Spotlight on SuperSTARS

Meet Steve Roachford, Contract Plumber

Steve Roachford grew up in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, the Carribean’s southernmost island country. “I’ve been in the U.S. for 16 years, and I love it here. I do miss my kids and grandkids who still live at home, and I miss the beaches.” According to Steve, Trinidad doesn’t feel much different than the U.S., but Tobago residents embrace a more easy-going, slow-paced lifestyle—especially when compared to America’s East Coast.

“I worked in New York City for 13 years in a high-pressure job. It was stressful and a long way to travel for work. The staffing agency I was working with asked if I wanted to work closer to home,” says Steve. “I really like Elek. I was hired as a full-time contract plumber in June of this year, and my co-workers are great. It’s friendly and motivating environment. Everyone is like family. It’s so fun to work with these guys. We joke around and enjoy our jobs, and it is much more peaceful than my previous work.”

Steve’s days are usually spent at a single job site, though he occasionally visits multiple sites. “I like doing pretty much any kind of work, but my favorite project was my second job with Elek. The Saucon Valley Country Club. I met people with different lifestyles and ideas from me, and I learned a lot in that atmosphere. It was a hard job, but I never give up on challenges. They make you strong.”

Steve hangs Elek’s success on the company’s customer-centered approach and its commitment to integrity. “Elek is a no-nonsense company. If they tell you they will do ‘x,’ they will not come and do ‘y.’ They care about customers. And they are straightforward and very honest, which is the reason I would recommend them to anyone.”

Family Life & Free Time

Steve and his wife, a preschool teacher, live with their 24-year-old daughter and 3-year-old grandson. Their other two daughters, 30 and 35, still reside in Trinidad-Tobago with their children. “My off-work time is all about family, and I like to spend a lot of time with my grandson. As soon as I walk in the door, my day is finished. He won’t let me do anything else but play with him,” Steve jokes. 

“Many people are surprised to know I am also a DJ. I’ve always loved music, so my dad bought me a small stereo set when I was 12. I expanded it to something bigger and eventually worked in New York and Philly nightclubs on Fridays. I don’t do it as much now, but sometimes I do weddings, birthday parties and carnivals—or play music for my friends and family.”

More Fun Facts About Steve Roachford

• What kind of music do you play when you DJ?  “I prefer old-school music like R&B, pop and reggae. And soca music. Trinidad is famous for it.” *Soca began with the fusion of calypso and Indo-Caribbean music, which created the ‘soul of calypso,’ or ‘soca’ for short. It has grown to incorporate disco, soul, funk and dance genres, too. 

• If you had to eat only one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?  “Salmon. I LOVE salmon. I’d eat it every day, for sure.” 

• What would you do if you won a huge lottery payout?  “I’d still work. I would get bored if I wasn’t working. And I’d send a huge donation to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital (a cancer research hospital). I like supporting them whenever I can.”

Join Elek’s Team of SuperSTARS!

We recently celebrated 106 years of serving the Lehigh Valley, and dedicated employees like Steve make our company’s longevity possible. Many of our team members have served with us for over a decade, and our family-oriented environment is just one of the many reasons they stick around. Elek is currently seeking commercial and service plumbers with 7+ years of experience. To apply, please email your resume to [email protected] or fax 610.432.7517. For more information about Elek Plumbing, please visit our website. 

Did you know we’re a proud member of Troops to Trades? This reputable program provides veterans, National Guard and reservists with career placement options, scholarships and training grants. Learn more about Troops to Trades by calling the Elek staff: 610-432-7001. You can also visit the Nexstar Legacy Foundation website for more information.