Q&A: Behind the Lens with the American Plumber Stories

With the rise of construction professionals gaining increased popularity on social media, the transition from working with tools to being in front of the camera is a journey filled with unexpected twists and inspiring moments.  

For many plumbers, the trade is more than just a job; it’s a passion that shapes their lives. The American Plumber Stories (APS) docuseries captures the essence of this passion, showcasing plumbers who have dedicated their careers to mastering their craft. APS is a fantastic pathway for professionals to share their stories of hard work, resilience, passion and the pride they take in their work.  

See Related: American Plumber Stories: A Glimpse into the World of Plumbing 

One of the standout aspects of APS is how it highlights the diverse backgrounds and journeys of these plumbers. From veterans to musicians, everyone brings a unique perspective to the trade. Moving from the anonymity of job sites to the public eye, APS reveals the human side of plumbing that often goes unnoticed.  

To talk about the transition from the tools to spending time in front of the camera, Tom Roberts, Director of PMG Global with the International Code Council sat down with two of the plumbers featured in Season 5 of APS; Jorge Arias-Alvarez from California and Martin Porte from Tasmania, Australia. We also spoke to Mark Falcon from South Dakota, U.S., who was featured in Season 3. Jorge, Martin and Mark were able to join Tom and the PMG team at the Code Council’s 2024 Annual Conference & Expo in Long Beach, CA, where they networked with other Code Council members, joined educational sessions and more. 

The International Code Council is sponsoring Season 5 of American Plumber Stories. This sponsorship marks a significant milestone in the Code Council’s ongoing efforts to support and strengthen the plumbing profession. 

Getting Involved with American Plumber Stories 

Jorge, Martin and Mark share details about how they learned about American Plumber Stories, and how they eventually got involved with the series. 

Jorge Arias-Alvarez 

“I have been following APS for a long time and in January 2024 I was granted permission to play the show in the classroom where I teach plumbing. My classroom just happens to be the Correctional Training Facility at the Soledad State Prison.  

When I began showing these episodes to my students, they were immediately captivated. One day I had the idea to request a sticker from the show. They sent me some merchandise and I decided to take a photo at the Correctional Training Facility with the Prisoner logo in the background, as it felt like a unique way to showcase the connection. As a dedicated plumber, I’m passionate about the work I do and how it positively impacts the community. Sharing my story felt like a great opportunity to highlight not only the value of plumbing but also the transformative power of this trade to the inmates I teach. By equipping them with a valuable skill, I am helping them rebuild their identities and providing a pathway to a better future.” 

Martin Porte 

“It was quite an interesting experience when I was first contacted about being on APS. I received a message and during the first and maybe the second conversation, I thought it was a scam until I looked them up and spoke with Tom Roberts. After talking to Tom, I also realized that I had met him before when he presented on codes and standard in Launceston a few years prior.   

The first question Spencer Brown asked me was “do you listen to country music”, and after replying no, I was advised that Craig Morgan is the host of the show. Again, there was more homework for me to do. The second question was do you hunt. After again replying no, Spencer then asked, “what do you do for fun in Australia.” That’s where I began telling him about all the fly fishing, mountain biking, snorkeling and all the other opportunities for adventures that we have in Tasmania, and the locations where I work that let me get an incredible mix of plumbing and fun.”  

Mark Falcon 

The stories inspired me and I knew straight away that this was the best way to speak to the next generation. I believe that I was, and may still be, the only plumber featured on the show who approached American Plumber Stories.  

It took a couple of conversations, but I thought that my community had a great story to share so I reached out to suggest the story of the trades in the Native American communities in South Dakota. I had organized for a highly successful Native American plumber to tell his story about the impact that this plumbing business was making in some of the impoverished communities and the workforce development happening.  

Unfortunately, we could not make it happen and as a last-minute change, I ended up being a part of the show. I was not even supposed to be on the show! 

Since this episode, I made it my mission to reach out and connect with other likeminded plumbers and that’s how I first got connected with Tom from the Code Council. I think that the show does a great job of making plumbing look cool and changing people’s minds when they think about plumbing. It has helped me and many others to realize the amazing network of likeminded plumbers that we have in the U.S. and now worldwide.  

