There’s Something Happening Here

Here’s to the unsung tradespeople

Personal story: a few months back I wrote a feature about Southern Trust Home Services, the plumbing-electrical-HVAC contracting firm that was celebrating its 25th Anniversary. Ted Puzio is the owner – you’ve seen the commercials. So recently my sump pump went out – I need one because my SW Roanoke County neighborhood sits on an underground lake – an aquifer – that once supplied everyone with water until the County connected us to a public supply. Thus that underground lake is never far from the surface.

Anyway, the handyman who had put the pump in last year has gone AWOL and I needed to get someone in ASAP. You will pay more for an established contractor firm with multiple employees and overhead, yes, but there is a tradeoff. Either way or employ some hybrid when it comes to getting things fixed around the house; you make that choice.

My real point is this – the young man who came out at 7:50am to check out my sump pump couldn’t have been nicer, laid out all the options, worked with me on the price. I told him to fix it. Then I heard his story: single father with custody of two young children (he can’t be more than mid-late 20’s), has a home he will pay off in four years, drives from Martinsville to the Roanoke area for service calls because there’s more work here.

He does all of that on whatever he makes somewhere in the Southern Trust Home Services food chain. The point: if you or your kid isn’t ready for college or doesn’t want to go, learn a trade, apprentice, get licensed or take a certification course. Work for a company like Southern Trust or go out on your own. Believe me the independents can charge a pretty penny too – because most homeowners don’t know how to plumb, to install a light switch, build or repair a deck, or how to install a dishwasher. And/or they don’t have the time or just don’t want to do that. Those in the trades can always go to college later on if they so choose – my brother help put himself through school (masters level included) as an auto mechanic.

So, here’s to the tradespeople from someone who is pretty much all thumbs. Just treat me fairly, quote me a decent price, back up your work, show up when you say you will show up. We all can’t get along without you.

If you or your kid isn't ready for college... learn a trade, apprentice, get licensed ”“ or take a certificate course.

THERE’S SOMETHING HAPPENING HERE

By Gene Marrano

Executive Summary:

Where would many of us be if we couldn’t call on those with true expertise in the trades?