Star City Six – Mike Montanez

Established in 1998, Mark’s Plumbing Inc. (www.marksplbg.com) is a locally owned and operated business serving residential and commercial customers in the Lincoln area. The business recently transitioned ownership to Mike Montanez.

Tell us a little about your business.

Mark’s Plumbing offers a full range of top quality residential and commercial plumbing and sewer installation and repair services to meet all of your specific needs. No job is too big or too small for us. We’re available to our clients 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and you can expect a fast response when you have a problem that needs to be addressed.

How did you get started in the business?

Mark’s Plumbing has been in the business for 20 years now, but I’m still very green behind the ears. Mark has taken me under his wing and has been pivotal in my new role as the owner and operator. I have been a traveling sales manager for the past 20+ years and wanted to settle down. I came across Mark’s Plumbing and found a genuine individual who values hard work and caring for the customers. I knew then and there this man and I shared the same values and it would be an excellent opportunity.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?

I’ve encountered several big challenges over the years but one comes to mind often. I had to let an entire sales division go and meeting with each individual to deliver that news still stings today.

What has been your most important achievement professionally?

Producing the top sales team year after year, and having several of my team members recognized at national sales meetings. This was achieved because our amplitude and attitude remained focused.

Tell us a little about your family.

I have a wonderful wife and three children. We enjoy attending MLB games and each have our favorite teams. My wife and daughters are San Francisco Giants fans, my son’s team is the Tampa Bay Rays, and I’ve always been a Dodger fan.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life?

Work is very important but a good balance is vital. I found myself working a lot and not spending enough time with my family.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?

I enjoy working on my home projects and yardwork. I also like going to Nebraska vineyards and relaxing while listening to music and enjoying the outdoors.

What are you the most proud of?

My wife and kids; without them I’m just another working man.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

It isn’t enough to be good when you dream of being great!

If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be?

Humble.

If you could have a super power, what would it be?

Super speed.

What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why?

I’ve always been a big supporter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read?

Battlefield of the Mind by Joyce Meyer.

What is your favorite movie?

Top Gun.

What is your favorite TV show?

Cheers.

If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be?

Norman Schwarzkopf.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?

Phone: (402) 440-8151; Email: mikemontanez3@gmail.com; Website: www.marksplbg.com.