Meet Dru Marsden
Dru Marsden is the proud owner of Marsden Plumbing Co., a plumbing business based on the Illawarra and South Coast. Dru’s business has been operating for around 12 months. Marsden Plumbing Co. covers all aspects of plumbing, including water, drainage, gas fitting, maintenance and construction.
Read more about Dru’s business journey so far:
Dru’s Business
Before starting his own business, Dru worked for his first employer for seven years, where he completed his plumbing apprenticeship and post-trade qualifications. He then spent some time doing civil plumbing and rail track maintenance work, including on Sydney Trains projects. With years of hands-on trade experience behind him, Dru decided to take the leap into business ownership.
The motivation to start Marsden Plumbing Co. came from wanting to be his own boss and create something positive for his community. As an Indigenous business owner, Dru is also passionate about providing opportunities for Indigenous employment wherever possible.
Working with Many Rivers
I was referred to Many Rivers by a family friend about 18 months to two years ago. That’s when I started working with Shelley, a Many Rivers business coach, even before I officially launched my business.
Shelley provided a lot of business mentoring support. She helped me make sure I had the right insurances and licences, set up my business name, and sort out all the behind-the-scenes processes that you wouldn’t really think about if you’ve never run a business before.
She also connected me with other trades, helped me get my first set of work shirts and referrals, and guided me through creating a business plan, using spreadsheets, and managing cash flow.
The mentoring has definitely been the most useful part. Shelley’s guidance — like where to get the right insurances and how to handle applications and processes — was really helpful. As a tradesperson, I know plumbing inside out, but I wasn’t a business person. Having someone guide me through the business side of things made a huge difference.
Did you get a loan from MR? How did you use the loan?
I didn’t take out a loan from Many Rivers — I started from scratch and built the business up with Shelley’s support and advice along the way.
Biggest Challenge
The biggest challenge for me has been getting a steady workflow and getting my name out there. It took a while for people to realise that I’d started my own business rather than still working for someone else. Cash flow was also a challenge early on, especially since I started with pretty much nothing to my name.
Biggest Success
My biggest success so far has been securing work with some good government clients, which has really helped build my reputation. In just 12 months, I’ve built a solid client base and get regular work through word-of-mouth. I now subcontract with other plumbers, do maintenance work, and get repeat work from organisations like the Aboriginal Lands Council and the Joss Group, who manage work for schools in NSW.
Biggest Change
The biggest change since starting my business has been the amount of time I spend working whether it’s on-site, on the road, or doing admin. It’s been an adjustment, but being self-employed gives me more flexibility to spend time with my family during quieter periods. I try to manage my time by getting up early or working late, so I can make the most of family time when I can.
Future Goals
In the short term, my goal is to keep growing steadily and maintain consistent work to support myself and the business.
Long term, I’d like to expand maybe bring on an apprentice or a couple of employees if I secure the right contracts and workload. I’d also like to upgrade my equipment and invest in a work truck so I can take on larger projects in the future.
Thank you Dru for sharing your business journey with us. We wish you the best of luck with future endeavours and business success.
We love to encourage people to take the first step towards growing their small business ideas. Do you want to grow your business?
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