Wealth & Finance International - Business Awards 2016

Business Awards 2016 6 Best Independent Plumbing & Heating Repair Firm - New York Bluewater Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. are a NYC based plumbing and heating company specializing in high end residential construction, medical and hospitality projects. Founder and Principal Roger Macaluso talks us through the firm and the range of services it provides. Company: Bluewater Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. Name: Roger A. Macaluso Email: [email protected] Web Address: www.plumbing4nyc.com Address: 64-00 Metropolitan Avenue, Middle Village NY 11379 Telephone: 718-386-3088 Bluewater Plumbing serves a wide range of clients, from single restaurateurs to some of the largest medical service providers in the world. Roger, who established the firm using the $2,500 deposit from the firm’s first project, explains how he has built the firm into the strong competitor it is today. “Like any other new company, Bluewater Plumbing made mistakes in the beginning but we were fortunate enough to learn from them in leaps and bounds. Now we make strategizing and planning a fundamental part of how we provide services on our projects. This has led to us being able to set ourselves apart from competitors in our market through our commitment to adapt to the changing landscape of our industry. In addition, our investment in new technologies to improve the quality and accuracy of our work, our ability to streamline our processes and the dedication of our staff all play a part in ensuring that our clients know that we are the best option for them.” Technology in construction has allowed builders and sub- contractors to gain more control over a project with the use of 3D imaging. This technology allows Bluewater Plumbing to coordinate all of the materials and systems in a project in a controlled environment, allowing for more productivity, less waste and ultimately better margins for everyone. Whilst technology is vital to the workings of the company, one key challenge is the shortage of skilled labour. Roger explains what the skills shortage means for his company and how his firm aims to avoid these issues. “Fundamentally, a talented work force is something that can bring a company to the next level. Unfortunately, we see a move away from the skills we need future staff members to have. Another factor is continual scrutiny by regulatory agencies. We have noticed that the more scrutiny and regulation in our industry the more people are motivated to circumnavigate dealing with regulatory agencies. This leads to illegal acts by those not willing to deal with the regulation as well as poor quality of work. This in turn leads to danger to the public and unfortunately the loss of life and property. “To work around this, our culture is based on “whatever it takes to get it done.” The idea of flexibility within our staff is what allows us to pivot to the changing needs of projects and ultimately our clients. We nurture this by promoting discussions on strategy and planning when an issue presents itself. Collecting information before finalizing a strategy is also key, many times once all of the information has been collected the strategy is obvious. With regards to hiring new staff, we do not just look for people with a good skillset; it is about the person as a whole. We look for people that can be flexible and that are looking for a company they can grow with. Skills can be taught and learned but you cannot teach someone a new personality.” This is particularly vital, companies in the construction market need to have a range of talent in their staff from different sectors within the industry as well as other industries and their sectors. This gives the company internal resources to tap for strategy and innovation. Roger outlines how innovation is the backbone of every project Bluewater Plumbing undertakes, with the firm’s approach revolving around providing the solution that suits the client. “When we first start working with a new client, the first step is to truly understand the client as well as their needs and expectations. This allows us to manage their expectations through the course of the project and deliver what they want when they want it. Explaining to the client what we need from them in order to be successful allows us the opportunity to be more effective and ultimately makes them more successful.” BU160017