Construction Business Review

Foster Plumbing
Breaking Barriers in MEP Services and Business Management

Amy Carnrick, Foster Plumbing | Construction Business Review | Top MEP Services Companies Amy Carnrick, Owner
Women-owned small businesses (WOSBs) are making a significant impact on the business landscape and society at large. Foster Plumbing is one such company, leaving a palpable mark in mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) space.

“What sets us apart from other companies in our category is our meticulous labor forecasting. We invest a substantial amount of effort into predicting our labor needs accurately, and this commitment ensures that we consistently deliver on our promises to arrive promptly at scheduled appointments and complete the work without hassle,” says Amy Carnrick, owner of Foster Plumbing.

Carnrick excels at the operational aspects of her business. Under her leadership, the company has seen remarkable growth, quadrupling in size over the last few years. The knack for organization, efficient cash flow management, and overall business administration has allowed her to propel Foster Plumbing to the helm of the MEP space in the state and beyond.

Rather than simply accepting projects and scrambling to allocate resources, Carnrick employs a more proactive approach. Careful forecasting based on the schedule provided by the general contractor, combined with Gantt charts to plan labor allocation, enables her team to have the required labor force available whenever accepting projects.

Moreover, her ability to manage cash flow effectively has secured Foster’s financial health. As Carnrick’s excellence propels the business forward, more companies will inevitably follow suit to adopt her distinct approach to labor management.

The strong cash flow, the ability to maintain a healthy balance sheet, and the operations-minded leadership of the CEO greatly strengthens Foster’s position in the supply chain. It aims to leverage its expertise and standing in providing added value through material procurement to meet the requirements of WOSB programs.

Venture capitalists with massive government contracts, especially, can utilize the WOSB certifications to procure materials through Foster, which will satisfy their requirement for minority and women-owned business participation.

Foster also benefits from an exceptionally comprehensive project management system. The field staff diligently records daily notes and updates in the system, providing Foster with valuable insights into their locations and activities. It allows them to store photos, facilitating easy reference and reporting so Foster can promptly follow up with clients and partners regarding the projects.

The use of enterprise software to facilitate visibility eliminates the issue of plumbers failing to respond to the clients, which leads to discontent. For this reason, many frustrated clients have come to Foster with requests to take over plumbing projects as they couldn’t establish contact with their plumbers. Thanks to Carnrick’s effective labor management and incorporation of technology, Foster can sidestep such problems and ensure the responsiveness clients deserve.

  • We invest a substantial amount of effort into predicting our labor needs accurately, and this commitment ensures that we consistently deliver on our promises to arrive promptly at scheduled appointments and complete the work without hassle

Another key aspect of Foster’s approach is its commitment to delivering comprehensive and detailed bid estimates. This differentiates it from other midsize plumbing companies providing less detailed bids. It has the advantage of having a mechanical engineer on the staff to streamline this process. The thorough bid estimates give clients a clear understanding of the project scope while allowing them to explore value-added possibilities. This level of detail and expertise ensures clients receive a well-rounded and informed proposal. For example, it once saved substantial costs for a client by recommending shifting from overhead to underground water lines.

Foster is also backed by a team of highly skilled journeyman plumbers with extensive experience in the field. They place a strong emphasis on professionalism and a dedicated work ethic. The staff maintains a positive attitude throughout the day, always remaining professional in their conduct. The team prioritizes reliability and punctuality, and it takes these commitments seriously.

An apprentice program allows Foster to maintain a high ratio of journeyman to apprentice. Every project the company undertakes is overseen by a dedicated and knowledgeable lead, who ensures the work is completed without any hiccups and within the specified time.

In the MEP services world, this WOSB plumbing company is redefining industry standards with its precision in labor forecasting. Its proactive labor management and commitment to customer satisfaction are paving the way for more refined practices in the construction space.