What happens when a plumber and a dietitian join forces? A whole lot more than you think…
In this powerful episode of Potty Talk, Richard sits down with James and Michelle Hill — a plumbing power couple who took a leap of faith, went all-in on their business, and transformed their life forever.
James (aka “The Aussie Plumber”) shares how he went from high-paid tech to burned-out and ready to start fresh. Michelle reveals why she initially said no to joining the business — and what made her change her mind.
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From Australia to Arizona: How James & Michelle Built Their Dream Plumbing Business Together
Hey, plumbing pro—want to know what real courage looks like?
It’s leaving a secure job, starting from scratch in a new country, and building a business with your spouse.
That’s exactly what James and Michelle Hill did.
We sat down with the Aussie Plumber himself, James, and his wife Michelle, to hear how they went from burned-out employees to bold business owners building a life of freedom in Arizona.
Nugget #1: It All Started With One Brave Question
James was a top-producing plumber at someone else’s company. But like many high earners with strong opinions, he became “too much” for management to handle.
It was Michelle who asked the question that changed everything:
“Why don’t you just start your own business?”
From that moment on, they were all in.
Michelle floated the household while James got licensed, hustled odd jobs, and began laying the groundwork for what would become a thriving plumbing business.
Nugget #2: From Pickup Jobs to Potty Talk Pros
Their growth wasn’t instant—it was earned.
Starting with a pickup truck and Angi leads, James focused on showing up, communicating well, and delivering above-and-beyond service.
One van turned into two. The calls kept coming.
And then James hit a wall: he needed help.
Michelle, a successful dietitian at the time, resisted at first.
But after some heart-to-hearts (and James asking a second time), she joined the business full-time. And that’s when everything changed.
Nugget #3: Burn the Ships and Build the Dream
Michelle didn’t join “for” James. She joined “with” James.
They both left careers behind to build something together. And it wasn’t easy.
From learning the trade, to answering phones, to having pricing conversations that made her stomach flip—Michelle dove in.
But the real game-changer?
The Success Academy.
James said it best: “I knew how to be a plumber. I didn’t know how to run a business.”
The Honest Hourly Rate calculator rocked their world, and Michelle saw how investing in coaching fast-tracked their growth (even when the credit card came out!).
Today, James and Michelle are certified MDP coaches and living the very freedom they dreamed of: slow mornings, date nights, time with their team, and a business that’s built around their values.
Ready to Build Your Freedom Lifestyle?
James and Michelle are proof that you don’t need to have it all figured out.
You just need to start.
Here’s What to Do Next:
👉 Join My FREE Skool Group – Get training, resources, and connect with other plumbing pros who are scaling their businesses. Click here to join.
👉 Book a Free Strategy Call – Stop guessing. Let’s map out your pricing, hiring, and marketing so you can get out of the truck and grow a business that works without you. Book your call here.
