It is well documented that there is a shortage of people going into the skilled trades[1],[2],[3]. Different theories for this shortage have been suggested, with the two most popular seeming to be the push for everyone to go to college and that many tradespeople changed careers following the Great Recession of a decade ago. Whatever the cause, we have heard multiple emplo …

This month, we are featuring Brent Bogan, Owner of Affordable Rooter Service, LLC in Bryant, AR. They serve customers in the North Little Rock and Little Rock, AR areas. Brent Bogan has had an interesting career in plumbing. As a plumber by trade, he was contracted through KBR, a provider of professional services, to work in the Middle East. During his three years oversea …

Josh Shelton didn’t think he wanted to be a plumber when he was young. His dad opened a plumbing business in 1983, but Josh wasn’t sure he wanted to pursue plumbing as a career. After trying several different career paths and not finding something he loved, he began to appreciate the job security he saw his father enjoy in the plumbing industry. When his fathe …

Mr. Vigil was drafted for the Korean War as a young man. He went to radio school and was sent to Korea for a 2-year tour. He eventually led a platoon and was such a talented radio man that his tour was extended for an additional year. When he returned from Korea in 1953, he got a call from a friend who had served with him, whose dad was in need of a plumber. Mr. Vigil did …

“Step up. Don’t be afraid to start your own business.” What great advice to all from the Owner/Operator of CN Sewer & Drain, Chris Nicholas. Back in 2011, with 15 years of experience in the sewer/drain cleaning industry under his belt, Chris took this advice. He “stepped up” and opened CN Sewer & Drain in Hays, Kansas. Covering an app …