What made you choose a career in the plumbing industry?

AT: As a child, I spent much time with my father, a custom homebuilder. He would take me to the job site and even let me sit with him while he was drawing plans. When I was offered a sales and marketing position with a local HVAC contractor, it was a natural fit for me, given my background. Over time, my role expanded to include plumbing as well.

What has been the most rewarding/proudest aspect of your career in the plumbing industry?

AT: The most rewarding aspect of my career is the people I have been surrounded by. I have had the opportunity to work with many outstanding people over the years, from those who helped educate me and get me to where I am today to coaching and mentoring others. It fills my bucket to share what I can with others to help them in their lives and careers. On the contractor side of the business, it has been fun to help them think outside the box and expand their offerings to benefit their homeowners and make them the trusted source. For example, our L5 water leak detector and shut-off valves have prevented major water damage for homeowners while producing revenue streams for plumbers themselves.

What challenges do women face in this profession? Why aren’t there more women in plumbing? How can we increase the number of women in the industry?

AT: When I entered the industry 15 years ago, finding women in this field was rare. Even though the numbers have increased over time, women are still a minority. This is because most people have a stereotypical view that the trades are meant for men only. As someone who has worked in this industry for a long time, I strongly encourage women to join the trades. It is a stable and rewarding profession, as people will always need our products and services.

Additionally, it is fulfilling to educate others about the offerings in this industry. While selling to homeowners, I found that women were more comfortable discussing their needs with me, as I could explain the products and services in simple terms. I am proud to announce that my youngest daughter has also recently joined the industry. Seeing me flourish in this field made her decision to follow in my footsteps easy.

What advice do you have for prospective women considering entering the plumbing industry?

AT: Take the plunge! Trades are a fantastic field to be a part of, and don't worry if you have yet to learn everything; it's a learning process. A huge community is eager to welcome women into the trades and help them thrive.

What’s one thing nobody knows about you?

AT: Exploring different parts of the world and experiencing diverse cultures is a great passion of mine. Scuba diving is one of my favorite activities as it allows me to witness the beauty of marine life and immerse myself in the present moment, disconnecting from the routine of everyday life and connecting with nature.