J. S. R Plumbing Jono Rex named South Australia’s top plumber

South Australia’s best plumber has revealed the global pandemic transformed his one-man operation into a booming business. See how he did it and which other tradies made our top five.

With nearly 20 years of experience, South Australia’s best plumber has revealed the key behind his success - keeping loyal customers during the global pandemic.

Jono Rex of J. S. R Plumbing, Grange, was humbled by taking out the top spot in The Messenger’s latest best of series, saying he just enjoys getting on with the job.

Jono Rex with his wife Megan and daughters Layne, Marley and Georgia. Pic: Supplied

“I keep to myself, other than supporting local sporting teams, having the ‘best’ title isn’t something you go out to pursue but extremely grateful to everyone,” Mr Rex said.

After ‘focusing on footy and having fun’ through high school, Mr Rex initially found it difficult to break into the plumbing industry based on his marks.

“My results weren’t overly impressive and I didn’t qualify for me to get into the TAFE course for plumbing,” Mr Rex said.

“That was the start of a change for me back in 2002, I eventually worked my way in and Steve and Jane Horsman gave me my first go.”

More than two decades later, Mr Rex has been juggling a new challenge, becoming a dad to his three daughters Layne, Marley and Georgia, who he said were his biggest motivations.

“My wife Megan and our three girls have been a huge support for me since I went out on my own,” he said.

“Once my family came along I was really busy and was able to have a lifestyle where I was able to balance being a dad and work and really enjoy having a decent work life balance.”

After several tough years for small businesses due to the global pandemic, Mr Rex said his business was currently thriving.

“All of the real estate agents and clients I had built up for the last 10 years have all stuck with me (during the pandemic), everyone seems to be renovating or doing something on their homes these days,” he said.

“It’s time where I should give back to the industry and take on an apprentice.

“There are a lot of government initiatives at the moment aiming to hep first-year apprentices and once the kids get older the time will be right then.”