Family Plumbing Legacy: Ryan Giles on Building RFG & Investor Tips

In this episode of the Wisdom Lifestyle Money Show, host Scott Dillingham chats with Ryan Giles, owner of RFG Plumbing and Electrical in Essex, Ontario. Ryan shares his journey growing up in a family of plumbers, starting from childhood helping his dad and uncle on jobsites. As a fourth-generation plumber, he discusses how early exposure to the trade built his work ethic and problem-solving skills. Life lessons like perseverance—never giving up when success is just seconds away—and thinking through challenges have shaped his approach to both plumbing and business. He draws parallels to the book "Three Feet from Gold," emphasizing that failure is a stepping stone to growth, much like successful figures who rebuilt after setbacks.

Ryan explains how RFG started in 2016 as a family venture with his dad and brother, expanding into electrical services by 2018-2019 to create a one-stop shop for clients. He touches on future plans for HVAC while highlighting the challenges of finding skilled workers. The name RFG honors family initials (Ralph Franklin Giles) but playfully stands for "Real F***ing Good" plumbers, a tagline that stuck after a memorable Rogers Hockey Night in Canada commercial featuring his son. Ryan stresses honesty, planning, and investing upfront in quality work to avoid costly future repairs, especially in Windsor's older homes prone to flooding.

For real estate investors, Ryan offers practical advice on pre-purchase inspections to uncover hidden issues like faulty sewers or DIY fixes. He recommends utilizing Windsor's Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program, which now provides up to $3,500 in rebates for backwater valves, sump pumps, and foundation drain disconnections as of 2025. This helps mitigate flood risks in the region, where heavy rains and aging infrastructure remain concerns. The episode blends personal stories, business insights, and tips for long-term property success, inspiring entrepreneurs and investors alike in Ontario's evolving market.