How long have you been in the PHCP-PVF industry?
KSH: I’ve been in the industry since 2008, so 16 years.
What drew you into the industry?
KSH: I was a banker before I became a plumber. There was a lady plumber who always came into the bank. I would always wonder, ‘such a pretty lady, she’s always so dirty!’ We had a couple of conversations and I learned she was a plumber. Then, I refinanced her mortgage and when she brought me her paystub, I was like, ‘Jeez, this is what I need to be doing. What do I need to do to get started?’ Over several months, we developed a relationship, and she learned I hated the office. When the local Union was hiring, she informed me of that, brought me up there and I did the application and the test. And here I am.
What is the most rewarding aspect of working in the industry?
KSH: So for me, no two days the same. Even though it seems like the repetition of doing the same gig over and over, it's not. It's always a different challenge, and a lot of people don't see plumbing as physics and math, and that's all it is. And I'm a number person, so I thrive on that.
What motivates you every day?
KSH: Naturally, the satisfaction of being skilled, especially coming from a background where you have nothing related to what you're doing, you've gone through the apprenticeship and you've now become a master plumber. I'm the first woman who has ever gone through my union who's done that. Being in a male-dominated field and walking in confident, knowing that you can be just as good, if not better, than the guys that are there, I absolutely love that.
What is one thing you wish more people knew/understood about the PHCP-PVF industry?
KSH: There is so much that goes on with plumbing. Most people think bathroom, kitchen and that's it. But there's so much specialty stuff. The oxygen that goes on in the hospital, the vacuum when you're doing surgery, your dental office, all of that is plumbing. A lot of people don't know this. It would be great if more people understood all of that is plumbing. You're not just plunging a toilet!
What has been the proudest moment in your career so far?
KSH: My license. I am one of three registered women-owned plumbing businesses in New Jersey, and I am the first to get my master plumbing license as a woman in our union hall. When I was able to do that, it was a very, very proud moment. I went through the apprenticeship, and the first year, I was adamant about being top of the class. The second year was bookwork, if you get what I mean. But then to actually go out in the field and master that and then take it to the next level to get state certified, that definitely is very proud moment for me.
What is one thing most people don’t know about you?
KSH: It's very weird, but I am a very clean — I’m almost a germophobe plumber. After any kind of sewer job, the tools go into a pile and they have to get cleaned. It’s a whole production.
