Plumbing & Mechanical Next Gen ALL-STARS
Next Gen All Star: Michael Lyons Jr.
Top 20 Under 40 Plumbing Professional
Image courtesy of Michael Lyons
How long have you been in the PHCP-PVF industry?
ML: I’ve been in the industry full-time for 14 years, but I’ve had the opportunity to work as a teenager during time off from school at my grandfather’s plumbing business learning the fittings, stocking the shelves, washing the trucks and working in the field as a helper.
What drew you into the industry?
ML: Growing up, I always had tools in my hand. I knew early on I would be in some type of construction field whether on the design side or building side. After attending college for a few years in engineering and construction management, I decided to turn my focus to the trade I had the pleasure of learning at an early age.
What is the most rewarding aspect of working in the industry?
ML: Being a problem solver. Working in the emergency service and repair side of the industry, no two days are the same. You never know what to expect on any given day. The last thing anyone wants to do when they wake up in the morning is call the plumber, but knowing my customers are receiving quality service in a timely fashion to alleviate that burden is what is most gratifying. Even more so, when you have customers take the time out of their day to call and compliment the service that was provided because you usually only hear about the negatives. It's nice to hear the positives.
What motivates you every day?
ML: My family. My wife and I are expecting our first child in September.
What is one thing you wish more people knew/understood about the PHCP-PVF industry?
ML: There are many ways to have a career in this industry, it doesn’t have to be a “backup plan.” I feel as though kids are pressured to attend college and there has been a stigma associated with the trades. However, I think that narrative is slowly starting to change.
What has been the proudest moment in your career so far?
ML: Aside from becoming a New York City licensed master plumber before the age of 30, one of my most memorable moments was finding an issue with a manufacturer-provided spec/drawing of a 3-way valve on a boiler-driven hot water generator, which had been an ongoing issue for over a month. My redesign was approved by both the water heater and 3-way valve manufacturers, and the re-pipe ended up resolving the issue. I gained a lot of respect the day that heater fired up.
What is one thing most people don’t know about you?
ML: If I didn’t follow in my grandfather’s footsteps and become a NYC licensed master plumber, I would have pursued a career in the gas industry with Con Edison, though I guess those are somewhat parallel paths.
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