Chase Rooter & Plumbing, Inc.

Eric James: Doing it Differently

By Matt Solis, Editor

Eric James comes from a family of building professionals, but even though he was entranced by construction at a young age, he ultimately found his passion in a different trade. “My grandfather, father and uncle all worked in the construction industry, so I grew up helping them and working with my hands,” he remembers. “When I turned 18, I started working with my uncle on some general construction projects and found that I really enjoyed the soldering component of plumbing. I can’t really explain why, but I was drawn to that type of work. A year later, I got an opportunity with a plumbing company in San Bruno—they offered to pay for my training before sending me out on service calls a month later. That’s where my journey started and I’ve been doing it ever since.” 

After working for a series of plumbing companies, Eric decided to branch out on his own and established Chase Rooter & Plumbing, Inc. in 2011. “In a nutshell, I saw the way these companies were doing business and imagined doing it differently,” he explains. “I wanted to take a more human approach instead of being all about business. So, I started offering my services on the side, earned my plumbing license and eventually started my own company.”

Today, Eric says his favorite part of his job is interacting with his customers and helping them solve their plumbing problems. “I really love talking to people, so it’s great that I get to meet different people throughout the course of the workday and listen to what they have to say. Sometimes I’ll hear something valuable that I’ll add to my everyday life, so it’s very inspiring.”

Originally from Los Angeles, Eric relocated to the Bay Area in 2001 and currently resides in the Danville/Blackhawk area with his wife and business partner, Olga, and their four children. He says his favorite part of life in the East Bay is the overall efficiency of the area. “For the longest time, I frowned upon the idea of living in the East Bay, but now, I think to myself, ‘Why didn’t we move here sooner?’ I talk to a lot of people who bought their homes in the early ’90s and haven’t left, and I can see why. The area is just put together so well, with stores and restaurants everywhere and all the activities they do around the holidays. It blows me away and I can definitely see us living here for a long time.” 

Outside of work, Eric stays busy with a combination of active pastimes and leisurely activities. “I’ve been into sports my entire life,” he offers. “Unfortunately, I’ve had to stop doing competitive sports due to injuries, but I’m still into bodybuilding and working out at the gym. I’m constantly trying to improve and change things, so most of my weekends are spent working on my house, but I also like spending time with my family when everyone can be together. And like most people, I like relaxing with a good TV show and a glass of wine.”

When asked to describe a personal philosophy, Eric stresses the importance of always putting family first. “You have to keep family together, no matter what it takes,” he affirms. “I also think it’s important to pass on your knowledge to your kids so they can use it in their own lives.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: What’s your favorite sports team?

A: The San Francisco 49ers.

Q: What’s your favorite winery?

A: Sbragia Family Vineyards in Sonoma. Their wine is excellent and it’s only available for members.

Q: What’s your favorite local restaurant?

A: Taru Japanese Cuisine in downtown Danville. They have the best sushi ever in my opinion. I also like Locanda Rovello for Italian food.

Q: What’s your favorite smell?

A: Vanilla. It always brings to mind a delicious cake with cream and frosting on top.

Q: If you were a professional athlete, what number would you wear on your jersey?

A: Eleven. It’s my lucky number and I come across it often.