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Plumbing & Mechanical ContractorPlumbing & Mechanical Engineer Business ManagementPiping | Plumbing | PVF

2026 Next Gen All-Star: Cody McLeod

Building his own chapter of a plumbing legacy

By Kristen R. Bayles, Associate Editor
Cody McLeod
Photo courtesy Cody McLeod / Utility Plumbing Services
September 16, 2026

Cody McLeod

Age: 36
Title: President and Founder
Company: Utility Plumbing Services, Inc.

For Cody McLeod, plumbing is a family legacy, but it’s one that he's worked to make his own.

McLeod, the President and Founder of Utility Plumbing Services, Inc. is a second-generation plumber who began learning the trade as a teenager. Over the past 20 years, he's worked his way “from the trenches” to owning and leading his own company.

“I grew up watching my father build a plumbing business and saw firsthand the hard work, skill and sacrifice required to succeed,” McLeod said. “Plumbing gave me the opportunity to carry that family legacy forward while building something of my own.”

Today, McLeod measures success not only by the essential problems his company solves for customers, but by the opportunities it creates for employees and their families.

“Watching someone develop their skills, gain confidence and build a better life through this industry is incredibly rewarding,” he said.

His fiancée, team and responsibility as a leader motivate McLeod every day. He's focused on continuing to raise the standard of professionalism in the industry while building a company where employees are proud to work.

Developing the next generation is also important to McLeod, particularly because he believes more people should understand the opportunities and expertise found in the trades.

“Plumbing is not simply manual labor,” McLeod said. “It requires technical expertise, problem-solving, communication and constant education. It is also a career path with tremendous opportunities for someone willing to learn, work hard and take pride in their craft.”

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His proudest accomplishment has been carrying his family's plumbing legacy forward while establishing a new identity through Utility Plumbing Services. Seeing employees grow, support their families and take pride in representing the company, he said, means more than any sales figure or award.

Still, industry recognition has been meaningful. McLeod was named PHCC of California's 2025 Young Entrepreneur of the Year and has served on the organization's State Board.

McLeod's early start means he already has two decades of industry experience behind him.

“Those early years taught me grit, discipline and respect for the trade.”

KEYWORDS: awards contractors family business Next Gen All Stars plumbing workforce development

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Kristen bayles   headshot 200x200

Kristen R. Bayles is the Associate Editor for Plumbing & Mechanical and Supply House Times. With deep family roots in the plumbing industry and a Bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Montevallo, Kristen brings a unique perspective to her coverage of industry trends, emerging technologies and business insights for plumbing and HVAC professionals.

Connect with Kristen on LinkedIn or reach her at baylesk@bnpmedia.com.

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