The First Woman Master Plumber
Posted in News & Updates on 04. Aug, 2009
By far the prettiest plumber of her time, Lillian Baumbach of Arlington, Washington became an overnight celebrity when she broke through gender lines and became the first woman Master plumber in 1951. Following in her father’s footsteps, Lillian unclogged her first shower drain when she was only 2 years old. Since then she has been her father’s shadow, accompanying him on countless plumbing calls. At the age of 21, Lillian took the master plumber examination and became famous for being the country’s first woman master plumber. Lillian plied her trade in Arlington, Washington at her father’s company, the W.J. Baumbach Plumbing Firm. Lillian said that her career choice was a logical one. Her father, uncles, and cousins were all plumbers so she grew up learning all about plumbing and helping her father on jobs. When the news of her unusual career choice hit the media, Lillian became an overnight sensation. She was a guest on two national television programs and participated in several interviews. Lillian stated that one of her favorite experiences was her unforgettable interview with Walter Cronkite. Click the link below to learn more about Lillian Baumbach and to view newspaper articles about her from 1951.
http://www.baumbach.com/History/Lillian.htm
~ Michelle Johnson ~ Sales and Marketing Coordinator
One of my friends needed a quote for her plumbing needs and I stayed at her house to let the guy in so she wouldn’t have to take off from work. I met with Joe Hartsock, who was initially afraid of my dog, Bluebonnet. He was a quiet gentleman. He explained the quote that he left for my friend, answered my questions, and spoke to my friend on the phone to go over more details. I mentioned to Joe that I wanted a business card because I had some work that I needed to have done at my house. We started discussing the handyman work that your company does. After we were done at my friends house, he followed me to my house and I discussed several things with Joe regarding what work I wanted to have done on my house and what my options were. Joe really seems to know what he is talking about. He explained things in detail, offered suggestions, and explained how one thing might be better than another and why. I was very impressed with the customer service and I will definitely be calling you in the future for my handyman and plumbing needs. You have a great employee in Joe Hartsock. I hope you will keep him around. Also, by the end of the visit, he had even made friends with my labrador, Bluebonnet!
Thanks,
Jen & Bluebonnet