Summary:

Private equity firms are buying up plumbing, electric, and other home service companies. This is because the work is in demand, produces a reliable stream of revenue, and is still difficult to automate. Ownership changes like these can affect pricing structures, scheduling, workloads, and the overall quality of the service day-to-day. Ultimately, the trades will always be more than just an investment because trust, skilled craftsmanship, and strong community ties are what make businesses in the industry thrive.

Time to Read	6-8 minutes
What You’ll Learn	How private equity firms work About the Wizard Plumbing acquisition Why the trades are more than just an investment Who to call for plumbing and electric services next Where skilled tradespeople can find work in the Bay Area
Next Steps	Contact Caccia Home Services anytime for help Browse Caccia’s career page for new opportunities

Why The Trades Are More than Just an Investment

Big changes are happening in the plumbing world right now, and we’re already starting to see the effects here in the Bay Area. Private equity (PE) firms are buying up family-owned plumbing companies increasingly often because of the value and stability they offer, even in an uncertain economy.

Wizard Plumbing is the latest on the list, so we wanted to take a moment to recognize how much they’ve done for the local community over the years. Here at Caccia, we’re rooting for them as they navigate this change and hope they continue to succeed long into the future.

But we also want to start a bigger conversation about why PE firms are so interested in the trades lately and what that might mean for homeowners and the workers who serve them. So, let’s talk about it!

The PE Play: What’s Behind the Buyouts?

PE firms pool money from investors and use it to buy companies, then work to increase their value over a few years. If they’re successful, they’ll sell them off for a profit at the end of this cycle.

The trades are a popular target because:

• They’re a stable and recurring source of revenue, which is less risky
• Plumbing, electrical, and other professional home services are essential work
• They’re still somewhat insulated from automation (at least for now)

It makes sense to invest in an industry that’s so strong and resilient. But PE ownership does mean that most firms prioritize generating returns for their investors first, which can impact business decisions about everything from pricing for services to how much time technicians can spend with each customer.

The Three Core Values PE Can’t Buy

PE acquisitions can be good or bad. Sometimes, buyouts like these help a business access the capital it needs to upgrade equipment, expand its services, or continue to grow. They can also give owners the power to move on to other projects or retire comfortably when they’re ready.

But let’s talk about what private equity can’t buy:

• Trust. You can buy a company, but you can’t buy the decades of experience and stellar reputation that come from showing up for people when they need you most at a fair rate.

• Craft. True craftsmanship can’t be scaled or optimized on a financial spreadsheet. It’s coached, mentored, practiced, and perfected, and that takes time.

• Community. Local businesses are led by people who live here, raise their families here, and pave a path for others to build their own successful careers in the trades here. They’re your neighbors!

At Caccia, values like these are the very foundation of our story. It isn’t that growth isn’t important to us; it’s just always centered on the work itself and the people who either provide or benefit from it. When you focus on the people at the heart of it all, you build something more than just a business.

Why Caccia Is Still Going Strong

Caccia Home Services is an employee-led company, and that’s definitely a big part of why we’re still going strong after nearly 50 years in business! Being independent makes it easier for us to make decisions quickly and pivot on a dime in response to the market or a customer’s needs.

It’s also what gives us the power to keep:

• Hiring skilled tradespeople who live and work right here in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties
• Building genuine relationships with customers that last because they know they can trust us
• Investing in local talent by creating opportunities for people to explore careers in the trades
• Believing that it’s important to always keep learning if you want to stay competitive
• Giving back to the community and charitable organizations whenever we can

When James first started the business in 1979, he had a simple mission: show up, treat people right, and deliver high-quality services at an honest rate. Although we’ve built on those values over the years, they still serve as the main foundation. That’s why so many customers call us first.

But don’t take our word for it! See what customers like Gary, Sharon, Evelyn, and Berta have to say about Caccia and the quality of our services for yourself on our testimonial page.

A Message to Former Wizard Plumbing Customers

If you’ve been a Wizard customer for a while now, you might be wondering what happens next or who to call when you need help. Much like our team, many of their technicians had long-standing relationships with the customers they served and looked forward to helping them in the future.

At Caccia Home Services, we’d love the opportunity to earn your trust.

You’ll get:

• The same level of service from local pros, and you can get to know them
• Honest, straightforward pricing with good value and transparent, upfront quotes
• Plumbing and electric services anytime you need them (including after hours and holidays)
• Technicians who respect you and treat you right from start to finish, no exceptions

We’re here whenever you’re ready. Just give us a call at (650) 294-8622 or schedule a call online.

A Message to Technicians and Tradespeople

Are you a skilled tradesperson looking for a place where your work matters and your voice is heard? Let’s talk! Caccia is always looking for people who take pride in their craft and want to work alongside a team that values what they bring to the table.

You get so much in return:

• Competitive pay with full medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Retirement matching and paid time off so you can enjoy life
• Access to advanced equipment, systems, and learning platforms
• Training and mentorship opportunities to help you grow your career
• A tight-knit culture that respects your expertise and experience
• The opportunity to build real relationships with the customers you serve

Visit our careers page to see current openings and learn more about what it’s like to work with us.

The Future of the Trades Belongs to Those Who Care

The trades are changing fast, but the fact that PE firms are so interested in them proves that the more things change, the more they stay the same. The home services industry will always be profitable because it’s focused on delivering essential services people just can’t live without.

But the heart of what we do still belongs to the people: the technicians who show up when needed, the apprentices learning the trade, and the people helping to build our reputation one job at a time.

Quality over quotas. Craft over corporate interests. That’s the Caccia way.