Throughout August, Plumbing Africa is celebrating the women making their mark on the plumbing industry. From plumbers and business owners to leaders, specialists, educators and industry professionals, this series shines a light on the women whose skills, determination and experience are helping to shape the future of plumbing. Here, we interview and shine a spotlight on Mari Macnamara, part of the Plumbing Africa and Plumbing’s Travelling Exhibitions Team. This is part two of a three-part series covering the ladies of Plumbing Africa.
Mari Macnamara, Sales, Plumbing Africa and Plumbing’s Travelling Exhibitions.
Supplied by Mari Macnamara
Edited by Megan O’Connor
What first brought you into the plumbing industry, and did you ever imagine you’d still be here?
When I met my husband 21 years ago, Dale, I did not realise at the time that I would end up in the Plumbing Industry. About 10 years ago, my involvement in the industry started when I helped with the WPC 2016 conference and then actively about 5 years ago, I was hooked. My father in-law is also Rory, who started the Plumbing Africa Magazine over 30 years ago – so the signs were there.
What was your biggest “I have no idea what I’m doing” moment when you were new to the industry?
I wouldn’t say I had any of those moments, it was more along the lines of: “Ok, that is interesting”. To me, being new to the industry was an eye opener – when I was little I thought that a plumber is just there to fix the toilet and unblock drains. I didn’t know just how much the plumber is actually responsible for a lot more than that – a lot more than what little Mari thought it was.
What is one thing you know about the plumbing industry now that you wish someone had told you when you started?
I wish someone had told me that plumbing is not merely about pipes and fittings, it is one of the foundations of public health.
Have you ever had a moment where being a woman in the industry worked against you — or unexpectedly worked in your favour?
Not really, when I became part of the industry there was already a strong female presence and I am proud to be part of the industry.
What has surprised you most about the plumbing industry since you joined it?
The fact that when I have a technical question or even a silly question how willing the industry is to assist me in Plumbing 101 and explain the answers to those questions in terms that I understand.
Who has been the biggest influence or mentor in your career, and what did they teach you?
Well, that is an easy one to answer: Rory Macnamara. The passion he has for the industry is something you need to experience to know.
What is one plumbing term, product or technical concept that completely confused you when you first started?
There are still so many, but the SANS standards and how so many people in the industry just know them off by heart was definitely a winner.
What do you think women bring to the plumbing industry that sometimes gets overlooked?
This is a tough one – I think there are things that both men and women bring to the industry that get overlooked.
Mari’s advice to women considering a career in the plumbing industry
Do not think plumbing is what you thought it was when you were little – look at what the industry means to society. Without plumbing, the world would be unhealthy, unsafe and unrecognisable. Clean water wouldn’t reach our homes, waste wouldn’t be safely removed, and diseases would spread rapidly.
Plumbing doesn’t simply connect pipes – it connects people to health, dignity and a sustainable future.
| Mari’s advice to women considering a career in the plumbing industry
Do not think plumbing is what you thought it was when you were little – look at what the industry means to society. Without plumbing, the world would be unhealthy, unsafe and unrecognisable. Clean water wouldn’t reach our homes, waste wouldn’t be safely removed, and diseases would spread rapidly. Plumbing doesn’t simply connect pipes – it connects people to health, dignity and a sustainable future. |
