How to build a plumbing business from scratch — and sustain it with purpose, quality, and long-term vision
When Vlad Khorenko moved from Ukraine to the United States in 2014, he didn’t arrive with capital or connections. He brought a strong work ethic, deep technical skills, and an unwavering commitment to service.
With nothing but a Craigslist ad and the support of a few friends, Vlad began his journey as a solo plumber in San Diego. Today, he is the founder of Almco Plumbing INC., one of the most respected and highly reviewed plumbing companies in the region.
“Plumbing is one of the hardest industries,” says Vlad. “You work underground, solving problems you can’t even see. But I didn’t come here to quit. I came to help.”
What Makes Almco Plumbing Different?
Most plumbing companies divide their operations across multiple departments—technicians, dispatchers, sales reps, and more. Almco Plumbing takes a different approach. The company has built an all-in-one model where each professional is trained to handle the full process from start to finish. This reduces delays, ensures quality control, and creates a smoother experience for the customer.
“We don’t hand the job off from one person to another. We solve the problem end-to-end and focus on doing it right.”
Almco’s reputation for quality and reliability has earned it a 4.9-star rating and recognition as one of the top plumbing service providers in San Diego.
How to Build a Plumbing Business That Lasts
For aspiring entrepreneurs wondering how to start a plumbing business, Vlad’s answer is simple: Start with your ‘why’.
“There will be hard days. You’ll face setbacks. The only way to keep going is to know why you started. If your goal is to serve people and do the job right, you’ll last. If it’s only about money, that won’t be enough.”
According to Vlad, sustainable success in the plumbing industry requires more than technical skill. It demands consistency, humility, and a commitment to improving the customer’s experience.
“If someone is happy with your service, they may or may not leave a review. But if they’re unhappy, they definitely will. That’s why we do our best, even with difficult clients.”
Over 60% of Almco’s business today comes from referrals, a reflection of the trust the company has earned through its service-first philosophy.
Lessons from the Field: Integrity Builds Reputation
In an industry where small mistakes can lead to long-term consequences, Vlad believes that integrity is non-negotiable. His early clients were friends, neighbors, and referral customers—people who trusted him before the brand even existed.
“From the beginning, we treated every job like it mattered. Whether it was a clogged drain or a full pipeline installation, our focus was always on doing what we promised.”
That commitment continues to guide Almco’s work today across residential and commercial plumbing services.
Looking Ahead: Building for Scale
While Almco Plumbing continues to serve residential clients across San Diego, Vlad’s vision is focused on commercial plumbing and long-term growth.
“Commercial projects offer more structure and consistency. They allow us to build repeatable systems. That’s what I’m working on now—laying the foundation for scale.”
His long-term goal includes franchising the Almco model once the internal systems are fully optimized.
“Right now, I’m focused on building a solid base. Once that’s in place, we’ll look at expansion. But the priority today is to finish build the excellence system and business process and than scale business on other citys and state”
Giving Back and Staying Grounded
Despite the long hours and daily grind, Vlad continues to support communities back in Ukraine, including local pastors and humanitarian efforts.
“Helping others is part of why I do this. If I give up, I can’t support those who rely on me. That’s what keeps me moving forward.”
The Almco Blueprint: Six Principles for Building a Strong Plumbing Business
Whether you’re looking to start your own company or take your service business to the next level, here are six takeaways from Vlad Khorenko’s journey:
- Know your ‘why’ – Purpose fuels perseverance.
- Deliver unbelievable service – Clients remember how you made them feel.
- Reinvest in marketing – Not just ads, but also people who understand digital.
- Build a repeat business model – Focus on long-term value, not just one-off jobs.
- Think scale – Even when you’re starting small, keep systems in mind.
- Stay humble, stay hungry – Reputation is built one satisfied client at a time.
Learn More
Whether you’re a homeowner in San Diego or an entrepreneur researching how to grow a plumbing business, Almco Plumbing offers a clear example of how service, structure, and purpose-driven leadership can lead to long-term success.
To learn more about Almco Plumbing’s services and story, visit www.almcoplumbing.com.