2004-01-26 Regular Meeting and Public Hearing

Browse Search

Jay Mundy, IAPMO Director 9 • Jay Mundy -Director My introduction to the plumbing industry came through working as a "grunt" for my dad who was a plumbing - contractor in Phoenix during the 40's and 50's. Exposure to the bull -work side of our trade convinced me that continuing my education might be a wise move. I eventually completed the academic work necessary to earn both a bachelor's degree and a master's degree, ' neither of which were related to construction. In the meanwhile a series of personal events pu6t me back on course for re-entry into the plumbing industry, but only for a relatively brief interlude. One of my passions (bordering on being an obsession) had been the world of aviation. By the time I had turned -out as a U. A. Journeyman I had also concurrently gained sufficient training and experience to qualify for a Commercial Pilot's License and a Flight instructor Certificate. The day I qualified as a Flight Instructor I was hired full time by the school that had instructed me, at which time 1 made my second departure from plumbing, but fortunately by this time I had earned journeyman status. Several years of flight instructing and charter work resulted in an opportunity to fly as Captain for a commuter airline. After a couple of years with the commuter I was hired as a member of the first new -hire class of the recently amalgamated Air West Airlines. All was well until they discovered that I was color-blind (this is no longer a disqualifier, but It was in those days). I then became an ex -airline pilot in search of work to support a second. wife and a family of eight, which included mine, hers, and ours. Fortunately Local#469,t� no one on the bench at that time and I was once again a plumber fitter. Nine years later I came to work for the City of Phoenix where 1 have remained for the past 25+ years. I was a field inspector for 6 years before being promoted to field supervisor. During this time I successfully tested for the Plumbing Engineer's Certification, a test which had been developed by the American Society of Plumbing Engineers largely for the purpose of distinguishing P.E.'s with plumbing knowledge from those who were principally Mechanical Engineers. Less than a year later the Plumbing / Mechanical Section Supervisor fell ill, and after a test and interview process I was promoted to fill his position, a role that I've occupied for 16+ years. For the past 31 years I have taught a variety of classes at one or more of the Community Colleges in the Phoenix area. Virtually every semester has included a 105 class -hour UPC Plumbing Code class. I've also served on a variety of IAPMO Committees, including 17+ years on the Interpretations Committee. Five years ago I was honored by being elected to the IAPMO Board of Directors. This has been a very special experience during a time when IAPMO was taking new direction, and when under the guidance of Russ Chaney IAPMO was creating new alliances that reinforced its position in the industry. It has been rewarding to be a minor contributor to IAPMO's recovery from difficult times. The piping industry has been very good to me over a period of many years, one of the benefits being that I still regularly ty a little airplane that I've owned since 1960 (the passion has never cooled). For a number of years one of my personal goals has been to contribute to the betterment of our craft by a measure that Is, hopefully, at least equal to the benefits I've enjoyed by virtue of U.A. membership and my many industry -related affiliations. That goal is not totally fulfilled, but I'm still working on it. rage i of ) http://www.iapmo.org/iapmo/board-bios/mundy.html 2/9/2004