Tyler Edelman, 2024 Plumbing National Finalist, Uses His Skills In and Out of the Field
Meet Tyler Edelman is one of the five finalists of the 2024 Plumbing National Championship, which SharkBite is proud to sponsor. The 27-year-old of Edelman Heating, Cooling, Plumbing Electric & Solar was a top scorer in the Round 1 digital qualifying quiz and went on to excel in the Round 2 at-home challenge, securing his spot at the final competition in West Palm Beach, Florida, where he’ll compete for the title of best plumber in America.
Ahead of the finals, we caught up with him to hear how he got started in the trade and how he’s continuing to support the trades.
1. Tell us how you first got involved in the trade and how long you’ve been plumbing.
In seventh grade, I was convinced that I wanted to pursue a career in finance and accounting. Little did I know that would have anything to do with plumbing.
I entered the trades during my senior year of high school in 2014. I was drilling holes, sweeping floors and pulling home runs for the electrical department of my uncle’s business, Edelman Heating, Cooling, Plumbing Electric & Solar. Then, there was an opportunity to switch over to the newly formed plumbing department. At first, the work was similar, with the addition of a shovel, to dig and back-fill trenches.
As I learned more about the trade, I had the opportunity to begin estimating and ordering materials to keep our plumbers efficient on the job site. As the department grew, I was able to hand off my duties and transition to three-trade service tech – doing residential plumbing, electrical and HVAC service work.
Five years after entering the trade, I transitioned out of the field and assumed responsibility of the accounting for my uncle’s rapidly growing business. My job is still heavily impacted by plumbing but in a much different way than counting fittings, digging holes and gluing pipe.
I have worked at Edelman for almost 10 years. I’ve graduated high school and college, become a homeowner, a husband and a father, and moved 1,000 miles to Texas all while being an employee at Edelman. Outside of being a son, brother and a Christian, there isn't much that I've been longer than being a part of Edelman.
2. What's your philosophy for achieving a successful career in plumbing?
At 27 years old, I’m pretty young to say I have a philosophy. That aside, I do believe the keys to any type of success are consistent effort, a desire to learn, an open mind and a humble spirit.
My biggest strategy for overcoming any challenge has been to find an expert and learn everything I can from them. I've spent a lot of time being the youngest person in the room, and this has helped me become who I am today.
3. What's something you wish you knew about the trade that upcoming plumbers should know?
I’ve never heard someone complain about there being too many plumbers. I also haven’t seen ChatGPT or AI replacing a water heater or laying pipe in a trench, although that may be coming!
In our company today we have plumbers, electricians, HVAC installers and solar installers, but we also have full-time accounting, IT, HR, marketing, customer care, warehouse, fleet and analyst positions. Getting in the trade and then pursuing the field that you are interested in can be a great way to build a secure and sustainable career.
4. How does it feel to be considered one of the best plumbers in the U.S.?
I’m super excited about the opportunity and simultaneously feel very underqualified. I believe God has opened the doors for me to participate in this event — now I look forward to walking through them.
5. What’s the best part of your plumbing career?
Making dreams come true. A large portion of my role now is working with business owners who are looking to move on to the next chapter in their life. For some, that is retirement. Others want to unload the stress but stay involved in the trades. I love building these relationships and, through the vision of Edelman, helping these well-deserving individuals make their dreams become reality.
6. What's your go-to artist(s) to listen to while on the job?
Since most of my work is no longer on a job site, I rarely listen to music while I’m at work. Outside of work, Praise & Harmony is one of my favorites, and I love to sing along!