Interview With Plumbing Industry Expert Roger Wakefield

It’s not often that you get to sit down with a legend, but that’s exactly what I did for the most recent episode of the Owned and Operated podcast.

Roger Wakefield is a plumbing expert, life and business coach, and a blue collar influencer (his audience tops 1 million). Oh yea, he’s also got 40+ years of experience.

Here are the main points from our discussion, but this is just a start. Trust me, you’ll want to listen to the entire episode as soon as you can.

Attend local conferences to build connections

Local events can have big impact—especially when they attract people doing real work in your industry. Social Media Week Lima (SMWL) is a perfect example: packed with value, local talent, and real conversations.

• For example, SMWL is a two-day social media event featuring community-focused professionals from Ohio. Embrace the “niche” environment.
• Small(er), local events are often the most powerful networking opportunities.
• Events like these help you connect with people you’d never meet online.

Take advantage of speaking engagements

Speaking at ANY event can instantly boost your credibility. Roger talks about his experience at local and regional conferences.

• Presenting at regional conferences builds trust and visibility fast.
• You don’t need a global stage—start where you’re known and respected.
• Local speaking gigs can lead to valuable conversations, collaborations, and future invites.

Lean into humor and human moments

People connect with stories that feel real—and Roger’s TikToker bathroom story delivered. Humor builds trust and makes you memorable.

• Telling the awkward, funny truth makes stories relatable and sticky.
• You don’t need polish—personality goes a lot further.
• Humor breaks the ice and turns everyday moments into lasting connections.

If there’s one thing to takeaway from this podcast, it’s that you should never shy away from promoting yourself and your brand.

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