Sumich Plumbing and Drainage celebrates its 30th this year, a testament to its resilience throughout economic recessions, construction market fluctuations and now, a global pandemic.
Covid-19 has made the already competitive market even more fiercely contested, but the firm says continuing to provide quality, core plumbing, drainage and gas-fitting services, and a focus on select specialty services should see it through to its next milestone birthday and beyond.
Office manager Gale Morris says despite headlines about New Zealanders spending their erstwhile travel funds on leisure pursuits and home renovations, the firm has noticed a slowdown in quotes and also maintenance work.
“People are more reserved; it has affected their appetite for spending. Also, a lot of the bigger firms have been making staff redundant, so we have more competition for our work – it’s very competitive out there.”
Just one “emergency” plumber was able to work through the first lockdown, while the second lockdown restricted to Auckland only allowed their staff to work in a limited capacity. “It’s had a big impact.”
Moore Markhams Auckland director
Jess Gilmour provided valuable support throughout the lockdowns and after, helping reduce stress for the business, Gale says.
“We talked to Jess on a regular basis. She advised us on our plan and to make sure we were running things compliantly. She also gave us lots of advice on what Inland Revenue was putting out.”
The 14-person firm plans to cement its focus on providing maintenance and renovation services and looking after industry customers – which includes Douglas Pharmaceuticals.
The firm does little work in commercial construction, Gale says, but has provided some specialty services for larger buildings.
In the past few years, it has replaced failing water pipes in several high-rise complexes, including the Quadrant Hotel and Suites.
The business plans to forge new relationships with other businesses - providing specialty services with and for the likes of shop fitter companies, architects, property managers and body corporates.
Pre-Covid, Sumich Plumbing and Drainage was busy with plenty of projects, and the firm is confident its durability will see it bounce back to pre-pandemic levels, Gale says.
“We are slowly getting on top of things again. We have great staff and great customers. Business just fluctuates up and down - we are used to it.”
https://sumichplumbing.co.nz/
Read our earlier article on Sumich Plumbing and Drainage here.