Maine contractor tops 20 under 20 list

Phc News proudly presents its 2nd annual Top 20 Under 20 feature, which identifies the top 20 phc companies, based on revenue, with under 20 employees. It is a nice way for some of the smaller companies across the country to be recognized. The results were compiled based on voluntary results.

This year’s top spot was taken by Jim Godbout Plumbing & Heating, Inc., Biddeford, Maine.

Jim Godbout Plumbing & Heating, Inc. is a diversified company, offering the best in comfort and efficiency using geothermal systems, solar thermal systems and HVAC systems. The company provides services for the entire coastline of Maine, from York to Freeport. Phc News recently spoke with Jim Godbout, president.

The top 20 under 20 features the smaller companies that do well with the staff that they have. In these uncertain times, how has your company fared, and in your case, increased revenue?

Godbout: We run a very unique company; we are not even in the phone book and never have been. Our success, I believe, is based on relationships, networking, customer service and diversity of our company.

We stress relationships, not just with customers, but with educated wholesalers, rep agencies, and most importantly, we stress tight relationships with solid manufacturers who support their wholesalers and contractors.

Networking with the local community is very important, as we give back to our community. I represent many local organizations such as the Rotary, Chamber of Commerce, food pantries, youth groups, and I sit on many local and national boards.

My goal has always been to service our customers so they will talk to a friend or coworker about us in a positive manner. Communicate, listen and always take care of needs of your customers. Even if we have a product failure and no labor in the warranty, we swallow it to make sure we keep good relationships.

We emphasize diversity. Our company does just about everything mechanical such as plumbing, heating, air conditioning, solar, geothermal, mechanical piping, gas piping-tank setting, refrigeration, general contracting special projects, electrical, air-to-air and air-to-water heat pumps, and service for oil and gas equipment. We have relationships with local fuel suppliers so we offer fuel programs. We try and offer everything to our customers so they don’t have to go elsewhere.
We will do small jobs such as repair kitchen faucets to working on large projects such as building a water park. We do approximately 75% residential, 20% commercial and 5 % industrial. Much of our work is in very nice homes on the southern coast of Maine.

My employees — which of course I am biased about — are some of the best mechanics in the country. They are a true asset to our success; they are knowledgeable, courteous and take great pride in the work they do for our customers. All my mechanics are driven to make all necessary decisions to make each job a success. They are my family and I take very good care of my them with very good wages, benefit packages, including retirement plans and profit sharing.

Family is very important to me. My son (Jonathan) came through the company at the age of 12, working with two of my mechanics, who taught him a stong work ethic. He is now 25 and very successful. He works for IBM, consulting on economics all over the world.

I want my employees’ families to have same success so I allow a lot of flexibility in schedules if they need extra time for their families or the community.

Please provide a brief history of the company and how you got started in the industry.

Godbout: I started at a very young age in construction. My step-grandfather taught me a lot about working hard at very young age (12). We did vinyl siding and roofing jobs. I worked in a co-op program while attending high school. I worked building and contracting until the age of 19 when I saw what the plumbing and heating industry was like sub contracting for a couple of local contractors. I saw a need to develop a more educated professional staff with the work ethic taught by the people with which I had worked.

I started with a couple of employees and moved quickly to the very solid family of employees. I have 15 today.

I am the chief cook and bottle washer as I call it, doing most all the sales and much of the office work. I have one administrative assistant and one shop guy to service our techs in the field. Most of the time you will find me in the field supporting my men any way I can. I will not let my men do a job I would not do.

My day starts about 4 a.m. I do some exercises and take my three yellow labs — Gunna, Bailey, and newest member, Colby — for a walk on the beach. I arrive at the office about 6 a.m., getting organized for the men who arrive at 7 a.m. I spend a little time in office taking care of needed office work. Getting your bills out the same day is a very important aspect of business. I usually leave the office by 8-9 a.m., visiting customers. This time of year you may find me draining some homes, helping my guys out or providing ideas on job installations. This October, I am general contracting a major water park expansion at local amusement park, which consumes even more of my time working with excavators, surveyors, electricians, steel workers, building contractors, inspectors, architects, engineers, Department of Environmental Protection workers, abatement contractors and slide constructors, along with my guys. I try to get back to my office by 4 p.m. to clean up the day’s paper work.

By around 6 p.m., I leave for home where I love to cook dinner for my wife Lynn and take short walks on beach with the dogs. It’s a great stress releaser. This occurs six days a week. There gets to be a breaking point where I need to make a break to our home in Prince Edward Island, Canada, which we have enjoyed for many years. The solitude of this place allows me to do a lot of the custom hydronic and plumbing designs you might find in the homes we do.

What advice would you give to the smaller company owner who is struggling right now?

Godbout: Create relationships, network, find good products to offer to your customers and be passionate about what you sell. Your customers recognize confidence and want quality and service at fair price.

This country right now needs everyone to come together and build stronger communities. Build trust in your community and you will be successful. Dedicate yourself to hard work and commitment. Don’t sell on price. Sell quality products and service with a passion.

The last time I said, “Today is a great day!” I was doing what?

Godbout: Life is very short; every day is a great day. Love life and give back to your families and community!