Contractor Spotlight—Katerina Ramirez: This Badass Can Plumb

Katerina Ramirez

Starting out as a summer helper/runner for her grandfather’s plumbing business, Gplumbing, Camino, Calif., Katerina Ramirez was unsure of her path. After finishing her first year studying Sports Medicine at a community college in Sacramento, and playing for women’s soccer team, Ramirez really enjoyed working for her grandfather plumbing and says that her grandfather took a chance on her, teaching her the ropes on how to be a plumber in residential service and new construction, and how to stick with it. Seven years later, she works full-time for her grandfather as she helps manage the family business—from working directly on the jobs to billing, installs, bidding, working directly with customers, to planning and management.

“Most people are not meant to have their own business; however, I entered this trade from the get-go to have my own business one day. I knew I didn’t want to work for someone my whole life. I wanted to be a female-run and owned company, and be successful,” says Ramirez emphatically.

As a plumbing technician/installer, Ramirez’s background includes everything from custom homes—every phase- underground, top out rough, set finish—large remodels, residential and commercial service, water heater installs—tank and tankless—setting finish/replacing finish, high pressure air systems, internal and external gas lines, irrigation, and anything plumbing related in between.

Early Life

Growing up, Ramirez had a knack for always being hands-on—around power tools and family remodeling projects, building things. In school, she always wanted to make a physical version of any school assignment, and you could bet that Ramirez always gave 120%, and everyone she went to school with knew it. Sports also taught her life lessons: perseverance, integrity, workmanship, responsibility and self-control. “Working hard came easy to me, and plumbing is not easy; I always wanted a challenge. I loved the idea of being the only young female known in the county. I wanted to be a one of a kind,” says Ramirez.

A daughter to immigrant parents—one from Canada and one from Mexico—Ramirez learned early on a strong work ethic, and being fluent in Spanish didn’t hurt. “Living in California, that is a huge attribute. Anything that helps you communicate with a larger population wins you jobs,” says Ramirez.

And, it was the women in her life, specifically her mother and grandmother, that she credits as being strong mentors and paving the way. “I come from a long history of women who can do anything. The women in my family break barriers, are self-sufficient, creative and strong. There is nothing we cannot do,” says Ramirez.

In addition, one of her most iconic mentors was Rosie the Riveter, of whom she dressed up as for Halloween. “The barriers she broke during World War ll still resonates with all women in the trades currently in 2025. For any female seriously considering the trades, I have respect for because in no way shape or form is it easy for us,” says Ramirez.

Women in the Trades

Fortunately, Ramirez hasn’t received as much negative criticism as other women may have, but she thinks any stigma perceived is from the older generation, men and women. “Most tradesmen within my age group have given me the most positive approval possible,” says Ramirez. “I think it really has to do with how you carry yourself. In the trades you have to be tough, you have to have tough skin. As long as you show up, are eager to learn, work hard and keep your head up, you will get the approval from everyone else,” continues Ramirez.

Ramirez says that most of the non-approving people—mostly old men—are not approving of her until she proves them wrong, “which is not how it should be,” says Ramirez. On the other hand, Ramirez says she has had so much support from customers on her choice to be a female plumber. “Most people do a double take when I tell them what I do for a living. Most think I’m so badass and just an oddity, but in a positive way,” says Ramirez.

And while Ramirez says that as an industry we need to highlight more women in the trades, she thinks today’s social media highlights the everyday lives of women in the trades. “Women that have social media accounts really do a great job of showing pros, cons, and everyday life as a female tradesman. When I first started out plumbing, there were select women in the trades on social media, yet none were plumbers. It really motivated me to start my own journey on social media to highlight women in the plumbing,” says Ramirez.

It is that journey on social media (@KatThePlumber) that has helped Ramirez embrace her authenticity and showcase who she is in this profession, and being a mentor herself. Ramirez says that she has received numerous compliments from other women and young ladies for bravery on social media, and has had other women reach out to her on social media and say thank you for encouraging them to take the leap of faith into this industry. “I believe a lot of women and young men on social media in the trades believe it is a joke and they’re prancing around claiming they are blue collar. I am not a woman that will have my hair down, tight fitting work clothes, makeup, and angles that show everything. I am not a girly girl. Never have been, never will be. What you see on my social media is what you get in real life. I was always a tom boy growing up. I want to get my hands dirty and sweat! I believe blue collar is not just a career it is a way of life,” says Ramirez.

Challenge and Diversity

Ramirez loves the challenge and the diversity of the trades, and she says that every day is different and every day is an opportunity to grow and break barriers. “You never know what you’ll run into on the job and you will need to find ways to fix the issue. I believe you need to be creative, open minded, diverse and hard shelled—not afraid to get uncomfortable, sweat and work hard,” says Ramirez.

Ramirez says that she never wanted to be behind a desk sitting all day; she likes being able to make a difference. “Sometimes you don’t know what you’re walking into or who you’ll be coming across. This could be someone’s worst day and you have the opportunity to give back and solve problems,” says Ramirez.

In new construction, Ramirez works on custom homes, from every stage of the house from the dirt phase to setting finish. While playing a vital role in a new construction project from the ground up, Ramirez says she also has gained valuable knowledge of all aspects of the trades. In fact, Ramirez has always believed that every plumber should do a minimum of two years new construction experience where one can see every trade involved, and gain a knowledge and a relationship with those other trades. “In this trade you are more valuable the more you know and the more experience you gain in different areas. Don’t quit learning; the industry is always changing,” says Ramirez.

Off the Clock

And when she’s not crushing it on the jobsite, Ramirez likes to go for walks, hitting the gym, and then relaxing and editing her videos. She enjoys spending time with her significant other, and her family and friends. Since she lives in Northern California, surrounded by forests and mountaing, Ramirez loves to go fishing, kayaking and camping.

But is California in her long-term plans? Moving out of California has crossed her mind, as it can be very expensive. Big picture, Ramirez would love a big house with lots of property and some more dogs, in addition to the two she already has. And don’t put any of those things past Ramirez because she definitely has that ca-do attitude. “My goal is to have 10 years of plumbing experience before age 30 and get my license. Eventually, I’d love to have my own business and have men and women work for me. I also want to keep encouraging more women out there to join the trades,” says Ramirez.