Former rugby league first grader (playing for a number of teams including Cronulla, Wests and the Adelaide Rams) Andrew Hick drew on the dedication and no-nonsense attitude required to be a professional sportsman when he went back to his trade, plumbing, after retiring from the sport.
And when Andrew started building his own business, Front Row Plumbing, he also drew on the same dedication and commitment he displayed on the field. As the business grew, it wasn’t long before word of mouth saw an influx of referrals. Seven years on the business continues to grow with work coming in from a number of builders, the general public as well government and contractual work.
Even with such growth Andrew still finds the diversity of the work, which can range from completing maintenance and construction in general plumbing, drainage to gas fitting for domestic, commercial and industrial situations, rewarding and exciting.
One of the key lessons that professional sport taught Andrew was how to balance work and ensure a stable home life. Although in the early days when he was trying to establish himself and the business, it was at times difficult to manage all areas of his life, Andrew credits his wife Ange with being as loving and as supportive as anyone could have hoped for. And, with a four-year-old and twins under two, he feels she has made just as many sacrifices as he has.
Andrew has also valued the guidance and assistance he has received from other family members and friends saying that their input has been something he couldn’t put a price on. His team also receive special praise, with Andrew knowing that their professionalism and dedication have been key to his business’s success.
Andrew is a strong believer in there being no substitute for honesty and he likes to remain accountable and encourages those around him to do the same. If he was to have a say in how his industry was to move forward, Andrew says he would like to see greater quality control, particularly in relation to newly approved products.
A Shire resident for 33 years, Andrew remains active despite no longer being a fulltime sportsman, his current recreational sports being the odd round of golf or a game of soccer during the winter months. When not working or playing sport his preference is to spend time with his wife and children and as they grow older he is looking forward to becoming more involved with their activities and hobbies.
Front Row Plumbing
2/121 Anzac Ave Engadine
9520 1122
0409 206 939 | 