I believe that it has been a great contributor to attracting more women to considering plumbing as a career. I encourage anyone that likes to work with their hands and create things to consider a career in plumbing. My business employs several women, and we will always hire more. 

See Related: ICC Pulse Podcast Episode 59: Behind the Scenes at American Plumber Stories

Lights, Camera, Action 

When asked about filming the show and what it was like to be in front of the camera, Jorge, Martin and Mark had some interesting stories to tell.  

Jorge Arias-Alvarez 

“Being in front of the camera was a bit challenging. I was very conscious of how I might come across, especially since I’m not accustomed to being on camera. When you’re passionate about something, it can be difficult to express it exactly how you want, especially in front of an audience. I felt a little out of place knowing that Season 5 features influencers who are experienced in front of the camera, while I’m a plumber who’s not as active on social media. 

The biggest challenge was securing approval to bring the APS team into the prison. I worked with several supportive people to get the necessary permissions, and when the City of Sacramento finally approved it, it felt like a significant milestone. Once inside, I had to ensure that the crew was aware of the prison environment and the security requirements. The crew wasn’t sure what to expect, but there was an air of excitement about the whole process. 

The inmates absolutely loved APS. They were excited and deeply appreciative that someone was interested in their rehabilitation journey and willing to show the world how they are using plumbing to transform their lives and identities.” 

Martin Porte 

“When I thought about being featured on the show, I realized that not many plumbers get the opportunity to highlight what life as a plumber is all about. I initially signed up because I thought it would be a fun thing to do, but after talking to Tom and the APS crew I became more aware of how unique my plumbing business was.  

I thought it was a great way to promote plumbing as a career and break the stigma around the industry. I hope that people watch my episode and realize that you don’t just have to be a typical plumber, you can do so much more since everyone from around the world needs safe drinking water and sanitation. Plumbing can take you to some amazing places if you are open to the challenge and adventure.” 

Mark Falcon 

I really started being more open to the idea of being on camera after the filming of the episode. Once I did it, I realized the impact it made around our company, and I became comfortable with the filming and started doing more on social media to help others. 

We live and work in an extremely cold, rural environment. Cold weather adds many code considerations that warm areas do not have to adhere to. It’s sometimes difficult to get material, equipment and workforce needs filled due to our location and shortage of mainstream luxuries. 

We only had three days to complete the filming, but my favorite part of the filming when the crew drove a few hours to a Native American reservation where the plumber grew up. Unfortunately, it’s an area where many people live in poverty and they returned to his childhood home. The trip was extremely powerful as it reflected on how plumbing lifted him out of this situation. It makes me cry every time I watch it! 

Putting It All Together  

At the time of publication, a few episodes of Season 5 of APS have not been released yet, so we asked each plumber what they thought when they got a preview and how if felt going from the tools to the television.  

Jorge Arias-Alvarez 

“Seeing the episode for the first time was an incredible experience. It is exciting to witness how APS captured not only the essence of plumbing but also the impact this trade has on the lives of the inmates. The way they highlighted the transformation these men are going through by learning a skill that will serve them for life, is truly inspiring. I cannot wait for the world to see it—this episode will hopefully make a powerful statement about the potential for change through plumbing. 

My family and friends are extremely proud of my involvement in the program and with APS. They see the value in what I am doing—not only as a plumber but as someone who is helping others rebuild their lives. The fact that APS chose to highlight my work inside the prison is something they find both moving and inspiring. They are excited to see the final episode and to share it with others, knowing it’s a positive message about hope, rehabilitation, and the power of skilled trades.” 

Martin Porte 

“When I got a sneak preview of the episode, I was super impressed, the film crew and production team did a fantastic job. The episode really highlights the great lifestyle you can create within the plumbing industry and the places that a career in plumbing can take you. It showcases a bit of what common plumbing work looks like in Australia, where we use a lot of rainwater for drinking and technologies such as solar hot water systems. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience and will certainly remember it! 

