Third-generation plumber and president/owner of Cumberland Plumbing John G. Poundsgot his start in the industrial side of plumbing. When the economy started its downturn and construction work was near nonexistent, he and his father, John H. Pounds, decided to take a risk and start a plumbing service company.
“In 2012 we started out with one van — just me and my dad running service calls,” John G. Pounds says. “In the past two and a half years, we have grown to three vans and a service truck with four hardworking guys who run the services calls, as well as my wife, Jessica Pounds, who does the books and maintains the office side of things.” Pounds’ father recently retired but consults when needed.
Located in the southeast of Georgia, with the Cumberland Island National Seashore being a part of the community, Pounds wanted a name signifying it is a hometown and local plumbing company. Although it primarily services Camden County, the company also serves a 30-mile radius covering Glynn and Charlton Counties.
Belonging to the Georgia Association of Water Professionals and Georgia Plumbers Trade Association, the company does residential and commercial plumbing service and repair work, as well as backflow testing and repair.
Of the four vehicles, the three Ford vans (2005 E-150, 2008 E-250 and 2010 E-150) are completely wrapped and the 2013 Toyota Tundra service truck features matching magnets on the side and back. “We are sticking with Ford Vans so our look is consistent,” Pounds says.
Complete with shelving and roof racks, Pounds makes sure his vans are kept stocked and organized for easy use. “I am a bit of a stickler when it comes to my vans,” he says. “My guys know they need to be kept clean and organized. The vans are our pride and joy.”
All vans were wrapped at Corr Digital in Jacksonville, Fla. Pounds worked directly with Brandon Clark, the vice president of business development. “Brandon met with us and worked closely to come up with the perfect design for our vans,” Pounds says. “We wanted a look that showcased our pride in our company and our desire to be earth-friendly. Water is a precious resource and we want our vans to remind people of that.”
The vans’ logo, featuring Earth enveloped in a drop of water — with “Supporting Green Technology & Water Conservation” written underneath — reinforces the company’s message.
In place of advertising, Pounds tries to be sure the company is present at community events, festivals and fundraisers. It is currently working with Habitat for Humanity of Camden County to eliminate substandard housing in the community. “Habitat is currently working on a couple homes for local families and we are working on the fundraising process,” he says.
The company’s motto, “Reliable service at reasonable rates,” expresses Pounds understanding of the economy. “Times are hard and plumbing work can be expensive,” he says. “We want our customers to know we are going to do a great job for them and not break the bank.”
