UNIQUe Service Plumbing

>>Preferred Partner Spotlight

UNIQUe

Service Plumbing, LLC

The Greatest Ability is AVAILABILITY

Written by Ruth Gnirk • Photography by Brianna Cortez Photography

24 • June 2021@realproducers

Part of the mission of Robert and Mary Cantu is hidden in plain sight within their UNIQUe logo. While most of the letters are large, the last one is small. This word picture represents the Cantu’s local, family-owned company. They have no plans to become a plumbing giant, because personally providing excellent service is one of their core values. The Cantus do not want realtors to choose UNIQUe instead of another company; they want realtors to choose UNIQUe in addition to other companies.

Robert and Mary are unified in their deep desire to stay UNIQUe. They plan to remain big enough to be able to provide much-needed services to the real estate community in a timely manner, with a spirit of excellence. But it is equally important that UNIQUe stays small enough that Robert and Mary can be hands-on.

UNIQUe Service Plumbing, LLC strives to always be available to perform leak tests, and if needed, to also provide isolation testing, repairs or re-routes, and other things on home inspection report lists. “We are just one piece of the puzzle,” explained Mary. “We want to stay small in order to give that personal touch. But with our size, we can’t handle all the plumbing needs in this area. The fact that there are other trustworthy plumbers in town allows us to continue giving great, personalized customer service.”

UNIQUe Service Plumbing has added services based on requests from realtors. They provide leak testing for the building drain system (the drain system under the house), for water lines (which feed incoming water for sinks and refill the water in toilet bowls), and for gas lines. UNIQUe offers camera inspections of yard lines, and it is their practice to give clients a video recording of EVERY failed building drain leak test. UNIQUe is very intentional about maintaining their reputation for providing the most accurate results on the first test.

If leak testing indicates a need for further investigation, UNIQUe also provides isolation testing, and repairs or re-routes. Realtors, buyers, and sellers can feel confident and comforted, because UNIQUE is there for them, “From step one, all the way through to the resolution of any potential issues that may be discovered,” reassured Robert.

Robert and Mary believe it is the responsibility and privilege of the expert to create and maintain a calm and peaceful atmosphere. The Cantus know that a house is both the biggest asset and the biggest expense their customers possess. Thus, they strive to ensure that UNIQUe consistently provides both information and protection for buyers, sellers, and realtors. Mary explained that part of the mission of UNIQUe Service Plumbing is, “helping home buyers make wise negotiations for greater longevity with fewer problems.” There is nothing to fear, regardless of the findings from any leak test. “There is a solution to every problem,” said Robert. “It’s just plumbing!”

We want to stay small in order to give that personal touch.

It all started two decades ago when Robert was invited to assist his former coach’s husband, who was a plumber by trade. The man’s patient teaching, coupled with the opportunity for Robert to receive hands-on training, sparked an interest and then a passion inside of Robert. He became an official plumber’s apprentice.

Initially, Robert’s goal was to be a responsible provider for his growing family. He accepted a position at a large home improvement store, and soon was promoted to a position of responsibility within the plumbing department. Around the same time, his wife Mary started working for a local plumber, placing orders and taking care of inventory.

Mary developed a genuine interest in plumbing, asking questions and learning more about plumbing and service excellence every day. Both Robert and Mary applied themselves diligently and kept their attitudes teachable.

They had become strong people of faith, and they wanted no more than 40-hour work weeks. The Cantus longed for more time together, and more opportunities to enjoy moments and make memories.

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Motivated by love for his family, Robert declined a store manager position. His priorities had shifted, and the promotion would have resulted in even less time with his family. Robert began working for the same plumbing company at which Mary managed orders and inventory. This allowed the couple to interact occasionally during the work day, and to create shared experiences. Their plumbing conversations deepened their unity as well as their individual passion for helping others.

Robert had gained a plumbing tradesman license, along with great knowledge and experience in the eight years that he had been out of school. Then he applied himself educationally, and earned his plumbing journeyman’s license. After working as a journeyman plumber for four years, Robert passed his Master Plumber test, and became a licensed Responsible Master Plumber.

He and Mary and their children had been serving in a faith-based

volunteer program since 2017, and had found their true passion: working together as a family to provide disaster relief. The desire to have a flexible schedule and generate income to fund their volunteer trips motivated Robert to start his own business: UNIQUe Service Plumbing, LLC.

Robert said he does not want to be like an oak tree, blocking the light so nothing can grow underneath. Instead, he wants to be like a bamboo stalk, tall and strong, leaving plenty of room for others to grow too. Mary, who has her plumbing apprentice license, plans to continue learning and testing to become a Responsible Master Plumber herself. Their son is a current member of the service team, and one of their daughters works for them as well.

Raquel, one of their office staff, has her apprentice card. The Cantus believe it is important for all of the office staff to have experience in leak testing, isolation testing, and repairs

and re-routes, as well as best plumbing practices, so that they can better assist customers who call with questions.

UNIQUe Service Plumbing, LLC stays busy, but not overloaded. Robert explained that UNIQUe has set crews always available to provide leak tests, and they love to collaborate with other local, professional, licensed plumbers in town. Sharing knowledge ensures that every client receives the highest quality of service possible. UNIQUe focuses on finding the right solution for each client, and they are glad to assist licensed plumbing colleagues.

Robert and Mary strive to live with character and integrity as people, as parents, as professionals, and as productive members of their community. They bring this same wise and compassionate mindset into each interaction with others. Simply put, they are unique and available, providing the plumbing services needed by real estate professionals and their clients. This is the legacy of UNIQUe Service Plumbing, LLC.

28 • June 2021@realproducers