Master Plumbers NSW Master Plumber of the Year for 2024, Julian Ugarte from JPS Plumbing & Property has a long family history in the plumbing industry. What are the secrets of his success?
How and when did your career in plumbing begin? I began my plumbing career in 1984 after a small stint at Wassle’s Hardware because my father didn’t want me to be a plumber; he soon relented.
Were you destined to work in the plumbing industry from an early age? Most definitely, I spent many school holidays working with dad from a young age. Actually, I was helping dad from the age of 11 on school holidays and weekends.
Have you worked in any industries apart from plumbing? I taught Plumbing at TAFE for 12 years on a part-time basis.
Have you had many mentors throughout your career? My greatest mentor was my father, founder of our company.
Would you describe yourself as a ‘people person’? Most would say no!!!! I tell it like it is.
What have been the most significant changes in the industry throughout your career? Every project that seems challenging I start with trepidation, but by the end of the jobs it’s usually a breeze and I wonder why I stressed about it. I find most jobs exciting.
What has been your greatest achievement? The Bicentennial Award for Excellence and all my TAFE awards, as well as the day my son (also Julian) told me he wanted to do plumbing.
How important has your family been to your career? Very important; we are a family run business, so we live and breathe plumbing.
Will technology ever fix all plumbing problems? No!
Have you noticed any changes to the way society regards plumbers? Yes, I think it is more respected, especially the commercial sector.
Is plumbing the best career in the world? Definitely.
What will you be doing in five years’ time? And then? I’ll still be here working (hopefully a little less). I don’t think I’ll every completely retire.
Master Plumbers NSW Member Since: December 1984
Regions and Areas Serviced: Sydney CBD, Sydney Metropolitan area, North Sydney, Parramatta, Eastern suburbs, Northern suburbs, Southern suburbs, Western suburbs.
Website: jps.co
Facebook: JPS Plumbing & Property
