Richard Trethewey has always had a passion for teaching. He has explained concepts and new products for decades, and he’s driven by that moment when people “get it.” That passion was handed down from Richard’s father, Ron.
A Passion for Teaching
Richard has always had a passion for teaching. He has explained concepts and new products for decades, and he’s driven by that moment when people “get it.” That passion was handed down from Richard’s father, Ron.
Pro Tip: Richard recalls a pivotal lesson from his father about the importance of training the next generation: “My dad was always the one trying to train the next generation. He would train people. He’d bring them in and adopt them. And then some of those guys went off to start their own businesses. And I’d always be like, ‘Dad, why do we keep training them and they leave?’ He said, ‘It doesn’t matter. It’s going to help the whole industry.'”
The Early Years of This Old House
Richard’s father, Ron, was approached by the producers of This Old House in the early years of the show. They were invited to the show to work on a project, but the catch was that they would have to work for free. Ron thought it would be a great opportunity to help the plumber’s image, help the industry, and “pay it forward,” as Richard remembers.
The Mentors in the Family Business
Richard remembers some of the amazing mechanics that mentored him along the way in the family business. Some of these experts had been around for 30 to 50 years by the time Richard worked with them, sharing stories of equipment and buildings from the early 1900s. He remembers that some of these pros were more like artists than tradesmen, effortlessly and flawlessly doing their jobs. Richard borrows from these mentors all the time.
The Mechanical World is the Least Understood
Richard believes that the mechanical world, including plumbing, heating, and HVAC, is the least understood trade. As a result, Richard wants to educate the public and demystify the trade. He aims to help people better understand the concepts and systems that his industry installs and services.
Pro Tip: In Richard’s own words: “My industry is the least understood by the public in general. You know, people know that there’s a thermostat in the wall that sends them a bill. What I want to do is demystify the mechanical world, just sort of simplify it. And so when I do that, I find myself wanting to speak to the third grade. I want to make sure that everybody understands. And I use my hands to try and help understand what the words” can’t always convey.
Richard’s Teaching Style
Richard has a unique approach to teaching. When he explains a concept, he likes to use his hands and speaks emphatically. He’ll draw pictures, create diagrams, or even create cross-sections of equipment. He also loves that the latest technology allows him to show customers how systems and equipment work from the inside out, whether it be a thermal imaging camera, a camera snake, or any other convenient diagnostic tool.
Pro Tip: Richard has explained how modern diagnostic tools have transformed his ability to educate homeowners: “Nothing is better than taking America down a big drain. It makes it real. These tools have changed everything for me to be able to tell what’s going on.” He notes that digital-temperature thermometers and thermographic cameras can now bring temperature readings to life in a way that was never possible before. “It used to be we went, ‘A-ha-ha, that’s hot.’ Now we can actually know exactly how hot it is.
He Thinks This Old House Has Done a Great Job
Richard believes that This Old House and Ask This Old House have done a great job of demystifying the mechanical room and its systems. He believes that with education, homeowners are able to hire smarter, naturally improving the relationship between the industry and its customers.
Pro Tip: Richard Trethewey has described his teaching philosophy in characteristically practical terms: “I don’t see myself as teaching homeowners how to plumb; I’m teaching them how to make smart choices in appliances and materials—and there is so much out there to choose from.” He likens his approach to putting out a buffet and letting viewers pick what works for them.
