While it’s common in the music industry, it’s not everyday a tradesperson can simply go by his or her first name.
But not everyone is as well-liked and respected as Neil Roblin.
Known by all as Neil the Plumber, Roblin has built an extremely loyal network of happy customers in the Barrie area.
“I have many, many repeat customers on both the residential and commercial side,” Roblin said during an interview from his Alcona home base.
Roblin entered the profession after a friend, who was a plumber, told him he might be a good fit.
“I was a lifeguard before so I guess you could say I like working close to water,” he joked, noting he completed a five-year apprenticeship before becoming a fully-licensed tradesman.
“I’ve been a plumber for 20 years and running my own company for the past eight.”
Nowadays, Roblin enjoys countless referrals from his customers’ family and friends as a result of his diligent commitment to getting the job done right, on time and at a fair price.
“At least 60 per cent of my work is from referrals,” said Roblin, who also possesses a Toronto master plumber’s licence, which allows him to do repairs and other work at Toronto municipal buildings. Roblin handles everything from emergency calls, drains and sewer issues to bathroom and kitchen renovations.
“I really take a lot of pride in my work,” he said. “I’m willing to take the small jobs. A lot of guys aren’t interested in the smaller jobs because there isn’t as much money in them.”
But Roblin said it’s morally important to him that his pricing remains fair so customers never feel they’ve been treated poorly.
“I’m not out to get rich off of anybody,” he said, adding that since he’s a one-person shop the quality control is always high.
“I know what it’s like to be a homeowner and I try to treat people like I would want to be treated. I also show up when I say I will.”
For more information, visit neiltheplumber.com.