Tim Quick, 2024 Plumbing Nationals Finalist, Looks Forward to the Next Chapter of His Plumbing Career
Meet Tim Quick, one of the five finalists for the 2024 Plumbing National Championship, which SharkBite is proud to sponsor. The 58-year-old plumber with Air Systems Inc. In Delavan, Wisconsin, 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, what has helped him have a successful plumbing career, and what’s next for him in his professional journey.
1. Tell us how you first got involved in the trade and how long you’ve been plumbing.
I entered the plumbing trade at 24 years old — so 34 years ago and counting — after losing my job working at a paper mill. A relative of mine had recently opened his own plumbing business, and he called to see if I would be interested in becoming an apprentice. I discovered that I enjoyed working with my hands. In plumbing, there are often many ways to go from point A to point Z to complete a task, and I found out I was pretty good at it early on. I also liked being able to stand back at the end of the day and say, "I did that."
2. What's your philosophy for achieving a successful career in plumbing?
Put in the hard work, learn to interpret the codes in your area, work well with other trades on job sites, and become very customer oriented. By doing these things, I’ve been able to support my family for 25 years as a self-employed plumber. The relationships I made helped me succeed, too.
3. What's something you wish you knew about the trade that upcoming plumbers should know?
The plumbing trade can be very physically demanding at times, especially during your early years. For instance, you spend a lot of time carrying tools and materials or cutting and drilling holes. Shoveling dirt or busting up concrete is common for the freshman tradesperson too.
As you learn more about plumbing codes and blueprint reading, the more responsibility you get with each project. The faster you learn these things — while also maintaining high-quality work — the faster you will rise to job foreman. Then you’ll do less manual labor as you spend more time training others, bidding jobs, and overseeing work versus installing. It may be hard at first, but those who stick with it will find it rewarding. Remember to use knee pads in the meantime. Your “old knees” will appreciate it one day!
4. How does it feel to be considered one of the best plumbers in the U.S.?
I consider it a huge privilege and an honor. I was raised to always do the best I can do in everything I am tasked to do. God gave me the ability to excel in this trade, I honor Him by doing it well.
5. What’s the best part of your plumbing career?
I have been fortunate to be self-employed for the past 25 years. It was a rewarding job, but I also had to do everything myself. My body is slowing down and doesn't recover from a hard labor day like it used to in my 20s. As I have searched for the “what’s next” in my career as I near the end of my working in the field, I recently accepted an offer to help develop a plumbing division with a well-established heating contractor in my area.
After years of self-employment, I still love to do plumbing, but I’m enjoying the opportunity to teach others and do more job foreman-type duties. I also do cross-connection inspections for many municipalities in my state, and I also have numerous backflow assembly testing accounts that are required annually. I hope to continue doing this kind of plumbing work until I decide it's time to retire.
6. What's your go-to artist(s) to listen to while on the job?
I never bring a radio onto the job site any longer. I used to listen to talk radio a lot. But now, when I have the opportunity to work in quietness, I enjoy it. Usually other music is blaring, hammers are pounding, and generators are motoring away. I enjoy things as quiet as I can get them.