Colton Henkowski

How long have you been in the PHCP-PVF industry?

CH: 15 years

What drew you into the industry?

CH: I was drawn to the industry by a need to work with my hands initially. I could never sit still in class and knew I needed a career that would allow me to do more than just sit at a desk.

What is the most rewarding aspect of working in the industry?

CH: The best part of being a pipefitter is getting to see the fruit of your labors. Standing back and looking at a project you finished with your brothers and sisters from the trade is an unrivaled feeling.

What motivates you every day?

CH: I’m motivated by the next generation of tradespeople. To see them coming up the same way I did makes me push harder every day to be better and to make them better at the same time. Being a part of someone’s new career path and life is amazing.

What is one thing you wish more people knew/understood about the PHCP-PVF industry?

CH: I wish that people understood what trade life is all about. Work hard play hard doesn’t say enough about what we do. We work with our hands, make great money doing it and it requires an immense amount of knowledge, grit and hard work. I believe this is something nobody truly understands, we’re not just dumb construction workers, we’re the skilled trades that make this world what it is.

What has been the proudest moment in your career so far?

CH: My proudest moment was when I saw my first apprentice not only turn out as a journeyman but then take all his knowledge and skill to the next level by moving on to a foreman and becoming the trainer I was to him for others. Seeing it come full circle made all the long days and nights truly worth it.

What is one thing most people don’t know about you?

CH: Most people don’t know that along with being a tradesman, I love being an artist — from glassblowing to metal work, I love to make things unexpected out of ordinary materials.