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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 who started off homeless and built a thriving business, thanks in part to online word of mouth. 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’s focus on honesty, authenticity, and great customer service resonated with our community of Yelpers, and the positive reviews came rolling in. His story goes to show how great small businesses can reap the benefits of online word of mouth and find success based on the value of their reputation, not just the size of their advertising budget. In fact, a Boston Consulting Group study found that small businesses saw an average of $8,000 in annual revenue from Yelp just by claiming their free Yelp business page.

Watch the video below to see 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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