Swivl
General Entrepreneurship

Growth and Grit in Field Service: Bryan Landreth of North Alabama Plumbing Shares His Path

Bryan Landreth, of Huntsville, Alabama,  carries forward the legacy of a second-generation field service entrepreneur—but the path he chose was most definitely  his own. When he founded NORTH ALABAMA PLUMBING COMPANY, it was a life-changing decision, one built on courage, conviction, and a deep belief in the value of hard work. He’s hands-on not just with the work, but with his people—leading with humility, investing in his team, and showing that ownership means more than a title. It means taking responsibility, learning from every misstep, and building something that reflects who you are. Bryan’s story on this episode of SWIVL SESSIONS is a reminder that when you take the leap, believe in your craft, and care deeply about those who walk beside you—you won’t regret it.

Video thumbnail

About the Guest

Bryan Landreth

Owner

Brian Landreth is the owner of North Alabama Plumbing Company, a family-owned plumbing business serving the Huntsville, Alabama area. A Birmingham native who relocated to Huntsville 10 years ago, Brian started his plumbing journey immediately after high school when he became a father to his son Easton. Unable to work with his father's HVAC business due to personality conflicts, Brian chose plumbing and completed a two-year apprenticeship program. After working for local companies and quickly advancing to lead technician, he recognized his potential for business ownership. In 2020, he took the entrepreneurial leap by purchasing his "dream van" before even obtaining his master plumber's license, launching North Alabama Plumbing with his wife Shelby handling office operations.

Company Overview

Services

  • Founded: 2020 (5 years in business, started right after COVID)
  • Location: Huntsville, Alabama (serving Madison, Athens, Scottsboro, Coleman)
  • Annual Revenue: $800,000 consistently with 3 trucks
  • Business Model: Residential service and remodeling specialist
  • Team: 3 plumbers on the road, family-operated office with wife Shelby
  • Specialties: Bathroom remodels, restoration work, light commercial service
  • Major Client: Restoration company generating ~$250,000 annually
  • Work Schedule: 9-5 operations, rotating Saturday on-call, no Sunday work
  • Primary: Residential plumbing remodels and service calls
  • Commercial: Light commercial (restaurants, small businesses)
  • Restoration: Extensive work with restoration companies
  • Pricing Philosophy: Competitive but fair, avoiding predatory pricing
  • Technology: House Call Pro CRM since day one

Business Model

Residential service and remodeling specialist

Episode Summary

Bryan Landreth, of Huntsville, Alabama,  carries forward the legacy of a second-generation field service entrepreneur—but the path he chose was most definitely  his own. When he founded NORTH ALABAMA PLUMBING COMPANY, it was a life-changing decision, one built on courage, conviction, and a deep belief in the value of hard work. He’s hands-on not just with the work, but with his people—leading with humility, investing in his team, and showing that ownership means more than a title. It means taking responsibility, learning from every misstep, and building something that reflects who you are. Bryan’s story on this episode of SWIVL SESSIONS is a reminder that when you take the leap, believe in your craft, and care deeply about those who walk beside you—you won’t regret it.

0:00Teen Dad to Plumber: Starting Business After High School
3:00Huntsville Plumbing Market: Engineers as Customers
6:00Plumbing Apprenticeship: Two Year Training Program
9:00Business Ownership Decision: Buying Dream Van First
12:00Marketing Struggles: Google Suspension & Lead Generation
15:00Hiring Challenges: Finding Quality Plumbing Technicians
18:00Service vs Remodeling: Recession Proof Business Model
21:00Technology Solutions: House Call Pro CRM Experience
24:00Growth Strategy: Staying at 3 Trucks by Choice

On Entering the Trades Early

"I immediately knew I had to go straight into the workforce. College wasn't my path. Dad said, 'You got to buy them diapers, son.'"

On Finding Your Trade Passion

"I quickly knew like, hey, I've got a solid grasp of this. I'm kind of a little OCD and I kind of like overfocus on what I like to do and I've just fallen in love with plumbing."

On Career Growth Limitations

"I think I just lost my rings on my ladder. I think I just hit the peak of where I'm at and if I want to have more rings on my ladder, I got to jump ship."

On Taking the Entrepreneurial Leap

"I actually bought the van before achieving my license. And then my wife's like, 'All right, it's time to buckle up, get the show on the road.'"

On Finding Quality Employees

"Some people give a shit, some people don't. And a lot of people you find, especially some of the younger generations... they just don't care."

On Recession-Proof Service Industries

"When the economy crashes, nobody's going to care about how their tile looks... but as soon as their toilet quits working, you're getting a call."

On Entrepreneurship Fulfillment

"I don't think you will regret it. It's life-changing... You enjoy what you do more often. You feel like you have more of a purpose when you're going to work."

