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PureFlo Plumbing Founder: Ryan Heitman
From Frustration to Foundation: Ryan's Revolution in the Plumbing Industry"
Jax Entrepreneur
April 04, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 8 minutes
MEET TODAY’S GUESTRyan Heitman, Founder & Owner of PureFlo PlumbingAfter two decades in the plumbing industry, Ryan never imagined he'd be at the helm of his own company. What began as mounting frustration evolved into a mission to redefine plumbing industry standards in our community. "I never wanted to start a business," Ryan confesses with a candid smile. After 20 years of witnessing unfair pricing practices, declining service quality, and growing incompetence in the field, he couldn't stand on the sidelines any longer. One of Ryan's core memories as an employee was handing a customer in a distressed home with a disadvantaged financial situation, a bill that she could not afford. From that day, he never wanted to do that again and knew there had to be a better way to service customers. The disconnect between what customers were paying and what they were receiving was growing substantially. Under trained technicians were being hired, leading to less quality solutions, while prices continued to climb and deceptive pricing models became normal. Let’s explore the story behind PureFlo Plumbing and its Founder, Ryan Heitman. |  Ryan Heitman   |
Hey there!
You’re reading Jax Entrepreneur — a newsletter about small business owners and entrepreneurs in Jacksonville, FL. We all have our unique stories when it comes to owning our own businesses — and let’s be real — owning a business is quite a journey. I hope this content helps you reach new opportunities to grow your business. Let’s dive in.
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THE INTERVIEW
Talking about service with Ryan Heitman
In this conversation, I sat down with Ryan Heitman, Founder and Owner of PureFlo Plumbing to talk about the realities of being in the plumbing industry. Ryan shares that his main goal is to provide excellent services at fair prices for residential communities. “Customers deserve an option that is more palatable financially. When something bails, you shouldn’t get gouged for it,” Ryan said with firm conviction.
PureFlo Plumbing is a 100% family owned business. Everyone plays an important role and has a real chance to work toward retirement at the company. With his family in mind, Ryan plans to grow the business for his family to inherit his legacy.
How do you connect with the Jacksonville community?
Ryan collaborates with residential real estate agents, new build communities, existing residential communities, property management companies, and specialty trade services like flooring, drywall, and electricians. He has a passion for the veteran community and is looking forward to growing his business so that he can take more time off to volunteer on projects and even building for veterans.
The separator for us is a phenomenal team, best service, my guys care, are motivated to build a company, and they see the vision. They wanna be a part of something that is good.
What is your biggest challenge as a business owner and how did you overcome?
“You don’t know what you don’t know,” Ryan said humbly and honestly. It’s one thing to be highly skilled in your craft, but making the shift to learn the administrative, managerial, and financial skill set is extremely important for a successful business owner. Ryan has learned how to navigate the legal side of the business and has acquired a property as an owner with creative financing to run his business.
The boldest decision I’ve made as a business owner is starting the company. I felt like it was something I had to do. My wife supported me and I took 2-3 months at home to design the business before launching.
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LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
Real Estate: What matters most for business owners?
Top #7 things to consider when choosing the right location for your business:
High visibility, foot traffic, and vehicle traffic
A market that supports your products and services
Financial capabilities: costs beyond contract payments and ability to borrow like renovations, utility costs, maintenance, insurance, taxes
Demographics like population growth and crime rate
Proximity to customer base, vendors, distributors, suppliers, and partners
Competitor analysis: who is offering similar products/services in that area?
Zoning regulations
Now, let’s get back to the story.
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 Cory, Technician |  |
 Eddie, Service Manager |  Jack, Nephew & Apprentice |
What are your goals for your business over the next year?
Ryan sees PureFlo Plumbing succeeding through slow growth, adding more vehicles, and adding more employees. It is necessary for his business to grow with structure and sustainability. He’s okay with staying small since he’s been in business for only a year now. When it makes sense to grow in a manageable way, he will do it with a tight group of people that want to get paid well and do a good job. He’s strong on giving his employees proper training, increasing their skill set and a proper earning potential, leading them to retirement.
MUST-KNOW INFO
PureFlo Plumbing Services & Contact
Services and Service Area:
Servicing Duval, Nassau, and St. Johns Counties
Plumbing Services - Hydro Jetting, Backflow Certification, Drain Cleaning, Water Heater Repair/Installation, Water Quality Testing, Cast Iron Replacement, Leak Repair, Faucet Repair, Shower Pan Installation, Toilet repair/Installation, Filtration System Design and Installation, Water Repipe
Open 24 hours!
➡️ Facebook: PureFlo Plumbing
➡️ Nextdoor: PureFlo Plumbing LLC
➡️ Instagram: @purefloplumbingjax
➡️ LinkedIn: Ryan Heitman
➡️ Website: https://www.purefloplumbingjax.com/
➡️ Phone Number & Email: 904-803-0495 | [email protected]
➡️ Address: 504 Chatham St, Jacksonville, FL 32254
VALUES OUTSIDE OF BUSINESS
The Importance of Family
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The Heitman Family
After spending time with Ryan at a local coffee shop, Cup of Job, in Murray Hill, I gathered that he is a very humble, down-to-earth, and hardworking father and husband. He enjoys spending time with his family when he’s not working on the business. He is very low-key and enjoys gathering with extended family members to relax and share meals.
Making Jacksonville his home after living in Seattle for a long time, he says his favorite thing about Jacksonville is the slower, easier pace. He likes that all parts of the city are unique to one another. I share the same sentiment!