5 Plumbing remains dedicated to providing its customers with premium services across the Denver area. Nothing made that more evident than the company’s decision to open a second location in Littleton, Colorado. With Levi’s guidance, the company made a successful move to its new location and expanded its reach to a new customer base. Providing the same services as their headquarters in Denver, the residents of the south Denver Metro area now have access to premium plumbing services 24/7.
“In addition to expanding their service area, Levi has made it easier for customers to get answers about their plumbing problems by creating High 5 Live. High 5 Live is a service that offers instant quotes using video calling to help reduce the need for on-site assessments. Video quotes allow technicians to evaluate plumbing problems, determine the cause, and let the customer know what needs to be done through video chat. This saves the customer time and money.
“Levi’s dedication to helping customers doesn’t stop at plumbing services. He believes helping the community is a vital part of the plumbing industry as well. Through his leadership, the company started the High 5 Cares program. High 5 Cares provides financial support to reputable trusted charity organizations in the community. The company spotlights a different nonprofit each month and donates a set amount of $500. In addition, the nonprofit receives $10 for every High 5 Club Membership that’s sold during the month and receives 100% of the proceeds from the company’s High 5 clothing line. High 5 Plumbing recognizes the nonprofits on their social media platforms, as well. Wanting to set the standard, Levi pushes High 5 Plumbing to be ahead of the curve while providing an example for other plumbing companies to follow,” says Anthony Cloud.
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