From Apprentice to CEO: How Mahara Gibson-Zeinoun Built Her Career Through Continuous Learning

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Mahara Gibson-Zeinoun knew early on that the trades were the right path for her. At just 17 years old, she made a decision that would shape her future.

“My journey started at 17 when I switched out of my high school course for Plumbing Level One.”

By taking part in a dual credit program while still in high school, Mahara was able to accelerate her apprenticeship and gain a head start in the industry.

“Taking that dual credit program was honestly the best for me and really sped up my apprenticeship.”

At 23, she achieved her Red Seal certification, which was a milestone that marked the beginning of new opportunities.

“Getting my Red Seal at 23 felt like a huge accomplishment, but it was definitely only just the starting point. Not the finish line.”

Today, Mahara is the owner and CEO of Princess Plumbing, and she continues to expand her skills to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry.

Opening Doors Through Education

For Mahara, earning her ticket created more than career stability. It opened the door to specialization and long-term growth.

“As you get your ticket, a lot of doors open and a world of opportunity opens up.”

That mindset has led her to continuously pursue additional training and refresher courses throughout her career.

“I’m constantly taking refresher courses.”

One of the biggest benefits, she says, is the confidence that comes from learning directly from experienced professionals.

“You learn tips and tricks that you just can’t get from reading the manual, which helps fill knowledge gaps.”

Flexible Learning That Fits the Trades

As a business owner and tradesperson, Mahara understands the importance of training options that work around demanding schedules.

“Access to these shorter, flexible courses on evenings and weekends is super important because it avoids sacrificing valuable working hours and income.”

That flexibility allows skilled trades workers to continue developing professionally without stepping away from their careers.

Changing the Face of the Trades

Mahara is also passionate about encouraging more women to explore careers in the trades.

“I think the movement towards allowing women to feel comfortable in the trades is evolving in the right direction.”

She believes visibility and representation play an important role in breaking down outdated stereotypes.

“We’re starting to change the stereotypes of what a female trade worker has to look like, act, and be like.”

By showing real women working in skilled trades, Mahara hopes more young women will see themselves in those careers.

“If we remove those preconceptions and show real women working with tools, we can encourage more young women to become tradeswomen.”

Preparing for the Future of the Industry

Mahara recognizes that the plumbing and HVAC industries are changing quickly, especially as climate-focused technologies become more common.

“Because of climate change, the industry is shifting from natural gas to electric heating and cooling, and tradespeople need to keep up with advances in technology to stay ahead of the curve.”

To prepare her business for the future, she continues to invest in specialized education.

“I’m taking the Residential Air-to-Air Heat Pump Specialist course to ensure I can lead my business into the future.”

Building a Career That Keeps Growing

For Mahara, professional development has been key to every stage of her journey from apprentice to Red Seal plumber to business owner.

Her story is a reminder that learning doesn’t stop after certification. In the skilled trades, continuous education creates opportunities to specialize, grow, and lead.