A Respected Pioneer of the Plumbing Industry
Adrienne Bennett is a survivor, a pioneer, and an inspiration. In honor of Black History Month, today we take a look at the incredible accomplishments of the first female, black master plumber. What is a master plumber? A master plumber is the highest level professionally that a plumber can reach.
Adrienne Bennett received backlash for being a young, black woman in the plumbing industry. But she persevered through every hardship to become a trailblazing pioneer for women in the plumbing industry. Here are some facts about the true story of Detroit plumbing pioneer Adrienne Bennett.
How Adrienne Bennett Got Her Start In the Plumbing Industry
Adrienne Bennett was one out of eight siblings. According to Bennett, her upbringing and schooling had a huge impact on her work ethic. She always was taught to finish what she started, and she carried that drive into adulthood to become one of the most inspirational woman plumbers of all time.
She first began her higher education by pursuing engineering, but she left the program after she experienced a racist incident. She worked several odd jobs after that until she was approached by a recruiter seeking out minority women to give apprenticeship scholarships to. Bennett was intrigued by the promise of a $50,000 a year salary, and her journey to master plumber began.
Her Career Journey From Apprentice to Master Plumber 
She experienced discrimination while training because she was a young black woman. She had to wear a giant tool belt at all times to keep men from groping her while she trained. Despite the attempts to make her uncomfortable, she persevered. She was only 30 when she became a master plumber, which is the highest level of achievement in the plumbing industry. After completing 4,000 hours of training, she took and passed the master plumber's exam.
She has enjoyed a long and successful career in the plumbing industry. Working her way up from a plumber's apprentice, she has worked as a journeyman plumber, master plumber, project manager, plumbing inspector, and code enforcement officer for the City of Detroit. From there, the final frontier for the plumbing pioneer was to start her own business and become an independent contractor.
She Is Now An Independent Contractor
Adrienne Bennett is now a successful independent contractor who runs her water and plumbing conservation business. The successful black businesswoman has inspired many women to find unique paths to success. Her son also joined her in running her independent plumbing business.
About Captain Rooter Emergency Plumbers Chicago
Captain Rooter Emergency Plumbers Chicago is available rain, shine, or snow for plumbing emergencies. Their team of experienced plumbers is dedicated to serving their community's safety and comfort. Call them today to schedule an appointment with a plumbing contractor in Chicago, IL!
