Starting and growing a business in the trades industry is no small task. Demand for plumbing, electrical, and HVAC services is high, but so is the pressure to grow fast and stay competitive.
Many business owners want to expand, but they struggle to do so without losing quality or control. The challenge is simple to see but hard to manage: how do you grow the right way?
Austin Helms faced this question early in his career. He’s the founding partner of Halftime Rentals – Portable Toilets and founder of NuBlue Electric, Plumbing and Air, a service company in North Carolina offering plumbing, electrical, and HVAC work.
Since 2019, he has grown NuBlue from nothing to $20 million in revenue. He did it without buying other companies. Instead, he focused on strong systems, local leadership, and smart decisions.
In this article, you’ll learn what Austin did to grow a business from the ground up. We’ll explore how he found the right people, chose the right markets, and avoided common mistakes.
Moreover, we’ll also see why growing too fast can backfire and how long-term success depends on more than just adding locations.
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How Austin Helms Turned Childhood Hustles into Growing a Business
Austin Helms grew up in Valdese, North Carolina. As a kid, he didn’t like asking for money. Instead, he asked his dad how to earn it. That led to a summer car wash business at age 12. He made $800. By 15, he made $3,000. These early wins built his drive.
Early Lessons That Shaped His Thinking
- He worked at Chick-fil-A but disliked the strict routine.
- He wanted freedom and variety in his work.
- In college at UNC Chapel Hill, he met people from many walks of life.
- He launched a waterless car wash business that got attention on campus.
- His team used a dented car hood to show how the wash worked.
That idea took them to pitch events nationwide, from Texas to California.
Turning Point with the Griffin Family
At one of those events, Austin met the Griffin Brothers from Charlotte. Their business covered tires, real estate, and landfills. They invited him to join their apprentice program.
He worked on deals and did all kinds of tasks:
- Managed small business deals
- Drove limos and helped with legal work
- Learned by doing, not just watching
The program gave him a full view of running companies.
From Setbacks to Starting Fresh
After two years, he left to build his own software company. It didn’t take off. He then took a 23-state road trip and returned ready to start fresh.
Starting the Plumbing Venture and Growing a Business
The Griffins offered him a chance to build a plumbing business. He found a partner, sold his car, and got ready. But the partner backed out. Weeks passed.
Then, someone introduced him to a new contact. They met at Cracker Barrel and shook hands. That meeting marked the true beginning.
Growing a Business and Finding the Right Industry Support
Austin Helms found his first plumbing partner during a short meeting near Charlotte. They clicked quickly. The man even joked with a huge knife, but Austin laughed it off. That partnership lasted 18 months and helped him get the business off the ground.
Naming the Business and Starting from Scratch
- He had two names in mind: Wiz Plumbing or ESE Plumbing
- A coin flip picked Wiz, but it didn’t feel right
- He chose ESE Plumbing instead
Austin had no plumbing background. He didn’t know what a crimp ring or street 45 was. His team often sent him to supply stores with fake item lists just for laughs.
Instead of getting upset, he went to Lowe’s and asked for help. He learned by doing, and that shaped how he ran the business.
Joining Service Nation
Later, an invite to speak at an event led him to Service Nation. At the time, his company, NuBlue, was already exploring business groups. Many focused on helping owners sell, which didn’t fit his plans.
Service Nation focused on sharing ideas and learning. That matched what he wanted. He attended their event in Orlando. While he missed some parts, the real value came from talking to others.
He met owners from small towns who shared smart ways of working. That reminded him that good ideas come from all sizes of companies.
Where the Company Stands Now
NuBlue now runs four offices:
- Greenville, NC – electric, plumbing, HVAC
- Fayetteville, NC – electric, plumbing
- Lake Norman – all three trades
- South Charlotte – electric
Each branch serves its area, but the team is the real reason it works. Austin credits the people around him for building what NuBlue is today.
