How did you get started in this line of work?
I received my plumbing license while serving in the military. I did plumbing for the Air Force, so it transferred over pretty quickly. I served with the 103rd Civil Engineering Squadron through the Connecticut International Guard and completed two tours in Afghanistan. I'm proud of my service; I earned a Bronze Star from President Obama after a mission where two forward operating bases froze in one night. I was flown in by helicopter, and we managed to thaw the pipes and save both bases. People don’t always realize it snows in Afghanistan, but it does—and plumbing was critical. At one point, an entire Army platoon guarded our water supply. If it were poisoned, the whole base would have been at risk. That experience taught me a lot.
What motivated you to open your own business?
After years working for others, I thought, “I can do this myself.” I also want to train young people in the trade, since not many are entering it today. I currently have an apprentice, Michael, and focus on residential service plumbing—meeting clients, finding out their needs, and putting together affordable solutions.
What does being a veteran-owned business mean to you?
I’ve got great work ethic after being in the military, where you have strict plans that you have to adhere to. I’ve learned from that experience to follow a step-by-step process for everything – no cutting corners, always by the book.
For inquiries, visit stevesplumbingorange.com.