12/30/2021
HUGE THANK YOU to my timbermen teammates for reaching out to me last week, regarding a customers negative experience posted on a local social media site. Just wanted to send an update and let everyone know that I am ok, and thank you to everyone for reaching out, I truly appreciate it.
From the young age of 5 I was either filling waterbottles for the local JR A Sidney Capitals Hockey Club or Victoria Esquimalt Legion Lacrosse Club, Eventually becoming stickboy of the WHL Victoria Cougars Hockey Club, any spare time I laboured and eventually became a pumbers helper at age 13, Lets just say School wasn't the best fit for me. When COVID 19 protocols came into effect, I truely did not understand the Journeyman I looked up to going on Paid Leave, so I took two days off severely confused, and then some weird DING went off on my phone, a good friend tagged me in a "1980 Grumman Kurbmaster Canada Postal Van For Sale; Bring Cash & Cold Beer" 11:00 am the next day I purchased it, and limped it along to Nanaimo with a s**t eating grin on my face......
BOOM 18 months in business for myself....... wow, what an absolute ride! taking my time reflecting I am really good at one thing PLUMBING ! I'm also really s**tty at one thing BUSINESS ! Playing Lacrosse has helped me more than I ever imagined, I've definitely transferred a lot of determination, dedication, and desire to win into my business. When I played I adopted the role of Enforcer, so being a so called "tough guy" this post has taken me longer than usual to write. Any one of my close friends or teammates is no stranger to my inner battle with; Multiple Concussions, Mental Illness (Bi-Polar), Addiction, & Childhood Mental/Physical/Sexual Abuse. I am so THANKFUL that I have experienced these battles, as its made me genuinely a stronger person, that can now give back to the game that has literally saved my life. I get asked often, "why did you name your business timbermen plumbing"..... great question. Honestly Lacrosse has been my MEDICINE even when I wasn't aware of it, the arena is my sanctuary, my church, my safe place; that being said I've never missed a practice or game in over a decade, Lacrosse holds me Accountable, I wanted to be Accountable and proud of my business so "Timbermen Plumbing" was hand painted on.
I read books, paid for online business courses, reached out for mentors. Every piece of information I got said it would take 5 years, WELL I have hit the point where the phone rings off the hook, and I just simply cannot keep up with the demand. I've experienced a major personal financial blow and loss of my business assets due to a prolonged relationship breakup. Tried my best to hire the best staff available learning that 7 outta 8 qualified plumbers and apprentices were no where near my workmanship standards (many know I'm quite a**l and particular)
Physically , mentally and financially I am exhausted. I literally started with nothing as my tools were stolen the same week I decided to go on my own
I borrowed tools from my Dad, & close friends. I really couldn’t have got to the stage I'm at with out Melissa’s help, and for that I am thankful . To everyone, and especially my more than patient customers. (many know I love to talk, and really do love working with all my different customers )Thank you very much all of you!
Letting down my valued customers has taken a deep emotional punch to my brand ive created and poured everything into. I am taking some time to regroup and change some very basic things I have genuinely fu**ed up on and overlooked! As a result , there has been jobs that have not been completed up to my standards, I am making sure that these are taken care of and completed. One by one meticulously and in a timely fashion. Financially Iam Struggling, I have some how gotten this far with zero credit card, have worked and stocked my van with virtually every part to fix problems efficiently, and have every specialty tool in my box, backed with 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE, I have literally seen s**t spray sideways and absolutely thrive on Emergency Situations.
I am currently seeking a business loan which has been a closed door at the banks, now iam seeking a private loan to purchase an additional vehicle / tools / & part time manager (please text or private message confidentially) I've grown to the point where I need capital and the only way to operate professionally is to expand, and for my mental health ESPECIALLY not to stress lying awake at night worrying about buying a toilet and hot water tank tomorrow and leaving enough for gas and a sandwich.
For new jobs , one thing I have realized is that I can’t do it all. I am still putting everything I have into this business and I am still available but have to make some changes that will take some time. After 6 rough months I just need to put my mental and physical health first.
Been slandered & bad mouthed a lot publicly surrounding addiction and my past as a outspoken enforcer, But what I am truly struggling with is NOT falling back into addiction or self medicating myself when the road gives me a speed bump, its truly processing and pushing myself to the BEST possible way of representing my business with the PRIDE hand stitched on my customers experience
January 1st 2022
I've hired a Office Manager to physically answer phone calls/questions/following up with service/and precise scheduling
also hired a Retired Parts Manager to drive parts onsite if needed & keep us younger guys in check
Decided to Schedule 1 and only 1 job per day, to allow our full attention and room to serve our 24/7 emergency service
more importantly excited to restart 2022 fresh with a rebranded logo and be heavily involved with our Nanaimo
community, known as the unique eccentric old fashioned plumber, making plumbing work for every one.... often plumbing emergencies end up an unexpected financial punch!
Our crew believes in connection with our customers for the long term, not a franchise cashing in. We often take trades and make it work for everyone, that’s an old fashioned family plumbing value iam honoured to continue
Appreciate the time for reading the Post
Kyle McInnis
Timbermen Plumbing
778 350 9197
