How Plumbing Pros Grew 75%: Salvatore Sciorta’s Blueprint for Scaling Success

Salvatore Sciorta, owner of Plumbing Pros, has seen his business grow 75%—a milestone he directly credits to the marketing and business development strategies that transformed his operations.

“I never imagined we’d scale this fast,” says Salvatore. “Thanks to the right hiring, marketing, and automation strategies, my business is thriving. This growth is directly linked to the work done with my team and the experts who helped us streamline everything.”

That realization hit him one winter morning as he stood in the freezing Pennsylvania cold, watching his team handle a job seamlessly—without his direct involvement. For the first time, he saw his business running smoothly without him in the trenches.

This moment marked a pivotal shift. He was no longer just a plumber—he was a business leader. Scaling wasn’t just about revenue; it was about building a system that worked, creating jobs, and ensuring long-term success.

“Growing a business is incredibly rewarding,” Salvatore reflects. It’s not just about numbers—it’s about impact. Growth means creating stable jobs, delivering better service, and building something that lasts. Seeing his team thrive and knowing his hard work makes a difference gives every milestone meaning and turns every challenge into an opportunity to improve.

Building a Strong Team: The Foundation of Growth

Scaling a business starts with hiring the right people. Salvatore sifted through 70 applicants, focusing on experienced plumbers rather than career changers. He learned from top industry influencers that hiring talent from successful companies was key. After interviewing 14 candidates, he selected an applicant, a seasoned plumber with over 20 years of experience, not only for his technical expertise but also for his ability to connect with customers.

However, not every hire worked out. When an ex-employee left abruptly after just a month, Salvatore realized the importance of cautious hiring. Now, he follows a “one foot in, one foot out” approach—hiring with optimism but staying prepared for turnover. To build loyalty, he prioritizes transparency, fair wages, and recognition. For example, when his employee Joel worked seven days a week earning five-star reviews, Salvatore rewarded him with $300 Thorogood work boots. These small gestures foster team motivation and retention.

Leveraging Hiring Strategies for Growth

Facing a surge in demand, Salvatore followed Dennis Yu’s advice and invested $700 in an Indeed ad, which resulted in four promising apprentices. Many applicants, in their mid-20s to late 30s, saw working under a master plumber as a stepping stone toward licensing and business ownership. Some were even willing to take a pay cut for the hands-on experience.

Previously, Salvatore relied on Facebook posts for hiring, with limited success. The Indeed ad, combined with an attractive pay range of $22 to $32 an hour, dramatically increased interest. Offering part-time roles with the potential for full-time positions helped attract quality candidates while allowing Salvatore to assess their fit before making long-term commitments.

Scaling Revenue: Subscription Model and Service Expansion

To create predictable revenue, Salvatore introduced the Plumbing Assurance Program, a $25.99/month subscription service offering customers benefits like 15% discounts on future services, annual water heater maintenance, free inspections, and priority scheduling. This model provides steady cash flow and allows him to hire additional technicians without worrying about fluctuating demand.

Despite potential payment defaults, the low subscription fee minimizes risk. In just a few months, he signed up 12 customers and aims to reach 100–200 subscribers by year-end. His marketing plan includes direct promotions on job sites, email campaigns, and digital advertising.

Marketing and Automation: Key Drivers for Growth

Scaling a plumbing business requires a combination of smart marketing and automation. To streamline payments and manage subscriptions, Salvatore implemented an automated system that tracks payments, sends reminders, and follows up on missed transactions. This minimizes manual work and ensures consistent cash flow.

To boost customer engagement, he introduced thank-you pamphlets promoting the subscription service, which cost just a cent each but have significant conversion potential. Additionally, with nearly 700 customers in his system, automated email follow-ups drive retention and upsells. He’s exploring a content strategy similar to chiropractic health tips—providing valuable plumbing insights to keep customers engaged.

Digital Presence: SEO, PPC, and Brand Authority

A strong online presence is essential for scaling. Salvatore secured a professional domain (sal.com) and is setting up a business email for credibility. While Google Local Service Ads (LSAs) have been effective, they fluctuate, making SEO a priority. Ranking for local keywords has already increased organic traffic, and improving his position on search engines will drive long-term growth.

Paid advertising is another pillar of his strategy. Google Pay-Per-Click (PPC) campaigns capture high-intent leads, while a Facebook Dollar-a-Day strategy builds brand awareness. Managing call volume is crucial, especially during peak seasons like winter, when burst pipes increase demand. A balanced approach across SEO, LSAs, and PPC ensures a steady flow of inquiries.

Strategic Partnerships and Business Expansion

Salvatore is also exploring partnerships with HVAC and electrical businesses for cross-referrals, further strengthening his customer pipeline. This aligns perfectly with our Geo-Grid concept, which emphasizes the power of local partnerships and targeted outreach. By collaborating with complementary service providers in his area, Salvatore can tap into their customer bases, creating a strong referral network that expands his reach.

Additionally, he’s considering launching a plumbing podcast to establish authority in the industry and share valuable insights, further enhancing his local presence and brand recognition.

His long-term vision is to build Plumbing Pros into a multi-million-dollar brand, recognized for professionalism and reliability. Many customers already mistake his company for a franchise due to its polished branding—a testament to his commitment to quality and consistency.

What’s Next

• Pamphlets & Email Campaigns: Expand thank-you pamphlet distribution and craft engaging follow-up emails to boost retention.
• Ebook for Branding & SEO: Compile existing content into a best practices guide to attract traffic and build industry credibility.
• Google Business Optimization: Ensure accurate listings to enhance local search visibility.
• Scaling with PPC & Facebook Ads: Refine advertising strategies to maintain a steady influx of leads.
• Strategic Partnerships: Strengthen collaborations with HVAC and electrical businesses.
• Office & Branding: Establish a dedicated office space for smoother operations as the business scales.

By implementing these strategies, Salvatore is not just ensuring steady work for his team—he’s building a scalable, future-proof plumbing business that thrives year-round.