At Okanagan Contractors, we believe a good client/contractor fit is built on relationships. This is why we ask every one of the participating contractors questions about who they are and what they are about.
Our introduction blogs are here to help get that relationship started.
This is a Q&A article from our new partner Jordan Deglan of Deglan Mechanical.
Q: Tell us about you and your company.
Hi! I am Jordan Deglan, the owner of Deglan Mechanical. We are a full-service, plumbing and gas company that started in 2015, specializing in plumbing and gasfitting for commercial and residential renovations/tenant improvements and new construction. We do what we say and take pride in what we do. We work well with others, are honest and respectful, and always act in the best interest of our customers.
Growing up in a trades-focused family, I was fortunate to learn many different trades early in my career which, ultimately, led me to my find my passion: plumbing and gasfitting. I am a Red Seal plumber with 15+ years of experience in all aspects of the plumbing trade, including service and repairs.
Q: What do you love or get you excited about in your industry?
I love figuring out how to make things work and running (the plumbing end) of projects. I enjoy talking with customers, passing on my knowledge so they can make informed decisions, and making their vision a reality. Plumbing, especially construction plumbing, is a job that requires a ton of knowledge, a variety of skills, and determination. I also thrive under pressure. A construction schedule is very dynamic and if you are unable to adapt you will fall to the wayside.
I take pride in the fact that some of my best work is the stuff that is hidden in walls or is buried underground because that is the stuff that can forever stay hidden if done correctly (unless you like paying service plumbers to snake drains). And let’s be honest, no one wants to have to rip open walls or jackhammer concrete to redo piping that should have been done right the first time.
The plumbing trade also requires many different skill sets and knowledge about other trades and building in general. You need to be able to work with and alongside other trades, but also think ahead and understand what you can and can’t do, so that your work doesn’t impede other trades and what they need to do. Even though we come together from different companies for a specific project, we have to work together as a team so the client is satisfied with the end result. You have no idea how many plumbers have butchered the building structure in a home or business because they do not understand how building construction works.
Q: Why did you start your business
I was fortunate to work for one of the most reputable plumbing companies in the Fraser Valley that not only trained me as an installer but also allowed me to work my way up to running job sites and training new hires. I realized that training and teaching other tradespeople was one of my strengths and that the planning and attention to detail needed in leading a job from start to finish was a challenge that I took pride in. I knew that the next step would be starting my business and that only by having complete control over the work, the projects, and the people I worked alongside, would I ensure that the job was done right every single time in order to save clients time, money, and stress.
Q: What are your favourite types of projects?
I enjoy any project that requires someone who can think outside the box. Whether it’s a renovation or a new build, I have to make adjustments to the standard way of plumbing things while still abiding by the plumbing code and common sense (which seems to be lacking here in the trade). We tend to specialize in jobs that others do not want to do because they do not have the knowledge or experience. Whether the client knows exactly what they want, or need my help getting there, I enjoy the process of making sure every client gets what they want in the end.
I also enjoy any project that requires me to learn a new skill or install something new or state-of-the-art so I can expand my skill set. That being said, I will not install something until I have done all my research so that it is installed properly, has been proven reliable, and it is the right fit for the client’s needs.
Q: What is one of the biggest misconceptions in your industry?
That all plumbers are the same.
I have been fortunate to work with some amazing plumbers. At the same time, I have seen work that nightmares are made of. Whether it’s other plumbers cutting corners to save time or energy, or just a lack of knowledge, I am often called into jobs to redo shoddy workmanship. Quite often the jobs I have to fix have been installed by big, well-known companies, that have too many junior or inexperienced employees and not enough training, oversight, and care. Although I want to grow, I take pride in the fact that we are committed to doing things right the first time. It’s my name on the line, not a corporation.
Good rule of thumb: The service companies that advertise the most are often the worst; they need to advertise because they never seem to be able to retain customers. Be especially wary of the big service companies coming up from the lower mainland, many of the people sent out do not even have plumbing experience. Weird how they always have someone available. Trust me, the ‘good guys’ are worth waiting for, and often charge less.
Q: What is one piece of advice you would give to a homeowner?
Research your tradespeople and ask to see their credentials (are they actually a Red Seal plumber or carry a certificate of qualification as a gasfitter?). Read reviews, ask for recommendations from people you trust, and ask questions of the company/people you are thinking of hiring. Don’t get blindsided by smart marketing or just go with the “big names.” There are so many amazing small, local companies in the Okanagan that are a pleasure to work with and will get the job done better.
Q: How are you different from your competitors?
I am not a salesperson and never will be. All I care about is getting the job done right and giving my clients exactly what they want within the budget they have. I will always share with clients what materials, products, and brands I would use if it were my own house or building (the things that I know are built to last and work the most efficiently). I was taught early on in my life that business should always be beneficial for both parties, so I pride myself on being honest and having full transparency when it comes to all aspects of what I do. At the end of the day, I am in the service industry and am here to serve.
Q: What’s your favourite hobby outside of work?
Spending time outdoors with my kids. Whether it’s going snowboarding/skiing or playing hockey or ringette in the winter, to hiking, swimming, or playing baseball, lacrosse, & softball in the spring/summer, nothing beats being active with them and teaching them new skills.
I am proud to have been a college athlete who has travelled North America so I give back as a coach (or helper) for my kids’ teams (lacrosse, baseball, softball, hockey, and ringette). Being another adult to champion and support kids in their athletic pursuits is important to me because I doubt I would have obtained my Business Degree without sports.
Q: Last words?
Thanks for reading and I hope that we can work together sometime in the future!
