As plumbers, you often find yourselves in the business of fixing what’s broken. From leaky faucets to pipe bursts, your job is to restore function and reliability. But what happens when life throws a wrench into your personal or professional lives? How do you bounce back and use those experiences to grow stronger, not just for ourselves but for our industry as a whole?

Adversity is something we all face. Maybe you’ve dealt with the loss of a big contract, a business setback or a mistake on the job that left you questioning your abilities. 

NaDonte Jones, who owns NJ Jones Plumbing in Syracuse, New York, faced adversity early on in his life when he served a 10-month term in the county jail as a 19-year-old. He could have easily given up and not have done anything with his life, but that wasn’t him. He took building trades classes while in jail and discovered that plumbing was his true calling. 

Flash-forward 28 years after his incarceration, and Jones has made a name for himself in the plumbing world. He owns his own company, which generated about $2 million in revenue last year, and in 2019 his business was named the Upstate Minority Economic Alliance’s Minority Business of the Year in the Syracuse area.

Setbacks are an opportunity to grow and reimagine who you are and you can read more about what Jones has accomplished in this issue’s profile.

When you bounce back from tough times, you don’t just recover; you rebuild. And that rebuilding isn’t limited to the self. It’s a ripple effect. By working through your struggles and embracing the lessons they teach, you have a chance to influence the plumbing industry for the better.

BEING A MENTOR

If you’ve experienced hardship and come out on the other side, you have a unique perspective. Share it. Whether you’re mentoring a young apprentice or simply offering a fellow plumber advice over a cup of coffee, your story might be exactly what they need to hear. 

The plumbing industry thrives on passing down knowledge, and that includes the lessons you learn from your mistakes. Being honest about your journey can inspire others to persevere when times are tough.

EMBRACING INNOVATION

Sometimes setbacks reveal weaknesses in how you approach your work. Use those moments as a catalyst for change. Could new tools, techniques or technologies have prevented the problem? Research, experiment and advocate for improvements. 

Every small innovation, whether it’s a more efficient method or a safety protocol, raises the bar for the entire industry.

LEAD BY EXAMPLE

Plumbers are essential to the health and safety of our communities. You don’t just fix pipes; you ensure clean water, sanitation, and reliability in every home and business you touch. When you choose to approach each day with professionalism, empathy and a commitment to excellence — even after a setback — you remind your peers and customers of the vital role we play.

The plumbing industry is built on trust, skill and the grit to tackle challenges head-on. By turning your struggles into fuel for growth, you not only strengthen yourself but also uplift those around you. Together, you can make our trade a beacon of resilience and innovation.

The next time life delivers a hard knock, remember this: every repair starts with identifying the problem. From there, it’s about putting in the work to make things better. 

Keep fixing and keep inspiring. The industry — and the world — needs it.

Enjoy this issue!