Meet Adrienne Bennett: Master Plumber and CEO

This Woman Beat the Odds to Become the First African American Female to Become a Master Plumber

Black history is also the history of America. Every day individuals work to make this world a better place and become the top people in their field. Rarely, though, does anyone get to be involved in a truly historic achievement. However, that is what Adrienne Bennett has done throughout her 40-year career. This blog will discuss the life of this extraordinary woman and her journey to become the first woman of African American heritage to become a master plumber.

Choosing a Hard Road and Sticking With It

Adrienne Bennett spent most of her childhood in Detroit, Michigan. She had planned to attend college and study engineering and metallurgy, but that was not to be. After a racially charged incident, Bennett vowed not to return to the university. In 1976 she was at a rally for Jimmy Carter when she was approached by a recruiter from the Mechanical Contractors Association of Detroit. She signed on for a three-year apprenticeship when he told her that she could make $50,000 a year as a plumber. As an apprentice and journeyman plumber, Adrienne suffered greatly at the hands of her peers, but she was determined to finish what she had started despite the racism and sexism she faced.  Some of the difficulties she overcame include:

• Being left alone in the cold for hours on her first day on the job
• A back injury that led to her wearing a brace for a year, resulting from the neglect of another journeyman
• Being the only woman on most job sites with 100+ men
• Harassment so bad she wore a large tool belt as a barrier

She strengthened herself both mentally and physically, refusing to let them see her cry and refusing to quit.

Going From the Bottom to the Top of Her Field

Bennett logged her 4,000 hours and took her exam, passing with flying colors, and became a master plumber. The first Black woman to become a master plumber in the United States. Her hard work didn’t stop upon this achievement, however. Bennett continued to climb the ladder of her profession, working for prominent places in her home city of Detroit, including the following:

• The City of Detroit: Bennett worked for the city as a plumbing inspector and a code enforcement officer for ten years.
• The Henry Ford Health System: Bennett worked as a plumbing inspector and became senior project manager when the system decided to expand the hospital.

Business Ownership 

Having done everything else she could in the world of plumbing and construction, Bennett decided to open her own business as an independent plumbing contractor. Her company Benkari LLC focuses on commercial work and water conservation. 

Her company's work has helped at least one high-rise in downtown Detroit to lower its water bill by 50%. She was even a significant part of the restoration of Michigan Central Station. Bennett is an important figure in the plumbing industry, and her success has led the way for many more women to enter the field in a male-dominated industry. 

About JD Precision Plumbing Services

JD Precision Plumbing Services has more than a decade of experience serving The Woodlands, TX, and the surrounding areas. They offer hassle-free service, upfront pricing, and proven methods. Call them today for plumbing services in Woodlands, TX.

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