In this lighthearted episode of Plumb Bums, hosts Phil and Max welcome two fresh-faced recruits to the Cordts Plumbing family—18-year-olds Joe and Vinny, straight outta trade school and into the field. The guys chat about first impressions, and what it’s like being the youngest on the crew. There’s plenty of razzing, rookie stories, and some surprisingly wise reflections from the new hires. It’s a fun, feel-good conversation about entering the trade world with energy, humility, and the occasional misplaced pipe wrench. Sponsored by Cordts Plumbing—plumbing done right, with a sense of humor.

In this episode of Plumb Bums, hosts Phil and Max sit down with a true legend in the plumbing game—Bill Sherman, the powerhouse behind 1-800-GOT-WATER. Owner of "Super Plumber", Bill takes us back to where it all began: crawling under homes at just 14 years old, learning the trade the hard way. From those gritty beginnings, he shares how he built a plumbing empire—buying up struggling businesses, turning them around, and carving out a name as one of the most respected figures in the industry. Bill gets real about what it takes to succeed: the late nights, the tough customers, the mistakes that nearly sank him—and the smart moves that made him. It's a conversation full of grit, wisdom, and no-BS advice for any plumber looking to build something big. Whether you're just getting your boots dirty or thinking about buying your third van, this one’s packed with stories and lessons you don’t want to miss.

In this episode of Plumb Bums, Phil and Max of Cordts Plumbing welcome a familiar face to the mic—Scott Wickersheim of Wickersheim & Sons Plumbing. A lifelong local plumber and trusted friend, Scott isn’t just turning wrenches—he’s turning heads with his brand-new app, “Cite the Code.” Built by a tradesman, for tradesmen, Cite the Code is a game-changing platform that lets contractors video chat directly with construction inspectors, ask questions before an inspection, and avoid costly re-dos. No more guesswork. No more waiting days for answers. Just clear, direct access to state officials and the codes that matter. Phil, Max, and Scott get into the nitty gritty—how the idea came to be, the tech behind it, and how it’s already making waves in the construction world. They also share old job site stories, code nightmares, and what it really takes to stay ahead in today’s plumbing game.

In this episode, we go underground—literally—with Dan Radici, the founder of BRUTE Contracting, a specialized underground sewer and water contracting company that’s been tackling tough jobs for the past 12 years. Dan shares how he built his business from the ground down, the challenges of working in the trenches (both figuratively and literally), and the crucial role his team plays in keeping cities and communities flowing smoothly. From navigating complex municipal contracts to the latest trenchless sewer repair technologies, we cover all aspects of running a successful underground sewer and water company. Dan also gives insight into the highs and lows of the industry, the wildest jobs he’s ever taken on, and what it takes to succeed in a field that’s often out of sight but never out of mind. If you’ve ever wondered what really happens below the streets—or if you're a contractor looking for inspiration—this episode is for you!

Hosts Phil and Max sit down with fellow young plumbers Jay and Rob to swap stories from the trenches of the plumbing trade. They dive into their experiences working under seasoned pros, sharing the best (and worst) advice they've received from old bosses and past jobs. From unforgettable job site mishaps to the skills and work ethic that set great plumbers apart, they reflect on how they’ve grown in the industry and where they see their careers heading. Along the way, the conversation is packed with laughs, lessons, and a shared appreciation for the craft that keeps them all motivated. Whether you're a fellow tradesperson or just curious about life behind the wrench, this episode offers an entertaining and insightful look into the world of plumbing from the perspective of its next generation.

In this episode, we sit down with Bryan Diorio, the big-hearted, hardworking founder of Diorio Plumbing, which he launched just over a year ago. A true "lovable bear" of a guy with a passion for the trade, Bryan got his start in the plumbers' union, where he built a strong foundation in the industry. After his time in the union, he gained experience working for a variety of plumbing businesses, learning the ins and outs of different specialties before deciding to take the leap and start his own company. We dive into Bryan’s journey—what it was like coming up through the union, the lessons he took from working in different sectors of the plumbing world, and the challenges and rewards of running his own business. Bryan also shares his best advice for young plumbers just getting their license, including special guest Vinny, an eager newcomer to the trade looking for guidance. From navigating the early days as an apprentice to making a name for yourself as a business owner, this episode is packed with real-world wisdom, humor, and practical advice. Whether you're an aspiring plumber, a seasoned pro, or just love a great success story, you won’t want to miss this one!

In this episode, we talk with Jesse Cruz, a former Marine whose journey of faith and perseverance led him to a new mission. After serving in the military and embracing Christianity, Jesse and his wife made the bold decision to leave New Jersey with their four children, settling on a small farm in Marshalls Creek, Pennsylvania. There, he founded Crucible Jiu Jitsu, a studio dedicated to teaching the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu while instilling discipline, resilience, and community values. Jesse shares the challenges and triumphs of starting a business in a rural town, the role faith plays in his journey, and his vision for Crucible Jiu Jitsu's expansion. With plans to grow his studio, reach more students, and build a space where people of all backgrounds can train and grow, Jesse is just getting started. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about transformation, purpose, and the power of never giving up.

In this episode, we sit down with Steve Hopper, owner of Pratt Plumbing and Heating, a family business serving the community since 1927. With nearly a century of experience behind the company name, Steve shares the journey of running a multi-generational plumbing business, the evolution of the trade, and the values that have kept Pratt Plumbing and Heating thriving. Beyond pipes and repairs, Steve is deeply committed to community outreach and plays an active role in the New Jersey Master Plumbers Association. We discuss his efforts in mentoring young plumbers, giving back to local organizations, and advocating for the industry. Whether you're a tradesperson, a small business owner, or someone who loves a good entrepreneurial story, this episode is packed with inspiration, wisdom, and practical advice from a true master of his craft. Tune in for a conversation about tradition, innovation, and making a difference—one job at a time.

Meet Matt “The Gentle Giant” Worgul—a burly, boisterous, and big-hearted guy in his 40s who walked away from the world of accounting to pursue his true passion: slow-smoked BBQ and craft beer. In this episode, Matt shares the rollercoaster ride of turning his dream into reality, from perfecting brisket to brewing the perfect pint. Matt dishes out behind-the-scenes stories from Gentle Giant, his brewery and BBQ joint, chats with pitmasters and brewers, and serves up a mix of laughs, lessons, and mouthwatering inspiration. Whether you're a foodie, a beer lover, or just here for Matt’s larger-than-life energy, this podcast is your front-row seat to the smoky, sudsy adventure of a man who refused to settle for office life.

In this episode of Plumb Bums, hosts Phil and Max sit down with Ray Bayard, founder and CEO of Synogen Solutions, a thriving tech service company that started from humble beginnings. Ray shares his inspiring journey of hitting rock bottom and clawing his way up to build a successful business from scratch. Through candid stories, unexpected challenges, and plenty of laughs, Ray opens up about the struggles he faced as an entrepreneur and the lessons he learned along the way. From missteps in his early days to pivotal decisions that propelled Synogen Solutions to new heights, this episode is packed with advice for aspiring business owners who dream of creating something great. Phil and Max bring their signature humor and curiosity to the conversation, making this an engaging listen for anyone who loves a good success story—or just needs a little motivation to keep pushing forward. Tune in to hear how Ray turned adversity into opportunity and why he believes the best ideas often come from the hardest places.