5 Questions with a Pipe Cleaning PRO – Robert Broccolo, Jr.
Name: Robert Broccolo, Jr.
Employer: Professional Drain Services of SNE
Job Title: Owner/Operator
Years in the Industry: 10
1. How did you get your start in the industry?
My father was my start in the industry. He is a smart, hardworking entrepreneur. He inspired me to get into plumbing and septic work, as he is an expert in the field himself. It was a way for me to learn while getting to spend time with my best friend. Not long after learning — and spending a few years with a local plumber — my father and I decided to start our own sewer and drain business serving his rental properties. We grew the business building on connections I made while working as a plumber, and his connections in real estate. Not only has the business grown to be a success, but my bond with my father couldn’t be stronger.
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2. What does your typical day look like?
Each day starts with the three P’s. Be professional, be prepared and be productive. Between scheduled calls and emergency services, our primary goal is to give our customers a professional service at an affordable price. To do this, we make sure we are prepared for whatever comes our way, so that each customer is taken care of.
Having the proper equipment — and experience —
allows me to get the job done in a timely manner. This allows me to get more jobs done and get all my customers taken care of.
3. What is the No.1 challenge facing our industry?
It’s hard to find good help. There are not many out there eager and willing to join the sewer and drain industry. The interest in the trades has been on a decline. I am hoping, with the recent awareness to the issue, that will change. I hope we can pique interest and get more people into the industry. Social media has been a great tool in helping to bring awareness to the issue.
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4. What is one piece of advice you’d like to share with your fellow PROs?
Keep up with the changes in the industry and keep up with the continuing innovations in equipment and technology. Don’t be afraid to continue learning and add to your business. There are so many new methods and tools available to us that can help solve the problems our customers throw at us.
5. When you are not at work,what is one thing you enjoy as much as being a Pipe Cleaning PRO?
When I’m not at a job, I’m networking on social media. Through the @prodrains Instagram, Facebook and Twitter accounts, I’m able to talk with and interact with tons of people in the industry. But when I am completely shutdown from the job, I’m a family man. I spend every second I can with my beautiful fiancé Tiffani and my daughter Isabella.
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