Ignacio Duron on Building a Trade Business from the Ground Up

Ignacio Duron is a Los Angeles–based business leader and the CEO of Most Valuable Plumber. Raised in North Hollywood, he grew up in a close-knit family where hard work, teamwork, and accountability were everyday expectations.

Those early lessons shaped his approach to leadership and business.

Ignacio began his career hands-on in the plumbing trade, learning the work from the ground up. Rather than stepping straight into management, he spent years understanding the realities of job sites, customer needs, and team dynamics. This experience later became the foundation of his leadership style.

He went on to co-found Most Valuable Plumber with his siblings and brother-in-law. Together, they built a family-run business serving communities across Los Angeles County, including Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, and surrounding areas. Ignacio now oversees operations, team leadership, and long-term planning, while remaining closely connected to the day-to-day realities of the trade.

Alongside running the company, Ignacio has continued his education. He earned an associate’s degree in Business Administration and Economics and is currently completing a bachelor’s degree in Business Law at Arizona State University.

Outside of work, Ignacio is deeply involved in youth sports. He coaches football, flag football, and basketball, including his sons’ teams. He believes sports teach discipline, confidence, and leadership—skills that mirror the demands of business.

Ignacio’s career reflects steady growth, practical leadership, and a strong commitment to both his industry and his community.

An Interview with Ignacio Duron: Building a Trade-Based Business

Q: Where did your career begin?

I grew up in North Hollywood, and my early life was centred around family and sports. That environment taught me discipline early on. I didn’t start out wanting a title. I started out wanting to work, learn, and contribute.

Q: How did you first enter the plumbing industry?

I started hands-on in the field. I was learning on job sites, fixing problems, and understanding how the trade actually works. That experience mattered. You can’t lead people properly if you don’t understand the work they do every day.

Q: What led you to start your own company?

My siblings, my brother-in-law, and I saw an opportunity to build something together. We shared values and trusted each other. We started small, focusing on doing reliable work and treating customers fairly. That consistency helped us grow.

Q: How has the business evolved since then?

We expanded across Los Angeles County. Areas like Santa Monica and Beverly Hills came naturally as word spread. Growth didn’t come from big plans. It came from repeat customers and referrals.

Q: What is your role today as CEO?

I oversee operations, scheduling, and team leadership. But I stay connected to the field. I believe leadership should stay practical. If something breaks down, I want to understand why.

Q: Why did you continue your education while running a business?

Education gives you a wider view. My associate’s degree in Business Administration and Economics helped me understand how decisions affect the whole company. Studying Business Law now helps me think more clearly about structure and responsibility.

Q: How does coaching youth sports connect to your work life?

Coaching teaches patience and communication. Kids respond to consistency and example. So do teams at work. The lessons are very similar.

Q: What do you value most as a leader?

Showing up. Listening. Doing what you say you’ll do. Leadership isn’t loud. It’s steady.