Influential Woman · Plumbing
Jill Richardson
Plumber, jillsplumbingrepairs
Marrero, LA
Her Story
About Jill
Jill Richardson is a plumber based in Marrero, Louisiana, with 26 years of experience in the plumbing industry since starting in 1998. She specializes in service work and plumbing repairs, working directly with customers in the field to provide help in emergency situations. Richardson earned her plumbing license by learning on the job and passing a licensing test, becoming the first woman to achieve this in her area at a time when few women were in the trade. A breast cancer survivor, she has returned to work and now participates in Casting for Recovery, a fly fishing retreat for women who have or have had breast cancer. She attributes her success to hard work and determination, pushing through challenges even on difficult days, and values integrity, honesty, and considering others' situations in both her professional and personal life. Richardson advises young women entering the trades that while it is hard work, it is worth it for the good life and skills it provides that can be passed on to future generations.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Jill
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to hard work and determination. I don't give up easy at all, and you just have to push through, even the days when you don't want to, you know? Or it's nasty, or there's a bug, or whatever the case is, you know? You got personal things going on. You just gotta push through, because you have a job to do.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
It's hard work, but at the end of the day, it's worth it, and you make a good life. You know, with the money that you can make, in the trades, and you have a skill you can pass on to your children, your grandchildren, or anybody, really, you know?
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge is that people look at you as a woman and maybe think that you can't do it because they think it's too heavy, or they just think you just can't do it, you know, or maybe you don't understand. But I have a different type of mentality.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity for sure, both in the workplace and in your own life is a big deal. Honesty has to be up there at number one. And taking into account somebody else's situation. Sometimes we walk around and it's about us, and sometimes it needs to be about the other person. Especially when you're in this field and you're trying to help somebody.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.