Plumbing NewsPlumbing & Mechanical Contractor

Next Gen All Star: Chris Simons

By Nicole Krawcke, Natalie Forster, Editorial Director

AGE: 31
COMPANY: Sun Fire Plumbing, Sebastopol, California
TITLE: Plumbing, solar thermal and boiler technician

How long have you been in the PHCP-PVF industry?
CS: I started plumbing when I was 18. At this point, I have roughly 12 years in the industry.

What drew you into the industry?
CS: I have always been mechanically inclined ever since I was a young child. I remember taking apart my mother’s VCRs and random appliances around the house just to figure out how they worked. I was really drawn to plumbing because it helps preserve water resources and protects the community from hazards.

What is the most rewarding aspect of working in the industry?
CS: Helping others that are less fortunate and in need of professional assistance.

What is one thing you wish more people knew/understood about the PHCP-PVF industry?
CS: Being preemptive with your home's plumbing repairs and installs.

What has been the proudest moment in your career so far?
CS: Qualifying for my California plumbing license.

What is one thing most people don’t know about you?
CS: I strive for perfection and prefer quality over quantity.

Why he was chosen as a Next Gen All Star Top 20 Under 40 winner:
“Chris started with me 10 years ago, stayed for a couple of years and then went on to serve under four or five other companies here in Sonoma County, picking up priceless knowledge of service and estimating in all aspects of the trade. He is now back with me, after getting ‘beat up’ by flat rate companies and others that do not truly respect and encourage their employees. Today, at the tender age of 31, he is constantly amazing my customers not only with his impeccably polite demeanor and manners but also his knowledge and skill level in accomplishing any task he’s asked to perform. He studied computer science at the Santa Rosa Junior College, which gives him the ability to deal with the intricacies of boiler and other programming issues.

He is ready to schedule his CSLB plumbers license test, which means he will be able to take over my company soon, as I am one of those aging plumbers — in the trade since 1972,” says Gary Sullivan of Sun Fire Plumbing.

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Nicole Krawcke is the former Chief Editor of Plumbing & Mechanical and PM Engineer magazines. She covered the HVAC and plumbing industries for BNP Media. She has more than 15 years of writing and editing experience and holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Michigan State University.

Natalie Forster is the director of communications for the American Supply Association (ASA), where she leads the association's public and media relations strategy, social media efforts, and member-focused online and print communications. Prior to joining ASA, she was the Editorial Director of Plumbing & Mechanical and Supply House Times. Before that, she served as an editor and digital content director for Southern Trade Publications, a publishing company focused on the PHCP trades and real estate industries. Natalie holds a bachelor's degree in communication studies from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.