Kurt Hansey’s journey to becoming the successful owner of Superior Plumbing began with a strong foundation in the trades. Growing up around carpentry, thanks to his father and grandfather, Kurt developed an early appreciation for craftsmanship. However, it wasn’t until he attended a trade school that he discovered his passion for plumbing. “I didn’t know what I wanted to do in the trades, but I knew I wanted to do something,” he recalled. “I took plumbing courses and took a liking to that.” After working for a small plumbing company in Fargo for seven years and earning his master’s license, he took the leap into business ownership in 2010. What started as a one-man operation handling small service calls has since grown into a thriving business with 14 employees with Padgett Fargo at his side helping take care of his business finances.
From the outset, Kurt understood the power of reputation and relationships. Without spending a dime on advertising, Superior Plumbing has grown purely through referrals and word-of-mouth recommendations. “We don’t advertise,” he explained. “We just have a good reputation in town and are surrounded by friends and family who keep referring our name out.” This organic growth speaks volumes about the trust and loyalty Kurt and his team have built within the Fargo community.
A key part of Kurt’s journey has been his long-standing relationship with Padgett Fargo Wanting to work with a small, family-oriented accounting firm that mirrored his own values, Kurt chose Padgett Fargo early in his business journey. “When I started, I wanted to partner with another ma-and-pa small shop because that’s what I am,” he shared. “I started small with them, and they’ve kind of grown as I’ve grown.” His partnership with Dan and Carmen, and later with Becky and Ashley after they took over, has been instrumental in helping Superior Plumbing navigate financial complexities.
Padgett Fargo has provided crucial tax guidance and financial insights, helping Kurt make informed decisions about purchases and business growth. “I like that I can literally just call or email with any question, and within two days, they will give me advice on whether I should make a purchase or not,” Kurt said. Their ability to access his QuickBooks and provide real-time financial guidance has been a major asset.
Like many entrepreneurs, Kurt faced financial hurdles in the early years, including cash flow management and budgeting. “Having enough to pay the bills was the first obstacle,” he admitted. “I met with Dan frequently in the first five years of being a business. I met with him every two months to just kind of go over financials and compare what I’m spending compared to other plumbing companies.” Looking back, he advises new business owners to “grow slow” and establish strong operational foundations before expanding. “I think I grew just a little fast,” he reflected. “I wish I could’ve maybe gotten things more dialed in as far as putting things in place for my employees and our shop space.”
Another key takeaway from his journey? The value of independent decision-making. While opportunities for partnerships arose, Kurt is glad he remained a sole owner, allowing him to make quick, decisive choices that best suited his business needs. “I’m glad I never partnered with anybody,” he stated. “I don’t run things by anybody, and I can make quick decisions.”
Kurt’s day-to-day responsibilities have evolved significantly since Superior Plumbing’s inception. Initially, he was out in the field handling installations himself. One of the first major contracts that helped get the business off the ground was with Lowe’s, installing plumbing fixtures for their customers. “That was one of our starting things to kind of get up and running, and that kept us busy for about three years,” he shared. This provided a steady stream of work and allowed Superior Plumbing to build a loyal customer base.
Fast forward to today, and Kurt has transitioned to an office role, overseeing operations, scheduling, and handling administrative duties. “I’ve been in the field with all my guys until this year,” he said. “So today, I’m actually strictly in the office, and anytime they back up or have any problems, I go out and help them or if there is an emergency service call on the weekend.”
Owning a business requires dedication, but Kurt has found a way to recharge: annual hunting trips completely off the grid. “No cell signal, no nothing. I’m literally out in the wilderness for about two weeks,” he explained. Over the years, he has built a strong team that can manage operations smoothly in his absence, allowing him to truly disconnect and reset. “About four years ago was probably my first two-week trip,” he said. “Now they’re getting easier to go on compared to the first one, being stressed out and just hoping everything was okay.”
Superior Plumbing continues to grow. Recently, Kurt acquired inventory and hired employees from a plumbing company that went out of business, expanding his workforce and customer base.
For Kurt, the motivation behind his hard work is clear: financial stability for his family. “I want to set my kids up and give them a good opportunity to be successful,” he said. “I also want to be able to afford to go on vacations and hunting trips.”
With a strong foundation, a reliable team, and the continued support of Padgett Fargo, Superior Plumbing is set for even greater success in the years to come.
If you’re looking for a financial partner to help you grow, you can find your local Padgett advisor here!