How long have you been in the PHCP-PVF industry?
JN: I’ve been in the industry about 11 years.
What drew you into the industry?
JN: I actually started in HVAC doing furnaces, air conditioners and water heaters. I transitioned to a commercial gas fitter for about two years, then ended up transitioning into plumbing. Honestly, I had an interest in plumbing while I was doing HVAC. I found it was easier to get myself into the union at that time. I ended up making the change at 21.
Both of my grandparents were welders. My uncle is a carpenter. I wanted to be a couple of different things, like a firefighter, and stuff like that. I did take the firefighting test, but I ended up just having an interest in working with my hands. So I ended up going the trades route and I never looked back.
What is the most rewarding aspect of working in the industry?
JN: I would have to say just helping others and giving homeowners and customers a better understanding of their home and how it works. Just being able to help is rewarding.
What motivates you every day?
JN: Honestly, some days are easier than others, but it's a lot of just self-motivation. You need to have goals for yourself and know what it's going to take for you to meet those goals. It's just a lot of self-discipline and self-motivation. It’s not every day that you wake up and want to go to work, but if you love what you do, it feels like you're not working a day in your life.
What is one thing you wish more people knew/understood about the PHCP-PVF industry?
JN: The different aspects that come along with plumbing. It's not just hooking up toilets, hooking up sinks. There's a lot more to it. And that every day is different.
What has been the proudest moment in your career so far?
JN: I would have to say owning my own company. Once I got licensed and was able to be my own boss, do my own jobs and do my own thing kind of thing, that was probably the proudest moment for me. I started the company about four years ago.
What is one thing most people don’t know about you?
JN: How driven I am. Being able to purchase a home and stuff like that was definitely was an uphill battle.