What It Takes for Growing a Business the Right Way
Scaling a trade business may look simple, but doing it well needs careful planning. Growing too fast without strong systems often leads to stress, high costs, and poor service. You need the right pace, people, and smart decisions.
Why Growing a Business Too Fast Backfires
Opening many locations quickly might be a success, but it can create more problems than progress. Teams fall behind. Phone calls get missed.
Some businesses even hire outside call centers just to keep up. That adds cost and removes the personal touch. You can’t grow locations without growing your support team.
Marketing should match each area’s needs. Hiring must stay ahead of demand. Otherwise, you have more offices but less control. That’s not real growth.
Where You Grow Matters
The size of the city doesn’t always decide your success. Sometimes, smaller cities offer better chances to stand out.
- Less customer competition
- Easier to get noticed and trusted
- Fewer benefits offered by other contractors
For example, Austin found quick success in a smaller market simply by offering healthcare and 401(k) plans. No one else was doing it. That made attracting good workers looking for more than a paycheck easy.
What to Look For in a Partner When Growing a Business
The person leading a new location plays the biggest role. It works best if they grew up in that area. Locals know the market.
They already have trust in the community. That helps them hire and grow faster. They must have a strong drive if they aren’t from the area.
But highly driven people often want to build something of their own. Choose people who are respected, steady, and known in the trade. That’s what creates long-term success.
What Are the Hardest Parts of Growing a Business Fast?
Growing fast sounds exciting, but it’s not just about the speed. It takes the right people, a clear plan, and time to build.
Why Trust and Ownership Matter
- Current account value: The business plan was built on low risk, but some people didn’t commit fully.
- Future potential: Without a financial stake, it was easy for people to back out when things got tough.
- Relationship strength: Trust is crucial. People who aren’t connected to the business won’t work as hard.
- Growth speed: Rapid growth without strong leadership can lead to problems.
- Action steps: To expand, you need to give someone a big reward or invest in the success.
The Power of Being Local
When you have local roots, you have an advantage. People trust those who know the area. This makes building relationships, hiring employees, and growing the business easier.
In markets without strong local connections, it was harder to build the same trust. The lack of a clear marketing plan and local knowledge made growth difficult.
Balancing Profit and Speed While Growing a Business
Fast growth often means sacrificing profit. You need cash, people, and time. Expanding quickly can stretch your resources. Profit margins may suffer.
The challenge is resisting the urge for immediate success. It’s tempting to take the shortcut, but long-term success requires smart growth, solid systems, and the right people in place.
Conclusion
Growing a business takes more than opening new locations or hiring more people. It starts with a clear plan and the right systems. Without those, fast growth can lead to stress, confusion, and missed goals.
Every market is different. A smaller city might offer less competition and better hiring options. Simple things like offering health benefits can help you stand out.
But what matters most is the person leading each location. They need to know the area and earn respect. Local leaders build trust faster and understand what people expect.
Adding more offices doesn’t always mean more success. You can do more with fewer locations if each one runs well. Focus on quality before speed. That way, your team stays strong, and your service stays reliable.
If you want long-term success, grow with care. Ensure your people, systems, and support are ready before expanding. Listen, learn, and keep things simple. Growing a business is not about rushing. It’s about building something steady, strong, and built to last.
FAQs
What skills help most when growing a business?
You need strong communication, time management, and problem-solving skills. These help you lead, plan, and adjust. As the business grows, clear direction becomes more important than doing the work yourself.
How does mindset affect growing a business?
A growth mindset keeps you moving forward through setbacks. Staying flexible, patient, and open to learning makes a big difference, especially when things are unplanned.
Does growing a business require industry experience?
Not always. Many succeed without direct trade experience. Your willingness to learn, ask for help, and build a good team matters.
What role does customer service play in growing a business?
Customer trust builds the foundation for long-term growth. Good service leads to repeat jobs, word of mouth, and a strong local reputation.
How do you stay motivated while growing a business?
Set clear goals and celebrate small wins. Remind yourself why you started. Surround yourself with people who share your values.
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