Smarty Dad: Chris Vigna

Smarty Dad Stats:
Chris Vigna – Owner, All About the Pipes
Wife – Michelle
Sons – Nick (6), Mason (3)
Chris has lived in Charlotte for 13 years and started All About the Pipes in 2003. He started with one truck and has grown the company to 6 trucks and 10 employees. They’ve earned multiple awards over the years and they are the special guest plumber on the PBS show, “For Your Home”.

Chris was nominated by two Smarty Moms, Susan O’Neill and Adri Warrick. In their nomination of Chris this is what they had to say:

Chris is a father of 2 boys and married to Michelle. He owns All About the Pipe Plumbing, is a semi-professional cyclist and is referred by many of us a “Super Dad” for many reasons.

Hope y’all agree, Chris is Super Dad!

Let’s meet Chris!

You own your own business, how do you balance work and family?
That’s a great question, I have great people on my staff so I am able to delegate as needed. The entire reason I work is for my family, so having my own business gives me more flexibility, we work as a team. At the “Home-front” my wife Michelle, even though she works as a highly successful sales rep in the medical field, always has time to offer assistance to me or the boys. A lot of what I do, she plays a part in.

You are a very hands on dad. What tips do you have for other parents about being involved in the everyday with your kids?
It is important to share responsibilities with your partner, which allows for more flexibility and balance. There is nothing that is more important than your family. Cherish every possible moment because they grow up fast. It’s important when you spend time with your children, give them 100% of your attention, you will be surprised how much fun and relaxing it is and how well your children will respond to that attention.

Tell about the Bike Safety program you ran in the neighborhood and would you copy it for other neighborhoods.
We have a lot of children in our neighborhood. Since I am an avid cyclist, it was apparent to me that the children/parents needed education on safety, agility and proper adjustment and maintenance on their bikes. The Charlotte cycling community has experienced great loss over the last couple of years so I want to do my part to ensure the safety of my children and the neighborhood children. I called on two good friends, Neal Boyd of CharlotteSportsCycling.com and Ilan Paltrow of Bicycle Sport on Selwyn ave in Myers Park. They were more than happy to participate providing equipment set up, safety instruction, bike sizing and set up and tune ups. My company (All About the Pipes Plumbing, Inc.) purchased helmets for all the children that needed them. I would love to create a standardized program for other neighborhoods! (I believe my friend Neal Boyd is working on that) Next year we are looking to expand our annual BikeFest to include, bike safety, fitness and nutrition.

I love how you have found a way to connect your business with a personal passion – what prompted you to do that?
I started All About the Pipes Plumbing, Inc. in 2003- one man, one truck. My advertising was done on the bike with my teammates and friends, who became my first and most loyal customers! So I try to give back to the sport that has given me so much, when I can. AAtPP sponsors a lot of the local and neighboring cities cycling events.

About the snow all winter long – just how did you do that?
Couldn’t sleep one night (most business owners) and thought about how awesome it would be to have snow on the ground when my boys Nick (6) and Mason (3) woke up. I took a bunch of plumbing fittings and we had 12 inches of powder 2 days later!

What is your favorite family time activity?
Roasting marshmallows in our backyard and everybody on the coach, watching a kid show or movie.

Favorite Dad-time activity?
Cycling and competing in races

Favorite lunch spot sans kids?
I don’t have time for lunch… I own my own business! (A New York Italian Deli would be great though.)

Favorite place to take the whole fam to dinner?
My friend Anthony’s place, Brooklyn Pizza, by the fireplace.

Best book you’ve read lately?
The E myth

Best movie?
“JAWS” the greatest movie ever! I’m obsessed with it!

Funniest thing your kids have ever said to you?
Too much to list. (Coming home from a race and they say “why didn’t you win!”

Most fun thing you have done with your kids?
Trips back home to New York

Favorite date-night spot?
Villa Antonio…. Our first date…. It’s special

Best summer trip to hang with your kids?
Anywhere with a beach and a pool!

Minivan or SUV and why?
Minivan, it’s a kid limo, good times on road trips.

Favorite phone app?
The Weather Channel, need to know when I can ride or make snow!

Favorite CSP article so far?
I’m new to CSP, so this may be my favorite.

Best kept secret in Charlotte?
The Aviation Museum, what a great place for history and patriotism and all the local parks that have mountain biking trails.

I could not live without my…
Family and Bike!!!