River City Six – Tim Elliott
Meet Tim Elliott, a service plumber/estimator with Big Birge Plumbing.
Tell us a little about your business.
Big Birge Plumbing is a full-service company with three departments: commercial division, residential remodel, and service. The owners, Brad and Lallenia Birge, are passionate about changing that typical stereotype of a plumber. Our team is highly trained and committed to doing the very best job we can for businesses and homeowners in the community. We’ve earned ourselves a reputation we are proud of by being timely, polite, and clean on the job.
How did you get started in the business?
I started my plumbing career in the United States Navy back in my 20s, and I’ve been with Big Birge Plumbing since 2017.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?
As a service plumber, it is sometimes interesting interacting with all the different personalities I meet.
What has been your most important achievement professionally?
I had the opportunity to be an instructor at Metropolitan Community College in their apprenticeship program.
Tell us a little about your family.
My wife Brenda and I have been married for over 19 years. We have a splendid family. It’s made up of five children, six grandchildren (including one on the way due July 18!), and two fur babies.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life?
Meeting my second wife. Second chance and the ability to grow old together are amazing.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?
Anything outdoors. I really enjoy camping and working in my “she” shed.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know?
I had the opportunity to stand at Ground Zero in Nagasaki, Japan. A close second would be that I was able to take a private tour of Air Force One.
Who inspires you?
My wife, children, and work family.
What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
“Forget the past. Remember the lesson.”
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be?
Integrity.
If you had a theme song, what would it be?
“Working Man’s Ph.D.” by Aaron Tippin.
What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life?
Bowling. My average was 221, and I’ve bowled one perfect 300 game.
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be?
U.S. Customs Border Patrol Agent.
What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why?
American Legion—U.S. Navy Veterans.
What is your favorite movie?
The Hunt for Red October or Midway.
What is your favorite TV show?
M*A*S*H.
What is your favorite local restaurant?
American G.I. Forum.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?
Call Big Birge Plumbing at (402) 575-0102 and ask for the best service plumber in Omaha (my wife wrote this!). You can also learn more online at www.bigbirgeplumbing.com.