Plumber Support Manager Profile: Nick Bouza
October 4, 2021
I am the Southwest Plumber Support Manager for Rheem®. I am a master plumber licensed in the great state of Texas! I was formerly the training manager for a Plumbing & Air company in Houston, Texas. I worked with my last employer for 14½ years. I started at the bottom. I began as an apprentice and worked up to being a licensed plumber. Then, I became a supervisor and finally a manager. I came to plumbing as a second career due to changes in the world economy. I specialized in residential repair for many years. I also have extensive experience in the Nexstar® Network. Nexstar had a profound effect on the way I communicate and interact with other people. I do my best to continuously learn and improve myself. It’s the approach of Kaizen (a Japanese business philosophy), continuous improvement. I truly enjoy helping others excel. Never did I imagine that I would be in a position to help so many people. I am excited to help Rheem plumbers. I am happily married with three children. I teach Pure Krav Maga and practice Judo when I have spare time.
Q: Why did I get into plumbing?
A: There’s no romance here…I was hungry and poor. I had a family to support, and I realized that my education was not going to allow me to thrive in a changing economy. I was trying to figure out what to do and a friend’s father, who I was doing odd jobs for, recommended plumbing. I laughed and said, “That’s disgusting. Why would I do that?” Gary looked at me and said, “Nick, I know a lot of retired master plumbers that are wealthy. Do you have a toilet?” His point was well taken. Soon after that I began my plumbing career with a new construction company in Houston. That was in November of 2005. It has been the best career decision I ever made.
Q: What do I like most about being a plumber?
A: I like two things the most. It is very rewarding when you figure out why something is not functioning properly and then you have the satisfaction of fixing it. I also enjoy meeting and helping the customers. It’s amazing how small the world is and how interesting people can be.
Q: What do I like most about my role at Rheem?
A: We have a direct impact on helping the plumber in the field improve their working life. The help we give is real and useful. As a plumber, I can tell you that is really appreciated.
Q: What is my favorite memory of a time I helped my customers?
A: I have so many memories that are great. It’s the people really. Getting to know and help folks on their terms. I’ve had some clients that are very famous, some that were heroes in World War 2 and some that were the family next door. Everyone has a story, and I have learned from all of them. The people are my favorite memory. When people share time together, I believe we share energy together. Part of that positive energy can stay with us forever.
Q: What is my proudest moment as a plumber?
A: That’s a tough one. When I found out that I passed my masters license exam, I felt so satisfied. What an amazing feeling that was. Years of hard work had paid off. It was exciting and humbling. Also, it has been helping others improve the way they communicate with the clients and other people. I have seen so many people grow professionally and personally. This growth impacted every facet of their lives. It’s been truly wonderful and rewarding for me to help them. The gift is in the giving.
How to Contact the Plumber Support Team
Rheem’s Plumber Support Managers are located throughout the country and are here to educate plumbers on Rheem’s products and programs and to help them grow their water heater businesses. If you’d like to be introduced to the Plumber Support Manager in your region, please call 1-866-339-2388.
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