Tyler Sims (‘19) - FlowPros Plumbing
By Brittney Kimber
Tyler Sims, a 2019 Jax State graduate, recognized a need in his community and set out to meet it. In collaboration with a friend, the Walker County, Alabama, native started FlowPros Plumbing to serve his community.
“My childhood best friend, Sam Speegle, is a master plumber who had a vision to branch out and build something of his own. After many conversations and shared goals, we decided to take that leap together and start FlowPros,” Sims said. “We both grew up in Walker County, a close-knit community where people truly depend on one another. Plumbing is an essential service, and we recognized a real need for reliable, trustworthy work in our area. We take pride in serving our family, friends, and new members of the community with honesty and care.”
Sims said FlowPros is built on integrity, reliability and affordability. The company offers a wide range of residential and light commercial plumbing services, including leak detection, pipe repairs, water heater installation and repair, drain cleaning, fixture installation, and general plumbing maintenance.
“We genuinely care about our customers and work hard to provide quality service at fair and transparent pricing,” Sims said. “Our goal is to be a one-stop solution for both routine needs and unexpected plumbing issues.”
In the colder months, he advises fellow Gamecocks to protect exposed pipes by insulating them, letting faucets drip during extreme cold, and disconnecting outdoor hoses. He said addressing small leaks early on can also prevent costly damage when temperatures drop.
“The most rewarding part has been seeing the positive impact I’ve had on others,” Sims said. “Knowing that my work has helped people and made a difference in their lives is far more valuable to me than money.”
He credits his family, several of whom are also Jax State alumni, and the skills he learned at Jax State as the driving forces behind his professional accomplishments.
“My family has always been my biggest motivation,” Sims said. “Their support, combined with my desire to give my best effort in everything I do, has pushed me to keep growing and striving for excellence. Making my family proud means everything to me.”
Jax State helped him develop professionalism and strong networking skills. “The relationships I built with professors and fellow students made it easy to find mentors and lasting connections, which have been incredibly valuable in my career,” Sims said.
“From the beginning, JSU felt like home, and that feeling has stayed with me ever since,” Sims said. “My time at Jacksonville State was one of the greatest experiences of my life. I was involved in organizations such as Active Minds, S.O.A.R. (Survivors of Abusive Relationships), and the AAFCS Club (American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences), which helped me grow socially and personally. During my time there, I was honored to receive the Most Outstanding Student in Human Sciences Award as the first African American male recipient. I also served as a student representative on the Human Sciences Advisory Board and was the first male and African American in that role. These experiences made both my family and myself incredibly proud. As an alum, I love returning to campus, reconnecting with professors, and supporting fellow Gamecocks as they navigate college and transition into the professional world.”
He encourages students to stay consistent, remain curious, and never stop learning. “Even coming from a small town in Alabama, I’ve been able to achieve meaningful success by taking advantage of every opportunity to grow and expand my knowledge,” Sims said.
While FlowPros does not operate from a public storefront, Sims said they proudly serve customers throughout the service area. To best contact FlowPros, call (205) 388-9477 or message them on Facebook.