A local expert committed to quality and community
By Taylor Shillam
As the owner of VIP Plumbing, Joe Zavala has built a reputation as the go-to problem solver when plumbing emergencies strike. His commitment to excellence and connection to the Sandpoint community has set his business apart and earned him the title of Best of Sandpoint 2024 as a plumbing company. With over 20 years of experience in the plumbing industry, Joe’s dedication extends beyond providing reliable services—he’s passionate about training a trusted team to carry on the quality of work his clients have come to expect. Week after week, Joe and his team help community members address plumbing challenges with skill, professionalism, and heart.
Q: Please provide a brief history of VIP Plumbing and your professional experience. How long have you been in business, and how did the business get started?
A: The history of VIP Plumbing is only two years in the making, but I started plumbing here 20 years ago. When we moved to the Sandpoint area from Redlands, CA, where I worked at the local lumber mill, my career started in new construction for North Star Plumbing in Sagle, ID. I also worked for Aqua Plumbing in Sandpoint, where I learned everything about service. I now have six years of new construction experience and 14 years of service in plumbing. After years of learning and honing my skills, starting my own company, VIP Plumbing, was the natural next step for me.
Q: How has VIP Plumbing grown as a business and as part of the Sandpoint community?
A: It takes many years to build a plumbing company. Every person I hire for my company has to spend four years completing trade school before they can be on their own in one of our trucks. Even after that, they continue honing their skills to succeed. My lead plumber, Jada South, is a perfect example of this commitment. She is dedicated to learning everything I know and will eventually take over the reins.
VIP Plumbing has grown because the town knows me and understands my team’s dedication to quality. People know that when they call us, they get reliable service from a team that cares. Whether it’s a routine repair or an emergency, the trust we’ve built in the community has been a big part of our success. When you choose VIP Plumbing, you choose a team that takes pride in doing the job right.
Q: What is your vision for your business moving forward? What does VIP Plumbing have planned for 2025 and beyond?
A: In 2025, I plan to keep moving forward, doing more of what I’m skilled at: handling emergency after emergency with my team at VIP Plumbing. I’m not looking to expand in ways that would take away from our core services. I want to focus on what we do best and continue building a team that shares my commitment to quality.
Q: What is your favorite part about being a part of the local business community in Sandpoint? What is most rewarding to you about the work you do?
A: The most rewarding part of my work with VIP Plumbing is the ability to solve problems for my clients that no one else can. I enjoy taking on the challenges that stump others.
As a local business owner, I enjoy being part of a community where everyone knows each other. Sandpoint is special because it feels like a big family, and I’m grateful to be a part of it.
Q: Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers that is not mentioned above?
A: I’d like to thank the people of Sandpoint for helping me become the plumber I am today. Thank you for your trust and support. I will continue to train the high-quality plumbers we need to serve this community best.
VIP Plumbing
1501 Ponderosa
Sandpoint, ID
208.290.4202
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