Title: Owner
Company: Z Plumbers of Downriver
Location: Flat Rock, MI
Education: Coursework in Architecture, University of Detroit Mercy
Career History: Owner, Aaron’s Plumbing Inc., Z Plumberz of Downriver
Anthony J. Rodriguez, Owner at Z Plumbers of Downriver, has been recognized as a Marquis Emerging Leader for their contributions and achievements in the field of plumbing.
Driven by hard work and determination, Mr. Rodriguez founded his company on his own in 2007 and eventually built a successful team, ultimately franchising with Z Plumberz, based in Flat Rock, Michigan. The business has long been committed to serving customers by meeting all their plumbing needs while teaching them about their work in the process—providing services in water heater repair and installation, toilet repair and installation, faucet repair and installation, sump pump repair and installation, dishwasher repair and installation, drain cleaning and lining, shower and bathtub leak repair, hot water systems, and clothes washers; in addition, Z Plumberz has a 24/7 in-house call center. He considers his greatest accomplishment lies in his ability to assemble and lead a high-performing team, expand into more markets, and give back to and support hard-working individuals.
As a child, Mr. Rodriguez developed a passion for architecture and ultimately took vocational and AutoCAD courses to hone his skills. He then attended the University of Detroit Mercy, where he received scholarships for studying architecture; despite excelling in his education, he became disheartened by the fact that many classmates he spoke to struggled to find jobs in their field after graduation, often having to move to California to increase their chances. He felt discouraged and worked with his uncle, who owned a plumbing company, on the weekends, and over time, he was encouraged to pursue this work full-time. He subsequently earned a plumbing contractor license, a master plumbing license, and a backflow certification. The first company he started was Arron’s Plumbing, Inc.
As a testament to his success and leadership, Mr. Rodriguez was recognized on the “Top 20 Under 20, Next Gen All-Star” by PM Magazine in 2023. Looking ahead, he plans to expand his business to Michigan, where he has close relationships with other franchises, and attain a construction loan to start his own project, designing and building his own home. His ultimate goal is to help his employees retire comfortably. In addition, he wishes to continue his affiliation with the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce as well as his company’s long-running contribution to local law enforcement or emergency responders.