When Venise Scott-Coward got married to Gregory Coward, she knew he would have a strong influence on her life. However, she never thought his passion would become hers, launching her into a completely new career at age 30.
Scott-Coward, who currently works as a plumber for her husband’s company, Impeccable Plumbing and Consulting, told THE STAR that she was inspired to join after replicating her husband’s passion for the trade.
“It was my husband’s dream job and sometimes I saw a few little things where I could help out and that’s how it really started. So I started helping out until I caught on and then I really started to love it,” Scott-Coward said, adding that she was not deterred by the labour-intensive job.
“If it’s even to carry a bucket of sand or mix some cement, I’ll do it. I am not one of those ‘dolls’. I am not one of those dolly types. As much as I am a female, when it comes on to hard work, I’m going to do my work. When is dress up time, is dress up time, but when it’s work time, a work time,” said Scott-Coward, who has been plumbing for a year.
Gregory told THE STAR that he was initially shocked when he learnt that his wife wanted to join the profession. Still, he is proud of all she has learnt as his student.
“At first she only handled the paper work, and at first she would help do a few things. But now she’s doing everything. She’s flashing wall, joining pipes together and all of that. When she’s with me, I try to teach her every little thing. Right now, we’re on a job and she was the one changing out the stuff, and the homeowner was so surprised. So seeing her makes me really proud,” he said.
He also said that his wife’s work ethic and professionalism has far exceeded that of many of his previous workers. “I’ve had a few guys working with me before and I had to let them go because of their attitude towards the work. She’s very impressive when it comes on to doing the job, and she learns quickly,” he said.
The Cowards, who both hail from Oracabessa, St Mary, have been together for four years, and married for one and half. During this time, they have grown by building each other’s passion. Scott-Coward is also a part-time baker who is often eagerly assisted by her husband who is developing his baking skills. Plumbing is Gregory’s true passion and at just 22, he completed his level one, two and three plumbing courses at HEART/NSTA Trust. Now 27, he knew he had to have his own business.
“What I really wanted to do was electrical when I left school but the HEART institution I wanted to go to, they didn’t offer electrical. So I had to choose between plumbing and construction so I chose plumbing, and over time doing it in school and doing outside, I just grow to love it and now I think, eat and breathe plumbing,” he told THE STAR.
jamaica-star.com
https://jamaica-star.com/article/news/20240314/couple-find-connection-through-plumbing
