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After two decades of working for others in the commercial plumbing and gas industry, Brian McDaid knew it was time for a change. Despite his established skills, knowledge and reputation, he felt that something was missing and needed a new professional challenge.
“I thought I wanted to get out of plumbing, but when I started doing my own work, I realised it wasn’t plumbing that I was disinterested in, I just needed a new venture.”
That is when Kewdale based BMD Plumbing and Gas was born.
For the first 18 months of the business, Brian was on the tools full time while juggling quotes, admin and customer service - not an easy task. But as the business grew rapidly, it became clear he needed a hand.
That’s when Brian’s wife Tiana stepped in.
A guiding hand from the SBDC
When Tiana decided to move into running their family business, contacts at the small business friendly City of Belmont referred her to the SBDC to help her transition from a full time corporate role in the mining industry to small business ownership.
While Brian continued to deliver top quality work on site, Tiana - with the support of her SBDC business adviser - became the driving force behind the scenes, managing bookings, communication, business development, invoicing and quotes.
“The SBDC helped me get all the pieces together to help grow the business,” Tiana said.
“Time management was an area that I really needed help, and they helped guide me how to block out time to do certain tasks and complete projects.”
“I have also attended several of the business skills workshops in person and online including the social media workshop, accounting and various others.”
“Through the continued support from the SBDC, we have managed to get those next steps, which now has left us in this great position, having that flexible work life balance with our four young children.”
Shared values underline approach
Brian and Tiana are happy working together, sharing the same values in business, family and community.
“We want to be good role models to not only our kids, but also to our competitors, always trying to do the right thing, price reasonably and set a standard for plumbers.”
And for anyone thinking about following in their footsteps and making the change to leave their job and start a small business, they would encourage anyone to do so.
“I would just encourage people to go out there on their own, give it a go!” Tiana declared.
Recognised for excellence
In 2023, BMD Plumbing and Gas was proudly named winner of Best New Business at the Belmont and Western Australian Small Business Awards.
Winning the award not only validated their dedication but also reinforced the power of staying true to your personal and professional values, integrity, quality and community connections.
Together, Brian and Tiana have transformed BMD Plumbing and Gas from a solo venture into a husband and wife team recognised for offering quality, friendly and reliable service.
More information
- See if you operate in a small business friendly local government
- Access our range of practical small business workshops
- Read about working with family
- Read about the benefits of entering business awards
- Connect with an SBDC business adviser to help on your small business journey.
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