The skilled trades represent one of the most reliable paths to financial stability because essential home repairs always require hands-on physical labor. Learning a physical trade early in life ensures you can always support your family, while owning a local service business allows you to control your schedule, help homeowners in emergencies, and build real long-term value.

Jake, the founder of I Got A Guy in Brigham City, Utah, sat down with Nicole at Jill's Office for our Inside the Trades series. He shared his story of starting plumbing school while still in high school, surviving a traumatic highway accident that forced a complete life reset, and launching an independent plumbing company that has grown rapidly across northern Utah.

Learning a Skilled Trade in High School for Lifelong Security

Learning a skilled trade during high school gives young people a practical, high-earning skill set before they even graduate. Trade programs at community colleges allow students to gain hands-on experience and start earning real income right away.

Jake admits he was a C and D student in high school who knew traditional four-year college was not the right fit. Between his junior and senior years, he enrolled at Salt Lake Community College to complete his first year of plumbing school while working for local service shops. Learning how to fix residential plumbing early in life guaranteed that he would never worry about making a living or putting food on the table.

While digital tools and artificial intelligence are changing office tasks, physical trades remain secure. Robots are nowhere near replacing a skilled plumber who can step into a flooded basement, diagnose a hidden pipe leak, and repair the system on the spot.

Surviving a Severe Crash and Pushing Into Business Ownership

Overcoming a life-altering personal hardship often provides the exact push needed to stop hesitating and start your own business. Realizing how fast life can change gives entrepreneurs the courage to step away from corporate jobs and build their own future.

In February 2023, just before picking up the keys to his new home, Jake survived a terrifying crash when his vehicle struck a stopped semi-truck at 80 miles per hour. He suffered a shattered hip, a broken femur, and severe arm injuries that required six months of intensive hospital care. When he was finally able to return to work, he discovered his former employer had been acquired by a private equity firm, completely altering the workplace culture.

Realizing he was no longer in a place where he could retire comfortably, Jake quit and launched I Got A Guy. Even though his body was still healing, his mindset was fixed: he had already hit rock bottom, so he had nothing left to lose by going all in on his dream.

Why Conversational Branding and Customer Trust Win Jobs

Choosing a catchy, phrase-based brand name makes your business stick in a customer's mind far better than using your personal name. When people ask a neighbor for a plumber recommendation, they naturally say, "I got a guy."

In addition to catchy branding, successful service plumbers speak plain homeowner language rather than confusing technical jargon. Explaining repairs clearly and helping clients understand their options creates instant trust. That human connection separates elite service technicians from basic installers.

In just six months of operation, Jake gathered 75 five-star Google reviews by focusing on honest service and transparent communication. Follow his recovery journey and see current project photos on the I Got A Guy Facebook Page and I Got A Guy Instagram.

Practical Advice for the Next Generation of Tradespeople

For young people considering a career path, the skilled trades offer incredible financial growth over the next decade. As older technicians retire, dedicated workers who learn the craft will command top pay and enjoy endless job opportunities.

Jake's advice for anyone wanting to start a business is simple: take the first step without overthinking every detail. Surround yourself with team members who have skills you lack, listen to experienced mentors who came before you, and pivot quickly when challenges arise.

Looking ahead, Jake plans to add multiple service trucks, expand into drain cleaning and HVAC, and extend coverage further into Ogden, Logan, and across northern Utah. By pairing skilled field work with genuine human connection, he continues to build a lasting local brand.