Getting Started Right

  • Obtain proper licensing: Get your master plumber's license before starting operations
  • Start with necessity: Sometimes life circumstances force the right timing
  • Family support matters: Having a supportive spouse is crucial for business success
  • Don't rush into debt: Be strategic about equipment purchases and business investments

Early Business Challenges

  • Marketing learning curve: Expect to waste money on ineffective marketing initially
  • Google Business issues: Be prepared for platform challenges beyond your control
  • Give it time: Allow 3-6 months for the business to gain momentum
  • Make mistakes: Use early failures as learning opportunities rather than reasons to quit

Building a Sustainable Business

  • Know your limits: Don't feel pressured to grow beyond your comfort zone
  • Prioritize work-life balance: Success includes time for family activities
  • Focus on quality over quantity: Better to have fewer, better employees than many poor ones
  • Build key relationships: One major client can provide significant revenue stability

Employee Management

  • Hire for attitude: Look for people who "give a shit" about their work
  • Accept turnover: Finding good people is an ongoing challenge in the trades
  • Delegate gradually: Start by having family handle office operations
  • Maintain standards: Don't compromise on quality to accommodate poor performers

Financial Strategy

  • Competitive pricing: Don't be the cheapest or most expensive in the market
  • Diversify revenue: Mix service work with higher-value remodeling projects
  • Build recurring relationships: Restoration companies provide steady work
  • Plan for economic cycles: Service work is more recession-resistant than remodeling

Marketing Learning Curve

Brian's experience with wasted marketing spend and Google issues reflects common early-stage business challenges.

Quality Over Quantity

His approach to both employees and customers emphasizes building lasting relationships rather than maximizing volume.

Family Business Values

The integration of his wife into the business operation shows how family involvement can strengthen service companies.

Trade Skills Development

His rapid advancement from apprentice to business owner demonstrates the career potential in skilled trades.

More Episodes

Swivl Sessions

Interviews, tips, and insights from field service entrepreneurs.

Lasting Work, Not Fast Fads: Simon Beames on True Craftsmanship

There are two distinct types of contractors in the field service world of today. There are the client focused contractors, who align closely with what a clients vision is, prioritize his requests and specifications, no matter how trendy or predictable they may be. And they are very, very compliant. And then, there is Simon Beames, of the BRITISH REMODELER and GLASS ACT MOSAICS in Colorado Springs, CO, who doesn’t do trendy AT ALL. Or predictable. What he does instead is prioritize that which is different, exciting, and above all else, unique. In this episode of SWIVL SESSIONS, Simon explains why he refuses to chase “Instagram moments,” instead focusing on creating work that is elegant, durable, and deeply personal for each client. From the fulfillment of doing things his way, to hearing about his latest venture, Glass Act Mosaics, where he’s reviving ancient artistry with a modern twist, his advice to future entrepreneurs is simple but powerful: “Don’t be afraid to make the jump.

View Episode
Scattered and Smothered Plumbing Success: From a Life Changing Decision at the Waffle House To A Life of Impact Through the Trades

The journey to field service success isn’t always an eight lane expressway.  For Ryan Hanson, owner of TRUE PLUMBING in Atlanta, Georgia, the road he traveled wound through backcountry trails, snowy slopes, and unexpected, unfulfilling turns….until finally ending in the familiar and welcoming booth of a Waffle House.   It was there, hunkered down with friend and mentor, Bruce Ackley, that Ryan made the bold decision to take a road that was becoming more and more less traveled - the plumbing industry. Embracing the challenge of a new career ahead of him, he grew TRUE PLUMBING the old fashioned way - one toilet, one drain, one customer at a time.  In this very inspiring episode of SWIVL SESSIONS, Ryan shares some of the important takeaways from his journey to building one of the most trusted plumbing companies in Atlanta - Don’t be afraid to embrace the “hard stuff”. Build lasting relationships with your customers. And, most importantly, ALWAYS acknowledge and celebrate the people who he

View Episode
Success Stories: Evan & Russell's Journey in Field Service Entrepreneurship | Swivl Sessions

Evan Pantano and Russell Olschner, with TX Handyman, are two different guys with two very different skill sets—but together, they’re a perfect example of how teamwork can be the biggest driver of success for a business. While they’ll both readily admit that “his strengths are my weaknesses”, they complement each other in a way that keeps their company moving forward. This episode of SWIVL SESSIONS highlights the power of building strong partnerships, finding mentors to learn from, and then having the guts to get out there and try. It's not about having all the answers—it's about being willing to work together, learn, adapt, and take action.

