The Bold Plumbing Journey of Will Taufa: From Overworked Tradesman to Purpose-Driven Entrepreneur

Meet Will Taufa: Founder of Paloma Plumbing

On a recent episode of the Bold Moves Podcast, host Matt Torres welcomed Will Taufa and Kevin from Paloma Plumbing. What followed was more than a business story—it was a heartfelt and gritty dive into the soul of entrepreneurship, sacrifice, and survival. With honesty and humility, Will shares how he went from clocking 14-hour shifts as an overworked plumber to founding one of Arizona’s most promising plumbing businesses.

The Catalyst: A Family, a Baby, and a Bold Decision

Everything changed for Will Taufa with the birth of his daughter, Haven. Just 48 hours after her arrival, Will found himself back on the job. It was a jarring moment—being physically present at work, but emotionally yearning to be home. This conflict ignited a spark. What began as a quiet thought eventually matured into a bold, life-altering decision: to start his own plumbing company. The dream wasn’t about money—it was about freedom, fatherhood, and fulfillment.

Life in the Trenches: The Realities of Plumbing Work

Will and Kevin painted a raw, realistic picture of the plumbing industry. Grueling schedules, predawn starts, missed family moments, and the physical toll of labor—it’s a lifestyle few outside the trade understand. New construction jobs often demanded their presence by 5:00 AM and kept them working past sunset. In contrast, residential service work offered better hours but came with different challenges—customer interactions, emergencies, and quick decision-making under pressure. Yet it was precisely these pressures that forged the kind of discipline, skill, and stamina that would later serve them in entrepreneurship.

More Than Just a Pipe Dream: Starting Paloma Plumbing

The path to entrepreneurship wasn’t glamorous. Will spent months immersed in contractor licensing preparation, often dedicating full workdays to study. After passing the exam, he finally opened Paloma Plumbing. The business wasn’t just a response to burnout—it was an intentional act of building something bigger than himself. Every tool purchased, every form filed, was a step toward freedom and impact. His mission: deliver high-integrity plumbing services while building a life that honors faith, family, and hard-earned expertise.

The Trades Are Underrated—and Undermanned

Will and Kevin voiced a concern echoed throughout the trades: the growing gap in skilled labor. As veteran plumbers retire, few new workers are filling the pipeline. Unlike traditional desk jobs vulnerable to automation, trades like plumbing offer long-term stability, hands-on learning, and lucrative career paths. But the narrative has to change. Schools and communities need to stop treating trades as second-tier options. As Will puts it, "Plumbing may not be flashy, but it’s real work that makes a real difference." The truth is, our homes don’t run without plumbers, and our economy would collapse without skilled trades.

The Income Potential in Plumbing: Stability Meets Opportunity

Plumbing isn’t just practical—it’s profitable. Will started out making around $45,000 a year, but now, less than a decade later, he confidently earns six figures. Kevin confirms the same trajectory. More importantly, the path is replicable. Whether you start as an apprentice or launch your own firm, the income potential is limited only by your drive and discipline. The work may be hard, but the payoff—financial and personal—is undeniable. Add to that the growing demand and low competition, and you’ve got a career path with unmatched potential and job security.

When Boldness Meets Adversity: A Near-Death Experience

Will’s most defining moment didn’t come from a business deal or a plumbing breakthrough—it came from the attic of an old home, where he was nearly electrocuted. Trapped, immobilized, and silently praying, he was rescued by his sister and fellow plumber, who heard his cries and intervened. That incident changed him. No longer was success measured in money, but in minutes—minutes he might not have had. Today, Paloma Plumbing prioritizes safety and refuses jobs that compromise the well-being of its crew. It’s a standard that reflects leadership through lived experience.

Redefining Success: People Over Profit

What does success look like after trauma? For Will, it’s simple: being present. Being there for his wife, for Haven, for his team. No number in a bank account can replace time lost or relationships neglected. Will now prioritizes mentorship, personal development, and wellness. He starts his mornings at the gym not to build his body, but to build mental toughness and show up fully for those who count on him. This mindset shift is baked into Paloma Plumbing’s culture. Success is now measured not in output, but in impact.

Paloma Plumbing and the Power of Social Media

Social media has been a surprising growth engine for Paloma Plumbing. Will’s early Instagram posts were simple—before-and-after pictures, repair clips—but they quickly gained traction. Today, his feed includes educational videos, behind-the-scenes moments, and humorous takes on client interactions. Not only does it build brand trust, but it also demystifies plumbing for the average homeowner. Most importantly, it's free marketing that converts curious scrollers into loyal customers. It’s a digital handshake that leads to real-world business.

Why the Trades Deserve a Second Look

Our culture glorifies tech, finance, and corporate ladders. But there’s power in plumbing—a quiet nobility that comes with solving problems most people can’t fix themselves. Will’s story proves that success doesn’t require a degree, just discipline. Plumbing offers practical skills, long-term income, and a chance to truly build something—whether it’s a house, a business, or a legacy. The next generation needs to hear that the trades are a gateway to dignity, purpose, and prosperity—not a fallback plan.

The Mindset Shift: From Laborer to Leader

Will Taufa is no longer just a plumber. He’s a leader, a mentor, and a business builder. He no longer defines himself by the work he does but by the people he empowers. Whether it’s Kevin, his team, or younger tradespeople watching his videos, Will lives to uplift. His journey from surviving to thriving is a blueprint for anyone tired of merely working and ready to lead. His leadership ethos is about humility, hands-on guidance, and building others up so they too can rise.

Looking Ahead: Paloma’s Five-Year Vision

Looking to 2030, Will envisions a full-service Paloma fleet, complete with dedicated teams for drains, diagnostics, and residential service. His goal isn’t empire-building for ego—but expansion to serve more people with honesty, speed, and skill. Just as importantly, he wants Paloma to be a place where young tradespeople are mentored, valued, and paid what they’re worth. He’s not just building a business—he’s building a legacy that’s inclusive, sustainable, and scalable.

One Word to Be Bolder: Start

When asked how others can take bold action, Will offered one word: “Start.” Whether you’re launching a business or exploring the trades, momentum begins with movement. You don’t need to have all the answers—just a willingness to begin. The tools, the training, the growth—they follow action. Boldness isn’t about waiting until you’re ready. It’s about believing you’re ready enough to begin.

Connect with Paloma Plumbing

• Instagram: @paloma_plumbing
• Business Inquiries: Search Paloma Plumbing on Google or send a message via Instagram.

About the Author

This post was written by Matt Torres, host of the Bold Moves Podcast, where entrepreneurs, leaders, and visionaries share stories of resilience, reinvention, and radical action. Visit the website to explore more interviews that spotlight courage and conviction.

Want to Be Bold? Tune In

If Will’s story moved you, listen to the full episode of the Bold Moves Podcast. Trades may be blue-collar, but in Will Taufa’s hands, plumbing becomes a masterclass in purpose, perseverance, and bold leadership.