Meet Anne Marie Flores

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Anne Marie Flores a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Anne Marie, thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with us today. We’re excited to dive into your story and your work, but first let’s start with a broader topic that might be stopping many of our readers from pursuing their dreams – haters, nay-sayers, etc. How have you managed to persist despite haters and nay-sayers that inevitably follow folks who are doing something unique, special or off the beaten path?

Being in a male dominated field, many plumbers told me that I would not be successful unless I was a 24hr/7 day a week business. I wanted a work life balance and created an environment with my customers that had them prepared with preventative maintenance techniques that allowed them to overcome most emergency calls.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I walked into a male dominated field in plumbing because I liked to work with my hands, and I wanted to prove to myself that I could be successful. I have been in the plumbing field for 18 yrs and was one of only a handful of females. One of the things that I’m most proud of is having other female plumbers/apprentices come up to me and thank me for showing them a path into a field that they didn’t think was possible.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

The opportunities that I had in demolition taught me how to read blueprints and when I was younger, I learned how to read schematics that allowed me to be knowledgeable in electrical. And in my academic years, I learned listening and comprehension skills that are still applicable to my everyday life.
I would say never be afraid to ask for help and ask to learn a new skill. Be proactive and volunteer to learn these skills because unless you have the motivation these skills would not be possible.

Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?

More wealth without Risk by Charles J. Givens.
I read this when I was 19 yrs old and I still recommend it out to people. It taught me how to navigate purchasing a home, negotiating skills, and being more business minded.
I still practice many of the techniques in that book today.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.annetheplumberri.com
• Instagram: annetheplumberllc
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annetheplumber/
• Other: tiktok: @annetheplumber