Skip to content
POWER100
Content

They Risked Everything to Build This Plumbing Business

📅 November 13, 2025 ⏱️ 37:27 🎤 James Hill, Michelle Hill, Richard, Marissa

Chapters

Click to jump to section

  • 0:00
    Meet The Aussie Plumber
    Introduction to James and Michelle Hill, owners of The Aussie Plumber, and their unique story.
  • 0:36
    Starting The Aussie Plumber
    James discusses the origins of his business, prompted by Michelle's suggestion to start his own venture.
  • 0:42
    Michelle's Career Shift
    Michelle explains her decision to leave her career as a dietitian to join James in the plumbing business.
  • 1:11
    Overcoming Fear & Discomfort
    Michelle shares the initial fears and discomfort she faced when transitioning to the plumbing business and how they embraced growth.
  • 1:53
    The Honest Hourly Rate
    James reveals the 'Honest Hourly Rate Calculator' as a pivotal tool for understanding true business costs and pricing.
  • 3:15
    The Value of Support
    Michelle emphasizes the importance of external support and coaching for business growth and avoiding common pitfalls.
  • 3:36
    Initial Challenges & Solutions
    Michelle discusses early stumbling blocks, including personal adjustment and managing customer interactions, and how they overcame them.
  • 4:20
    Advice for Business Owners
    James and Michelle offer key advice, including reading business books and focusing on one's 'zone of genius'.
  • 5:13
    Embracing the Freedom Lifestyle
    The Hills discuss how building their business has allowed them to achieve a 'freedom lifestyle' and promote a positive work culture.

Speakers

J
James Hill
Owner, The Aussie Plumber
M
Michelle Hill
Owner, The Aussie Plumber
R
Richard
Host
M
Marissa
Host

Key Takeaways

✦

Embrace external coaching and resources (like the MDP system) early on to avoid common pitfalls and accelerate growth, even if it feels like an investment.

✦

Utilize an 'honest hourly rate calculator' to truly understand your business costs and set profitable pricing, overcoming the fear of charging what you're worth.

✦

Don't be afraid to transition from an established career to support your partner's business; the synergy of a 'power couple' can lead to rapid success.

✦

Cultivate a strong brand identity and memorable differentiation (like "The Aussie Plumber") to stand out in a competitive market.

✦

Focus on your 'zone of genius' and delegate or seek expert help for other areas (e.g., marketing, accounting) to maximize efficiency and job satisfaction.

✦

Prioritize work-life balance and a supportive company culture; this not only benefits employees but also contributes to long-term business success and personal fulfillment.

✦

Read business books regularly (e.g., "How to Win Friends and Influence People," "The E-Myth") to develop business acumen beyond technical skills and apply lessons across industries.

Want the full experience?

Join Power100 for full access to every episode, AI-powered insights, personalized coaching, and a network of industry leaders.

Join Power100 →