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What if slowing down was the secret to speeding up success? In this episode of Productivity Smarts, host Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Larry Weingarten—licensed general contractor, hot water systems expert, and author of The Philosopher's Wrench, a book that creatively teaches lessons that extend far beyond plumbing. With decades of experience and a passion for education, Larry shares how embracing patience, presence, and precision leads to better results—whether you're troubleshooting a water heater or navigating leadership challenges.
Larry offers real-world stories that illustrate why slowing down is often the fastest way to success. From turning away unsafe jobs to mentoring at-risk youth, his approach is grounded in integrity and a desire to truly serve. Gerald and Larry explore how trust, focus, and long-term thinking can transform how we work and live.
Larry's thoughtful philosophy offers timeless guidance to anyone looking to improve their productivity while staying true to their values.
What We Discuss
[00:00] Introduction to Larry Weingarten
[05:34] The importance of slowing down
[10:36] Philosophy of problem-solving
[12:53] Case study of an impatient client
[14:02] Innovative solutions for clients
[16:03] Building trust with clients
[19:12] Networking with other contractors
[23:00] The importance of service
[23:16] Lessons from animals
[24:06] Applying the slowdown method
[24:25] The power of presence
[26:53] Building trust with clients
[27:52] Commitment to fixing problems
[28:10] Where to find Larry's work
[32:48] Why listening deeply can be life-changing—for both sides
Notable Quotes
[02:45] "I've always liked taking things apart and then learning how to put them back together. I was the kid in the classroom that the teachers would call on to fix stuff." — Larry
[05:39] "The key to troubleshooting is gathering up lots of information, you know, just absolutely hordes of it." — Larry
[08:31] "You know, moving at a moderate pace keeps you safe. It keeps all your fingers on your hands." — Larry
[17:36] "I got to be the plumber that saved them money, not just cost them money." — Larry
[27:54] "I will not leave a job till it's fixed. I just won't." — Larry
Our Guest
Larry Weingarten is a licensed contractor, author, and educator who has worked on over 5,000 hot water systems. He's a trusted figure in his field, not just for his technical mastery but for his unique blend of common sense, deep listening, and heartfelt service. His book The Philosopher's Wrench: Using Creativity, Common Sense and Heart teaches lessons that apply far beyond plumbing.
Resources
Larry Weingarten
Website -https://www.larryweingarten.com/
Book – The Philosopher's Wrench
Productivity Smarts Podcast