Our July 2020 Woman In PHCP has been fortunate to work directly with women throughout her career. Meet Beth Dobkin, director of Coaching Services for Quality Service Contractors!

Quality Service Contractors is a service group of the Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC). In her role, Dobkin’s work centers on business management coaching. 

In the following feature, we tell you about Dobkin’s professional journey, how her work has allowed her to help women, and more!

PHCPPros: How did you get into the industry?

Dobkin: My father was a contractor. Through his contacts, I received my first job in the trades working in a new construction plumbing office, providing payroll and bookkeeping support. I was fortunate to work directly with an accountant who taught me the importance of numbers, profit and accountability. I met my husband there and after moving across the country to California, we started our own plumbing service company.  

PHCPPros: Do you have women in the industry who have mentored you?

Dobkin: There were very few women running plumbing businesses when I started in the trades. It was not until many years later that women in the trades became more common and welcomed. However, I was lucky to have a terrific role model in my mother who taught me a great work ethic and provided the support I needed to succeed. 

PHCPPros: Do you mentor other women in the industry?

Dobkin: I am a business management coach. I spend every day reaching out to women in the industry and supporting their roles in the trades. Many women working in the trades are there because their husband or partner needed help. I teach them, support them, and encourage them to meet the challenges brought on by this crazy business. 

PHCPPros: Is there anything else that you want to note?

Dobkin: The service trades require a woman’s touch for success. Most times, the person requesting service or paying the bill is a woman. The special attention to detail, the commonality in experiences, and the sense of urgency desired by a customer is easily interpreted by another woman. This provides an advantage and aids in the success factor.