The Blind Plumber on How He Grew to 42 Trucks

Guest:
Bob Beall – Founder, Bob Is The Plumber / Master Plumber licensed in 5 states

Guest Links:
Website & Training Programs: https://bobistheplumber.com

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Bobistheplumber

 This episode explores how Bob Beall built one of the fastest-scaling plumbing companies in his region, growing from a single truck to more than 40 by implementing systems, disciplined hiring processes, strong field management, and a training-first culture. The episode covers his early breakthrough after plateauing at five trucks, the moment he realized he had to release control to grow, and how he built leadership layers to support scaling. It also dives into Bob’s personal story of entering the trade legally blind, how “plumbing by feel” shaped his credibility with his team, and the unique challenges and advantages that came with operating in the field. The conversation moves through major operational pillars—adding management layers at the right time, balancing systems with smart decision-making, creating accountability through checklists, building an industry-leading onboarding pipeline, and maintaining 25 years without layoffs. Bob explains the realities of hiring today’s workforce, the creativity behind recruiting on Facebook Marketplace and TV commercials, and why culture built on working with people instead of above them drives retention. The episode also examines scaling decisions, methodical truck-adding strategies, KPIs for leadership evaluation, remote-office management lessons, fast termination frameworks, and why owners harm the entire team when they avoid tough decisions. Finally, Bob shares advice for young plumbing business owners navigating hard seasons—emphasizing perseverance, cash-flow discipline, reinvestment, and the systems he teaches through Service MVP as a certified partner.