It is sometimes amazing just sitting back and thinking of the various backgrounds people can come from. It’s even true with plumbers.
Since I took over as editor of Plumber at the end of 2016, I’ve talked to plumbers who started their careers working with city water and sewer departments, others who started from the ground up as apprentices, and those who grew into a family business.
In this issue, we highlight a plumbing company owner who has a business background. Jessie Cannizzaro started Milestone Plumbing in suburban Milwaukee in 2011. She stepped into this industry after earning an undergraduate degree in business and an MBA degree. She had no thoughts of entering the plumbing world while she was earning those degrees. How did she get into it then? By filling in for her dad at his plumbing company after he suffered a stroke.
Cannizzaro not only owns a company, but she also teaches plumbing at a college in Milwaukee, sharing her knowledge with the next generation.
WORKING TOGETHER
It’s interesting when you hear all of these individuals talk about their diverse backgrounds and what that can do for the industry.
Having diverse backgrounds can create innovation because of the experiences and working styles that might have been learned. Creative concepts can be born from bouncing ideas off each other and offering feedback and suggestions.
There is no better way to start sharing those ideas and offering that feedback than at conferences.
One of the industry’s biggest shows, the AHR Expo, is taking place Jan. 14-16 in Atlanta. The show is expected to draw thousands of plumbing and HVAC contractors. You’ll find a preview to that show in this issue. If you’re attending, don’t be afraid to go up to people there and start talking about the industry. You might come back home with ideas of what to do with your own company.
That business background can also help someone who wants to get started in this industry with their own company by knowing the ins and outs of starting up a business. This month we start a regular feature in Plumber where we give you tips and suggestions when it comes to starting your own company.
This month that column focuses on drafting a business plan. It’s something you should really have before starting operations. It’ll give you goals to work toward and give you a path to follow instead of just “winging it.”
HOW ABOUT YOU
What is your background in plumbing? How did you get your start, and how did it help you run the company you now have? Email me at editor@plumbermag.com. I’d love to hear your story.
Enjoy this issue!
