This past July, Central Texas experienced one of the deadliest floods in U.S. history. On July 4, slow-moving downpours fell on hard, drought-affected ground, creating rapid runoff and catastrophic flash flooding, forcing many communities to declare flash flood emergencies. The Guadalupe River rose 26 feet within 45 minutes, according to state officials. The natural disaster claimed at least 135 lives, many of them children, and caused an estimated $18-22 billion in total damage and economic loss, according to Accuweather.
One local HVAC and plumbing contractor kept its doors open despite having no power and only limited, spotty cell service. To the T Plumbing, Heating & Air’s resilience highlighted the essential role contractors play in keeping communities safe and comfortable, even in crisis. The key to keeping operations running was using Housecall Pro’s mobile app. The software is cloud-based, so To the T was able to keep in contact with its employees and customers.
“We were completely landlocked by low water crossings, but our technicians were not,” says Lane Williams, owner of To the T Plumbing, Heating & Air of Austin. “We were able to log into the mobile app. We answered calls and scheduled services — like any other day — directly through the mobile app because we were without power for three to four days. The functionality of the app was a lifesaver. We didn’t miss a beat.”
The company has two locations, one in Leander and the other in Round Rock, Texas. Knowing that the contracting company was still up and running was a huge morale boost for both team members and customers alike.
“We had customers who knew where our Leander office was reaching out to us, checking to make sure we were okay,” Willaims says. “When they found out we were still working, they were impressed. Our technicians rely on their jobs to take care of their families. Knowing we were still able to schedule jobs from an island, basically, gave them peace of mind.”
Williams notes that using the mobile app, To the T identified some people in the community who needed portable air conditioning units after power was eventually restored. Williams, along with his wife, personally used a bicycle trailer to walk the unit across a bridge that was closed to vehicle traffic due to flood damage.
Technology to the Rescue
Thanks to Housecall Pro’s mobile app, To the T coordinated 17 calls that fateful week following the flooding.
“My wife and I were volunteering in the community and still taking calls and scheduling jobs,” Williams says. “Specifically, Mark McMillion reached out to us about his house right after floods; his property was partially flooded. He saw our Facebook videos and reached out. We were able to get him on the schedule and are still working with him now on multiple plumbing projects.”
Williams notes that without the mobile ability of the app, the business would have ground to a stop.
“My guys would have had the ability to wor,k but wouldn’t have known where to go or when to go there,” he says. “We had the ability to gather all the customer information and put it in the app. We were able to schedule the jobs and convey all customer information to our techs directly through the app. We didn’t miss a day of work.”
While recovery would have progressed eventually without the use of technology, Williams adds that it wouldn’t have been as smooth.
“We also wouldn’t have had the ability to continue to service our community in the midst of the chaos. Housecall Pro kept the chaos in our community from becoming chaos in our business,” he says.
Overall, Williams advises HVAC contracting business owners to prepare for any scenario. “Be prepared — partner with companies like Housecall Pro. You never know when something like this can happen. With a strong partner, you can keep the doors open and weather any storm!
“In times like these, people’s true nature comes out,” Williams adds. “The true nature of our community is one of love and resilience. Our neighbors came together for one another; our city, county, and state came together to help all the families negatively affected. The rebuilding is ongoing, and with the help of Housecall Pro, To the T Plumbing, Heating and Air will continue to support our neighbors and ensure that they get their lives back on track.”
