Today we’d like to introduce you to Dustin Marx
Hi Dustin, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’ve always been driven by a passion for innovation and a commitment to improving industries through technology and exceptional service. After graduating locally from Greenhill School and then graduating from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business, I embarked on a journey that led me through various leadership roles, each reinforcing my belief in the power of combining technology with human-centric service and entrepreneurship.
I previously founded and scaled a technology home services business, Stellar, that was designed for rental homes and independent contractors. I grew that business to over $100M in revenue before my exit. I loved it that journey, raising over $35M of Venture Capital, but wanted to do something different. One where there were no pressures to achieve growth, instead to focus on delivering an exceptional experience. We really wanted to improve the experience for home owners, and the experience for tradespeople.
My wife, Becca, and I saw an opportunity to transform the plumbing industry. We acquired Mother Modern Plumbing with a clear vision: to elevate the standard of home services by integrating modern technology, ensuring transparency, and fostering a culture where employees thrive. Our commitment to sharing 50% of all profits with employees and employee well-being stems from our belief that when our team prospers, our customers receive unparalleled service.
As a Dallas native residing in Preston Hollow, I take immense pride in serving my community. Our mission at Mother is to treat each home as if it were our own, delivering precision plumbing with integrity and care.
This journey has been about more than just plumbing; it’s about setting new standards in an age-old industry, ensuring that both our customers and employees feel valued and empowered.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Like any entrepreneurial journey, building Mother Modern Plumbing has been anything but smooth—but every challenge has shaped who we are today.
One of the biggest hurdles was breaking into an industry that’s been around forever. Plumbing is often viewed as a commodity, and with so many companies already operating in DFW, getting homeowners to see the difference we offer was an uphill battle. Brand awareness takes time, and trust isn’t built overnight.
We invested heavily—nearly $60,000 in Google Pay-Per-Click advertising—through multiple agencies, only to realize that many marketing strategies simply didn’t deliver real results. It was a tough (and expensive) lesson in understanding that modernizing plumbing isn’t just about technology—it’s about trust, relationships, and word-of-mouth.
On top of that, learning an entirely new industry was its own challenge. I had to step in as a novice and be willing to be wrong, listen, and trust my team. One of the moments that reinforced this was when a new employee told us—despite our mission of Helping People Thrive—they felt our entire compensation structure needed to change. Instead of dismissing it, we brought our entire team together, listened, and redesigned the whole system within three weeks. The next month, we nearly doubled our revenue, and our plumbers had better benefits and earning potential.
As an early-stage company, another major challenge was financing. Without a long business history, banks wouldn’t work with us. That meant every investment—from vehicles and equipment to hiring and growth—has to be strategic, lean, and resourceful.
And in this journey, there have been setbacks that cut deeper. Someone we trusted—who my wife, Becca, and I shared our vision with—took that concept and started a competing business. It was frustrating, but in the end, it only reinforced the need to focus on what we can control: our team, our customers, and our commitment to building something that truly stands apart.
Despite the challenges, we wouldn’t change a thing. Every roadblock has forced us to adapt, improve, and double down on our mission. And today, Mother isn’t just another plumbing company—it’s proof that when you put people first, success follows.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
At Mother Modern Plumbing, we’re not just another plumbing company—we’re redefining what homeowners should expect from a service provider. We believe in making plumbing simple, modern, and built on trust.
What We Do & Specialize In:
We offer full-service residential plumbing, including repairs, installations, and upgrades, with a specialty in tankless water heaters, whole-home water filtration, and sewer repair and replacement. But beyond the services we provide, we’re known for something bigger: reliability, transparency, and an obsession with customer experience.
What Sets Us Apart:
✔️ High Tech, Higher Standards: We leverage the latest technology to provide clear, upfront pricing, no hidden fees, and an effortless customer experience. No more vague time windows or confusing service quotes—just direct, honest communication.
✔️ Plumbers Who Thrive: We believe great service starts with happy employees. That’s why we split profits with our plumbers, offer top-tier benefits, and create a career path where they can grow and thrive.
✔️ A White-Glove Approach: Plumbing is messy, but our standards aren’t. We treat every home with care and leave it cleaner than we found it.
✔️ Membership Perks: We offer The Pipeline Membership, which gives homeowners priority service, free annual maintenance, and discounts on repairs. It’s our way of making plumbing proactive, not just reactive.
What We’re Most Proud of Brand-Wise:
Mother is not just a plumbing company—it’s a movement. We’re reshaping home services by proving that modern technology, customer care, and employee empowerment can coexist in an industry that’s been slow to change. The name Mother reflects our commitment to protecting homes, taking care of people, and always doing what’s right.
What We Want Readers to Know:
If you’re in DFW and looking for a plumbing company that actually cares, we’re here for you. Whether it’s a simple leak fix or a major home upgrade, Mother Modern Plumbing is built to deliver exceptional service, modern convenience, and peace of mind—every single time.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
For me, mentorship isn’t something that just happens—it’s something you have to seek out with intention. Every great mentor I’ve had has come from me taking the initiative to find the best in their field, reaching out, and arriving with a mindset of earnest learning and action.
My approach has always been to go straight to the people who have already done it—and done it exceptionally well. When I find someone whose success I admire, I don’t just ask for advice—I listen, implement their ideas, and then follow up with results. This has been key in building strong relationships with mentors who see that I’m serious about learning and applying their insights.
When it comes to networking, I’ve found that being genuinely curious and providing value to others first is the best way to form real connections. The best relationships aren’t built by just collecting contacts but by learning, sharing, and being willing to help others along the way.
The key to both mentorship and networking? Be intentional, be proactive, and always follow through.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.callmother.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mothermodernplumbing/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/motherplumbing
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/mother-modern-plumbing-dallas
