Tris Coffin

How long have you been in the PHCP-PVF industry?

TC: Over 16 years

What drew you into the industry?

TC: My father owns his own company and I started working with him on weekends and holidays when I was young. I started working full-time right after high school and went to trade school. I fell in love with it because it felt like a new puzzle and every job had a different solution.

What is the most rewarding aspect of working in the industry?

TC: Getting to know my customers and learning about their past life experiences. We’re in an industry that’s ultimately about people, and I love getting to know the people I work with and providing solutions for our customers. It’s an extremely rewarding part of the job that often goes overlooked because people can tend to focus on the technical aspects rather than the people. Getting to know a customer and finding the best solution for them is the most rewarding.

What motivates you every day?

TC: Keeping up-to-date with new technology and educating customers about innovations and how this affects their choices. My goal is to provide the best solutions to the problems my customers are trying to solve and everyone’s use case is a little different which keeps things interesting. I love attending training and seminars and finding new ways to bring innovative technology into the workplace.

What is one thing you wish more people knew/understood about the PHCP-PVF industry?

TC: The opportunities and ability to be successful without a college degree. I think there are a lot of people who don’t feel that college is an option for them and this industry represents an alternative pathway for them to do the things they want to with their lives and embark on a very rewarding career. It still requires studying, but it’s a very different style of learning, and you get to apply technical and theoretical knowledge pretty much immediately, which is something a lot of college programs lack.

What has been the proudest moment in your career so far?

TC: Moving from New Jersey to San Diego was a huge transition that coincided with my professional growth, and I’m very proud that I was able to make it happen. I have been out in California for nine years and have been working at Bill Howe Plumbing since I moved. They have helped me grow a lot and are always receptive to new ideas.

What is one thing most people don’t know about you?

TC: I love American History. I am interested in the origins of our country and love being able to connect certain concepts and historical facts with the influence they have in our lives to this day.