Andrew Fothergill never expected to be at the helm of a plumbing and renovation business, but life has a funny way of connecting the dots. Today, Andrew leads Home to Garden Plumbing Services, a family-run business in Beaumaris, VIC, that has been transforming homes with a unique blend of sustainability and quality customer service.
Read on to learn how Andrew's tradie business started, grew, and thrived over the years.
A Family Legacy in the Making
Home to Garden began as a passion project between Andrew and his father, Martin. With a background in nursing and experience running a garden property maintenance company, Andrew decided to take his skills and apply them to something new. Plumbing was the answer, and it became the foundation of their business.
“I’ve always enjoyed helping people and solving problems," Andrew explained. "That connection with people—whether I’m fixing a leak or installing rainwater tanks—makes every job meaningful.”
Building on Three Pillars
What started as a focus on sustainable plumbing solutions has grown into three main pillars: general plumbing and gas fitting, irrigation and sustainability, and renovations. This structure has allowed Home to Garden to meet the evolving needs of their customers.
“We hold both a plumber's and builder's license, so we can offer more comprehensive services. It’s been a great combination for our clients—they get a local, friendly tradie who’s professional and reliable,” Andrew shared.
The Journey to Success
Andrew attributes much of his business growth to simple but essential values: punctuality, cleanliness, and communication. "People appreciate it when you're courteous and respectful of their time and space. I always try to leave a place tidier than when I arrived," he said with a smile.
That dedication to customer satisfaction is clear in the feedback he receives. Toorak, VIC resident May raves about Home to Garden, "Unlike our past plumber experiences, Andrew was reasonable and transparent which set the scene for a calm process. He was respectful and answered all our queries thoughtfully before, during, and after the job. Highly recommended!"
How ServiceSeeking Helped
Like many small business owners, Andrew knows how crucial it is to find and retain clients. He credits ServiceSeeking with helping him connect with new customers.
“It’s been a great collaboration. ServiceSeeking.com.au has brought me many new clients, and over time, I’ve built up a collection of positive reviews on the platform. That trust helps to keep the business moving forward,” Andrew noted.
Looking to the Future
As Home to Garden continues to grow, Andrew hopes to take on more of a managerial role, allowing his team, including his trusted 2iC, Mitch, and third-year apprentice, Aisha, to carry the brand forward. He also has plans to give back to the community by volunteering his time to help those in need.
“I want to spend one day a fortnight volunteering. It’s a way to make sure everyone has access to quality plumbing, regardless of their situation,” Andrew said.
His approach to life and business is straightforward: "Don’t be greedy. Keep your prices reasonable, and the rest will take care of itself."
A Bright Future Ahead
With a foundation built on integrity, good old-fashioned hard work, and a focus on customer satisfaction, Andrew Fothergill's Home to Garden is a shining example of what a family business can achieve. Whether it’s fixing leaks or transforming homes, Andrew is proving that with the right attitude, the future looks brighter than ever.
