Batavia’s Kraft Plumbing celebrates 50 years
An interview with Bob Kraft, co-owner of K.W. Kraft & Sons Plumbing Contrators in Batavia.
Q: Describe your business. What do you do?
A: We are a plumbing contracting firm primarily focused on residential and commercial remodeling and renovations as well as residential and commercial service repair work. I am part owner and run the service department. My father, Karl, started the business in 1962. We service the Fox Valley area and surrounding communities.
Q: Five decades is a long time. How do you run the business?
A: Well, to be honest, 50 years just kind of snuck up on us. I run the business with my brothers John and Pete. Each of us runs different phases of the operation. Even though we are brothers, we are also best friends. Any problems that arise are promptly address among the three of us and amicably solve. Much of our work comes from repeat business or from referrals. That along with quality workmanship keeps us fairly robust.
Q: What has been the most difficult obstacle in running a small business?
A: Cashflow. Especially in this economic climate. Unlicensed individuals performing plumbing work also cuts into our business. Many consumers don’t realize plumbing work must be done by an Illinois State Licensed plumber. A plumbing contractor working in your home or place of business must also have an Illinois State Contractors License. We are licensed by the Department of Public Health. Plumbing work done by unlicensed individuals generally results in unsafe or unsanitary conditions potentially endangering consumers.
Q: What do you enjoy most about operating your business?
A: Seeing, at the end of a job, how happy people are with the finished product of a new bathroom or kitchen. Having pride in knowing that you have done a quality job for the customer. There are some pretty amazing plumbing products out there today.
Q: Is this what you pictured yourself doing when you were young?
A: Being a plumber? Who grows up wanting to be a plumber! I am not only a plumber but a businessman. I always wanted to be a (starving) artist, but decided that continuing the family business was economically prudent. I enjoy what I do.
Q: What keeps you up at night?
A: With the economy the way it is, trying to generate enough work to keep all of our employees busy. Fortunately, in the last few months, we have seen an increase in workload.
Q: If you could give one tip to a rookie business owner, what would it be?
A: Pay yourself a decent salary, but you need to invest a good portion of your profits back into the business. Try to keep some capital in reserve for that “rainy day.”
- Kim Mikus
Ÿ Every Monday we feature a small, local business. We want to hear about yours. Contact kmikus@dailyherald.com.