View Episode
Scaling Success: Lessons from a Handyman Entrepreneur in Kyle, TX

Join us in this inspiring episode of Swivl Sessions as we sit down with Art, a self-made entrepreneur who started crafting his path to success from the tender age of eight. Discover how his early experiences shaped his business acumen, enabling him to establish All Around Homeworks - a prominent handyman service in the Austin area. Don't miss Art's invaluable advice for young entrepreneurs and his strategic approach to scaling a service-based business without compromising quality. Perfect for anyone interested in entrepreneurship or the home renovation sector.

View Episode
How to Succeed in Field Service: Insights by Roman Guerra of Roman's Pressure Wash

Discover the inspiring journey from corporate to entrepreneurship with Roman Gera of Roman's Pressure Wash and Fence Staining. In this episode of Swivl Sessions, learn how Roman turned an unexpected career change into a flourishing business. Dive deep into valuable insights on business growth, the importance of understanding profit margins, and the power of excellent customer service. Join our host as he navigates through central Texas' weather challenges, the strategic use of technology, and the pivotal role mentors play in entrepreneurship. Don't miss this enlightening conversation tailored for field service entrepreneurs looking to up their game!

View Episode
How Joseph Lambert Built a Multimillion Junk Removal Business Before 20.

Joseph Lambert went from a Sandy Springs teen doing lawns and construction to building a premium junk-removal company by learning fast from failures, studying proven models, and executing better—scaling from rented trucks to ~$2.8–2.9M revenue with 8 trucks and 30–35 staff. He sold the business in early 2024 with a team-first deal that gave employees life-changing bonuses, later left his VP role in Oct 2024, and now invests in manufactured housing while exploring waste-industry opportunities—his mantra: take imperfect action and keep moving.

View Episode
How $200 Turned Into a Million-Dollar Cleaning Company - Adriano Redante’s American Dream With Brazilian Roots

The “American Dream” can sometimes be an over-used and tired cliche. But Adriano Redante, co-owner of Limpia Cleaning Services in Philadelphia, PA, has dusted off and rewritten his own incredible “American Success Story.” After coming to the U.S. from Brazil with just $200 in his pocket and no English, he worked his way up from first the restaurant industry to owning a thriving million-dollar cleaning company. The “key ingredient” to the recipe of that growth was his wife, Carolina, who started Limpia Cleaning as a side-hustle to help support their family. Together, that side hustle has grown into a 14-employee operation built on hard work, resilience, and above all else, family values. The takeaway from this amazing episode of Swivl Sessions is that, sometimes, it isn’t always about where you start in life….but how far are you willing to go?

View Episode
Moving with Purpose: AP Hauling’s Field Service Journey

Fear can be crippling, especially for someone wanting to start a business. But for Peters Pierre-Louis, owner of AP Haulers in Philadelphia, PA — fear was the fuel to help him start a moving and junk removal company built on hustle, adaptability, and a priority on customer service. From being a private chef in New York to managing real estate and eventually hauling full-time, Peters embodies the entrepreneurial spirit. He shares how he turned a side hustle into a growing business, why fear kills more dreams than failure, and how staying consistent, managing expectations, and finding creative ways to pivot have been key to his success. In this episode of Swivl Sessions, his message is simple but powerful: just start, and keep getting better every day.

View Episode
The Business of Family: 2nd Generation Garage Door Service Success

They always say “the second time around” is never better than the first. But Pablo Chavez, of Deer Park Garage Door, Houston, Texas, is proving that age-old adage wonderfully wrong. Pablo shares how his father started the business in 1999 and how he’s now leading it into a new era—embracing technology, digital marketing, and modern service practices. From late-night calls to fix stuck doors to managing a growing team, Pablo talks about the real-life challenges and rewards of running a family business. In this episode of Swivl Sessions, he discusses how staying compassionate, modernizing operations, and keeping community and care at the heart of the business, will keep the Deer Park legacy alive for future generations.

View Episode
Vision Comes First: The Power of Coaching and Mentorship in Field Service

One of the hardest truths business owners deal with in entrepreneurship today is this: you can’t do it alone. Mark Hummel, of Inspector Empire Builders in Friendswood, Texas, understands that all too well. As a seasoned business coach who specializes in helping inspection companies and service based businesses grow, Mark highlights the critical importance of why having a “life vision” is paramount in personal and business growth. From setting a “#1 priority right now”, to the importance of daily huddles keeping everyone focused, he reminds us all that business growth isn’t about “grinding harder”, it’s about finding mentors and coaches and proven systems that can pave the way to success. This episode of SWIVL SESSIONS is a must-listen for any owner who’s ready to stop running in circles, and start building a business that truly serves their life.

View Episode

Join 1,000+ home service businesses growing with Swivl

Start your 21-day free trial today.

Swivl dashboard on mobile and desktop