the plumbing managers for 14 and 19 years, and the call center manager for 18 years. Others have retired after 20 years of service. “The turnover rate is minimal, and that speaks volumes,” Allen notes. Beyond fair treatment, the company invests heavily in training, equipment, and technology. “Nobody wants to work with outdated tools. We always buy the best equipment we can and keep vehicles within five years old,”Allen says.“We just added $100,000 of equipment in the last 30 days and another $170,000 last week. Our people know we’re committed to Allen does not lean on corporate jargon or formalized handbooks. Instead, he leads by example.“You can’t have an A team performing for a B coach,” he says. “I’ve always believed in treating people fairly. Just because you’re the boss doesn’t make you special. If a guy needs help washing the vehicle or holding the shovel, you do it. I don’t like a hierarchy of kings and servants. Everyone is treated equally.” That approach has paid dividends. Employee turnover at Allen’s Plumbing is remarkably low. The general manager has been with the company for 25 years, 198 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 10 ALLEN’S PLUMBING
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