As we celebrate Women’s History Month and Women in Construction Week, Plumbing & Mechanical is shining the spotlight on 10 influential women who are leading the plumbing industry to great success.

Meet Katie Byrd, CEO of Clarksburg Plumbing

What made you choose a career in the plumbing industry?

KB: In 2010 I gave birth to twins. I was a pharmacy technician at the time, and with what I made, I could not afford to place my boys in daycare. So I stayed home to raise them and help out with our family business. The rest is history, I decided why not accomplish more and use this opportunity to help our family and learn the most I can so I can help the community.

What has been the most rewarding/proudest aspect of your career in the plumbing industry?

KB: The ability to help people and provide solutions. Hearing that someone is experiencing a lack of flow or loss of water allows me to connect them with someone on our team who specializes in the issue at hand.

I am also proud of our team. I am proud of who they all have grown to be. Each employee we have on staff works hard to learn new things and meet the challenges set in front of them. For this culture and internal community we have fostered, I am truly grateful.

What challenges do women face in this profession? Why aren’t there more women in plumbing? How can we increase the number of women in the industry?

KB: Women don’t have to face any challenges if they choose not to and have the right mindset. Challenges are merely opportunities. If anything, being a woman in the plumbing trade is a bonus. The majority of homeowners calling our office are women, moms managing households and a career — they have questions, and they want to know what’s going on with their plumbing systems. Being in the trade for over 13 years now allows me to understand what they are experiencing and empathize.

I believe, more women aren’t in plumbing and other trades because they aren’t introduced to it being a viable career choice at an age where they are thinking about what they want to be when they grow up. To increase the number of women in the industry, middle school-aged children need to be exposed to the trades. They need to be told it is a viable career path.

What advice do you have for prospective women considering entering the plumbing industry?

KB: Learn as much as you can, read everything. Study code. Don’t wait on someone to give you an opportunity, make an opportunity for yourself. Don’t settle for no!

What’s one thing nobody knows about you?

KB: I can front squat my body weight. Lifting weights and CrossFit has given me strength and confidence which I can use across all aspects of life.