Vinnie Sposari - Renton, Washington

Vinnie ventured into the plumbing industry in 1982 when he was a college student studying criminal justice. But it’s not his college education he uses today; it’s the one he received from the Mr. Rooter Corporation. “I didn’t know how to run a business, and Mr. Rooter taught me,” Vinnie says.

Since opening his Mr. Rooter franchise in 1992, Vinnie has been named the company’s Rookie of the Year and Franchisee of the Year. But for Vinnie, the greatest reward is the satisfaction he gets from seeing his team members succeed and his customers return time and time again for quality, professional service.

It is this philosophy that earned him the prestigious Don Dwyer Award of Excellence in 2005. This award, which is a tribute to the late founder of The Dwyer Group, the holding company for Mr. Rooter, recognizes a deserving associate, franchisee or master licensee who demonstrates outstanding and continual dedication and loyalty to The Dwyer Group.

Why did you invest in a Mr. Rooter franchise?
I opened Sposari’s Plumbing in 1988, but I didn’t know how to operate it or manage my team. I also wanted to be a leader. Mr. Rooter taught me how to manage my business and team.

What impact does the Mr. Rooter brand have on your business?
 People in my community know the Mr. Rooter name and the quality that comes with it. Mr. Rooter is a well-known and trusted brand. Our customers really appreciate knowing we will provide reliable work and courteous service for each and every job.

How has your life and business changed since you became a Mr. Rooter franchisee?
I started with a single van that had a spray-painted logo on the side. Today, I operate a 23-truck operation with 38 team members. My wife and I are also building our dream home right now.

What has been the key to your success?
Setting goals has been the key to my success. My team sets daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, annual and long-term goals for both the business and for them as individuals. I operate my Mr. Rooter franchise with the philosophy that if I help enough people get what they want in life, I in return will have everything I could possibly want.

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