We sat down with Martyn Jones from M4RT to discuss how he got started as an installer and his experience of installing the Zero Emission Boiler (ZEB®).
Can you tell me more about yourself and where you started in the heating and plumbing industry?
I was about 14/15 when I first started. I got inspired by a gas bloke that came to fit the boiler in at home and it was all the flames that got me excited – I saw fire and thought this is exactly what I want to do when I grow up. So I then went and paid for myself to go through college and at the age of 16, I did some part-time work with a plumber to gain experience, most of it was unpaid. Eventually, I decided to start my own business.
How did you start your own business and did you find it difficult?
Not too difficult, as when I worked part-time whilst at college I built relationships with different people and back then word-of-mouth marketing was a massive thing, I also worked for British Gas for 18 years.
How did you find out about tepeo and why did you want to become a tepeoPRO?
I was approached by one of your sales representatives, we always like new products and love new ideas – something that pushes the boundaries. I was hesitant at first, as most boiler professionals who are used to working with gas are but once I put it in and it worked the same as a boiler is supposed to I couldn’t believe it – it was amazing.
I thought to myself, for somebody who can’t have an air source heat pump or doesn’t want the upheaval associated with one, this is a perfect option. It was exactly like a gas boiler, it heats the radiators the same, pipework you can pretty much keep the same and so I thought…perfect. It’s another choice for our customers.
What were your first thoughts about the ZEB?
I was a bit sceptical at first! I think everybody remembers the old storage unit days and I mean, I have taken hundreds of those out of homes and of course, the ZEB is not the same. Technology has grown massively over the years since I started out.
How did you find the training for the installation process of the ZEB?
Very good, very straightforward. If you’ve been working in the trade and involved with heating for a while and already know your stuff, this is second-knowledge. The ZEB will not be a problem.
How do you find working with tepeo and the tepeoPRO team
Fine, I’ve had no problems whatsoever. I have a good relationship with the area sales representative and the team are very easy to get hold of if I need anything.
Photo Caption: M4RT is a family-run company operating in and around the south of England.
Have you installed a ZEB already?
Yes, I have installed a lot of ZEB’s already and the installation process is very straightforward – if you are a heating professional it will be a breeze.
How long does it take to install the ZEB on average and how did you find the install process?
It takes up to two days, as we need to do proper flushing and things like that. We have to ensure the system is clean as obviously if you’re removing an old boiler you need to brick up the hole and then plaster and make good then remove all the old pipework but it roughly takes a good day and a half to two days and that is a standard install of a new boiler, so the process is the same. The installation process is very straightforward, it’s like second knowledge if you’ve worked in the heating industry.
How do you find using the tepeoPRO App, is there anything that can be improved?
The tepeoPRO App is brilliant, I wish more gas boiler manufacturers had a similar App which tells you exactly what the boiler is doing and exactly what you need to know as a heating engineer. I love the App, I think it is great.
Is there anything tepeo can do to help installers with the installation process of the ZEB?
I don’t think anything is lacking or that could be improved, the best thing is that the ZEB is delivered onsite by the tepeo team – you bring it in and position it exactly where it needs to be and if not we can always move it to where we want it using the jacking wheels. The best thing about it is, it has been well thought about and the process is very straightforward.
Have you noticed a change in customers’ attitudes towards more sustainable heating solutions?
Yes, definitely. A lot of the products are new, but they are getting there. We are seeing boiler manufacturers introducing more eco-friendly options like tepeo, but the main thing is that the customer is getting the choice and they can make up their mind on what they want to do.
What do your customers say about the ZEB?
Very little hassle – our Trustpilot reviews are incredible for the ZEB.
Do you have a lot of customers who are suitable for the ZEB in the future?
Yes definitely – I don’t think everybody will be suited for an air source heat pump and so that is where the ZEB slips in nicely.
Join our tepeoPRO network and take your business to the next level.
👉 Free marketing support – materials for your website, customers and installation teams.
👉 Receive direct enquiries from tepeo for customers in your area.
👉 Ongoing support from our team – regional lead, technical support and customer services.
Once qualified we’ll send you everything you need to get started and add you to our installer network so that when customer enquiries come in we can send them directly to you. We’ll accompany you on your first survey and installation to give support, feedback and hints/ tips specific to the ZEB.
Author: Shannon Garner | Marketing Executive