Bog standard business - Charlie Mullins autobiography

[parkesy_plumb]

I read this while on holiday last week and have to say was a very inspiring read. His story will relate to most plumbers in the fact of he started from nothing and through grit and determination, built a massively successful business.

However, as the book went on he began to reveal his true colours, calling himself "the worlds most famous plumber" and constantly talking down to other people. Even dismissing people with learning difficulties.

His hunger for fame is massively apparent throughout and the book became a little boring towards the end, with him constantly referring to himself as "famous" and "mega rich"

Definitely worth a read though as its refreshing to read something so close to our hearts but as a fan of mr Mullins, ill be looking at him in a different light from now on

 

[gasmanrob]

What irritates me about him is he is in a position to better our industry and really make a difference, the media use him as the toto guy for all things plumbing.

Yet he continually belittles the trade and other tradesmen. And is about as much of a plumber as I am a zoologist

But you cannot knock him for what he has achieved. And many of us would love to be in that position.

I would question if he'd be able to do it all again though. Take away his fortune and fame and start today like many do. It was well documented he was an awful plumber. So with all the competition and regulation in the industry could he make it again?

Unfortunately we'll never know

 

[townfanjon]

I sort off take my hat off to him what he has achieved is superb, however the majority of these types of businessmen means they have a ruthless streak and there heads are well and truly up there ....
Not my type of bloke tbh. He may have loads of money , is he happy ?? We will never know that either .
Which leads my to my favourite saying ...... ' your health is your wealth ', dont ever forget it .

 

[hammers4spanner]

I agree with gasmanrob could these sort of guys be able to start from scratch now and achieve what they have?
When they started the competition wasn't as much and being a plumber was a bit of a joke trade in the 80's - 90's.
Their is a plumber i know down here who made a mint from slamming it in but even he says now its not as easy .
Times change

 

[parkesy_plumb]

He documents how hes made most of his money in properties and newsagents. Its a great story but nobody could do it starting today, plus he was the only one of his kind in central london at the time taking on work for the higher end so hes bound to make it.

Hats off to the man, i just hope when i have a few quid i dont turn in to the douche he is today