10 Questions With John Cataneo From Gateway Plumbing And Heating

John Cataneo might have started out working mechanical systems at Gateway Plumbing & Heating, but 30 years later, his family-owned business has flourished toward services comprising single-family residences to mid-rise, commercial real estate.

Patch: How did you get started in the plumbing and heating industry?

Cataneo: My father started a company called Gateway Plumbing and Heating in 1976 when I was 7 years old. It's been through all the ups and downs of a startup small business throughout the years, and when he retired from the business about 20 years ago, my brother and I decided to repurpose the infrastructure we had, which was little more than two vans stocked with tools and a small amount of stock to take on larger residential work in areas closer to where commuters to NYC often live.

Patch: What is your definition of success?

Cataneo: My definition of success is to make a good living providing better service and value than my competitors and being known for it.

Patch: What sets one plumbing and heating company apart from another? And how are you unique?

Cataneo: In a word: training. My brother and I are very good at what we do, and the way we got here is by learning by our mistakes and training for what we couldn’t learn quickly enough in the field. I’m often surprised when getting calls from clients who have had bad experiences with other companies who haven’t taken the time to keep up with new technologies. People love to buy cutting-edge technology, whether it's their smart phone or their boilers. In this industry, letting current trends get by you means years of playing catch-up. I don't know how any company can afford to overcome those kinds of self-inflicted obstacles.

Patch: What's the best piece of business advice you've ever been given?

Cataneo: "Don’t cut corners. Don’t work for people who insist you do."

Patch: If you had to recommend three books to someone, what would they be and why?

Cataneo: How to Win Friends and Influence People gives you some simple methods to follow to get and keep people's attention and even friendship. The Old Man and The Sea. Don't overreach. You've already got more than you realize. The Lost Art of Steam Heating answered so many questions for me. What it didn't teach me it forced me to learn on my own. I'm better at all I do because of it.

Patch: What can people do right now to help maintain their pipes?

Cataneo: Not much. Keep hair and grease out as best you can.

Patch: What’s the best part of helping improve people's homes?

Cataneo: Providing a service that protects and maintains people's largest investment is rewarding in many ways. When a client says "thank you," you know where it comes from.

Patch: How can readers contact you to learn more about Gateway Plumbing & Heating?

Cataneo: Readers can check out our website and look around at some of the work we do, although it's just a fraction of what a plumbing and heating company is tasked to perform. My brother and I are always looking at new and interesting jobs as well as common residential repairs and upgrades, so we must seem like the kind of company that can help because I'm happy to say we get those calls and emails often. Our office staff is always available at (973) 672-1000.

Photo courtesy of Gateway Plumbing & Heating