Using a “neighborhood-centricity” business model, author Christina Koch examines Aladdin Plumbing Corp, Matthew L. Kaplan Architect, and M.R.S. Inc. successes by working together and building a quality reputation.
Matt Kaplan, founder of Matthew L. Kaplan Architect, can attest to this neighborhood-centricity. He has lived and maintained his business in Park Slope for 40 years. In 1983, Kaplan and his business partner shared office space with Michael Streaman, owner of M.R.S. Inc., a general contractor focused on restoration and renovation of historic homes and townhouses. When Kaplan and his partner cut ties in 1995, Streaman agreed to share rental space with Kaplan in a co-op building in Park Slope. The plumbing and heating contractor the two businesses often relied on, Aladdin Plumbing & Heating, also agreed to share the space.
“Mike and I hit it off pretty well with a first project, and eventually I focused on Mike as my contractor,” Kaplan remembers. “Jobs sometimes went to a different electrician or plumber but eventually coalesced into one team of people who got to know the types of houses and apartments in this neighborhood. Gradually we became a known name to the neighborhood.”
Today, Kaplan, Streaman and Aladdin Plumbing & Heating still occupy the same space and work together on all of Kaplan’s projects. In fact, all the business owners have children who have joined their firms and will continue to collaborate. Although all his preferred subcontractors are not under the same roof, Kaplan works with almost all the same entities on nearly every project. “They each operate independently as firms, even though all my jobs are done by this team,” Kaplan explains.
In fact, after a 2009 appearance on “This Old House,” Streaman’s company has expanded into Manhattan, requiring him to add staff in the Park Slope office. Despite the additional business, Streaman clearly finds benefits in working with Kaplan and makes time to do so. “We usually know when we’ll have a building permit and when people are ready to pull the trigger on a project. It has been a rarity that I’m unable to accommodate,” Streaman says.