As the General Manager of Halpin Plumbing, Skylar Halpin is a third-generation plumber, a trade that’s essential to every part of our lives. She describes the value her job provides the community and how the pandemic has impacted her work for our February 2021 Cincinnati At Work issue.
Photograph by Devyn Glista; illustration by Brittany Dexter
Age
30
Title/Occupation
General Manager, Halpin Plumbing
How long have you been in this job and field of work?
I started working at the company after I graduated college in 2012.
Why did you get into this field of work?
It’s a family business. I’m a third-generation plumber.
Best part of your job?
I get to work with a lot of family and friends in a very relevant industry that’s ever changing.
Worst part?
When people don’t find value in our trade and either try to negotiate our rates or don’t pay.
What value does this work provide to the community at large?
There’s a poster from years ago that says, Plumbers: Protecting the health of the nation. And that’s still true. We help provide safe water systems, remove waste, and repair and install gas lines that can be a big danger if done incorrectly.
What value does it provide you?
Plumbing is essential to every part of our lives. Having a skill set and knowledge in the field has not only helped me as a homeowner, but I can share what I’ve learned with others.
How has the pandemic impacted your work?
Luckily we were considered essential. Other than not having as many calls periodically, we’ve been very lucky to stay open.
What’s a fun fact about your job that the public wouldn’t know?
A plumber’s journeyman license is a four-year degree program in the state of Ohio, similar to a bachelor’s degree.
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