AT 28, Ratu Jone Biukoto has already made a mark by building his own plumbing service business, John’s Plumbing, that is now officially a year old in operation.
Originating from Nabasovi, Koro Island in Lomaiviti, Ratu Jone’s journey is one that symbolises experience, perseverance and a desire to build something meaningful for his family and future.
Ratu Jone’s passion for plumbing began during his time at the Fiji National University (FNU), where he gained foundational knowledge of the trade.
He broadened his skills further through various work experiences with companies like Nadi Plumbing, Jacks’ Manufacturing, and Western Builders Limited.
While in these companies, he learnt more than just technical skills, he learnt the value of moving forward and never settling in one place.
“I never really settled well with working under one employer,” Ratu Jone said.
“I spent only a year in each company, moving on to the next to gain more experience. I realised that staying in one place all your life doesn’t allow for growth. You must be proactive and make sure you’re always learning and moving forward,” he said.
This eventually led Ratu Jone to start John’s Plumbing.
Motivated by the desire to provide a better future for his wife and six-month-old son, Ratu Jone saw an opportunity in the underappreciation of skilled workers in Fiji.
“The payslips I received from previous jobs didn’t reflect the true value of the work I did,” he said.
“The companies thrive off our hard work, but they don’t recognise the worth of the people doing it.”
Initially, like most start-ups, John’s Plumbing faced financial challenges.
He had to rely on borrowed tools from friends, but his determination and resourcefulness helped him push through.
“The first job I did, I took photos and shared them on social media. That’s when things really took off. People started reaching out, asking for my services, and from there, my business began to grow.”
Today, John’s Plumbing operates Monday to Saturday, from 8am to 8pm.
Ratu Jone and his team of two apprentices provide a wide range of residential plumbing services, including meter installation, tiling, sewer line blockage repairs, bathroom fixtures, and replacement of faulty water systems.
He works directly with clients, conducting consultations, inspections, and scheduling repairs based on customer needs.
Ratu Jone is very particular about building client relationships.
“I don’t rush my work, I take it one day at a time and manage my clients properly,” he said.
“I prioritise who comes first, not who pays more. Every job, big or small, gets my full attention. Some customers are very clear about what they want, and others need more guidance, but either way, I make sure they’re happy with the work I do.”
Ratu Jone also offers emergency services at a higher cost for clients who need immediate assistance.
Consistency in his work quality has led to referrals, helping his reputation grow in the local community.
As a family man, he finds it difficult to balance the demands of running a business with spending time with his wife and son.
His wife, an engineer by profession, has been an unwavering source of support throughout the journey.
“I don’t always get to see my son because of the long work hours but I’m doing all of these for my family.
“Every day, I picture them in my mind and remind myself that I’m doing it for their future.”
Ratu Jone’s vision extends beyond his business, he hopes to teach his son the value of hard work from an early age.
“I can’t wait for the day when I can take my son to work with me. I’ll teach him simple skills, like turning off the meter or mending little knobs, I want him to learn the value of working for his money,” he said.
While his business currently focuses on residential plumbing, he hopes to expand into construction in the coming years, which means he will have to apply for a licence for plumbing in commercial buildings from the Water Authority of Fiji.
“I’m hoping to expand into construction and broaden my product lines, but before that, I’m waiting for licensing from the Water Authority of Fiji.
“In the meantime, I’ll keep growing my business, one step at a time,” he said.
For now, he has a piece of advise to those wishing to go into business: “If you have the interest and the skills, just do it. Don’t worry about the finances; when you hustle and struggle, things will turn out. And most importantly, pray about it.”
