When you have an alternate perspective, it’s only natural to ask questions. The questions Ashleigh Auch started asking came from an unexpected place: the marketing office of one of Indy’s most sought-after employers —Angie’s List.
“I was working in marketing, helping to market our plumbers. That’s when I saw the money,” Ashleigh remembers.
That realization couldn’t have come at a more chaotic time; Ashleigh and her husband’s five kids already had jam-packed schedules. But the potential that a career change to the other side of the plumbing emergency was a promise they couldn’t let slip by.
A PIVOT
Trading in her lively headquarters and cubicle, Ashleigh soon found herself scoping sewers, sending a camera down lines to inspect and troubleshoot backups. Blending her client service skills honed at Angie’s List in her new field position, she dove in first as a helper and eventually, handling jobs solo.
“I’d run a drain machine on a reel to diagnose a client’s issue and then pass it on to excavating for next steps,” she shares. “For other jobs, I’d be doing a regular inspection just to make sure things were clear.”
In the U.S., plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters earn a median income of $61,550 per year. For comparison’s sake, the median wage for all U.S. workers during the same period was $48,060.
Ashleigh’s initial compensation curiosity wasn’t out of line; plumbers typically work on commission, meaning their earning potential depends on both their client service skills and craft being on target. After accounting for parts and materials, plumbers take home their share, and at Hope Plumbing, Ashleigh’s current employer, they’re eligible for full benefits, including healthcare, time off, and paid training.
National data gives a broad representation of earning potential for plumbers, but local figures bring it home. Kokomo, Indiana boasts the highest level of plumbers, likely thanks to manufacturing jobs in the area. They enjoy an annual mean wage of $77,730, making a career in plumbing all the more attractive in the Hoosier state.
A REIMAGINING
In one frame, she’s wrangling hockey players for their next interview, another, she’s grinding out stories for Fox Sports. But after 16 years, the love of finding and bringing a story to life as a television producer takes its toll, the hours, demands, and expectations often taking away more than it can replenish. Colleen Lotz hung up her full-time producer hat and her five-time (soon to be six) Emmy-winning career in 2019, but her hunger for telling stories didn’t quiet.
“I met with one of the owners at Hope Plumbing; he told me that they needed to tell people their story. So I started freelancing, doing features, and sharing what they do for their technicians, their community impact. What I didn’t expect was to love working for a plumbing company so much.”
Aside from the glaring demand for more skilled trades professionals, support personnel across marketing, technology, finance, and customer service that complete the client experience are needed. In Colleen’s case, working at Hope gives her plenty of creative freedom to let the stories be her guide, her producorial instinct alive, well, and at home as Hope’s Marketing Manager.
TAPPING IN
“A career switch was a scary thought. I didn’t know anything about being a plumber. I worried about being too old. But if you ask me, I say JUMP. ” says Ashleigh.
The fairytales etch the plotlines in your brain that Prince Charming will save you, but as a plumber, Ashleigh can do the saving, too.
“On Christmas Eve one year, the pipes froze in my daughter’s ceiling. It fell, but I was able to solder the pipes and fix it. It’s so satisfying to be able to do something for yourself in your own home.”
The traditional path to a career in plumbing requires successful completion of an approved 4-year apprenticeship program, which, unlike a traditional four-year degree, pays you to work instead of invoicing you to learn.
The outdated concept of men’s work or women’s work is irrelevant across the board, but being a woman presents unique advantages that make a career reconsideration worthwhile. Plumbers often work in teams, especially for big jobs. Most new plumbers start out as a helper, assisting a more experienced plumber, getting valuable on-the-job training that’s best learned by doing. It’s hard work, and requires application of science, math, and physics to ensure pipes flow properly and systems function flawlessly.
The more Colleen learns about the people on the other side of the Hope logo, people like Ashleigh who’ve transformed their lives and found their strength, the more she loves to share their life stories and the opportunity that a career in plumbing can provide.
“We have a plumber who was homeless, and now he’s one of our top earners,” Colleen shares. “The apprentice program is quick and there’s always job security. We have flexibility, benefits, and even parental leave. The team enjoys being together, they’re helpful, and develop natural mentorships.”
FLEX AND STILL FIND SUCCESS
A career in plumbing isn’t known for its flexibility, but for the women at Hope, “flexibility” is synonymous with their experience in the field. When Ashleigh was in the field, she appreciated the opportunity to solve big problems on big jobs, but without a clear end time, she found herself in a bind.
“I was struggling for a bit in the field with kids activities. But when I said something about it, Hope was there for me. They said it was no issue and that they won’t dispatch me past 3:30 p.m.,” says Ashleigh. “There were no hoops. They legitimately care and if you can’t work past this time, they won’t send you. Employees are trusted and valued here.”
She goes on to share that while her hours adjustment changed her earnings, she was easily able to meet her goals. As a parent of five kids in nearly every life stage – Ashleigh’s kids are 7, 10, 12, 16, and 24 – flexibility is a must. That’s why in May 2024, she returned to a headquarters role as an Employee Experience Specialist, and now, she’s on a mission to find talented plumbers to join the team at Hope Plumbing, bringing in new talent from both the younger set and those transitioning their careers.
PLUMBING IS FOR THE GIRLS
“I’m a girly girl. I wear heels, makeup…you don’t have to be rough to be a plumber,” Ashleigh says. “Even when I was in the field, I was girly. But women have the upper hand here. We can make our clients comfortable when we’re on a visit, especially when it’s another woman.”
The reality is, welcoming a stranger into your home can feel uncomfortable, but plumbers like those at Hope strive to provide a great experience and put clients at ease, especially when they’re there to respond to an emergency. “Plumbing is important for everyone’s family…we make a difference in people’s lives,” adds Colleen.
While Hope’s sweet spot is providing service to homeowners and businesses, a career in plumbing doesn’t limit you to making house calls. With a plumbing license, professionals can specialize in plumbing design, construction, inspection, and management. In 2023, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the median age of a plumber is 40.8 years old, and 20% of the working population nearing or sitting at retirement age. At current, there’s about a 5% lag in new workers entering the industry to replace them. If there’s any time to get into the plumbing industry, it’s now.
The impact that women in trades can have on future generations isn’t lost on Ashleigh. And it’s why in her new role within HR, she’s on a mission to connect with people thinking about starting in trades. Whether it’s meeting with schools, spreading awareness about the field, debunking stereotypes, or sharing stories, Ashleigh’s inspired by the future.
“When I switched to my career in plumbing, my daughter was just seven years old,” Ashleigh recalls. “I hope that seeing that change, she knows that women can do anything…anything they want. Anyone can do this. It’s not just a career for men. Women can do this, too.”
Natalie Derrickson is a writer and communications strategist living and working in Indianapolis.
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