Next Gen All Star: Javier Ongaro

AGE: 18
COMPANY: Kelly Plumbing & Heating, Morristown, New Jersey
TITLE: Apprentice

How long have you been in the PHCP-PVF industry?
JO: I have been working one year for James Kelly at Kelly Plumbing & Heating, and two years attending Morris County Vocational School for their plumbing course.

What drew you into the industry?
JO: My father. He is a plumber.

What is the most rewarding aspect of working in the industry?
JO: Every day is a new experience because no job is the same. I also enjoy getting to know some very interesting and incredible people.

What is one thing you wish more people knew/understood about the PHCP-PVF industry?
JO: The industry is a hustle! It is a competitive and fast-paced lifestyle.

What has been the proudest moment in your career so far?
JO: When I won first place in a Skills USA competition and was able to go to nationals.

What is one thing most people don’t know about you?
JO: That I am an outgoing person.

Why he was chosen as a Next Gen All Star Top 20 Under 40 winner:
“Javier was been working with us part-time for the past year and a half while attending Morris County Vocational School for plumbing. He started with us full-time after graduation from Mount Olive High school this year June 2022. He has a drive, work ethic and appetite for learning and practicing this trade that so few do or could care less about. He is not afraid of hard work like so many kids have been taught to be by educators or parents. He recently won first place in the SkillsUSA New Jersey State competition in plumbing and will be competing in the national competition in Atlanta in June. After that, there is an International competition in Dubai. I am not alone in the understanding of a dwindling workforce, being 62 years old and starting in the plumbing field at 16 years old. I know firsthand how long it can take to become a master at a trade and I have a great deal of respect for kids that do get into this industry. So in my opinion, this is a future up-and-coming All Star that we should be celebrating and supporting. This Top 20 Under 40 contest is a great way to highlight these young people,” says James Kelly of Kelly Plumbing & Heating.

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Nicole Krawcke is Chief Editor of Plumbing & Mechanical and PM Engineer magazines. She has covered the HVAC and plumbing industries since joining BNP Media in 2014. She has more than 15 years of writing and editing experience and holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Michigan State University.

Natalie Forster is Chief Editor of Supply House Times. Prior to joining BNP Media in 2020, she was an editor and digital content director for Southern Trade Publications, a publishing company with titles focused on the PHCP trades and the real estate industry. Natalie holds a bachelor’s degree in communication studies from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.