What does it mean to be a part of a community? It could mean something different depending on what definition of community you are thinking of.
There are two definitions for community according to Oxford Languages. The first is “a group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common.” The second definition is “a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals.”
No matter what type of community we’re talking about, someone should feel a sense of pride when they are a part of a community. It is something you want to take care of, to represent well and be excited to say you’re a member of.
PLUMBING COMMUNITY
If you work in the plumbing industry you are a part of the plumbing community. This is why it is so important to think about how you represent yourself and your community. How you act toward a customer or outside of this industry gives people an impression of everyone else in it.
Being a part of this community doesn’t mean you’re just a plumber. This could include plumbing business owners, manufacturers, educators, students and more. Being a part of this community opens opportunities you can take advantage of, whether it is for training or career advancement.
Don’t be afraid to lean on this community. There are many associations and groups to join from PHCC to IAPMO and many others. There’s also Facebook and other social media groups that you could jump into. It’s all there to help you and guide you in this community.
EMPLOYEE COMMUNITY
No matter if you work for a plumbing company or own one, you’re a part of the employee community. When you are working with and getting to know the same people every day you form a community with those people.
You’re working toward the same end goal — being successful and getting the jobs done. It’s a community that will grow stronger the longer you and others work for the company. You learn what each other is capable of and what your strengths are on the job.
LARGER COMMUNITY
Your company itself is a part of the community in which you are based and operate in and that creates some opportunities as well. Make sure your company is getting involved in activities taking place in your town or city. Be a sponsor of youth athletic teams, bar teams or whatever else might be out there.
There are some plumbing companies out there right now that are doing great things for their community. Gina Grundmeier, owner of T’NG Plumbing in Dexter, Minnesota, launched a nonprofit — Pay-It-Forward — that helps area homeowners with much needed repairs to their houses. You can learn more about that program by going to www.payitforwardtng.org.
This month we are profiling Arko Plumbing in Miami. He helps out his community in a different way. He provides expert testimony at court cases. It’s an interesting way to help the community.
WHAT DOES COMMUNITY MEAN TO YOU?
How do you or your company get involved in the community you are a part of? Email me at editor@plumbermag.com and tell me your story.
Enjoy this issue!
