Home & Lifestyle Show connects businesses with community
- Chris Abbott
- Mar 26
- 2 min read
Chris Abbott
Editor
Jason and Jennifer Doyle are prioritizing customer service at The World of Plumbing in Simcoe.
“My wife (Jennifer) and I are taking the business over, and we’ve been doing it for three-and-a-half years now,” said co-owner Jason Doyle at the rebranded Norfolk Home & Lifestyle Show at the CIBC Auditorium in Simcoe, Feb. 28 to March 2, organized by The Simcoe & District Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Caradoc Townsend Mutual Insurance.
Now located at 85 Water Street, Simcoe, The World of Plumbing has been locally owned and operated for a long time, said Jason, emphasizing ‘long.’ It first opened in 1981, and changed ownership in 1991.
They specialize in kitchen and bath products and services for professional plumbers and DIY enthusiasts, but it’s more than kitchen and bath, said Jennifer. For a full list, see their website at www.theworldofplumbing.com.
“We do everything,” said Jason. “If it has to do with plumbing, we do it.
“The business was built on customer service… to what it is known as today. If you hear about, or talk about The World of Plumbing, usually someone will say ‘they’ve got that part,’ or ‘they can get that part.’ It’s customer service first.”
Co-owner Jeff Mereweather is a ‘smalltown guy’ from Teeterville, Jason noted.
“It was steady (at the Home & Lifestyle Show),” said Jason on the final day of the show. “Lots of people yesterday, and today, for Frankie Flowers it was pretty busy… pretty busy through and through, it was good to see. It’s just nice to get out in the community and talk to people you normally wouldn’t see.”
Looking around at some other exhibitors – there were nearly 100 in total – Jason said some small businesses (eg. roofing or sprinklers) only tend to get exposure when people see their trucks.
“It’s nice to get out, show your name, and talk to people so they get to know you, get used to you.”
“Maybe some businesses also that don’t have a brick and mortar… here, at least you get to see them,” said Jennifer.
Norfolk businesses are known for supporting other local businesses, she said.
“We send (customers) to each other. They may send people here to look at sinks, and we’ll send people there... it kind of helps.”
“It works kind of hand-in-hand,” Jason agreed. “They’ll send customers to us, we’ll send customers to them. It’s the smalltown thing, everyone works together.”
“Relationships and conversations is what we’re here for this weekend,” said Jennifer. “Connecting with the community.”
“It’s word of mouth and getting your name out there, that’s all it is,” said Jason.
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