Beyond the Pipes: Building a People-First Plumbing Business

With host Chris Lollini

By Plumbing & Mechanical Editorial Staff

Welcome to the first edition of Beyond the Pipes, a So It Flows podcast segment hosted by Chris Lollini and brought to you by Plumbing & Mechanical. The series goes beyond the technical side of the trade to explore the business strategies, leadership decisions, and real-world experiences shaping the plumbing industry. Through candid conversations with industry professionals, Lollini uncovers what's working, what's changing and what contractors can learn from one another to build stronger businesses and move the industry forward.

Lollini, owner of Reputation Igniter and a former U.S. Navy nuclear engineer, brings more than a decade of experience serving the trades to these conversations.

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In the inaugural episode, Lollini sits down with Josh Hollub, a fourth-generation master plumber and commercial and industrial supervisor at Modern Plumbing Company, a family-owned business serving the Houston area since 1956. A Plumbing & Mechanical 2024 Next Gen All-Star, Hollub shares how his family's nearly 70-year-old company is adapting its approach to leadership, employee retention and sustainable growth.

One of the biggest changes? Putting employees first. Hollub explains why Modern Plumbing shifted its focus toward building long-term careers for its workforce rather than constantly recruiting replacements, a strategy he believes is critical amid ongoing labor shortages.

The conversation also challenges the idea that bigger is always better. Hollub discusses how the company reevaluated its services, identified its most profitable specialties and prioritized stronger customer relationships over expanding its fleet.

From navigating difficult decisions within a multigenerational family business to leveraging PHCC connections and specialized technical expertise, Hollub offers practical insights for contractors looking to strengthen their operations.

Looking ahead, Hollub shares his vision for developing future industry leaders who carry forward a culture of integrity, service and opportunity.