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Pipe Dreams: Frank’s Story



For today’s small businesses, online reviews can have a big impact on success. We recently heard about Frank (affectionately known by his customers and friends as “the Fizman”), a plumber in Downey, California. After years of struggling with poverty, he decided to pursue a future in the plumbing industry.Upon receiving his contractor’s license, he posted his business, Fiz Plumbing, to Yelp, and the rest is history. Frank started off homeless and built a thriving business, thanks in part to online word of mouth.

Check out the video below tells Frank’s story. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and, if you live in the Los Angeles area, you’ll want to bookmark Fiz Plumbing for your next water pipe emergency.

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The information above is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice and may not be suitable for your circumstances. Unless stated otherwise, references to third-party links, services, or products do not constitute endorsement by Yelp.

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