My friends and family cannot believe it happened. When we showed my parents, they were blown away at how good the episode was, and maybe a slight bit embarrassed re-watching themselves on the television. Everyone is super excited to see my episode and all the local plumbers, and my Instagram followers have been supportive and getting behind me. I am constantly getting messages asking when my episode will be released.  

I never thought that at the start of the year when we first started talking about filming the episode that by the end of the year, I would be traveling to California to attend the International Code Council’s Annual Conference in Long Beach. It is a long way from my small town in Australia, but I am looking forward to the experience of meeting everyone from the Code Council that made it possible and helping to highlight the great work that the show does in promoting plumbing to the next generation.” 

Mark Falcon 

So far, I haven’t received a lot of feedback from other plumbers in the area. We have goals to network within our own community this year. It’s slowly happening but has not been the norm in the past. This is another reason why APS has been a great resource. It gets you out of your comfort zone and into what really counts, the community. Sometimes, it’s easier talking about trade ups and downs with people who aren’t direct competitors, but I hope we will be able to change that. 

I think that APS going international has been great as it helps to keep me inspired and hearing plumber’s stories from around the world. It’s an endless supply of inspiration for those already in the trade. I have been blown away by the people featured in Season 5 and have tried to travel to meet many of them.  

Getting to know Tom, Jorge and Martin was an amazing gift. I think we all just reinforced that no matter where you are from or what you look like, we are all the same – human! There was a special connection knowing that each of us get excited and can talk about our love of plumbing and the trades. We spent a few days enjoying Long Beach and the awesome Code Council Conference, but the real treat was feeling at home amongst strangers. It’s not every day that I get to hang out with so many amazing people who love plumbing/trades!

That’s a Wrap 

APS’s powerful narrative beautifully captures the ethos of the plumbing industry on a global scale. It celebrates the unsung heroes of the plumbing world and inspires the next generation to pick up the tools (and perhaps the camera) and continue the legacy.  

Jorge Arias-Alvarez 

The C0de Council has taken an inspiring step forward in reducing recidivism by providing inmates at Soledad State Prison with copies of the International Plumbing Code (IPC). This is a game-changer for the students in our vocational plumbing class, giving them the tools and knowledge needed to build a future in a thriving trade. By mastering these industry standards, they’re not just learning a skill—they’re opening doors to a new life, filled with opportunity and purpose. Let’s continue to empower these individuals to break the cycle and create lasting change! 

Martin Porte 

It was fantastic to be able to spend time at the Code Council’s 2024 Conference, meet Jorge and Mark and a number of other local plumbers, and have some adventures sightseeing across the U.S. while there. I have made many connections through the show and look forward to continuing to meet new people with a shared passion for the industry. Thank you to American Plumber Stories and the Code Council for making this possible.

Mark Falcon 

When I heard about the potential of APS making it to Soledad Prison and Jorge’s amazing job, I knew I had to see how it all it worked. I took it upon myself to reach out to Jorge. Although they were still deciding on whether or not to do the episode, I had to meet Jorge either way. What I found there was life changing and so simple. Trades can and always have, change people’s lives. I saw complete transformation occur with individuals who had previously accepted negative identities and had now instead become “plumber” or “electrician” and so on. Jorge and his program became the foundation for restoration!  

I hope to come to Australia and have a similar experience. I want to bring some apprentices from our company so they can see the opportunity in Australia. I also hope to establish a work/train abroad program with Martin that will give the next generation the opportunity to travel the world and learn from others in this amazing trade. We hope to help Martin complete some projects when we come visit. I also hope to meet up with Tom along the way to continue these relationships! 

Stay tuned for upcoming episodes from Season 5, including the stories of Jorge, Martin and many other plumbers, on the American Plumber Stories YouTube channel. 

Whether you are a seasoned professional, a curious student or simply someone who enjoys a good story, Season 5 is a must-watch. Learn more and watch episodes of American Plumber Stories here. To stay updated on PMG-related news, subscribe to the Code Council’s PMG newsletter here.