For almost fifteen years, Dan Barger grew Apollo Plumbing the hard way — no price book, no P&L, no real read on his margins. His financial reporting system was opening the bank account and hoping. 

Today, Apollo does $8 million a year in residential plumbing. 

What changed? 

On this episode of The Successful Contractor, host Bob Houchin sits down with Dan — owner of Apollo Plumbing in Marysville, Washington — for the honest version of a twenty-year run. 

You’ll hear: 

• Why a broken water heater turned Dan into a 20-year plumber. 
• The moment Dan realized his “financial reporting system” was costing him money. 
• Why 60–70% of Apollo’s marketing spend goes to radio — and what it buys. 
• The comp model Apollo switched to last year — and what it did to close rates. 
• The one thing Dan wishes he’d done seven years sooner. 
• Where Dan’s taking Apollo next. 

If you’re running a contracting company, Dan’s story will sound uncomfortably familiar — and hopeful. 

Guest 

Dan Barger Owner, Apollo Plumbing — Marysville, WA 

Host & Show 

Host: Bob Houchin 

Show: The Successful Contractor, powered by CertainPath 

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Book your free discovery call at mycertainpath.com. 

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