Howie Metz is the owner and founder of Quality First Plumbing & Heating based out of Denver, CO. Since 2008, Howie and his wife have created a home services business known for its family-run, family-based, family-values approach and high-quality service.

It was his brother who initially introduced him to plumbing. When they parted ways, Howie was inspired to start his own business built on a foundation of trust and integrity.

“It’s not just about money, it’s about solving their problem, not selling them things they don’t necessarily need, giving them options, but looking out for their best interests first, instead of my own. And that really set us apart.”

Quality, Howie says, is the most important aspect of what they do. And, it lasts.

“We completely embrace technology. We take pictures before, during, and after so there’s no question. If a customer may have forgotten something they said on the phone when they were booking the call, they have the capability of listening to that call on the job site... using technology to everyone’s advantage makes us do a better job, a longer lasting job, and there’s complete accountability.”

Howie says he looks for three things when hiring: be on time, be sober, and give 100% of your best self.

Quality First’s family-centered approach to culture has also drawn loyal, invested employees into the fold. Howie values his employees’ ideas and feedback, which he says often informs and shapes the trajectory of the company.

However, it is often challenging to find and recruit techs for the trades because today’s generation is groomed to go to college. The trades are suffering because the pool of experienced people is dwindling.

“I go to high schools and I talk to kids and if you’re good with your hands, this may be a viable alternative for you, whether it be a plumber, a heating guy, or an electrician.”

For Howie, his mission is giving back and his why is his family.

Howie begins every company meeting with high energy music and a motivational video. This keeps his team engaged, positive, and connected. He also shares how utilizing technology in their company workflow is crucial for keeping Millennials motivated and excited about doing their jobs well.

Thanks to Scorpion, Quality First has gone from having clients mainly in the commercial space to expanding into the residential space. Howie credits the trustworthy experts at Scorpion for helping his team achieve their goals and deliver high-quality home services.