Justin Martinuk opened A + E Air Plumbing and Heating four years ago. Shortly after, his two business partners, Nick Martinuk and Brandon Russell, joined the company, along with a staff of eight.
There are many reasons the three work to grow with the demand, with one being their aligning value in creating a healthy work environment, as well as building relationships with their customers for all plumbing and heating needs.
“It snowballs from us, the owners,” says Nick. “When we treat each other and our guys right in the workplace, everyone has that same mindset when we go into homes to finish a job.”
“We all want our guys to be happy working here,” says Justin. “And we want to go out in public, see our customers, and embrace having a conversation with them.”
The three worked together previously, but eventually branched into their own paths from there. Brandon opened his business, renting a shop in the same building Justin was in with A + E Air Plumbing and Heating.
Justin and Nick first became business partners, and as projects ramped up it was natural that Brandon would change the duo to a trio.
“We really try to take care of the customers we do have, as well as grow our customer base,” says Brandon, who worked outside of Medicine Hat pipefitting, just before becoming a business owner. “Owning a business has been great, especially because we all get to go home to our families every night.”
The three applied for and received the Small Business Loan through Community Futures Entre-Corp, working with projects coordinator Darren Hall and senior business analyst Greg Scott.
“They were awesome and easy throughout the whole process. There were times we were way too busy for them, but they still worked with us,” says Justin. “It was easy, fluid, and they’ve even offered us more services we have yet to take advantage of.”
Using the loan, the three purchased a van for their plumber, which allows for more customers to be helped and adds that additional line of service to their offerings.
“It’s huge to have this support. When you’re a new business, there is a lot of hesitation from others when looking for help. To have that backing is really nice,” says Justin.
(left-right) Brandon Russel, Justin Martinuk, Nick Martinuk
With over 40 years of experience combined, Justin with 17 years, and Nick and Brandon both with 10 years and counting, the three feel this partnership has fallen into place, and they welcome the opportunity to grow.
“We want to see a change of how companies are run and create a good work environment for tradesmen in this industry,” says Nick.
“We can all put egos aside. You make better decisions when more heads are in the pot,” says Brandon.
“The biggest is our values. All our values are in line, and we want the same thing. We want all our guys and customers to be happier than us, and that has made us better,” says Justin.
A + E Air Plumbing and Heating can be found online at aeair.ca and Facebook.
