146 | 500,000 Plumber Shortage Is Coming — Here's How to Prepare

Show InformationEpisode Number: 146Date: May 04, 2026Duration: 30:16Host Contact InformationHost: Justin DeeseWebsite: JustinDeese.comContact: [email protected] Contact InformationGuest: Spencer PopeCompany: Bradford WhiteGuest Website: https://forthepro.bradfordwhite.com/Gift to listeners: Free training resources, live support, and access to the For The Pro AppSummaryIn this episode of the Freedom Blueprint Podcast, Justin Deese sits down with Spencer Pope, Manager of Technical Support and Training at Bradford White, to unpack one of the biggest challenges facing the trades today: the growing plumber shortage.With a projected gap of 500,000 plumbers by 2027 and an aging workforce, Spencer shares what this means for contractors—and more importantly, what to do about it. From hands-on training at Bradford White’s ITEC facility to the shift away from traditional on-the-job training, this conversation highlights how businesses must rethink hiring, training, and retention.They also dive into culture and leadership, exploring why Spencer has stayed at one company for over 15 years and how a simple mindset shift—investing in your team’s long-term success—can dramatically improve retention. If you’re serious about building a stronger, more resilient team, this episode delivers practical insights you can apply immediately.TakeawaysThe plumber shortage is accelerating, with a projected 500,000 gap by 2027Hire for soft skills and train for technical abilityTraditional on-the-job training is no longer enough on its ownHands-on, focused training dramatically improves technician performanceInvesting in your team’s growth increases retention—not turnoverStrong company culture is a key driver of long-term employee loyaltyEmpowering employees to contribute ideas strengthens engagementTraining ROI shows up in confidence, speed, and customer experienceChapters00:00 – Welcome & Spencer’s Background03:12 – Why He Stayed 15+ Years at One Company05:58 – Inside Bradford White’s Training Programs08:33 – The Value of Hands-On Lab Training10:04 – Why New Talent Isn’t Entering the Trades11:39 – The 500,000 Plumber Shortage Explained13:07 – Soft Skills vs. Mechanical Skills14:43 – Why OJT Alone Falls Short17:00 – Training Philosophy & Industry Impact18:14 – Training Length & ROI for Contractors22:43 – The #1 Culture Tip for Retention26:35 – The Shift in Today’s Workforce27:29 – How to Connect with Bradford WhiteKeywords#FreedomBlueprintPodcast #JustinDeese #SpencerPope #BradfordWhite #PlumbingIndustry #SkilledTrades #LaborShortage #WorkforceDevelopment #BusinessGrowth #Leadership #CompanyCulture #HiringStrategy #EmployeeRetention #TrainingAndDevelopment #ContractorLife #HVAC #PlumbingBusiness #ServiceBusiness #TradeTraining #BlueCollarBusinessMentioned in this episode:Homeservicehoorah.com