Today we’d like to introduce you to Vitaliy Semenikhin.
Hi Vitaliy, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always enjoyed working with my hands, but from a young age I was pushed toward academics. The expectation was clear — college was the only path to success. I followed that direction for a while, even setting my sights on becoming a rocket scientist. But along the way, I realized that college isn’t for everyone, and that real opportunity exists in the trades for those who are willing to work hard and learn.
I started my career doing HVAC, electrical, and general construction work — anything that allowed me to build, fix, and create. I loved it. Along the way, I found myself constantly asking plumbing questions to a master plumber I often worked alongside. One day, tired of my endless curiosity, he looked at me and said, “If you come work for me, I’ll teach you everything I know.”
So I did. And true to his word, he poured his knowledge, skill, and experience into me. I spent years learning the trade from him — not just the technical side, but the pride, patience, and craftsmanship that define a true professional.
Then tragedy struck. I lost my mentor and best friend to an accident. It was a devastating loss, but what remained was the wisdom and skill he had passed down through years of working side by side. His lessons became the foundation I stood on.
Three years ago, I decided to carry that legacy forward and opened my own plumbing business. Today, I’m proud to be training my own apprentice — just as my mentor once trained me. It feels like the journey has come full circle.
What started as a detour from rocket science has become something far more meaningful: a career built on hard work, craftsmanship, and the satisfaction of keeping a tradition alive through the next generation of tradespeople.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Definitely not. Like most things worth doing, the road has had its fair share of bumps, setbacks, and lessons learned the hard way.
In the early days, the biggest challenge was starting over. Walking away from a traditional academic path meant redefining what success looked like for me. There were moments of doubt — wondering if I’d made the right choice, especially when the work was tough, dirty, or unpredictable.
Learning the trades wasn’t easy either. Every day brought new problems to solve, and mistakes were part of the process. There were long hours, tight deadlines, and plenty of jobs that tested my patience and determination. But those experiences also built my confidence and resilience.
Losing my mentor was by far the hardest part of the journey. He wasn’t just a teacher — he was a friend who believed in me when I was still figuring things out. After he passed, I had to find the strength to keep moving forward and honor what he’d taught me. That period tested me not just as a plumber, but as a person.
When I started my own business, the challenges changed shape but didn’t go away. Suddenly I wasn’t just responsible for the work — I was responsible for everything: finding jobs, managing customers, keeping the books, and building a reputation. There were months where work was slow, and times I questioned if I’d make it.
But every struggle brought growth. I learned to be adaptable, to take pride in small wins, and to treat every customer like they were the most important one. Now, looking back, those hard times were what shaped me into the tradesman and business owner I am today.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Precision Drain?
My business was built on a simple foundation: do honest work, treat people right, and take pride in every job — big or small. We specialize in residential and light commercial plumbing, handling everything from service and repairs to remodels, new installations, and custom plumbing solutions.
What truly sets us apart is the care and craftsmanship we bring to each project. I learned early on that plumbing isn’t just about fixing leaks or installing pipes — it’s about protecting homes, ensuring comfort, and giving people peace of mind. Every job is done as if it were for my own family.
Our customers know us for being reliable, transparent, and detail-oriented. We show up when we say we will, communicate clearly, and leave every space cleaner than we found it. Whether it’s a small repair or a complex project, we make sure the work is done right the first time.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
The key is to be curious, show initiative, and genuinely want to learn. That’s exactly how I found my mentor — by asking questions, paying attention, and showing that I was serious about improving my craft. Eventually, that persistence opened the door to one of the most meaningful relationships of my life.
If you’re looking for a mentor, start by putting yourself in the right environments — get on job sites, join local trade associations, and show up ready to work. Experienced tradespeople notice attitude more than skill. If you’re dependable, respectful, and eager to learn, someone will take you under their wing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://share.google/GIoowxhHUFQhQamEu
- Other: https://nextdoor.com/page/precision-drain-lawrenceville-ga
