Born and raised in Puyallup, Washington, Chad Smith enjoys spending time outdoors with his family. He and his wife, Amber, have two sons, Evan and Cole, and recently purchased property on Hood Canal, where they've started creating new family traditions of camping and spending time together.

Chad's career path wasn't always headed toward plumbing. At 17, he began working as a machinist and spent nearly 10 years in the trade. While he enjoyed the work, he began thinking about what the future might hold and decided it was time for a change.

Despite never having worked in plumbing before, Chad applied for the apprenticeship and took a chance on a completely new career. More than 20 years later, he's glad he did.

Today, Chad serves as a Plumbing Foreman on Hermanson's Special Projects team. After starting his plumbing career in Local 26, he eventually made his way to Seattle, where he met Scott Ponsler, Director of Labor, and joined Special Projects. He has been part of the group ever since and will celebrate 20 years with Hermanson in January.

What Chad enjoys most about Special Projects is the variety and problem-solving that comes with the work. Whether it's tenant improvements, branch renovations, or unique project challenges, no two jobs are exactly alike.

Over the years, Chad has worked on a wide range of projects, but one that stands out was the Great Wolf Lodge Water Park. As an apprentice, it gave him the opportunity to work on something completely different from a typical plumbing project. It was also memorable being able to be one of the first ones to experience and use the finished water park. 

When asked what advice he would share with others in the industry, Chad points to one lesson that has stuck with him throughout his career: you can learn something from everyone, whether it's what to do or what not to do. Staying open to learning has helped shape his approach both on and off the jobsite.

As he approaches two decades with Hermanson, Chad is grateful for the opportunities he's been given, the people he's worked alongside, and the career that has helped him provide for his family.