Plumbing Experts From Rancho Cucamonga, CA Share the Story of the First Black Woman to Become a Master Plumber
Adrienne Bennett Was a Plumbing Pioneer
This black history month, we honor the contributions of black Americans to the industry. Adrienne Bennett is an important figure in the history of plumbing because she is the first black woman plumber to become a master plumber. Master plumber is the highest level of career achievement that a plumber can reach.
How Her Journey to Master Plumber Began
As the first female black master plumber, Adrienne Bennett’s story is an inspiration to young women everywhere. She forged her way in a male-dominated industry despite facing discrimination every step of the way.
She attributes her strong work ethic to her upbringing. Bennett grew up in a large family that prioritized education. When she graduated high school, she was excited to begin studying to be an engineer. Unfortunately, a racist incident at college led to her dropping out of the engineering program.
Then her life path went in a different direction when she was recruited for a program giving trade school scholarships to minority women. When she found out how much she could be making as a plumbing contractor, over a $50,000 starting rate, she decided to join the scholarship program at 22 years old. Despite being the only woman in a group of 100 men, she excelled in her plumbing training.
She Started As an Apprentice Before Becoming a Contractor
Adrienne Bennett excelled as a plumber apprentice and quickly worked her way up to being a contractor. At first, she was only making around $5 an hour. It took five years to complete the scholarship training. By the time she took the master plumber’s test, she had clocked in over 4,000 hours of activity in the field and had a spotless record.
After graduating from plumbing school with honors, Bennett worked for the City of Detroit in various plumbing contracting positions. She was, at multiple times, the journeyman plumber, master plumber, project manager, plumbing inspector, and code enforcement officer for the City of Detroit. She blew the top out of the glass ceiling and eventually had no further achievements left for her to accomplish besides starting her own business.
She Now Owns Her Own Independent Plumbing Contracting Business
Once she had worked every position available to plumbers in Detroit, she decided to start her own business. As a business owner, she is focused on water conservation. She works alongside her son to run the business.
As a Detroit resident, one of her goals with her business is to help rebuild the city that she grew up in. Her company, Benkari, has successfully landed big contracts in Detroit. She also sits on the board of advisors for Lawrence Tech.
Despite her many accomplishments, Bennett insists that she is not unique and that anyone could do what she has done with the right work ethic and motivation. Adrienne Bennett is a huge inspiration. She is a groundbreaking plumbing contractor who will go down in black history as the first black female master plumber.
About Rooter 66 Plumbing Inc
Rooter 66 Plumbing Inc is proud to serve Rancho Cucamonga, CA, with high-quality services from experienced plumbing contractors. Rooter 66 Plumbing Inc is a family-owned plumbing company that has been in business for over ten years. Call them today to schedule an appointment with a plumber in Rancho Cucamonga, CA!