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.

Kelly Castrogiovanni

President/Owner Terry Plumbing, A Matrix Holdings LLC Company

How long have you been in the industry?

I have over 30 years of experience in the construction industry, with the last 15 years focused on plumbing as the owner of Terry Plumbing Co. I am deeply committed to advancing our company’s growth and success every day. Additionally, Terry Plumbing is proud to be a Certified Women Business Enterprise (WBE) recognized by the City of Chicago, the State of Illinois, and Cook County.

This commitment extends beyond my business, as I actively contribute to the industry at large. I serve as a management trustee on the Health & Welfare Fund, working alongside our Plumbers Local UA 130 team to ensure that my union employees and their members receive the best benefits possible. Additionally, I have spent over nine years as a Board Director for the Plumbing Contractors Association of Greater Chicago (PCA) and currently am in the midst of a two-year term as President. Beyond my leadership roles, I am actively engaged in lobbying for regulations and legislative initiatives through a consortium of 30 signatory construction employer associations (IMSCA). Keys to what drives me are the goals of protecting plumbers' jurisdictional work, maintaining strong licensing laws in the State of Illinois, and upholding the highest standards for contracting firms in the skilled trades.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your career in PHCP-PVF?

As a female owner of a plumbing company, and a licensed plumber, the most rewarding part of my career is the ability to lead by example and prove that success in this industry is about skill, dedication, and hard work—not gender. I take immense pride in building a strong, professional team and delivering quality workmanship that exceeds customer expectations. There’s a deep sense of fulfillment in knowing that the services we provide directly impact people’s lives by ensuring safe, clean, and efficient plumbing systems.

Beyond that, I love the opportunity to mentor and encourage young individuals, including women, to pursue what we in the plumbing world already know is a worthwhile and exciting career in the trades. Whether it’s a routine service call, responding to a plumbing emergency, solving a customer’s problem or enhancing their comfort with a product that simply makes them happy, this is an occupation with variety and value. Seeing more women step into this field and thrive is incredibly inspiring. Owning my own company allows me to create a work environment that emphasizes diversity, fosters growth, and challenges outdated stereotypes. That, to me, is one of the greatest rewards of this journey.

One of the most rewarding moments in my career has been seeing Terry Plumbing recognized by Contractor Magazine as ‘Contractor of the Year’ in their January 2025 edition. This honor reflects not only the hard work and dedication of our entire team but also the values and standards we uphold in delivering exceptional service and results. Being recognized in such a prestigious industry publication affirms the commitment we have made to excellence and innovation in the plumbing industry. It is a testament to our team's dedication to quality, safety, and customer satisfaction, and it motivates us to continue pushing for new heights of success.

What do you wish more people understood/knew about the plumbing industry?

Many people don’t realize that, at least in Chicago, becoming a licensed plumber requires completing a rigorous five-year apprenticeship, which includes attending the joint apprenticeship training school one day a week for four years. Plumbing demands extensive technical knowledge, strong problem-solving abilities, and continuous education to stay up to date with evolving codes, materials, and technologies.

It’s far more than just fixing leaks or unclogging toilets, it involves designing complex systems, ensuring public health and safety, and improving efficiency in homes and businesses.

Plumbing plays a crucial role in daily life by providing clean water, sanitation, and reliable infrastructure. The ability to solve problems and make a tangible impact on communities brings a deep sense of accomplishment and pride to those in the field.