Pfister has launched a new docuseries that it hopes can be a valuable workforce development tool for the plumbing industry.

The bi-weekly digital series “American Plumber Stories,” hosted by country music entertainer and Army veteran Craig Morgan, debuted Aug. 2 and features the lives of plumbers throughout the U.S. The goal, according to Pfister, is to promote the plumbing trade to the next generation of professionals. The show highlights the stories of plumbers around the nation including how they got started in the trade and the passion they have for their profession. These stories show how they built a career that allows them to lead financially rewarding and fulfilling lives.

Also highlighted are their unique hobbies such as car racing, kitesurfing and many other exciting stories. Each episode is entertaining but also highlights the true opportunity the plumbing trade has to offer those who are not aiming to pursue a college education or who are unsure which career path to take. By foregoing student loan debt and entering a career early, young plumbing professionals can build a fulfilling life for themselves and their families. 

The plumbing trade has been experiencing a significant shortage of workers. The most experienced professionals are nearing retirement age and are exiting the workforce. At the same time the number of men and women willing to learn the trade continues to decline. Today, special high school programs and vocational or trade schools are scarce for aspiring students who want a career in the trades. Compared to higher learning and the promise and perceived security of a corporate career, there is also a negative stigma attached to the plumbing profession. Academic achievement became more favorable and the idea of trade education was left behind. 

“Young men and women who enter the workforce early can learn the plumbing trade and make it a long-term career. This also allows many to establish and build their own company. The goal of ‘American Plumber Stories’ is to update the perceptions of the plumber profession in a documentary-style format,” says Spencer Brown, Pfister’s director of sales and executive producer of “American Plumber Stories.” “We need to engage with young people, sharing an authentic look at the plumbing trade today and real plumbers’ success stories to encourage a new workforce. The goals of ‘American Plumber Stories’ are to inspire, educate and entertain. Our hope is that the docuseries changes the image of the industry, helping to attract and recruit new talent.”  

Initially 12 episodes, each around 11 minutes, are being released over the course of six months. The fourth episode recently came out. Pfister partnered with country music star Morgan as an official brand ambassador and he is hosting each episode. Morgan also wrote and performed the docuseries’ original theme song “Good Life.” 

“I was very excited when Pfister approached me about this project. I am glad to help shine a light on the trade and see what Pfister is doing with ‘American Plumber Stories’ to help inspire a new generation of plumbers,” says Morgan.

Danyel Tiefenbacher, brand manager for Pfister, says the feedback from various people in the plumbing industry has been strong so far. He’s been reaching out to other manufacturers and trade associations to help spread the word about “American Plumber Stories” and get it to reach as many people as possible.

“It’s not a marketing campaign,” Tiefenbacher says. “We’re seeing this as an open source platform to really help the cause of workforce development. Anybody who wants to share the content has access to it. This is something that affects all of us. Workforce development is a threat to our business so we need to help our customers, the plumbing industry, with their No. 1 issue. We don’t care if our name is shown next to a competitor’s name even. This is an effort where we all need to stand together as brands and not as competitors to help this cause.”

Pfister is also using “American Plumber Stories” to work with the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and its nonprofit arm, the National Housing Endowment. Within that organization there’s a scholarship fund called the Skilled Labor Fund and Pfister is making donations to the program through “American Plumber Stories” merchandise sales. There are also plans to co-host with NAHB a Young Pros Party at the industry event KBIS in Orlando in February featuring a concert by Morgan.

“It’s desperately needed to have a platform that’s cool and appealing to the next generation that are working to find their career and maybe have never considered a trades career or a plumbing career because of negative stigmas attached to it,” Tiefenbacher says. “‘American Plumber Stories’ is trying to dispel some of the stigma the plumbing trade has.  And I think it’s doing so successfully based on the feedback we’ve had so far.”

You can check out “American Plumber Stories” at www.AmericanPlumberStories.com or on various social media channels: YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.