A Plumber With A Purpose: John's Development | E0031

What does it take to turn years of experience in the skilled trades into an opportunity to teach, mentor, and give both kids and adults practical skills they can use in everyday life?    The Kalaj Dame Podcast helps to bridge cultures, business, intellect, and everyday life through long-form conversations with people who've experienced their own forms of success.    In this episode, Jim Johns joins Kalaj Dame for a conversation about plumbing, skilled trades, apprenticeships, education, entrepreneurship, nonprofit work, mentorship, community impact, and the importance of making practical knowledge more accessible.    Drawing from his career as a plumber, Jim shares his path into the trade while exploring hands-on learning, union apprenticeships, career opportunities, and why the skilled trades can provide an alternative path to success outside of traditional college. The conversation also explores the experience and problem-solving that come with mastering a trade and the value of sharing that knowledge with others.    At the center of the conversation is Johns Development, Jim's nonprofit created to provide practical education for both kids and adults. Through hands-on workshops, young people gain exposure to plumbing, tools, measurements, and skills they may not otherwise experience, while adults can gain practical knowledge they can use in their own homes. Jim also shares his larger vision for expanding Johns Development beyond plumbing, building a sustainable organization, and creating opportunities that remain accessible to the community.    In this episode, we discuss:    • Plumbing & careers in the skilled trades  • Apprenticeships, union trades & career opportunities  • College versus alternative career paths  • Hands-on learning & practical skills  • Johns Development & its mission  • Youth trade education & hands-on workshops  • Teaching kids plumbing, tools & practical skills  • Adult plumbing & DIY education  • Helping homeowners develop practical skills  • Different learning styles & creating opportunities  • Mentorship & sharing knowledge  • Expanding beyond plumbing into additional skills  • Starting & growing a nonprofit organization  • Grants, donations & community partnerships  • Keeping educational programs accessible  • Entrepreneurship & sustainable programs  • Family, service & personal definitions of success  • Creating impact through education    What part of the conversation connected with you most? Join the discussion in the comments.    Support the Movement:      Website:  https://thekalajdamepodcast.com    Instagram:  https://instagram.com/kalajdamepodcast  https://instagram.com/kalajdame    Facebook:  https://facebook.com/kalajdamepodcast    Threads:  https://threads.net/kalajdamepodcast    X:  https://x.com/kalajdamepod    LinkedIn:  https://linkedin.com/in/kalajdamepodcast    Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/show/1mmRHZiLIZjs3I2vaXD7xb    Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-kalaj-dame-podcast/id1873831230  Join Kalaj Dame and become a Play Cousin — part of a perspective-driven community built around real conversations, shared experiences, and learning from people across different walks of life. The Kalaj Dame Podcast brings culture, creativity, business, technology, personal growth, and everyday life to the same table through authentic long-form conversations designed to bridge worlds, challenge perspectives, and remind us that wisdom can come from anywhere. Pull up a chair and join the conversation.Facebook & IG: @KalajDamePodcastVisit us on the web: https://thekalajdamepodcast.comFacebookInstagramThreadsX.comLinkedin