Today we’d like to introduce you to Autumn Schellhase.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Autumn. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
After having our third son in April 2016, my husband and I decided to sell our home in Mansfield, TX and move to Little Elm, TX and start a plumbing company with the money from our home. We had a vision of really helping customers with quality service and integrity. It took us almost a year to get the courage to jump right into the business and forego steady income from a job. Word of mouth, especially within our neighborhood community, launched our business dramatically. Our first year, we made a profit and in the second year, we doubled it. We’ve been able to maintain steady growth and it was at that time, I decided to pursue real estate. Real estate had always been something I loved to learn and participate in. We had a nightmare experience when we bought our home in 2009. Our lender was not knowledgable on a HUD foreclosure combined with a VA loan, and we were literally two days from being homeless when the title company walked him through what needed to happen to get us to close. When we sold our home, our realtor was amazing and the entire process was a breeze. That is when I really understood how important it was to have a realtor by your side during the buying and selling of homes. I find being a realtor is another way to be of service to our community and one that I greatly enjoy.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has definitely NOT been smooth at all. We moved an hour and a half from all my network of help, and there I was with a newborn, toddler and kindergartner. My husband was working around the clock and I was alone to juggle the kids, house and figure out all the administrative elements needed to start a plumbing company. Not only was I exhausted, but I was terrified of losing that steady income. And that is where my biggest advice comes to play for not only women but anyone that is wanting to pursue their dreams. Do not let your fear stop you from moving forward. When we finally decided to go all-in, that first weekend, we made more than my husband made in a 2-week pay period. Fear will always be there, learn to push it aside and go. And ask for help, if there is something you’re not familiar with, seek advice from someone that is an expert. Do not be afraid to say, I don’t know how to do something, no one expects you to know it all. You will be surprised at how many people actually love to help others out. Approach them with a sense of gratitude for their time and expertise and they’ll teach you everything they have to offer. Network, not just with other businesses/entrepreneurs, but with others in your community. Join an organization that you are passionate about, participate in the Facebook groups that you are apart of, get out there and meet people. I’m shy around people I do not know, so this is a hard one for me. I have found that the more I do it, the easier it gets. I’m now a member of the Junior League of Collin County, which I only really discovered after a colleague in the trades industry recommended I look into.
Another thing I want to mention for young women is the To-Do List. That never-ending to-do list we all have. Toss it in the recycle bin. Write down your top goals and then work backwards making a list of what needs to be done for each of them. Then take two of those items and make it your goal to finish those in the week. Some weeks, you can do more than two depending on the items and how much time you have that week, but always keep the initial goal to two items. Life can get crazy and the unexpected errands/appointments always pop up. By having just two items for the week gives you the ability to avoid the guilt and stress of not getting things done. At the same time, when you’ve finished those two tasks, you feel accomplished and proactive and the momentum continues. Those positive feelings combined with your action will get you much further and closer to your goals than having a huge to-do list. Remember, slow and steady wins the race every single time.
What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of as a company? What sets you apart from others?
Our plumbing company, Go Pro Plumbing, specializes in leak detection/location, sewer & water lines, slab leaks, gas lines for residential homes within the Collin and Denton counties. We pride ourselves on being a veteran-owned business that provides discounts to our veterans and military families, educators, first responders and senior citizens. We’re known for going above and beyond to educate our customers on their plumbing situation and being the best advocate we can be for their best interest. Go Pro Plumbing also loves to be involved in the community and recently was a part of a Tools of the Trade event for the Boys & Girls Club in Plano, where we showed children a plumbing demonstration. Being of service to our customers and the community is our passion.
As co-owner of Go Pro Plumbing, I’m also a member of an organization called Lady Pros, which is a group of women in the trades dedicated to their craft, ethical standards and helping other women rise to leadership opportunities.
I, as a realtor with Fathom Realty, specializing in the sale of new and existing homes in the Dallas Fort Worth area.
I started out in the construction industry a little over 14 years ago working with Project Managers in a doors & hardware company. From there, I worked for two different industrial and mechanical companies and married a plumber. I can offer a unique perspective to the home buying/selling process and use that to help people make the biggest financial decision of their lives. It’s just another way I can be of service to others.
Right now, I’m working on building a website that will have content about the DFW community for people to explore and learn about all that DFW has to offer.
Do you recommend any apps, books or podcasts that have been helpful to you?
At the risk of sounding a bit woo woo, I love the book “The Universe Has Your Back” by Gabby Bernstein. I listen to it on audio at the first of every month, I feel like it really helps keep me stay in a positive mindset. Currently, I’m working my way through her latest book, the Super Attractor, which is going to be one on repeat.
Clearly, Audible is one of my favorite apps. I’m on the road a ton, between work and carpool for three boys, my car is my second home. This is where I will get in my reading/listening but only when I’m alone.
Some other books I recommend are Profit First by Mike Michaelowicz, The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks, The Science of Getting Rich by Wallace D. Wattles.
I love the podcast Manifestation Babe and feel like that’s a must for all women.
Right now, I’m learning about Trello to help organize all my ideas and workflow and so far, it’s been very helpful. I keep a basic planner in my purse for all my appointments. I used to use iCal, but I have found that writing it down helps me to remember it better.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.goproplumbingtx.com & www.dfwluxeliving.com
- Phone: 469.888.2294
- Email: info@goproplumbingtx.com & hello@dfwluxeliving.com
- Instagram: Dfwluxeliving
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goproplumbingtx/ https://www.facebook.com/autumn.schellhase
Image Credit:
Julia Ponce of JulesPonce Photography
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