Dave Parker. You see his smiling face on billboards, on our website, and on our social media pages. You see us sharing his community service efforts and his YouTube videos. You even see us touting “Ask Dave” and his radio appearances. But who is the man behind E. R. Plumbing Services of Charlotte? We asked him questions ranging from plumbing to being a business owner to who makes him laugh the most...
What inspired your interest in plumbing? For me, it was observing plumbers working at a construction site when I was a teenager! I was always a hard worker and would clean construction building sites from debris or provide snow removal for extra money. One day, I watched them solder copper and was hooked. I immediately applied for a full-time job with a small startup plumbing service company.
When and where did you start your training as a plumber? I started plumbing in 1982 in Woodbridge Virginia for a company called F.H. Furr Plumbing.
What made you decide to start your own business? Years of effort, having great mentors, and the expertise I acquired in the industry made me decide to start my own business. I had about 14 years of experience when my wife and I decided to become business owners. I knew my gift was serving people and problem-solving, and my wife excelled on the business side of things. Together we make a great team. I absolutely love helping people, and the fact that the plumbing service business has job stability even in a down economy was a factor in my decision, too. The area was really booming back in 1997, and timing is everything.
What advice would you give to yourself, if you could go back in time to your first year of business? I would have branded myself differently! We started out as Parker Plumbing in 1997 and used that name for several years. The company name and unique selling proposition are everything and can make a difference quickly in your growth. Be different and use something catchy that will be remembered easily.
What's the hardest part of being a business owner? Being pulled in different directions! You have to be a good multi-tasker and definitely spend time investing in your people individually.
What's the most rewarding part? For me it’s serving, which comes in various forms. I love making an impact on people's lives within the community, work, and customers we serve, so giving back is very rewarding.
E.R. Plumbing puts a lot of emphasis on community service—and hands-on community service at that. Why is community involvement so important to the company? Because the community has been so good to us! I’m nothing without the people who surround me and the community that relies on us and has put us where we are today. I’m not in this position to be served but to serve through my company and life.
What three words do you want people to think of when they think, "E. R. Plumbing"? What great reviews!
And now for a few fun questions:
What's your favorite sports team? Miami Dolphins
What's your favorite meal? Italian
Winter, spring, summer, or fall? Spring
Who makes you laugh the most (and why)? My brother! We just have a great relationship.
Plumbing Expertise—More Than 35 Years!
E.R. Services offers a full range of residential and commercial installation, maintenance, repair, and emergency plumbing services. We serve the 25-mile radius surrounding Charlotte and are available 24/7. Call 704-859-0510 or fill out our contact form.
Article Summary
Quick question & answer: Who is the owner of E.R. Services of Charlotte?
The owner of E.R. Services of Charlotte is Dave Parker, who started plumbing in 1982. He loves making an impact on people’s lives within the community, work, and the customers we serve, so giving back is rewarding for him. He wants to help the community, since the community has been so good to our company.
