When you meet Jason Tart of North Port, Florida, you’re immediately struck by his straightforward warmth and deep pride in his work. After 25 years in the plumbing industry, Jason is more than just a master plumber; he’s a dedicated business owner with an eye for quality and a commitment to his community. Moving from Baltimore to Florida was bold, but Jason thrives on challenges. In Sarasota, he’s not only built Sunrise Plumbing and Water Filtration into a trusted name but recently took on a new venture with a commercial cleaning franchise. In a recent conversation with Business Insiders, Jason Tart shares insights from his 25-year journey as a master plumber and business owner.
What’s your approach to leadership, and how has it evolved over time?
My approach to leadership is rooted in trust and empowerment. Early on, I thought being a leader meant doing it all myself to ensure everything was done right. Over the years, I’ve learned that strong leaders surround themselves with a capable team and trust them to handle their responsibilities. I focus on training, mentoring, and empowering my team to make decisions, which has created a more collaborative and motivated work environment.
Who has had the biggest influence on your career, and what did you learn from them?
My biggest influence was my mentor, whom I met after graduating from Eastern Technical School. He taught me the technical and people skills needed to succeed in the plumbing industry. I learned how to manage complex projects, navigate customer relations, and run a business with integrity. That mentorship shaped my approach to both plumbing and running my own company.
What’s the biggest risk you’ve taken in your career, and how did it pay off?
Moving from Baltimore to North Port, Florida, was a huge leap. I had built a solid business back in Baltimore, where I also owned a custom home construction company, Sunrise Custom Homes. Relocating meant leaving behind everything I’d established and starting fresh. But it paid off—Sunrise Plumbing and Water Filtration has grown significantly in Florida, and I’ve been able to tap into a market where quality plumbing and water filtration are highly valued. Plus, the move allowed me to expand my business interests in the area.
What trends do you see shaping the future of your industry, and how are you preparing for them?
Water filtration is increasingly becoming a necessity, not just an add-on. With growing concerns about water quality, more homeowners are investing in filtration systems, and we’re seeing a surge in demand. I’ve invested in additional training and equipment to offer top-tier water filtration solutions. Additionally, as technology advances, I’m keeping an eye on smart plumbing systems that allow for remote monitoring and leak detection—this kind of tech will transform how we approach residential plumbing in the near future.
What failure taught you the most, and how did you bounce back from it?
I took on more work than my team could handle in my early days. We ended up falling behind on projects, and customer satisfaction took a hit. It taught me the importance of setting realistic expectations and focusing on quality over quantity. Since then, I’ve streamlined our processes and focused on building a team that can handle the workload while maintaining high standards. It was a tough lesson, but it pushed me to refine my approach to customer service and time management.
What habits or routines do you follow that contribute to your success?
Consistency is key for me. Every morning, I review the day’s tasks and prioritize. I also make it a point to stay physically active—exercise helps me manage stress and keeps me focused. Another habit I value is taking time to listen to my team’s feedback. Regular check-ins with them ensure we’re all aligned and helps catch any issues early.
What’s next for you? Any exciting projects or goals on the horizon that you can share?
I recently purchased a commercial cleaning franchise called Assett Commercial Services. We’re new to Sarasota, and I’m excited to build connections and partnerships here. Our team was heavily involved in helping Sarasota County recover from the recent hurricanes, and it was rewarding to contribute to the community in a meaningful way. I’m eager to see where this new venture takes us and am constantly on the lookout for ways to expand and improve our services.
Key Takeaways
From his early days learning the trade to taking the bold leap to Florida, he’s proven that true success is about more than just technical skills—it’s about building relationships, adapting to new challenges, and continuously learning. His commitment to his team and customers shines through in every project. Now, with his new venture in Sarasota and North Port, Florida, it’s clear that Jason Tart is far from finished. Whether he’s enhancing water quality for families or helping the community rebuild after a storm, Jason shows us what it means to lead with purpose.
