Meet Joe Jaspers, 2023 Plumbing National Championship Finalist
This year, the Elite Trades Championship Series (ETCS) expanded its suite of skilled trades competitions with the addition of the inaugural Plumbing National Championship. While the ETCS has held competitions in HVAC, auto and electrical trades, this new championship celebrates and showcases the exceptional skills of plumbers across the country, and SharkBite is proud to be the category sponsor.
About the plumbing competition
There are three rounds to the championship. After hundreds entered the competition by taking a 3-minute quiz designed by Florida PHCC, 20 semi-finalists advanced to Round 2, which included a timed, at-home plumbing challenge. From there, only five plumbers emerged and will head to Tampa for the finals, which will be televised on CBS Sports Network on Dec. 29 at 7 p.m. ET.
The finalists
Ahead of the program, get to know the top 5 plumbers in the nation. One of them, Joe Jaspers of Jaspers Plumbing in Cincinnati, Ohio, is a fourth-generation plumber and has been in the field full time for 10 years. Get to know his journey to becoming a plumber, his perspectives on the trade, and how he feels knowing he’s one of the best plumbers in the U.S.
1. Tell us about how you first got into the trade.
I started helping my dad at a young age. I started working full time in the summer when I was 15 and worked part time for three years in high school. When I graduated, I became an apprentice straight out of high school.
2. What is your philosophy for achieving a successful career in plumbing?
Respecting your clients and superintendents should always come first. Be the hardest worker on any job site and make sure your work is always perfect.
3. What is something you wish you knew about the trade that upcoming plumbers should know?
More certification comes with more pay. For instance, a backflow certification, journeyman license or even something like basic welding could get you a raise.
This makes you more valuable to your company and any future companies you may work at while improving your skills in the trade!
4. How does it feel to be considered one of the best plumbers in the U.S.?
It's still hard to believe! It’s so rewarding to see all those hard weekends, missed holidays and long nights pay off. I still have a long way to go, but I’m confident there’s not much I can’t do in the plumbing field.
5. What’s your go to artist(s) you listen to on the job?
Warren Zeiders and Oliver Anthony Music.
You can follow Joe on Instagram at @BuildProJoe. Watch Joe and the other four finalists on CBS Sports Network on Dec. 29 at 7 p.m. ET.