Go Back

Black History Month: The First Black Woman to Become a Master Plumber

Posted on February 15, 2023 by

Meet Adrienne Bennett

Adrienne Bennett is a trailblazer in the plumbing industry. She proved her grit and determination by becoming the first Black woman to become a master plumber and having a successful career. Since the late ‘70s, Bennett has led the way for ambitious women seeking careers in male-dominated fields. 

Who is Adrienne Bennett?

Ever since Adrienne Bennett was a young girl living at home, she had a strong sense of work ethic. As a middle child with seven siblings, she fought for attention by earning praise. She was a high achiever in high school and planned to become an engineer.

Although she enrolled in the local university, she soon left school because of a racially charged incident. The following year she found various odd jobs in the community but was without a lucrative career. When a recruiter urged her to sign up for a trade scholarship program, she decided plumbing would engage her mind while also earning a steady salary.

The Journey Begins

contractorBecoming a master plumber takes a lot of time and education. Adrienne Bennett first spent five years training as a plumbing apprentice. Since the final exam requires at least 40,000 hours of experience, this was her ticket to becoming a licensed master plumber.

It would have been easy for her to quit considering the harassment she faced during training, but she stuck with it. Her coworkers frequently made her feel so uncomfortable that she eventually wore a tool belt around her waist. She said that this was to keep men from inappropriately touching her on the job.

After passing her plumbers exam, she officially became the first Black woman to become a master plumber in America. Adrienne Bennett has worked in many positions, including as a project manager, code enforcement officer, plumbing inspector, and journeyman plumber. 

Her role as a journeyman plumber taught her how to maintain sewer lines, install pipes, and repair fixtures. This job was one of her first while working in the industry. As a plumbing inspector and code enforcement officer, she visited commercial buildings to examine the plumbing system to determine whether the system was up to Detroit’s codes. 

Independent Contracting

contractorAdrienne Bennett is now a successful plumbing contractor who owns and is the CEO of an independent contracting company Benkari LLC. Her company has landed big contracts, with work for the Little Caesars Arena and the Anthony Wayne Housing Development. 

Her business is involved in an effort to rebuild Detroit as it recovers from a financial crisis. Bennett’s company also focuses on water conservation. The story of Adrienne Bennett is a story of resilience and forging one's own path to success.  

About First Choice Plumbing Solutions

First Choice Plumbing Solutions are plumbing and leak experts serving the Port St Lucie, FL community and the surrounding areas. They offer same-day service, one-hour time slots with on-time arrivals, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Call them today for comprehensive plumbing services in Port St Lucie, FL.

Distribution Links +