The Offers Kept Coming
In 2019, Mike Castillo received his third offer from a national plumbing franchise. The terms were generous: $200,000 signing bonus, guaranteed territory, national advertising support.
He turned it down.
Why Local Matters
"When you work for a national brand, you're just another number," Mike explains. "When you're local, you're part of the community. You see your customers at church, at the grocery store, at Little League games."
The Numbers Tell a Different Story
- 98% of Mike's business comes from referrals
- Average customer has used his services 4+ times
- Response time: under 2 hours for emergencies
- Warranty honored even years later
Keeping It Personal
Mike still answers his own phone. He still shows up to jobs himself. And he still treats every customer's home like it's his grandmother's house.
They offered me more money. But they couldn't offer me what I already have: trust.