Locally owned Universal Plumbing will be featured in an episode of the YouTube series “American Plumber Stories,” with the crew filming in Augusta from July 19-21. The bi-weekly online documentary series, sponsored by Pfister Faucets and hosted by country singer Craig Morgan (who will not be in town for filming), highlights the work and professional wisdom of plumbers from across the country.
Universal Plumbing is one of six companies nationwide selected to be showcased in the series.
“It was a complete surprise,” said Shalanda Morris, administrative manager at Universal Plumbing.
When Universal’s offices got a call from someone who sounded like they might be trying to sell something, Morris, the call was transferred to her. She spoke with the show’s executive producer Spencer Brown, did a little research on the series, and conferred with the office manager Claudia Jones, and founder and owner Larry Jones.
“We said it was a go. It sounded like a really amazing opportunity to highlight the trainings, which is something that we try really hard to do,” said Morris. “To my understanding, they do get lots of requests, but this is completely new to us. A pleasant surprise.”
Larry Jones founded the family-run business in 1985. The company’s website contains a video about its history, which intrigued the show’s producers, Morris says.
“The purpose of the show is to highlight the trades,” she said. “Plumbing in particular, and to get young people interested to understand that they can make a really living.”
During the three days of filming, the crew will focus on Jones, his story and his hobbies; interview some of the family who still work with the business; show everyday goings-on at the office; and film service technicians at work.
The program will also highlight Universal Plumbing’s annual trainee program, an initiative it had maintained for three years. One or two young potential plumbers are offered a paid internship and learn on the job.
“It’s not about money. It’s really about serving people,” said Morris, noting what unique qualities about her employer likely drew the makers of “American Plumber Stories” to decades-long-running business. She emphasizes the familial bond among the workers, supporting the community, and giving young people an opportunity to learn a trade.“We support the community in different ways. Whether, you know, supporting paceline to raise money for cancer or staying within the community that we started, or, you know, hiring young people and giving them an opportunity to learn a trade.
“Education is important, but there are different types of education,” said Morris. “The trades are struggling a bit because people are retiring at a fast rate with not enough young people to come into the trade to keep it successful. So I hope that people will get out of it that we have a good life from this business. It can be rewarding and it’s worth a try.”
The episode of “American Plumber Stories” featuring Universal Plumbing, will be for its third season. Morris says the producers gave a window between October and January for when the episode will be available to view on YouTube.
Universal Plumbing is located at 2415 Milledgeville Rd, Augusta, GA 30904.
Skyler Q. Andrews is a staff reporter covering business for The Augusta Press. Reach him at skyler@theaugustapress.com.
