Today we’d like to introduce you to Montana Payne.
Hi Montana, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My plumbing journey started when I was 23 years old. I applied to a local plumbing company that specialized in slab leaks and began as an apprentice, assisting licensed plumbers on job sites. From day one, I learned the fundamentals—drain and water line fittings, different materials, and the degrees they come in. I also learned how to locate water and sewer leaks under slab foundations and make the proper repairs.
Before that, I never realized how much went into being a plumber. Growing up, you hear about plumbers and picture a plunger—but you don’t see the depth, knowledge, and responsibility behind the trade.
After about a year and a half, I knew I wanted more than just slab leaks. I wanted to learn the service side of plumbing. I found a service-only plumbing company closer to home and had the opportunity to ride alongside a master plumber who taught me enough to guide me toward getting my plumbing license.
After a year of learning service plumbing, I tested at the state board in Austin and passed, becoming a licensed Tradesman Plumber. I was trusted to run my own service van. I was nervous those first few days running calls on my own, but the training and experience kicked in, and I handled the work with confidence.
I spent another year and a half with that company before moving on to work for a close friend—someone I had once apprenticed under and considered family. He had just started his own company and asked me to join. I declined once… then twice… before finally jumping aboard.
I spent six years helping grow his company, working alongside him like a brother. During that time, I became a field supervisor, learning the business side of plumbing along with management responsibilities. Eventually, I tested for my Journeyman license, and later, my Master Plumber license—and earned both.
Not long after getting my Master license, my wife and I had a serious conversation about starting our own company. We have four kids, a home we’re proud of, and it felt like the right time. In March of 2023, we officially started Warrior Plumbing.
While working at my previous company, I had developed a dream of owning my own business—one built on integrity, brotherhood, and genuine care for customers. That dream is why Warrior Plumbing exists.
I started this company on a credit card and pure determination. For the first year, I ran calls 24/7, completely by myself—whatever came in, I took it. After the first year, I was able to buy a second service vehicle and secure a shop. A few months later, I hired my first employee, and then another not long after. The dream was becoming reality.
Year two, however, tested us. The economy slowed, call volume dropped, and tough decisions had to be made to keep the company alive. I had to part ways with an employee and cut costs wherever possible. I kept our apprentice, stayed focused, and continued servicing every call that came in.
Now, as we approach the end of our second year, 2026 is here, and it’s already shaping up to be our best year yet. Call volume is up, leads are strong, and momentum is building. Our goal is to grow to around five service vans—not too big, but big enough to stay strong while remaining family-oriented.
At the end of the day, I do this for my family. I want to make them proud and give them a good life. Warrior Plumbing isn’t just a business—it’s our legacy.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s definitely tougher than it looks. Not so much the plumbing knowledge but more so the little things that come with owning a company.
One of the struggles is dealing with low call volume while starting up. Trying to pull in customers while also getting your name out there. It’s been tough with marketing and social media but it’s finally coming around.
The main struggle is the sacrifice. Sacrificing family time and everything in general. Knowing that any call that comes in 24/7 has to be taken and serviced to grow. It’s definitely been worth every bit.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am the owner and Master Plumber of Warrior Plumbing, LLC. From answering phone calls and scheduling jobs to running service calls, completing repairs, handling accounts payable, and making all business decisions—I am involved in every part of the company.
I specialize in slab leak detection and repair and have built a strong reputation for accurately locating leaks and performing lasting, high-quality repairs. My passion for the plumbing trade shows in every job I take on. I take pride in my work and make sure each repair is done right the first time, with attention to detail and craftsmanship.
What I am most proud of is believing in myself enough to start Warrior Plumbing and giving it everything I have. The stress that comes with building a business is real—and it still exists—but my love for the trade and commitment to my customers keeps me going every day.
What sets me apart is my passion, dedication, and genuine care for the people I serve. I want every customer to feel comfortable, respected, and confident that their home is in good hands. That commitment is why we strive to deliver 5-star service on every call—and it’s reflected in our 5-star Google rating.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
In the next 5–10 years, I see Warrior Plumbing as a well-respected, locally known plumbing company that has grown with intention—not too big, not out of control, but strong, stable, and built on trust.
I envision running 5–7 fully equipped service vans, staffed by plumbers who share the same values: pride in their work, honesty with customers, and respect for the trade. Each technician will be trained the Warrior way—doing things right, not fast or sloppy.
I see myself stepping back slightly from running every call, while still staying involved in the field when needed. My role will shift more toward mentoring, quality control, and guiding the next generation of plumbers, especially apprentices who want to build real careers.
Warrior Plumbing will be known as a go-to company for slab leak detection and complex repairs—the company other plumbers call when jobs get tough. We won’t chase volume or upsells. We’ll be known for accuracy, craftsmanship, and solutions that last.
I see a company that:
• Operates out of a solid shop
• Has dependable systems in place
• Maintains a true brotherhood-style culture
• Pays employees fairly and treats them like family
• Keeps customers for life, not just one job
Most importantly, I see Warrior Plumbing continuing to be a family-run business—one that supports my wife and kids, provides stability, and leaves a reputation I can be proud of. I don’t measure success by size alone, but by the respect we earn, the people we help, and the legacy we build.
At the end of the day, Warrior Plumbing isn’t about becoming the biggest company—it’s about becoming the most trusted one.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.warriorplumbingtx.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/warriorplumbingllc24?igsh=ZGdpc2dvd2pxbWNt&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1AMumEfS1p/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Yelp: https://yelp.com/biz/warrior-plumbing-wylie
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@warriorplumbingllc
