I don’t claim to know much.
When it comes to sewer and drain work, you’re the professionals. I’ve gained a substantial volume of knowledge from you, but still, it’s just enough to be well aware of how much I don’t know.
I was at a party over the Fourth of July and got into a conversation about my work. When I explain what I do to people who aren’t familiar, there’s always some initial level of surprise that there is a magazine focused solely on sewer and drain cleaning. Once I begin explaining some of the services you provide and the level of technology involved, the surprise often turns to a sort of amazement.
People don’t often appreciate your work, but I think that’s largely because they don’t understand what you do and what it involves. I always try to give them a better picture, and I can usually tell that the more I explain, the more they begin to see the significance. Your work touches everyone; they’re just not always aware of the level to which that’s true.
My appreciation for the work you do grows with every issue of this magazine and every conversation I have with you. I remember when I started at Cleaner and being told the importance of avoiding the old plumber stereotypes and potty humor. At first I was very mindful of that, but as I’ve gotten to know you, I don’t ever think about those things because they simply don’t represent who and what you are at all. Maybe there was a time, but not today.
No doubt there are those who haven’t evolved, but those aren’t the people I meet. They’re not the people I hear from and they’re not the people we feature in Cleaner. In fact, it’s really quite the opposite.
As the technology in this industry has evolved, so have you. The level of knowledge and technical savvy you hold sets you apart from the plumbers and drain cleaners of the past, and I think that’s an important message to send to both potential customers and the plumbers and drain cleaners of tomorrow.
I also had a conversation not long ago with a friend who told me that, at 40, he’s the youngest plumber at his company by several years. He said he’s working 60 hours a week because they’re understaffed and can’t keep up with the workload. There aren’t enough new people coming into the trade. I think some of that has to do with misperceptions and those old stereotypes, so it’s important that you offer a more accurate representation of the work you do and put a new public face on the industry so that evolution can continue. Show the next generation it’s work and a career they can be proud of.
On my end, I’m proud to serve you. It’s been an education, and one for which I’m thankful.
Enjoy this month’s issue.
