Her Story
About Gina
Gina Grundmeier is a dedicated plumbing industry professional, nonprofit founder, and community advocate with more than 26 years of experience in residential plumbing, remodeling, and service leadership. As Co-owner of TNG Plumbing LLC and Founder of PayItForward Inc., she has built a career centered on compassion, problem-solving, and community impact. Her professional journey began as an office manager in the plumbing industry, where she developed a strong foundation in operations, customer relations, and business management before launching her own company alongside her husband in 2011. Through years of hands-on experience, strategic partnerships, and leadership, she has become widely recognized for her ability to combine technical expertise with empathy-driven service.
In 2014, Gina founded PayItForward Inc., a nonprofit organization inspired by her family’s personal experience after losing their home and belongings in a devastating house fire in 2010. The overwhelming support she received from her community motivated her to create an organization dedicated to helping working-class families, veterans, and individuals in need through home repairs, bathroom remodels, and renovation projects. Under her leadership, PayItForward Inc. has facilitated nearly $2 million in community renovations and repairs, mobilizing volunteers, corporate sponsors, and local businesses to support families facing difficult circumstances. Her efforts have included veteran-focused renovation initiatives, accessibility improvements, and collaborative outreach programs that strengthen communities across Minnesota and beyond.
Known for her strong communication skills, adaptability, and unwavering moral compass, Gina attributes much of her success to empathy, resilience, and the ability to inspire others to join her mission. She has built long-standing partnerships with organizations such as Delta Faucet Company and has been featured in national publications including Woman’s World Magazine, Reader’s Digest, and Plumber Magazine for her professional accomplishments and philanthropic work. Passionate about encouraging women to pursue careers in skilled trades, she advocates for perseverance, teamwork, and confidence in overcoming fear and adversity. Through both her business and nonprofit initiatives, Gina continues to demonstrate how service, leadership, and compassion can create meaningful and lasting community impact.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Gina
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to strong communication skills, adaptability, problem-solving abilities, and leading with empathy. I believe that treating people with compassion and respect helps build trust and long-lasting relationships. Throughout my career, I have worked hard to explain situations clearly so others never feel inferior or overlooked. I also believe resilience has played a major role in my journey. Even when faced with challenges or skepticism within a traditionally male-dominated industry, I continued pushing forward with confidence and determination. Sharing my passion for helping others has allowed me to inspire people to join our mission and contribute to meaningful community impact.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received was to remain strong and always stay true to myself, regardless of the obstacles or opinions I may encounter along the way. I believe authenticity and inner strength are essential qualities that allow a person to lead with confidence, overcome challenges, and create a meaningful impact while staying grounded in their values and purpose.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women not to let fear control their decisions or limit their opportunities. The skilled trades industry is not exclusively for men, and women should never be afraid to stand out. If you are willing to learn, work hard, solve problems, and collaborate with others, you can succeed in this field. Growth often comes from stepping outside of your comfort zone and continuing forward despite uncertainty. Confidence, perseverance, and a willingness to learn are essential qualities for building a successful career.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in both the nonprofit and skilled trades industries is securing consistent financial support and overcoming outdated perceptions about women in trades. Building sustainable partnerships and funding opportunities often requires persistence and long-term relationship development. At the same time, these challenges create opportunities to bring communities together around a shared mission. Through PayItForward Inc., I have seen how volunteers, businesses, and corporate partners can unite to create meaningful change. The ability to inspire others to support and participate in community-focused initiatives continues to be one of the most rewarding opportunities in my work.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Empathy, compassion, integrity, and service to others are the values that guide both my personal and professional life. After experiencing a devastating house fire that destroyed everything my family owned except each other, I witnessed firsthand the power of community support and kindness. That experience shaped my commitment to helping others facing difficult situations. I believe strongly in maintaining a moral compass, treating people with dignity, and leading with authenticity. Believing in the mission, sharing that passion with others, and helping people without judgment are values that remain central to everything I do.
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