Story Feature: Alayna

Quote:

"Change is inevitable. Growth is optional.” — John C. Maxwell.

“Don’t let your past define who you are today,” Alayna advises. “Your past isn’t your identity—it’s just a part of your journey. Growth requires change, and you have to be willing to reach for something better.” In addition to this quote, she also shares her personal motto, “The sky is the limit,” reminding us that transformation is always possible as long as we are willing to reach for it.

Highlights from Alayna’s Story:

Alayna’s journey into the plumbing trade wasn’t one she initially envisioned for herself. Raised in a non-blue-collar household, her path took an unexpected turn in her twenties. After battling substance abuse and seeking a fresh start, she moved in with her mother in Florida. Three weeks into sobriety, Alayna shares that her mother, who worked at the Women’s Resource Center, pushed her to find a new direction. It was there that Alayna stumbled upon a flyer offering free trade school programs. With the various options made available, she chose plumbing, received the call that she qualified for the program, and committed to a ten-month course.  With the trade school being paid for completely it allowed for those entering to learn without an upfront cost. With such a high demand in these professions, these schools are often partnered with companies to help fund classes – which further supports those entering the trade.

On her first day, she recalls walking into the classroom late—only to find she was the only woman in the room. The moment was quiet and a bit tense, but her instructor, Robbie Wolf, quickly put her at ease, ensuring she never felt singled out. The school provided a seamless enrollment process, complete with counselors who assisted with FAFSA applications, covering the costs of tools and uniforms. At graduation Alayna shares that they had over 5 plumbing companies ready to hire them right out of the door.  Alayna shares “I chose to go with Plumbing Today. Which offered a pink plumbing truck for me to drive!” She also shares “I walked out of trade school debt free with a job!” After six years with Plumbing Today she transferred from Florida back to her home state of Arizona in 2022. Because they are both owned by The Wrench Group, she was able to seamlessly make this transfer within the company to a sister company Parker & Sons. “It was nice to have a foot in the door before I moved back home to Arizona.” she shares.

Now, nine years into her career, Alayna is a residential service plumber. Currently focused on residential plumbing, she’s now gaining experience in commercial projects, recently placing a high-pressure gas bid she hopes to finalize soon. What excites her most about her work? Problem-solving. From fixing leaks to diagnosing plumbing issues that others couldn’t resolve, she thrives on finding solutions. She finds immense satisfaction in seeing a client’s issue resolved after successfully addressing their concerns. She also notes Arizona’s increasing shift toward tankless water heaters, a more energy-efficient alternative that has become a frequent part of her service calls. Her day-to-day takes her from A to Z when she is facing a service call - she arrives at a job, diagnoses the problem, presents a solution, gains approval of the estimated costs, completes the work and offers a service warranty. She prioritizes professionalism and ethical business practices, declining side jobs to maintain integrity and uphold her company’s standards. She encourages society to recognize the worth of skilled workers, reminding us all that “you pay for what you get.” Investing in quality craftsmanship today prevents bigger, costlier problems down the road

Alayna is passionate about inspiring other women to consider the trades. Despite the occasional skepticism she faces about her skills from those unfamiliar with her journey, she remains optimistic, believing that gender biases in the trade industry are diminishing. She stresses the importance of asking for help, crediting her high school counselor, her sister-in-law Erin, and mentor Ryan Birdsey for their unwavering support. Ryan, who trained her at Plumbing Today, played a pivotal role in shaping her professional demeanor, teaching her how to present herself, respect clients' homes, and build confidence in her skills. She also benefited from Nexstar training, a program used by The Wrench Group and Parker & Sons to strengthen client relationships.

She’s a strong advocate for increasing awareness of the skilled trades, emphasizing the industry’s labor shortage. When she graduated from plumbing school in 2017, she recalls that 55% of the workforce had retired while only 17% entered the field. Today, that number has dropped to about 12%. “We need more tradespeople,” she stresses. “Without them, everyday essentials like clean water and functioning toilets are at risk.” She also dismisses the misconception that trade work isn’t lucrative. “People assume tradespeople don’t make good money, but that’s just not true. As long as you’re willing to put in the work, and focus on continuing to learn, you can build a great career.”

She hopes that more people, especially young individuals, will consider the trades as a viable career path. “I wish I had known about the trades earlier,” she reflects. “If you’re unsure of your next step, ask local companies about apprenticeships—whether it’s plumbing, electrical, or HVAC. They will teach you the trade and help you earn your certification while paying you to learn.” For those entering the industry, she offers this advice: “Be a sponge. Absorb as much knowledge as you can. The senior tradespeople won’t be around forever, and they have valuable wisdom to pass down. Don’t hesitate to ask questions—there are no dumb ones. Understanding the ‘why’ behind the work makes you a better problem-solver and helps you advance faster.”

For women considering a trade career, she urges, “Don’t be afraid. Yes, you’ll encounter challenges, but you’ll also find people who respect and support you.” She’s grateful for the camaraderie in the industry, shouting out to her fellow tradespeople—especially those who stand up for her, even when she’s not in the room. When faced with a tough day, Alayna finds motivation in music, conversations with her coworkers, and the support of her team. She values the sense of community among tradespeople and the mutual respect they share. “I'm a power house and show it. I'm not afraid to stick up for others and myself when it's needed.” She shares.

Goals/Acheivements:

Alayna’s guiding principle is simple: “Do it right the first time, even when no one is watching—because God is always watching.” Her commitment to integrity and continuous growth is evident in her recent achievements—exceeding her 2024 truck revenue goal by $30,000. As a senior technician, she often works late, taking calls to help her team and clients, embodying the selflessness that defines being part of the trades community. Her hard work hasn’t gone unnoticed, she recently won the “Not Your Average JOE” award at Parker & Sons, an honor given through anonymous peer nominations. She’s also proud that her company actively acknowledges and supports women in the trades, often highlighting her contributions to the team. Her journey from uncertainty to expertise is a testament to the power of perseverance, support, and self-belief.

You can Follow or Connect with Alayna at:

Instagram: @alayna.joyy

https://www.instagram.com/alayna.joyy/