Ryan Kiscaden
Next Gen All Star: Armando Ramos
Age: 31
Company: Plomero en Phoenix
Title: President and CEO
How long have you been in the PHCP-PVF industry?
AR: 12 years.
What drew you into the industry?
AR: It was a bit of a happy accident, to be honest. I was working at a fast food place when I attended a job fair and got curious about the perks of the trades. That's when I decided to give it a shot, and I've been loving it ever since
What is the most rewarding aspect of working in the industry?
AR: Making a positive impact on people's lives in my community is the most rewarding aspect of my work as well. There's something truly fulfilling about fixing plumbing issues and knowing that it brings comfort and convenience to their daily routines
What motivates you every day?
AR: What keeps me going is the hands-on nature of the work and the thrill of problem-solving. I absolutely love getting my hands dirty and finding efficient ways to tackle plumbing challenges. It's like a puzzle to solve, and I'm constantly looking for opportunities to make my job even better. The excitement of facing new challenges and finding innovative solutions is what makes being a plumber so enjoyable and fulfilling for me.
What is one thing you wish more people knew/understood about the PHCP-PVF industry?
AR: I wish more people knew how important plumbing is for our communities. Plumbers like me help homes and buildings work smoothly, no matter what's happening with the economy. It's a career that offers lots of chances to grow personally and professionally. Being a plumber is not just fulfilling, but it also means having a stable job all the time.
What has been the proudest moment in your career so far?
AR: Being able to help other plumbers by sharing my knowledge and the mistakes I've made is one of the proudest moments in my career. It's incredibly fulfilling to see how my experiences can benefit and guide others in their journey. Building a supportive community and helping fellow plumbers grow and succeed is something that brings me immense pride and joy.
What is one thing most people don’t know about you?
AR: Despite not having the opportunity to attend high school, I've found my own way to educate myself and stay informed about various topics that interest me — I'm an avid podcast listener. Podcasts have become my source of knowledge and inspiration. Additionally, even though I work in a hands-on trade, I have a surprising passion for technology. I love exploring new gadgets and staying up-to-date with the latest tech trends, even if it's a different world from the plumbing industry. It's a unique combination that keeps me constantly learning and growing in different aspects of life.
Why he was chosen as a Next Gen All Star Top 20 Under 40 winner:
“Armando used to be a maintenance technician who would call out plumbers to come fix the major issues and always thought what they did and the tools they used were so cool that he bought a RIDGID drum machine and started doing side jobs. Today, he owns his own company – Plomero en Phoenix – located in Phoenix, Arizona. The business is founded on trust, service and quality with a focus on providing a friendly, professional plumbing service from beginning to end.
“I had the opportunity to get to know Armando during RIDGID Experience 2022 and the enjoyment and enthusiasm he has for the work he does is inspiring and infectious. It’s rare to see Armando without a welcoming smile on his face. He enjoys sharing that enthusiasm, along with his plumbing knowledge, on Instagram and TikTok, regularly posting videos and tutorials to educate others in the industry that are early in their careers. He has more than 247,000 followers on TikTok and 31,000 on Instagram. Armando’s content is unique to other creators because he is bilingual and shares content in both English and Spanish. There is a surplus of educational content for English-speaking plumbers, but Armando is filling the void for plumbers who only speak Spanish.
“Armando’s ‘big break’ on social media was when he created his own jingle to promote his plumbing company and shared it as audio on one of his installation videos. The video went viral, generating 59.1M views and 1.8M likes. Others in the industry then began to use his audio for their videos too.
“Armando continuously pushes himself and his team to stay on the cutting-edge of plumbing technology, recently posting on social about the role AI could play in transforming the industry. He also regularly attends industry tradeshows and events to engage with others in the community. His commitment to the industry, combined with wanting to share that knowledge with others, make him an ideal candidate for being selected as one of the recipients of the Top 20 under 40 award.” — Becky Brotherton, director, brand and engagement marketing, RIDGID and Greenlee
