In 2023, PHCPPros 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 client Germaine Nelson has been working in the trade full-time for 22 years and owns Capitol Plumbing & Heating in Bowie, Maryland. Throughout this time, he has worked in commercial, residential, and new construction plumbing and amassed more than 52,000 followers on his Instagram account, @capitolmech.

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

Nelson: I entered the trade as a young teenager. I was a helper during the summer for my uncle and fell in love with the trade. I took plumbing in high school in the vocational program. I would go to school a half day, then go to work for the remainder of the day. I've always enjoyed working with my hands. 

PHCPPros: How did you find your specialty within the trades? 

Nelson: For some reason, water heaters have become my specialty. I enjoy the troubleshooting process. 

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

Nelson: I decided to use social media as a hobby and to show my work. It grew to be something bigger than I expected. 

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

Nelson: When it comes to social media, I get the most engagement when there's nasty water involved. Draining old water heaters always get over 2 million views. Also, when I show water flooding, that gets a lot of engagement as well. I think my audience enjoys the bad side of plumbing, not the pretty work I post.

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? 

Nelson: Just be organic. 

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

Nelson: Social media can show the next generation how important we are as tradesmen and tradeswomen. It also provides a good life for your family if you do it the correct way and stay true to the trade.

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

Nelson: Learn as much as you can when it comes to the trade. You will never know everything. Evolve with the trade. Continuing education is the key to being ahead. 

Follow Germaine on Instagram @capitolmech.

For Brand Ambassadors: Want to join PROS REPS as a client? Email PROS REPS Business Development Manager Nicole Meyer at nicole@phcppros.com.  

For Manufacturers: PROS REPS can connect manufacturers with individuals like Germaine to create custom brand ambassador campaigns. Learn more by emailing Nicole at nicole@phcppros.com. 

Responses have been edited for brevity and clarity.