PHCPPros recently launched a new rep agency specifically for brand ambassadors in the PHCP community, PROS REPS. Our clients include highly skilled and influential professionals who showcase their profession, love of the trades, and the products they use and install to their thousands of social media followers.  

PROS REPS Ambassador Travis Abaire owns T.A.P. Plumbing And Heating in Bristol, Connecticut, and has over 26 years of residential, commercial and industrial plumbing experience. He has amassed more than 11,000 followers under the Instagram handle @t.a.p.plumbingandheating, where he shares his daily work in the trades. Read our Q&A to learn more about his journey to the trades and the advice he has for both fellow and aspiring tradespeople! 

PHCPPros: How did you enter a career in the trades?

Abaire: I started working for my grandfather right out of high school, painting and hanging wallpaper. Once it came time for him to retire, he offered to give me the company, but I refused. I went to trade school for HVAC, knowing pursuing the trades would make me more money. I couldn’t find an HVAC company looking for an apprentice, but I found a plumber who was. So I started working for him, but got laid off a year later due to a lack of work. Afterward, I joined plumbers local 777 in Connecticut and finished my time there. After 13 years, I decided to go out on my own and never looked back. 

PHCPPros: Why did you decide to start using social media to share what you do with the world at large?

Abaire: Initially I thought it would be a good way to advertise my business, but I soon realized it was more of a community where we could all learn from each other. 

PHCPPros: What is your favorite type of content to share with your followers? What gets the most engagement? 

Abaire: I like posting things that make me laugh. But what gets the most engagement is doing things that appear new or different — that always gets the keyboard warriors going.

PHCPPros: What kind of advice would you give to people in the industry who may want to do something similar to you on social media? 

Abaire:  Don’t have thin skin. There are going to be more people who criticize what you do than those who compliment what you do. Remember you’re not the one who is afraid to post your work. Don’t let these people you don't know get to you. 

PHCPPros: How do you think the industry can use social media as a tool to encourage the next generation to join the trades?

Abaire: The tough part is the industry is always seen as large companies looking to sell things. Whether it’s true or not, that’s the perception. What would go a long way would be for companies to give more tools and supplies to schools instead of influencers. Support education, not the dollar. Without the next generation, there is no dollar — we’ll all age or die off regardless. Additionally, there should be more giveaways to registered apprentices for tools since they aren’t cheap. The industry can encourage the next generation by working with trade schools and their initiatives, which will show them that they will be supported. 

PHCPPros: What kind of advice would you give people who are looking to enter the trades?

Abaire: Don’t be afraid to work and get your hands dirty. Take initiative to learn and be proactive on the jobsite. Don’t do a task and then jump on the phone, finish a task and go find more work. Learn, learn, learn. Ask questions. Research YouTube and other sites on how to do things. There is always someone out there who wants to share their knowledge — take advantage of it. 

Follow Travis on Instagram @t.a.p.plumbingandheating. 

For Brand Ambassadors: Want to join PROS REPS as a client? Email PROS REPS Business Development Manager Nicole Meyer at [email protected].  

For Manufacturers: PROS REPS can connect manufacturers with individuals like Travis to create custom brand ambassador campaigns. Learn more by emailing Nicole at [email protected]. 

Responses have been edited for brevity and clarity.