Quickfire Interview With Billy Boardman

In a world where every tool could tell a story, Billy Boardman is a tradesman who has an interesting story of his own. From unclogging pipes to installing plumbing systems, Boardman’s journey from army recruit to experienced trade pro is as fascinating as it is relatable. We caught up with the man himself a couple of weeks ago to discuss his tool theft story and how his claim went with Rhino Trade Insurance. After our chat, we decided to ask him some light-hearted questions. Here's what he had to say about his life in the world of plumbing and heating engineering.

The Most Challenging Projects:

Boardman dove straight into the deep end when talking about his most challenging project. "It's quite a big job for me," he confesses. A big warm air unit with a lot on the line, figuratively and literally. But it's his honesty that catches you off guard. "The most challenging job I've had is when I started my oil and I spilled a thousand litres of it on someone's garden." A stumble in the road, but one that adds a human touch to his everyday life as a jobbing heating engineer! 

Tools of the Trade:

Every tradesperson has their favourite tool, and Billy is no exception. "My electric vessel screwdriver," he quickly answered. A tool that speaks volumes about the modern plumber’s life, where efficiency meets necessity and as Billy says, it just makes life so much easier for him! 

His Superpower Fantasies:

"If you could have any superpower for your job, what would it be?" we asked. "Invisibility," he responds, without missing a beat. "Or is that a bit deviant?" he asks whilst we all laughed, adding a touch of mischief to his thoughts whilst pondering which superpower he’d prefer. 

Which Radio Station He’d Rather Have On Site:

“Fix Radio or Heart Dance” - the choice is simple for Boardman. Depending on his mood, he either prefers listening to tradespeople’s tales or "Just the old dance bangers!" he explained. A glimpse into his world where some days beats and boilers coexist in perfect harmony - we wonder what his dance moves include!

The Best and Worst of his Customers:

From the best to the worst, Billy's seen it all. "Your customers are almost like you," he says. "When you get good customers that are similar to you and you have a laugh on-site, it's just a breeze." But it's not always sunshine and roses. "Sometimes I find this quite hard when you're dealing with text messages," he admits, navigating the delicate communication of customer care with a cheeky smile. Something he most definitely learned whilst being in the army!

But what if he wasn’t a tradesman?:

Beyond the tools, pipes and boilers, there's a psychologist waiting to break free. "Psychologist," he declares when asked about his alternate career choice. "I've got a sixth-sense," he explains, revealing a depth beyond the surface - letting us in behind the curtain. "I just like the way people think.” - Perhaps something honed in on during his time in the army after also studying the subject at A-level in college. 

What advice would he give new tradespeople:

In the world of plumbing and heating engineering, Boardman lives by one golden rule: "Listen to your elders." It's advice he's taken to heart, and it's paid dividends in his career considering his outlook and willingness to learn. "Whatever they say is for a reason." It's a lesson learned through experience, a mantra for both the young and the old.

In Billy Boardman's world, every job is a lesson, every person he meets is a story to tell. And as he navigates the twists and turns of his trade, one thing is clear: the journey is just as important as the destination. 

Find out more about how Rhino Trade Insurance can help you just like we helped sorted Billy’s claim in 7 days. We are easy to get hold of - 0116 243 7904 and can quickly give you a personal quote in 60 seconds.