Plumbing Connection Summer 2017

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steady pace. We are not here to make a quick buck. By
developing quality relationships with our clients and providing
high standards of workmanship and sticking to our guns, the
money will come with it.”
JRD Plumbing employs two tradies and two apprentices and
brings in sub-contractors as needed. Current projects include
two townhouse developments in Toongabbie and Carlingford
and another slated to start in Balmain at the end of the year.
“With our apprentices, we try and instil the same skills
and work ethic that I was given all those years ago. It’s tricky
with apprentices – so many of them want the rewards now,
when really it is about hard work and having the grit to see it
through for the long term. Our apprentices seem to have that
dedication, so Leithen and I want to teach them what we know
and show that plumbing is a good trade and career.”
With good workmanship comes quality product and Nick’s
philosophy is to stick with products and brands that have
stood the test of time, but also know when the project
warrants trying something new.
“On social media, we constantly get approached by sales
reps to try a new product, but so many of them have not been
tested on a jobsite so you tend not to trust it fully even with
the warranties and compliance certificates.
“If the job has opportunities to try a new product, then
we will assess the risk, see what others have said about the
product that have used it and give it a go.
“There are so many factors that are unknown about a
product – the types of plastic used, the acoustic properties,
the rubber rings. There is a lot of work on in Sydney at the
moment, so there is always someone who has used it [new
product] and happy to discuss how it went, so you can always
get an honest opinion.”
Ultimately, Nick says that what you learn at TAFE only
goes so far, the rest you learn from your boss. He advises to
surround yourself with people you admire and respect and
understand that you only get out of plumbing what you put in.
Good workmanship only comes from hard work and attention
to detail – and don’t be afraid to take pride in your work.
Left: Nick Rizk posted this photo on LinkedIn to show that he
was proud of the end result. A win-win for plumbing. Above:
Nick Rizk and his business partner Leithen, own JDR Plumbing
and believe that good relationships, workmanship and
product make the difference to business success.
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