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

JM: I started in the industry right out of high school — roughly 16 years.

What drew you into the industry?

JM: My grandfather had a plumbing company in the U.S. Virgin Islands. I was actually set to go to the University of Georgia to be a veterinarian. Then I went down to the Virgin Islands to work, saw how much money I was making, and thought to myself, “I think I should do this instead.”

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

JM: To see the awesome people I work with daily and to continue to help spread our good name in our local community in upstate South Carolina. They love us and we love them — they kept us going.

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

JM: That it’s not as easy as a YouTube video would suggest.

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

JM: There have been a lot of proud moments over the last five or six years. Obtaining my plumbing license was a very proud moment in my life. And backtracking a little before then, putting in my notice to my previous employer — which I adored — and starting my own business was a highlight. I did all the legal stuff to form Superior Plumbing Services in 2015, but didn’t start operating until 2017. And lastly, being able to have the financial security to purchase my first home while running my business.

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

JM: I am fluent in Spanish. My wife is from Peru, first and foremost, and when I was working in the Virgin Islands, I worked with nothing but Columbians, Puerto Ricans and Dominicans — all they spoke was Spanish. I had to learn because they spoke zero English.