Following the release of a long-form interview examining his career and leadership journey, Ignacio Duron, CEO of Most Valuable Plumber, is using the opportunity to raise awareness around the growing importance of skilled trades and hands-on career paths.
In the interview, Duron reflects on his route from North Hollywood job sites to leading a family-run plumbing business serving communities across Los Angeles County. His message is clear: skilled trades remain essential to local economies, yet they are often overlooked as long-term career options.
“Trades are still treated as a fallback option by many people,” Duron said. “But these jobs keep cities running. They offer stability, skill, and pride in the work. We should be talking about them more openly.”
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the construction and maintenance sector is expected to see over 650,000 new job openings each year through the end of the decade, driven largely by retirements. Plumbing alone is projected to grow steadily, with demand rising as infrastructure ages and housing expands.
Duron believes early exposure matters. “If young people see trades as real careers early on, they can make better choices later,” he said. “That starts with honest conversations, not pressure or assumptions.”
The interview also highlights Duron’s work outside business as a youth football and basketball coach. Research from the Aspen Institute shows that children involved in organised sports are more likely to develop leadership skills, confidence, and long-term engagement in education.
“Coaching taught me how similar leadership really is,” Duron said. “Whether it’s a team on a field or a crew on a job site, people need structure, clarity, and consistency.”
Rather than promoting programmes or policies, Duron is encouraging individuals to take simple, local action. He suggests mentoring young people, volunteering with community sports teams, or simply sharing real-world career experiences with students and families.
“You don’t need to own a company to make an impact,” he said. “You can show someone what a day’s work actually looks like. That alone can change how they see their future.”
Call to Action
Community members can support skilled trades and youth development by volunteering, mentoring, or having open conversations about hands-on careers. Small actions at the local level can help close growing skills gaps and strengthen future workforces.
As Duron puts it: “Leadership isn’t about position. It’s about being willing to pass on what you’ve learned.”
To read the full interview, visit the website here.
About Ignacio Duron
Ignacio Duron is the CEO of Most Valuable Plumber and a Los Angeles–based business leader. Raised in North Hollywood, he built his career through hands-on trade experience before co-founding a family-run plumbing company. He is also a youth sports coach and is completing a degree in Business Law.
Contact
Info@ignacioduron.com
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Country: United States
Website: ignacioduron.com
