We were lucky to catch up with Cornelius Lewis recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Cornelius thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

The idea for KORCO™️ PLUMBING didn’t come to me overnight—it was born out of years of experience in the plumbing trade and a growing realization that I could make a difference. While there were many positives in the industry, I also encountered situations where I felt caught between doing what was right for the customer and what was expected by management.

One situation, in particular, stood out. I was asked to make a decision that prioritized the company’s profit over the customer’s best interest. It didn’t sit right with me. I voiced my concerns to my manager, but it became clear that my values and the company’s priorities were not aligned. That day, I went home, wrote my two weeks’ notice, and decided I would no longer compromise my integrity for a paycheck. Before I could complete my notice period, I was let go—but by then, I had already made up my mind.

I realized that if I wanted to make a meaningful change in the industry, I’d have to create my own path. That decision marked the beginning of KORCO™️ PLUMBING. I committed myself to gaining all the knowledge and skills necessary to become not just a business owner, but a leader in providing honest, customer-focused service.

Today, I’m proud to say that KORCO™️ PLUMBING is built on the very principles that inspired me to start this journey: integrity, passion, and a commitment to doing what’s right for the customer—every time.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hi, I’m Cornelius Lewis, the proud founder and president of KORCO™️ PLUMBING. I’m 30 years old, and when I’m not solving plumbing challenges, you’ll find me spending time with my family or enjoying outdoor adventures like riding UTVs, hunting, and camping.

I began my journey into the plumbing industry at just 20 years old, without any prior experience. What I did have was a commitment to hard work and a willingness to learn. I started as a helper at a local plumbing shop and quickly took on the responsibility of managing the warehouse, overseeing inventory systems, budgeting, and working closely with vendors. A year later, with encouragement from my employer, I stepped into fieldwork—an opportunity that changed my life.

Under the mentorship of a journeyman plumber who became like family, I discovered a passion for plumbing. Within six months, I was running service calls independently, developing my skills and building a reputation for reliability and precision. Over the years, I explored residential, commercial, and industrial plumbing, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the trade.

In 2020, amid the uncertainties of the pandemic, I took a leap of faith and founded KORCO™️ PLUMBING. Drawing on my years of experience and a reputation for solving complex issues, I created a company that reflects my dedication to quality and customer satisfaction.

What We Do
At KORCO™️ PLUMBING, we provide a wide range of services, including residential and commercial plumbing for both new construction and service needs. We also specialize in supporting rural communities with unique services such as water storage tank installations.

What Sets Us Apart
Our commitment to listening to our clients and our ability to find solutions for even the most challenging problems distinguish us. We believe that every problem has a solution, and we are dedicated to being that solution.

One project that exemplifies our approach was for a homeowner whose sewer system was completely non-functional. Three other plumbing companies had walked away, deeming the issue unsolvable. But I took on the challenge, replumbing the entire house, installing a new septic tank, and restoring the brick flooring to better-than-original condition. Solving this problem and restoring the customer’s home brought immense satisfaction and demonstrated the pride we take in our work.

What I’m Most Proud Of
I’m most proud of never giving up on this journey. Staying true to my values, even when faced with challenges, has been the cornerstone of KORCO™️ PLUMBING’s success. I want my clients to know that our dedication to excellence and customer satisfaction is unwavering.

At KORCO™️ PLUMBING, we’re not just fixing pipes; we’re building trust, solving problems, and creating lasting relationships.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

The Power of Doing Things Right

At KORCO™️ PLUMBING, we’ve built our business on a simple yet powerful philosophy: do the job right the first time. This commitment to excellence has not only earned the trust and satisfaction of our clients but has also been the cornerstone of our success.

Since opening our doors nearly five years ago, we haven’t relied on traditional marketing strategies. Instead, we’ve focused on building strong relationships with our clients and delivering outstanding results. This approach has allowed us to grow organically through good old-fashioned word-of-mouth. When clients are happy, they naturally share their experiences, and that’s been the most effective form of marketing for us to date.

For us, every project is an opportunity to exceed expectations and reinforce our reputation as a company that prioritizes quality, reliability, and customer care. It’s a business model rooted in trust, and we’re proud to see it thrive.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

If I had to name one book that has profoundly impacted my mindset and personal growth, it would be Keys to Positive Thinking by Napoleon Hill. This book didn’t just inspire me—it shaped the way I approach life and business.

I make it a point to reread it every year as a reminder to maintain a positive outlook, no matter the challenges I face. It reinforces the idea that success begins in the mind, and that positivity, persistence, and belief in yourself are the keys to overcoming obstacles and achieving greatness.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://korcoplumbing.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZwtN96Wr5XZpVgPDWZTAtkEml28D7aug54dKJtNYpLewDeEJE4WI-g280_aem_hlGUeNXEWDl0K-fY2mvPeQ
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/korcoplumbing/profilecard/?igsh=MTg2NDlzYjN0dGJkdQ==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/cEYzJhAoiLRowWaL/?mibextid=wwXIfr