Balancing Plumbing, Music, and Family Life: The Journey of a One-Man Business Owner
- Nick Coleman

- Apr 17
- 3 min read
Starting and running a one-man plumbing company while pursuing a degree in music production, managing a band, building a record label, and raising a family might sound like juggling too many balls at once. Yet, this is the reality for many passionate individuals who refuse to let their dreams be limited by time or circumstance. This blog shares an inside look at how one person manages these diverse roles, creating a life full of purpose, creativity, and connection.
Managing a One-Man Plumbing Business
Running a plumbing business alone means wearing many hats. From scheduling appointments to handling repairs and customer service, every task falls on one person’s shoulders. The key to success lies in organization and prioritization.
Time management is crucial. Setting clear work hours and sticking to them helps maintain balance.
Building trust with clients through consistent, quality work leads to repeat business and referrals.
Using technology like scheduling apps and invoicing software reduces administrative burdens.
Continuous learning keeps skills sharp and up to date with industry standards.
For example, when a client calls with an emergency leak, the ability to respond quickly and efficiently can make all the difference. Over time, this responsiveness builds a reputation that supports steady business growth.
Pursuing a Degree in Music Production
Attending LA Film School for a bachelor’s in music production adds another layer of commitment. Balancing coursework with a full-time business requires discipline and passion.
Setting realistic goals each semester helps manage workload.
Applying practical skills learned in school directly to personal projects like the band or record label enhances learning.
Networking with peers and instructors opens doors to collaborations and opportunities.
Music production is a demanding field that requires creativity and technical knowledge. Juggling this with plumbing work means using every free moment wisely, whether it’s editing tracks late at night or studying during breaks.
Leading Dirty Hands Nation and Building Hated On Records
Being part of a band, Dirty Hands Nation, and building Hated On Records, a label and production company, adds a creative outlet and community-building aspect to life.
Collaborating with band members strengthens musical skills and creates shared experiences.
Developing a label involves managing artists, producing music, and promoting releases.
Building a tribe means fostering connections within the community through music events and social gatherings.
The website www.col3man.com serves as a hub for music projects and updates, helping to connect with fans and collaborators. This online presence supports the growth of the music ventures alongside the plumbing business.
Balancing Family Life as a Husband and Father
Raising three children while managing multiple careers requires intentional effort to maintain family bonds and personal well-being.
Prioritizing quality time with family ensures meaningful connections despite busy schedules.
Sharing responsibilities with a spouse helps distribute the workload at home.
Setting boundaries between work and family time prevents burnout.
Involving children in music or simple plumbing tasks can create shared interests and learning moments.
For instance, dedicating weekends to family activities or music sessions allows for relaxation and strengthens relationships. This balance supports mental health and fuels motivation.
Building a Community Through Connection
At the heart of this journey is the desire to build a tribe—a community that supports and uplifts each other through shared passions and experiences.
Hosting local events brings people together around music and creativity.
Supporting fellow artists and tradespeople creates a network of mutual encouragement.
Using online platforms to share stories and projects extends the community beyond physical boundaries.
This approach turns individual efforts into collective growth, making the journey less lonely and more rewarding.

_2x_edited.png)





Comments