customer service, which involves investing in technology and software for field service management, phone systems, marketing, invoicing, and payment systems. “We take pride in providing excellent service,” adds Mike. “This means being responsive in our communications, knowing the latest in plumbing technology, providing upfront pricing, and cleaning and following up after finishing the job.” Besides their deep-seated belief in customer service, Matt and Mike bring a unique talent for troubleshooting problems. “We love solving the tricky plumbing issues. The more difficult, the better,” adds Matt. “We genuinely love restoring a customer to working order.” When not working on customers’ plumbing challenges, Matt and Mike spend quality time with their families, including visiting and doing plumbing work for their grandparents, who live in Byron. “We have many fond memories of skiing at Boler Mountain and then going to my grandparents’ house to get warm and drink hot chocolate,” recalls Matt. “Now we make sure to stop in any time we’re in Byron to visit and enjoy my grandmother’s cookies.” It’s this dedication to family and community, that is at the heart of Plumbing For Life and what Matt and Mike bring to their work every day. To learn more or to request a service quote, visit www. plumbingforlife.ca or call 519-860-0219. Photo courtesy of Plumbing For Life
Plumbing For Life: The Van Praet Brothers’ Family Legacy
Plumbing For Life is more than the name of a local plumbing business operated by two enthusiastic young men. The phrase encompasses the spirit with which brothers Matt and Michael Van Praet infuse everything they do. “Plumbing For Life reflects our commitment to the trade and our customers,” explains Matt. “We’re in this business for life, and we believe that once you call us, you will be a satisfied customer for life.” Matt and Mike’s plumbing journey began around age 11 when they started working for their dad in his plumbing business during the summer holidays. Jeff Van Praet certainly taught his boys about plumbing; however, what Matt and Mike remember most are the lasting life lessons about people. “There were times when people couldn’t afford our services,” Mike shares. “We would fix their plumbing anyway. We also had customers who were elderly or had disabilities, and we’d go the extra mile to help.” “We were inspired by our dad’s work ethic and overall business ethos of helping people and providing quality work,” adds Matt as he reflects on why he and Mike became plumbers. Jeff began the family plumbing business in 1997. When he retired in 2020, Matt and Mike took over his client base and ran the company as their own. They rebranded under the new moniker Plumbing For Life in 2023. Plumbing For Life offers all plumbing repair, renovation, and installation services. They clean drains, sewers and service equipment associated with wells, such as water treatment, pumps and pressure tanks. Plumbing For Life also provides plumbing services for businesses that do renovations or building maintenance contractors. As young tradesmen and entrepreneurs, Matt and Mike envision the business reaching a new level of skill and
Mike and Matt Van Praet with their dad, Jerry
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April 2025 Page 7
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