June 11th, 2009
Business Spotlight: Southwest Plumbing

The staff of Southwest Plumbing.

Business Name: Southwest Plumbing.

Physical Address: 101 Dandelion Trail, San Marcos, TX 78666

Owner: Harriet Bates

Manager: Bill Mitchell

Phone: (512) 392-4022

Fax: (512) 392-2136

Website: www.sw-plumbing.com

Email: harriet@sw-plumbing.com

Description of Products/Services Sold: Plumbing

Date Business Opened: 1989

Products: Leak detection, gas, water, sewer. state of the art in-line video inspection, diagnostics and repairs, commercial new construction, backflow install and testing, Rinnai “tankless” energy efficient water heaters, sewer drain cleaning and hydro jet service.

Why are you located here?

Allen Bates (1957-2008) moved to San Marcos to pursue his philosophy/business degree at what used to be Southwest Texas State University. During the last economic downturn in the late 1980s, he could not find a job as the construction industry. As a Master plumber, he decided to start Southwest Plumbing Inc., tipping his hat to his Alma Mater and helping pay his way through college. Allen and Harriet fell in love with the San Marcos area and found a niche for their new company, providing quality plumbing service and new construction in the San Antonio-Austin corridor area.

What makes your business unique?

This year marks Southwest Plumbing’s 20-year anniversary. During that time we have seen many plumbing companies come and go. The greatest keys to our continued success are keeping our customers satisfied by providing on time, quality work that is fully warrantied and taking care of our employees. It is very important to have a great place for your people to work if you want to retain absolutely top notch people.