Rick Vazza

Rick Vazza, owner of John Padilla Plumbing Inc. in San Diego, made an unexpected leap from finance to plumbing in 2021. He shares insights on why he left a stable finance career to purchase a plumbing business, highlighting the challenges and benefits of that transition. Rick discusses the importance of fostering a positive team culture and effective communication in a new ownership role. He also emphasizes the value of keeping accounting in-house for small businesses, making a compelling case for innovation and growth in the trades.

Rick Vazza, the owner of John Padilla Plumbing, shares his extraordinary journey from finance to plumbing, acquiring a $2 million business without prior experience. He reveals the mentorship he received, the acquisition strategies he employed, and how he transformed into a confident leader. Rick discusses the dynamics of younger business owners in the trades, highlighting the importance of customer engagement and company culture. He also touches on effective marketing strategies and the balance between online reviews and PPC advertising to scale his plumbing business.