In this episode of the Wisdom Lifestyle Money Show, host Scott Dillingham chats with Ryan Giles, owner of RFG Plumbing and Electrical in Essex, Ontario. Ryan shares his journey growing up in a family of plumbers, starting from childhood helping his dad and uncle on jobsites. As a fourth-generation plumber, he discusses how early exposure to the trade built his work ethic and problem-solving skills. Life lessons like perseverance—never giving up when success is just seconds away—and thinking through challenges have shaped his approach to both plumbing and business. He draws parallels to the book "Three Feet from Gold," emphasizing that failure is a stepping stone to growth, much like successful figures who rebuilt after setbacks. Ryan explains how RFG started in 2016 as a family venture with his dad and brother, expanding into electrical services by 2018-2019 to create a one-stop shop for clients. He touches on future plans for HVAC while highlighting the challenges of finding skilled workers. The name RFG honors family initials (Ralph Franklin Giles) but playfully stands for "Real F***ing Good" plumbers, a tagline that stuck after a memorable Rogers Hockey Night in Canada commercial featuring his son. Ryan stresses honesty, planning, and investing upfront in quality work to avoid costly future repairs, especially in Windsor's older homes prone to flooding. For real estate investors, Ryan offers practical advice on pre-purchase inspections to uncover hidden issues like faulty sewers or DIY fixes. He recommends utilizing Windsor's Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program, which now provides up to $3,500 in rebates for backwater valves, sump pumps, and foundation drain disconnections as of 2025. This helps mitigate flood risks in the region, where heavy rains and aging infrastructure remain concerns. The episode blends personal stories, business insights, and tips for long-term property success, inspiring entrepreneurs and investors alike in Ontario's evolving market. Key Takeaways Family Roots in Trades : Growing up in a fourth-generation plumbing family taught Ryan hard work, problem-solving, and persistence, with early jobsite experiences building transferable skills for business success. Perseverance Pays Off : Echoing "Three Feet from Gold," Ryan advises pushing through challenges—whether unclogging drains or starting a business—as success often comes right after the urge to quit. Business Growth Strategies : Start small, take on all roles initially, learn from failures, and expand thoughtfully; RFG grew from plumbing to electrical by prioritizing client needs and reliable referrals. Investor Inspection Tips : For out-of-town buyers, hire trusted pros for thorough checks to avoid hidden issues like sewer problems or "lipstick on a pig" flips in Windsor's older homes. Flood Prevention Advice : Utilize Windsor's Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy (up to $3,500 in 2025) for backwater valves and sump pumps to protect basements, planning installations for future renovations or rentals. Upfront Investment Mindset : Spend on quality fixes early to save long-term; calculate all costs conservatively and focus on transparency to build lasting client relationships and sustainable profits. Links to Show References RFG Plumbing and Electrical Contact: Phone - (519) 817-7117; Website - rfgtrades.ca ; Facebook - facebook.com/rfgplumbing ; Instagram - Search for RFG Plumbing LendCity Mortgages (for Pre-Approvals): lendcity.ca RFG Office: Visit at 13007 Hyland Side Rd, Essex, ON N8M 2X6 for consultations (00:02) - Welcome to the Show (00:40) - Childhood Inspirations (02:39) - Lessons from Failure (03:48) - RFG Plumbing Origins (08:15) - Building a Brand (11:53) - Investor Insights (14:35) - Business Success Tips (17:24) - Finding RFG Plumbing Here are the top three ways I can help you: Gain Access To Your Weekly Investor Insight Book A Strategy Call With An Expert On The Team Access Our Investor Resources Please follow and Rate us 5 stars because it helps us so much!
