Dionne + Greg Showers I Backflow Assembly Solutions

About Backflow Assembly Solutions

Backflow Assembly Solutions provides backflow testing services, repair, and replacement for developments, commercial, residential, water departments, city, county, state, and federal agencies. We pride ourselves on our excellent service, knowledgeable technicians, and prompt service.

Dionne, Greg: tell us your story! We’d love to know a little more about you.

Greg: I was born and raised in Jackson Mississippi. My wife, Dionne, was born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska. We have been WA residents for about 25 years.

I was a union pipe fitter for about ten years, in Local 699. Dionne worked in the gaming industry (table games management) for over 20 years. We have a 15 year old son who is literally the coolest kid I have ever met, and a one year old fluffy PomPoo named Onyx. We live near downtown Kingston.

I started testing backflows six years ago, and we restructured everything three years ago, right before COVID. Dionne left the casino soon after, and thus was born Backflow Assembly Solutions, Inc. (BAS).

What was it that drew you to the Matchstick Lab Micro Business Accelerator in the first place, and what’s made you want to stick with it?

Greg + Dionne: It was like moth to a flame. We applied for a grant (elsewhere), and didn’t get it.

Instead, we were referred to Matchstick Lab when applications opened up for the Micro Business Accelerator, and by the grace of God, we were fortunate enough to get a spot.

This experience has been invaluable to us. We love the space, and the people we’ve met have been amazing. The information is going to help put us in rooms and places that we have prayed for.

Tell us more about what you are focusing on in your business during the Accelerator.

Greg + Dionne: Our business of testing, repairing, installing backflow devices is driven seasonally. We have some down time in the winter months, so our dream is to expand our clientele.

Our focus right now is to get our ducks in a row to have access to do government contracting. Being a woman and minority-owned business, we want to get our SBA certifications to be eligible for the set-aside contracts that are awarded and often last for several months out of the year, sometimes up to a few years.

We’re also focused on helping people understand what backflow testing is, and why it’s important. It’s a requirement, not a suggestion! If you have a backflow, you will have it tested at least once a year (per the Department of Health).

Our main goal is to reach folks with backflow preventers on their property and employ them to make BAS their backflow tester of choice.

Our primary objective when we started [with the Accelerator] was to better position our business for success in the future. Now, we are a lot more structured. We have a much better understanding about what it takes to be successful and run efficiently.

In the near future, we want to work on our business year-round. As of now work is seasonal.

Working with the government in some capacity would be a dream, as well as a large commercial property manager. Homeowners associations are always welcomed, too. Bulk testing is our aim. More importantly consistency of work, and customer retention. (Growth!)

What is one ‘light bulb’ moment that you’ve had during the program?

Greg + Dionne: We’ve really had some lightbulb moments when it comes to putting names to business practice processes that we have been trying to develop on the administrative side of our company. For example, refining our standard operating procedures defining our specific roles in the company.

Jon King [the facilitator for the BE$T Business Training program] helped us find the language to express this, and make this goal less intimidating and approachable. That’s been a big step for us!

Any advice you’d like to share with budding entrepreneurs who are just starting their journey?

Greg: Reach out and talk to people!

How can people best support your business right now?

Greg: Nothing warms a small business owner’s heart like a kind word of encouragement, or someone speaking highly about your business.

A friend of mine told me a while back “We don’t go into business to make friends. We go in business to make money.” At BAS, we really work hard to do both.

You can also visit our website for more information or give us a call at 360-908-7514 for a free estimate!