SBA MicroLoan Helps North Scituate Plumbing Business Expand

Mary Beth and David Barlow started Barlow’s Plumbing and Well Systems, Inc. in North Scituate, R.I. in 1992 and their business has been thriving ever since.

The Barlows came to the South Eastern Economic Development (SEED) Corporation, the SBA Microloan Intermediary for Rhode Island, in 2012.  They wanted financing to expand their business by adding rooter services to complement their existing plumbing services.

They received a $20,000 SBA Micro Loan through SEED for working capital and to assist with the purchase of equipment and a used van for their plumbing and well maintenance company.

As a full service plumbing company, the Barlows specialize in well repair and maintenance, water treatment and filtration systems.  In addition, the company provides backflow prevention services, a component that most plumbing companies do not offer.

Barlow’s clients include a variety of commercial and residential customers as well as the State of Rhode Island.  Barlow’s maintains contracts with all the University of Rhode Island campuses, the Community College of Rhode Island Campuses, the Rhode Island State Police, the Attorney General, the Rhode Island Department of Mental Health and Community Living and Support group homes, Rhode Island Services for the Blind, Rhode Island Department of Administration, Rhode Island Department of Health, Rhode Island Veterans Cemetery, and Zambarano Hospital.

David holds a Master Plumber’s License and New England Water Works and Backflow Prevention License.  Mary Beth manages the bookkeeping as well as assisting her husband on job sites.  Currently, she is working on her Journeyman Plumber’s License and backflow prevention license.

David Barlow graduated from East Providence High School in 1974.  Following graduation he served four years in the U.S. Marine Corps.  He ventured into the plumbing industry in 1986 when he began working as an apprentice.  Mary Beth, David’s wife and business partner, graduated from Tolman High School in 1976.  She attended the Community College of Rhode Island, completing numerous accounting courses.   Mary Beth worked in the accounting department at Ocean State Steel in 1986.

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