Jet’s Background
Roy Vandervoort (Dutch) purchased and began operating the Jet Drain and Sewer Service franchise in 1969. For the next 7 years the company operated one van and performed drain services only. After being discharged from the Navy Seabees in 1976, Alan Thomas joined his step father Dutch and purchased a second van. In 1977, Alan’s wife Nanci began doing the bookkeeping part-time. A third van was purchased and Jim Walker, Nanci’s brother, started working part-time while attending the University of Nevada-Reno.
In 1983 Jim earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering and accepted a position with Amoco Production Company in Riverton, Wyoming. During Jim’s stint with Amoco he relocated to Chicago for a few years where he attended the University of Chicago and earned his MBA. That same year Dutch decided to slow down a bit and sold the company to Alan and a partner.
In 1984 after 10 years in the banking industry Nanci began doing the books full time. The following year the Thomas’ were able to buy out their partner and become sole owners of the business. Alan obtained a plumbing contractor’s license in 1985 and by 1986 the company operated four service vans as well as a septic truck.
By the time Jim Walker rejoined the Jet in 1990 the company was growing and expanding rapidly. Over the next 9 years Jet continued to grow to over 16 service vehicles and in 2000 expanded to the Las Vegas market where a satellite office was opened. Late in ’04 Alan took over the Las Vegas operation while Jim retained ownership of the Northern Nevada operation.
Today Jet employs over 50 office and field personnel from their headquarters in Sparks and performs 14,000+ service calls per year.
Jet Today
Jet Plumbing and Drain Services operates out of a company owned 5,000+ sq. ft. building at 1553 Hymer Avenue in Sparks. Our 50+ exceptional field and office employees continue to provide superior plumbing and underground utility service that keep Jet Plumbing & Drain Services at the forefront of the industry.
Company managers, office personnel and field technicians satisfy service call requests 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Traditionally, Jet is only closed one night per year for the company Christmas Party.
Jet Plumbing Has A Unique Approach
Unlike many of of our competitors we do not train every Jet Plumbing employee to perform all of the services we provide. Jet Plumbing divides it’s company into four specific departments in order to provide our customers with the specially trained service personnel for your unique situation.
JET Plumbing & Drain Services has remained an hourly rate company both in invoice billing as well as payroll. However, that is not to say we do not offer bid or estimate work because we certainly do. Performing bid work and offering written proposals is a very important way to do business when dealing with larger jobs. This process protects the customer and company equally by making sure both parties know what to expect from the other. And in order to make sure this happens properly all bids or estimates are run through and approved in advance by a department manager or owner.
Although there are reputable companies using true flat rate schedules, Jet Plumbing feels that we can offer better service and value to our customers by remaining an hourly service company that cheerfully offers estimates based on an individual job basis.
Awards & Affiliations
