Entrepreneurial Plumber Charlie Mullins debuts a fresh business undertaking in the UK
Charlie Mullins: From Toy Car Factory to the "Harrods of the Handyman World"
Charlie Mullins, a 71-year-old entrepreneur with a rock-star look and a penchant for conservative media commentary, is making headlines once again. After selling his successful firm, Pimlico Plumbers, to Wall Street giant KKR for £140 million at the end of 2021, Mullins is set to return to the industry with a new venture, WeFix, which is scheduled to start trading in September.
Over four decades, Mullins built Pimlico Plumbers from the ground up. Born to parents who worked in a toy car factory and cleaned homes, Mullins left school at 15 with no qualifications and became an apprentice to a plumber. His no-nonsense approach and disallowing smartphone use at work became synonymous with the Pimlico Plumbers brand, as he sought to improve the industry's reputation for poor service.
Despite the sale, Mullins now regrets parting ways with Pimlico Plumbers. Sales of the company have declined since the acquisition, a fact that seems to have weighed heavily on the entrepreneur. However, Mullins remains optimistic about his future, believing that money motivates him. In the year ending May 2021, Pimlico reported £49.2 million in revenue, with Mullins distributing £3.2 million in dividends during that period.
Mullins' new company, WeFix, is poised to revolutionise the handyman industry. A fleet of distinctive vans is ready for service, and WeFix aims to become the "Harrods of the handyman world". Workers at WeFix will receive a share of profits after a year's service, a move that Mullins hopes will attract and retain top talent.
Meanwhile, Mullins' sons and grandson have quit in frustration, citing a lack of control and direction in the new ownership. Despite this, Mullins encourages becoming an apprentice plumber as a means to earn a lot of money. His own success story serves as a testament to the potential for hard work and determination in the industry.
As for his plans after his non-compete clause ends in September, the name of the new company is yet to be revealed in the available search results. One thing is certain, however: Charlie Mullins is not one to rest on his laurels, and the handyman world can expect another shake-up in the near future.
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