When Phil and Leanne Valencour joined Gutter-Vac back in 2007, they weren’t just starting a business – they were creating a lifestyle that gave them something priceless: time with family. Fast forward to 2025, and Phil has been inducted as a Gutter-Vac brand icon, a testament to their dedication and success across Brisbane North, Brisbane Central, and Brisbane North-West.
Before Gutter-Vac, Phil was working long hours as a sales rep in the building industry. His days started at 5.30am and ended well after 5pm, six days a week. While the pay was good, the cost was high – no family time with their young son, Josh, who was just six years old at the time. “We needed to slow down and have time with Josh,” Leanne recalls. That’s when they saw an ad for the Gutter-Vac North Brisbane franchise. After plenty of discussion (as Leanne jokes, “nothing new there”), they decided to take the leap. And so, the foundations were laid for what would become their Gutter-Vac empire.
For Phil and Leanne, the appeal of Gutter-Vac was simple: being their own boss. “What we did was for us, not an employer. The money we made was for us,” Phil explains. That sense of ownership and independence has driven them ever since.
Running a business isn’t without its challenges, and Phil remembers one job that stands out: cleaning the Conservatorium of Music Museum at Bowen Hills. “It was the hardest job due to the pitch of the roof – an old cathedral with box gutters in places. We completed it with a cherry picker over three days with two people on site.” It’s a reminder of the skill and determination required in this industry.
What don’t most people know about the Valencours? Phil laughs, “I don’t put anything away and spend too much money apparently – we have a money tree in the backyard.” Leanne quickly adds, “Phillip is my most expensive commodity, and no, we don’t have a money tree anywhere!”
Music is another passion for the pair. Phil loves country music, with Luke Combs and Faith Hill among his favourites, while Leanne is a Bee Gees fan who also enjoys Teddy Swims. When it comes to food, Phil loves cooking anything, while Leanne opts for good Chinese and seafood. And for downtime? Phil is hooked on the Yellowstone series, while Leanne loves classics like Ghost and sci-fi hits like Avatar.
Customers in their Brisbane region often ask about more than just gutter cleaning these days, but blocked gutters remain the biggest issue – especially with internal gutter clips causing overflow away from downpipes. Despite the challenges, Phil enjoys networking and meeting people in the community. “My time is now spent in the office, drumming up work and building relationships,” he says.
Their favourite job? The Channel 7 building on top of Mount Coot-tha. “We always get a little bag of goodies and one hell of a view of beautiful Brisbane,” Phil shares.
After nearly two decades of hard work, Phil and Leanne are looking forward to 2026 with one goal in mind: stepping back and relaxing for a bit. They’ve earned it.
With years of experience, a reputation for reliability, and a commitment to exceptional service, Phil and Leanne’s team knows what it takes to keep your gutters clean and your home safe. From residential properties to commercial sites, they handle every job with professionalism and care.
Blocked gutters can lead to costly damage, so don’t wait until it’s too late. Book your gutter clean today and experience the difference of a trusted local team.
Request your free quote today!
