Building a Bold Brand Gets Colepepper Plumbing & Drains Noticed

A memorable mascot and distinctive radio ads promote San Diego firm’s services and push profits higher

Jun 17, 2020 | by Ken Wysocky |

San Diego-based Colepepper Plumbing & Drains separates sales from fulfillment and lets technicians and the sales team each focus on their strengths.

Mitch Kenney, owner of Colepepper Plumbing & Drains, started as a one-man operation in 2014 and has grown his company rapidly, without letting customer service standards drop.

Technician Jeff Willis uses a RIDGID SeeSnake to inspect a line in a residential bathroom after clearing a blockage.

Technicians Mike Myers (left) and Jeff Willis clear a clogged lateral with a RIDGID KJ-1350 jetter.

Operations Manager George Alvarez (standing, left) holds a weekly meeting with employees. Creating a strong foundation with everyone on the same page is key to Kenney’s plans to expand the business.

Jeff Willis feeds jetter hose into a toilet drain to clear a blocked lateral line.

Many factors have contributed to the dramatic and rapid growth at Colepepper Plumbing & Drains, which morphed from a one-man operation into a multimillion-dollar-a-year enterprise since its inception in 2014. But to owner Mitch Kenney, it all essentially boils down to three simple business strategies: Charge premium service rates. Hire people who know how to sell those services. And use the company’s trucks and radio ads to project a brand image that makes the phone ring.In addition, the San Diego-based company aims to dramatically increase its drain cleaning business, which currently generates about 50% of the company’s revenue. Kenney would like

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