People in business: Mike Glasgow

This week's person in business is Mike Glasgow, owner of the Plumberman company.

Briefly outline your current position and career to date.

I am a certified plumber and drainlayer, a registered gas fitter, company director and have been in the industry for 18 years.

What was your first job and what did it teach you?

I had a few after-school jobs like kiwifruit picking and stacking as well as collecting and stacking hay in the school holidays, and I also worked at a nursery planting. My first full-time job was plumbing but the others taught me the importance of punctuality and to just get on with the job, no matter how hard it is.

What do you see as the greatest opportunity and greatest challenge in your industry in the year ahead?

I think there is a good feel out there in the housing market and that we will see more people spending on their houses, creating more work. The greatest challenge in our industry is to keep ahead of all the extra licensing and compliance codes and keeping up with all the new products.

What three skills or qualities are essential in your role?

That's communication, knowledge and a good work ethic. I believe people want a tradesperson who is polite, has the right knowledge and can explain in their terms what is required for their job - and can do it correctly, tidily and efficiently.

How do you maintain a healthy work/life balance?

I try not to book Saturday work, so I can spend it with the family. I generally go back to the office after the kids have gone to bed to complete the paperwork and I get involved in the kids' sports and interests to spend as much time as I can with them.

If you did any other job for a day, what would it be and why?

I wouldn't change my job as there are so many aspects of my industry and I'm always working at different locations. But I wouldn't mind having a go on some of the really big earthmoving equipment as I enjoy driving trucks and my digger.

What is one thing most people don't know about you?

I am a warranted cub leader at Rotorua Central Scout Group. I am also an NZHA accredited junior hockey coach and am on the Rotorua Hockey Association committee.

What achievement to date are you most proud of and why?

To own and operate a successful business with my wife, Mel, where we provide a happy working environment for our staff and customers.

What advice do you wish somebody had given you when you were starting out?

I can't think of anything I wish I could have known but will say that if you want to be successful in your business, you must be passionate about what you do.