“I learned early that this is a trade where experience matters, there is always something else to learn, and you earn your way forward,” Derrico said.

That mindset has followed him throughout his career. For Derrico, the reward still comes from solving problems that have a real impact on customers.

“When a customer calls us, they usually aren't having a particularly good day,” he said. “Being able to walk into that situation, figure out what is really happening, fix it correctly, and leave things better than I found them is still one of the most rewarding parts of the job.”

Today, however, there's another dimension to that satisfaction. As Service Manager, Derrico helps technicians develop the skills and confidence to diagnose and solve those problems themselves.

His 23 years in the trade have also taught him not to underestimate its complexity. Derrico wishes more people understood that plumbing careers aren't quite as simple — or instantly lucrative — as social media can sometimes make them appear.

“Some of the best plumbers I know have been doing this for 30+ years and will still tell you they're learning,” he said.

With water quality, conservation, changing infrastructure, advanced controls and growing demands from facilities such as data centers shaping the industry's future, Derrico believes that learning will only become more important.

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When asked about his proudest accomplishment, Derrico doesn't point to a title or milestone. Instead, it's the satisfaction of completing a difficult job and leaving behind craftsmanship he's proud to put his name on.

And after beginning his career working new construction in the Florida heat at 14, Derrico says it takes quite a bit to make him complain about a workday.

Away from plumbing, he's likely spending his weekends with his two Boxers, Loki and Luna.

“They are considerably less interested in plumbing than I am.”