Everyone’s path into the trades looks a bit different, but there’s a lot that can be learned from someone who’s spent decades in the field. In this post, Roger Wakefield condenses 40+ years of plumbing experience into key lessons learned. From quitting high school (a momentary misstep!) to eventually running and selling his own plumbing business, Roger’s journey highlights the triumphs, struggles, and personal growth that come with embracing the trades. Whether you’re a fresh apprentice or considering launching your own company one day, these reflections offer a framework for building both skill and success in the plumbing industry.
Starting in the Trades
Roger’s entry into plumbing wasn’t the result of a childhood dream. He quit high school, eager to make money and find a purpose. A friend connected him to a commercial plumbing firm, and that’s where he first discovered an unexpected passion for the work. The camaraderie among coworkers, the structured daily meetings, and the sense of achievement after completing a tangible task made plumbing feel like a sports team. It was physical, hands-on, and tangible in a way many desk jobs aren’t.
- Key Insight: Sometimes the best opportunities come from the most unplanned choices. Keep an open mind about where you might fit in the trades.
Lessons as an Apprentice
Like many new plumbers, Roger started as an apprentice on commercial job sites. He wasn’t given immediate one-on-one mentoring—so he used his own curiosity to learn:
- Blueprints and Observation
The lead plumber didn’t want an apprentice hovering over his shoulder. Instead, Roger quietly watched from the other side of the table, memorizing how the boss measured and read schematics. When outdated blueprints were about to be tossed, he salvaged them, bound them with solder wire, and studied them nightly. This self-directed learning drastically boosted his understanding of layout, materials, and code requirements. - Tough Tasks
Early on, he faced the classic “raw sewage ditch” scenario: standing waist-deep in contaminated water to repair a broken pipe. Unpleasant, but it taught him that some days in plumbing demand real grit. He also realized this moment—while awful—wasn’t going to be his daily reality. Often, plumbing is about solving problems that no one else can handle.
Journeyman: Training Others
Over time, Roger moved from apprentice to journeyman and discovered he had a knack for teaching. By helping newer apprentices understand the importance of code compliance, blueprint reading, and consistent technique, he honed his own skills. Teaching forced him to look deeper at details and articulate the “why” behind each step.
- Mentorship Benefits Everyone
Explaining tasks to a beginner reveals small oversights and fosters a more structured approach to the job. When advanced plumbers invest in apprentices, the entire crew rises in competence and confidence.
Shifts in the Career
Though Roger loved plumbing, he periodically tried other fields—cosmetology, massage therapy, bartending, security—hoping to find something better. Yet each time, he missed the satisfaction and camaraderie he’d found in plumbing. The practical, hands-on nature and the daily sense of tangible achievement drew him back.
- Variety in the Trades
Plumbing isn’t always the same. There’s service vs. new construction, residential vs. commercial, medical gas, or even specialized leak detection. Exploring the field’s variety can keep the work fresh and challenging.
Opening a Plumbing Company
Eventually, Roger stepped into management: becoming a foreman, superintendent, and then director of operations. Along the way, he noticed how some owners skimped on training or misunderstood the importance of real customer service. That realization pushed him to start his own residential service plumbing business.
- Challenges of Entrepreneurship
He faced the same pitfalls many owners do. Unscrupulous marketing companies ate away at his budget. He had to balance staff payroll, overhead, and brand reputation. But by focusing on truly doing “the right thing,” building a culture of honest workmanship, and learning social media, the company found a niche.
Social Media and Modern Marketing
To counter marketing scams, Roger embraced social media wholeheartedly. Rather than waiting for calls that might never come, he learned how to create content on YouTube, Facebook, and elsewhere to educate homeowners about plumbing. This built trust, raised brand awareness, and attracted more qualified leads than any expensive billboard or shady marketing campaign ever could.
- Win-Win Approach
By teaching small repairs and basic plumbing knowledge online, he positioned his company as an industry authority. Potential clients saw transparency and expertise, making them more likely to call for larger jobs. Over time, he grew comfortable in front of the camera, realized the power of personal branding, and even helped other plumbers discover social media strategies.
Planning the Exit Strategy
One critical piece Roger realized late in his career: every business should have an exit plan. Whether you hope to pass your plumbing company to your children or sell to a bigger enterprise, planning from the start matters. Eventually, he sold his thriving plumbing company to an HVAC company looking to expand into plumbing, then pivoted into focusing on social media, training, and endorsements.
- Building a Legacy
A well-run plumbing business can yield significant revenue, a satisfying lifestyle, and a valuable sellable asset if you choose to move on. Thinking about who could take over, how you’ll train future leadership, and what financial goals you have can shape how you grow your company from the ground up.
Key Takeaways from 40+ Years in Plumbing
- Learn by Observing
Whether you’re an apprentice or a seasoned journeyman, there’s always more to pick up from other tradespeople, blueprint study, or new tools. - Train Others to Improve Yourself
Teaching apprentices helps refine your own methods, forcing you to articulate steps and best practices. - Never Stop Evolving
The plumbing industry changes with new tools, materials, and marketing methods. Adapting keeps you relevant and profitable. - Social Media Is Powerful
Don’t underestimate YouTube, Facebook, or TikTok for building trust and attracting customers. Homeowners appreciate valuable tips from an authentic source. - Always Have a Plan
This includes a daily plan (customer service, best practices), a training plan for your team, and an eventual exit plan for your business. - You Don’t Have to Touch Sewage Daily
Yes, some tasks are messy, but the field is broad—medical gas, leak detection, project management, or even content creation about plumbing.
Moving Forward in the Trades
The plumbing profession offers tangible rewards beyond the daily paycheck. There’s pride in solving complex problems, building or repairing systems people depend on, and mentoring the next wave of professionals. As you step into this craft—whether as an apprentice, a seasoned journeyman, or a business owner—remember you’re part of a tradition that stretches back centuries, continually adapting to new technologies and societal needs.
And if you aim to run your own company one day, let Roger’s journey serve as both inspiration and caution. Success demands resilience, a commitment to proper training, and the foresight to navigate marketing pitfalls. But in the end, the trades can provide not just a living, but a fulfilling and profitable career.
Final Thoughts
No matter where you are in your plumbing career, embrace curiosity, continually seek better ways to serve customers, and plan your long-term trajectory. Plumbing, as Roger’s four-plus decades show, can be a path to stable income, personal growth, and the satisfaction of mastering a skilled trade. It might just be the profession you never knew you were meant to pursue—and one day, you might share your own “40 years in one video” story.
