At Breaker Digital Marketing, we’re big believers that some of the best marketing doesn’t happen behind a screen — it happens right in your community. One great example of that is Pete Black Plumbing’s annual participation in Fowlerville’s “Christmas in the Ville” parade, an event that brings together local families, businesses, and plenty of holiday cheer.

Every December, the streets of downtown Fowlerville come alive with lights, laughter, and floats that show off the creativity and spirit of the town. Pete Black Plumbing, joined this year by J. Mills Plumbing, took their float design to the next level — creating a festive display that showcased both craftsmanship and community pride.

Why Participating in Local Events Works

For local service companies, especially those in industries like plumbing, HVAC, or construction, participating in hometown events like this is more than just goodwill — it’s smart marketing. Here’s why:

• It builds trust and familiarity. When people see your company participating in local traditions, they start associating your brand with community involvement and reliability.

• It keeps your brand visible year-round. Parade photos, videos, and community posts get shared online, keeping your business in front of local audiences long after the event ends.

• It humanizes your business. Events like these show that behind the trucks and tools are real people who care about their town — something every homeowner appreciates when choosing who to call.

• It creates valuable media content. From drone shots and reels to Google Business posts, your participation can fuel months of authentic, high-performing digital content.

Capturing the Magic (and the Marketing Value)

Every year, our team bundles up to film Pete Black Plumbing’s float as it rolls through the chilly streets — complete with twinkling lights, waving team members, and smiling kids lining Main Street. This year, we took things even further by creating a virtual reality experience that lets viewers ride alongside Pete Black Plumbing’s Hydro Vac Truck in VR.

Using Apple Vision, Meta Quest, or Oculus goggles, you can experience the parade like you were there— a unique piece of branded content that’s both innovative and engaging.

Community = Connection

At the end of the day, Christmas in the Ville is more than just a parade — it’s about celebrating connection. For Pete Black Plumbing and J. Mills Plumbing, it’s a way to show appreciation for the community that supports them all year long.

At Breaker Digital, we love helping businesses turn moments like these into meaningful marketing. Whether it’s through video, VR, or social storytelling, community-driven marketing creates authentic engagement that no paid ad can replicate.

Until next year, stay warm, keep giving back, and remember: sometimes the best way to grow your brand is by showing up where your community already is.

As the filmmaker and producer behind The Dockman Series, I feel there is a lot to be said about the blue collar workers in America. Putting a spotlight on this hard working group of people has only proved to be compelling and a continuing learning experience for me behind the lens. Many people who sit behind a desk for work may never know what it’s like being an outdoor contractor or to work as hands in the field. 

What started as a simple idea evolved into an engaging reality show, all thanks to Jerry’s keen interest in hosting and showcasing the dynamic between him and his brother.

Our filming process for Episode One spanned an entire year, alongside Episode Two and Three, giving us an extensive library of footage. We adopted a unique approach, filming everything first and then piecing together the narrative during the final stages of construction in Metamora. It wasn’t until later when we went back to episodes 1 -3 to edit them into an “episode”
 type format, and named the series “The Dockman”. 

In Episode One, the focus of our attention was the awe-inspiring project that involved the installation of a seawall, rockwall, and dock combination. It was a year-long endeavor that I meticulously documented through photos and videos sourced directly from the job site. 

From navigating the complexities of permitting during a pandemic to battling extreme weather conditions, our team encountered numerous challenges. Yet, amidst these obstacles, the dedication of the crew shone through as they maneuvered heavy machinery, mitigated grade differences, and ensured minimal disruption to the environment.

The narrative unfolded through the lens of perseverance—a testament to the team’s resilience in the face of adversity. Despite machinery breakdowns, freezing temperatures, and even a pause due to bitter cold, the crew persisted, pushing through each setback. Again, the blue collar worker prevails through it all. It takes balls to getup in the morning and face below freezing temperatures for your office day after day. 

As we look back on the journey, from the initial concept to the final product, The Dockman Episode One stands as a testament to the sheer dedication and resilience of the team, making it a riveting experience to capture and share. Watch the complete Dockman Series now on Amazon Prime Video!