When you need a job done right, you look for experience. You search for someone who has not only seen it all but has also been a hands-on part of the industry’s evolution. At Blue Note Pros Plumbing, we’re proud to have that level of expertise leading our construction division. We’d like to introduce you to our Construction Supervisor, Jim Cappleman, a seasoned professional with an incredible 50 years in the plumbing trade.
Jim’s career is a testament to dedication and skill. He has managed large-scale projects, earned numerous certifications, and contributed to the growth of cities. His journey from a summer job to a leadership role is built on a foundation of hard work and deep industry knowledge. We sat down with Jim to discuss his extensive career, his motivations, and what he brings to the Blue Note Pros Plumbing team.
To start, could you tell us a bit about yourself and what first drew you to a career in plumbing?
Plumbing was my summer job growing up. It was the first and only job I have ever had. I grew up outside of Chicago and moved to Louisiana in 1977, with a short stay in Mississippi along the way.
How long have you been in the plumbing industry?
I have been working in the trade for about 50 years now.
Could you describe your primary areas of specialization?
I have worked in the industrial, commercial, and residential sides of plumbing. I also worked down south after Hurricane Katrina, helping to provide housing for the homeless and pump water out of the city. I have managed hundreds of plumbers, pipe fitters, and welders all at the same time on multiple projects.
I have watched this city grow and have worked on just about every major project, from industrial sites to the high-rises downtown, hospitals, and casinos. I worked on the first GM plant, the second GM plant, and was even there for the partial demo and retool of the first GM facility. I have worked as a Plumber, Estimator, and Project Manager.
What specific certifications or advanced training do you hold?
I have held licenses as a Journeyman Plumber and Pipe Fitter, Master Plumber, Plumbing Contractor, and Medical Gas installer. I’m also certified for Natural Gas, and as a Plumbing, Heating and Cooling Contractor, along with holding a boiler license.
What do you find most rewarding about working in the plumbing trade, especially within the construction sector?
It’s rewarding to ride around town and see buildings that I was involved in constructing.
What is the most important element you and your team bring to a job?
Experience and a professionally completed job.
What do you hope every customer experiences or feels after working with you?
I like for every customer to remember me and feel that they can trust my decisions and be happy with the work performed. A happy customer is a return customer.
What motivated you to join the Blue Note Pros Plumbing team?
I’m getting older and felt my experience in the field could be of great importance to a new plumbing business looking to expand, build, and grow. I also have 25 years of experience being self-employed in this industry.
What aspects of our company's values stood out to you?
It’s a younger generation here, but I see a lot of ambitious people that want to see this business expand and grow.
What unique skills are you excited to bring to our clients?
I have seen plumbing evolve from clay and cast-iron drains to PVC, with water lines going from galvanized and copper to poly pipe. It helps to know how it was originally installed when you’re looking at a job that was put in 25-50 years ago, but it’s inside a wall or under a concrete slab and not visible. Being able to explain that to a potential customer holds a lot of value.
Looking ahead, what are you most excited to accomplish as part of the Blue Note Pros Plumbing team?
I would like to see Blue Note Pros Plumbing become a household name in the plumbing industry for service and new construction. And to know that I contributed to that happening.