For Jessie Cannizzaro, MP, UDCP, CRPM, success isn't measured solely by the plumbing systems her team installs—it's measured by the lives she impacts along the way. As the founder and Master Plumber of Milestone Plumbing, Jessie has built a career rooted in craftsmanship, relationships, and a genuine desire to create opportunities for others. Whether she's mentoring students, strengthening the remodeling community, or advocating for heart health, her passion extends far beyond the jobsite.

When Jessie Cannizzaro, MP, UDCP, CRPM talks about plumbing, she isn't just talking about pipes. She's talking about people.

She's talking about solving problems, building trust, creating opportunities, and leaving every situation a little better than she found it. That philosophy has shaped not only her career, but also the culture at Milestone Plumbing, where every project is viewed as an opportunity to help homeowners, strengthen relationships, and serve the community.

Finding Her Calling

Jessie's journey into the trades wasn't one she planned. Growing up, she occasionally accompanied her father on service calls, but like many children, she imagined a very different future.

"I wanted to be a veterinarian," she laughs. She spent her first year of college pursuing a biology degree before realizing it wasn't the right fit. After switching to business, life unexpectedly changed when her father suffered a stroke. Helping him with his plumbing business between classes gave Jessie a completely new perspective.

"What I had taken for granted growing up, I suddenly saw through a different lens," she says.

She discovered she loved the combination of technical expertise, critical thinking, customer service, and the satisfaction that comes from solving real problems every day. That passion led her to become a Master Plumber and earn multiple professional credentials, including MP, UDCP, and CRPM, reflecting her commitment to technical excellence and continuous learning. But her vision didn't stop there. She wanted to build a company grounded in integrity, craftsmanship, service, and community. That vision became Milestone Plumbing, and it continues to guide everything she and her team do today.

The Power of Community

Since joining NARI Milwaukee in 2014, Jessie has become one of the organization's most recognizable advocates and one of its greatest ambassadors. Ask her what keeps her involved after more than a decade, and her answer comes without hesitation.

"The people."

"NARI has been one of the most valuable professional organizations I've ever been involved with because it's built around genuine relationships and shared success." Those relationships have become much more than networking opportunities. Many have grown into trusted advisors, referral partners, collaborators, and lifelong friendships. "When you've experienced that kind of support firsthand," she says, "you naturally want to give back and help create those same opportunities for others." It's why Jessie is often the first to introduce a new member, encourage someone to attend an event, or connect two professionals who could benefit from knowing each other.

For Jessie, construction has always been a relationship business. "The strongest businesses are built on trust, reputation, and meaningful relationships." She credits many of Milestone Plumbing's partnerships, opportunities, and accomplishments to the relationships that began through NARI Milwaukee.

Breaking Barriers—and Building Opportunity

As a woman entering a traditionally male-dominated profession, Jessie admits the journey wasn't always easy.

"There were certainly moments where I was underestimated or had to work harder to prove myself."

Rather than allowing those moments to define her, she chose to focus on what she could control. "I could either focus on the unfairness of the situation or focus on proving what I was capable of. Guess which one I picked."

Today, she believes the industry is becoming stronger because it's welcoming talent from every background. "Success comes down to knowledge, work ethic, leadership, and relationships—not gender." She hopes her own journey encourages more women to see the trades as an industry where they belong and where they can thrive.

Changing the Conversation About the Trades

One of Jessie's greatest passions is introducing students to careers they may never have considered.

Through her work with NARI Milwaukee and partnerships with local schools, she has become a tireless advocate for workforce development and exposing young people to the opportunities available in the skilled trades.

That mission is deeply personal.

"I was actually discouraged from pursuing the trades."

Years later, she returned to speak at her former high school on behalf of NARI Milwaukee. "I was literally told, 'The trades are fine, but not for our students.'" She smiles at the irony. "I was one of their students."

Rather than discouraging her, that moment strengthened her resolve. "If we want a strong future workforce, we have to engage young people today and show them what's possible."

She wants students to understand that today's trades aren't simply jobs, they're careers filled with opportunity. "You can become a technician, project manager, estimator, business owner, or industry leader. The opportunities are truly endless."

Taking Care of the People Who Take Care of Everyone Else

Jessie's commitment to improving lives extends well beyond the jobsite.

As one of the nation's top fundraisers during the American Heart Association's Woman of Impact campaign, finishing fourth in the country, she helped raise awareness and critical funding for heart health after experiencing heartbreaking losses within her own circle.

"The campaign became about much more than fundraising," she says. "It became about honoring those we've lost and helping others live healthier lives."

Within the trades, where physically demanding work is the norm, Jessie believes conversations around health and wellness deserve far greater attention.

"Taking care of ourselves is just as important as taking care of our clients."

More Than Plumbing

While Milestone Plumbing has earned a reputation for exceptional craftsmanship, Jessie believes the company's greatest strength is its people.

"What sets Milestone Plumbing apart is our commitment to people."

The company invests not only in delivering outstanding plumbing solutions but also in its team, relationships, and community.

"Remodeling projects are about more than plumbing systems," she explains. "They're about helping homeowners create spaces where their families can thrive." That culture of professionalism, collaboration, and genuine care is what Jessie believes has earned Milestone Plumbing the trust of homeowners and remodeling professionals alike.

Show Up

When asked what advice she'd give new NARI members, or anyone entering the trades, Jessie's answer is refreshingly simple.

"Show up."

Attend the events. Volunteer. Introduce yourself. Ask questions.

"Relationships don't happen overnight," she says. "But the more you invest, the more you'll get back."

She also encourages people not to wait until they feel completely prepared before raising their hand.

One phrase has become something of a personal motto: "Learn to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. You'll be amazed at where that can get you."

Giving Your Gift Away

Looking ahead, Jessie is optimistic.

She sees incredible opportunities to attract new talent, embrace innovation, strengthen collaboration, and continue building a stronger remodeling industry.

But perhaps what excites her most is the opportunity to continue creating opportunities for others.

Whether she's mentoring the next generation, supporting charitable causes, serving homeowners, or strengthening the NARI Milwaukee community, Jessie believes leadership is about using your gifts to help those around you succeed.

One quote has guided that philosophy throughout her career:

"The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away." — Pablo Picasso

For Jessie, that gift isn't simply plumbing.

It's building stronger people, stronger relationships, and a stronger future for the remodeling industry.

To learn more about Jessie and the team at Milestone Plumbing, click here.