R.L. Wilson Plumbing offers services around the clock
When Linda Barrett’s husband John passed away last year, there was no thought of allowing the 23-year-old business they had built go with him.
She stuck it out, and R.L. Wilson Plumbing at 4750 Bayline Drive has continued to provide 24/7 services for homes and businesses throughout Lee, Charlotte and Collier counties.
That doesn’t mean it’s been easy, as she has leaned on her employees to help smooth out the bumpy areas.
“I was determined to keep it going. There were days where I thought there would be an overload, but I’ve had wonderful support from my employees,” Barrett said. “Some of them have been with me from the beginning and they helped keep the business going while I was in the fetal position and not operating properly.”
Linda and John started the business in 1994, six years after they moved here. John had an unusual background, having been chief of police in his hometown in North Carolina, where the couple met.
“He decided he didn’t want to die in the mountains and wanted to move to Florida. I said I would follow him anywhere,” Linda said. “We came here and said ‘What are we going to do?'”
John had a plumbing background, but not the certification. He worked for another plumber for seven years before deciding to go on his own, bringing Linda along to run the office. Roy Wilson, who was licensed, went into business with them.
Meanwhile, John got his license, Wilson won the lottery and decided to retire. The company retained his name as a homage.
“I run the show, pay the bills and deliver parts. I’m the gofer that does everything, just not plumbing,” Barrett said.
R.L. Wilson does standard plumbing work and is available at all times of the day or night. They do repiping and remodeling work for residential and commercial clients, of which they have many.
“We are honest and don’t believe in taking advantage of people. We aren’t retiring on the service calls we provide. We believe in doing quality work and doing it right,” Barrett said.
Office hours are Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., soon to be extended to 5 as the snowbirds arrive. There is an answering service available at all other hours.
For more information call 656-0053 or to online to rlwilsonplumbing.com.