Meet our Industry Person of the Week, Mary-Anne Bowcott, Owner of Westcom Plumbing and Gas Ltd., Westcom Roofing and Sheetmetal, and The Lady Plumber.
Q: How did you get started working in your field?
Mary-Anne: It’s a long story, but I went on a date with a guy that owned a construction company. When talking about careers I thought it would be pretty cool to have a job in construction, but back then it wasn’t a presented option. When talking to him about it, he said he didn’t see why I couldn’t get a job, and that put the bug in my ear. I ended up sending out 100 resumes with not a single call back! Eventually I ran into a friend of mine’s uncle who owned a renovation and roofing company and asked if he would hire me. He gave me a job on the spot. I roofed for him for a year or so before heading out onto an even longer story, but basically I roofed for about 4-15 years before I was offered an apprenticeship in plumbing and gas. and though I did continue roofing once in a while, I made plumbing and gas my career for the rest of the time until eventually opening my own company.
Q: What do you love the most about your job? What are you most proud of?
Mary-Anne: I love being able to help people. You get a lot of calls of people in a pinch, and being able to help out with their issues is something that I really enjoy doing. The hands on factor is also another part I love, I don’t think I could do a job where I am not creating and problem solving each day.
Q: What advice would you give to someone considering this line of work or new to the field?
Mary-Anne: I am a firm believer in keeping your head down and working hard. Work ethic and a hard worker is so hard to find these days so being that person truly makes you invaluable.
Q: Can you talk about a project you recently worked on?
Mary-Anne: I am super proud of my new initiative, The Impact Project which is a new launch where I (and hopefully others in the future) do work at no cost to the recipient for repair to their home/establishment. I have now completed 3 since December and working on the 4th and 5th!
Follow Mary-Anne on Instagram, TikTok, Youtube, Threads: @the_ladyplumber Facebook: Mary-Anne Bowcott
THANK YOU, MARY-ANNE! WE LOOK FORWARD TO KEEPING UP WITH YOU THROUGH THE #PUMPTALK COMMUNITY!
