Spencer Brown Receives 2025 PMG Leadership Award

ICC PMG Leadership Award recipients are recognized for growth and enhancement of plumbing, mechanical, fuel gas and swimming/pool (PMG) codes and standards, advocacy in state and local code adoptions, PMG technical articles and research papers, advancing PMG knowledge through training and education, extensive ICC committee or ICC service, development of products and services or notable advancement of the PMG industry.

As senior director of sales for Pfister Faucets in Madison, Mississippi, Spencer Brown was honored for exceptional service to the PMG industry. Brown helped create “American Plumber Stories,” a docuseries that serves to inspire, educate and entertain both current and future members of the plumbing industry. The show celebrates the lives and work of all plumbers by sharing their passion, advice to the next generation of plumbers and their plans to reshape the industry.  The docuseries aims to eliminate industry stigmas and to inspire the next generation of plumbers.

“Spencer Brown has done a tremendous job shining a light on the plumbing profession and the people who make it happen every day,” said ICC Director, PMG Technical Resources, Gary Gauthier, who accepted the award on Brown’s behalf.

The goal of Brown’s leadership and industry service has been incredibly influential.

“For me, it comes down to two things: protecting what matters and building what’s next,” said Brown. “That means supporting strong codes and standards that safeguard public health while also investing in the people who will carry this trade forward. If we’re doing it right, we’re not just maintaining the industry—we’re strengthening it for the future.”

Creating American Plumber Stories

With 30 years of industry experience, Brown has a deep understanding of the benefits of the plumbing profession and the challenges it faces.

His vision? To engage with the next generation on the benefits of plumbing careers through short stories on YouTube that can be accessed 24/7 through their phones.

Branding exercises with Pfister’s marketing team generated a creative way to reach target audiences through storytelling. As project lead, Brown helped launch “American Plumber Stories” featuring real plumbers demonstrating their work around the country with diverse and challenging projects across varied terrains.

“American Plumber Stories started with a simple idea—tell real stories about real plumbers,” said Brown. “When people see the pride, the craftsmanship and the lives behind the work, it changes how they view the trade. It’s no longer abstract—it’s personal.”

In partnership with ICC, the series includes individual career journeys including early influences, turning points, and the financial benefits of working in the plumbing industry.

“We’ve seen it resonating because it’s authentic,” said Brown. “It shows the reality of the job; the opportunities it creates, and the impact plumbers have every day.”

As detailed in Episode 59 of “ICC Pulse” podcast: Behind the Scenes at American Plumber Stories, the series aims to inspire, educate and entertain. Brown said the ultimate mission is to find the next generation of plumbers.

“If you walked into a high school classroom anywhere in this country and asked them, ‘Do you want to be a plumber?’ Nobody would probably raise their hand unless their parent was in the industry,” said Brown.

“We wanted to make sure that if someone watched American Plumber Stories and you asked them again, there would be a higher interest because now they’ve got a mentor or someone to inspire them who says, ‘Hey, that’s a cool job,’” explained Brown.

Gauthier reinforces the series’ value in showing an accurate depiction of what a career in the plumbing field looks like.

“Through American Plumber Stories, Spencer’s helped tell the real story of our industry—showing the skill, professionalism and dedication that go into protecting public health and safety,” said Gauthier.

The series also works to help offset the ongoing critical skilled workforce shortage, offering a leading example of well-paying, solid careers without the college debt.

“At the end of the day, if we want the next generation to choose this career, we have to show them what it looks like—and why it matters,” said Brown.

Stopping the Stigmas

Brown’s collective efforts also aim to help eliminate the most common stigmas associated with plumbing careers.

“One of the biggest misconceptions about plumbing is that it’s a fallback career,” said Brown.

“I’ve never seen it that way,” he continued. “It’s a highly skilled, technical profession with real earning power, long-term stability and the opportunity to build something on your own. Changing that perception is one of the important things we can do as an industry. Most people don’t realize how critical it is. Plumbers are on the front lines of public health every day.”

The need to change the narrative around the plumbing industry is a cause Gauthier has been passionate about.

“Brown helps break down old stereotypes about the trades and shows that plumbing offers opportunity, purpose and long-term career growth,” said Gauthier. “By highlighting these success stories, he’s helping inspire the next generation to consider plumbing as a respected and rewarding profession.”

Crafting Careers

Whether inspired through “American Plumbing Stories” or other avenues, many people wanting to join the plumbing profession often question where to begin.

“Start by getting exposure,” advised Brown. “See the work firsthand, ask questions and spend time around people in the trade. From there, invest in learning. This is a skilled profession, and the more you put into it early, the more you’ll get out of it. Find someone you can learn from and take pride in the work. Your reputation builds your career. Lastly, and most importantly, just start. There’s real opportunity here.”

Gauthier said Brown’s focus on people, not just pipes and fittings, gives him a unique way of connecting with younger audiences.

“Through American Plumber Stories, Brown introduces viewers to real plumbers who have built successful careers, supported their families, started businesses and made a meaningful impact in their communities,” said Gauthier.

Reflecting on his own career to date, Brown said the most rewarding part has been the ability to support the people in his industry, whether through partnerships, working alongside contractors or building something like “American Plumber Stories” that gives the trade a stronger voice.

“Seeing new people come into the trade because of those efforts—that’s what sticks with you,” said Brown.

By giving plumbers a platform to share their experiences, Brown has helped build greater appreciation for the trade and the important role codes and standards play in delivering safe, reliable plumbing systems.

“His work helps strengthen the industry’s image and brings more attention to the value of what PMG professionals do for communities across the country,” said Gauthier.

Leading with Service

ICC’s PMG Award is not just about individual accomplishments—it’s about honoring leadership, service and contributions that make a lasting difference for the PMG community.

By recognizing individuals like Spencer, the award celebrates those who are helping educate, inspire and strengthen the industry for future generations. It’s a reminder that leadership comes in many forms and that the work being done today helps shape the future of the PMG profession.

“It’s a real honor—especially coming from an organization like ICC that plays such as important role in our industry,” Brown said. “But more than anything, I see it as a reflection of the people I’ve been able to work with and learn from along the way. This industry is built on service, and I’ve always believed leadership should be, too.”