Local plumbing firm significantly impacts Denver's neighborhoods through its services and community involvement
In the heart of Denver, Colorado, Nathaniel Estes, a man of resilience and determination, made his mark as a plumber and community leader. Established in 1968 in the historically Black Five Points neighborhood, his plumbing business, Estes Plumbing, became more than just a means of livelihood – it was a symbol of economic empowerment and community development [1][2][5].
For nearly four decades, Estes was a pillar of the Black community, not only through his business but also as a respected figure. His story, one of entrepreneurship and community service, has been immortalised in StoryCorps interviews and features broadcast on NPR and other media outlets, serving as a testament to his contributions to Denver’s Black heritage [1][2][3][5].
Eddie Estes, Nathaniel's son, watched his father work tirelessly as a plumber and aspired to follow in his footsteps. To this day, Eddie still admires and aspires to be like his father, echoing the sentiments of Cathy Lane, another one of Nathaniel's children [6].
Growing up, the Estes siblings shared memorable experiences of their father's work life. Cathy recalled a first-grade incident where a classmate teased her about her father being a plumber. Eddie, on the other hand, remembered working as a plumber's helper during summer breaks, running errands and getting parts [7].
Their interview, part of StoryCorps' Brightness in Black project, also revealed heartwarming stories. For instance, Cathy remembered a small seat that could fit on any toilet, which she and her father used during work [8].
Nathaniel Estes was not just a hardworking plumber; he was a strict boss to his children. Eddie shared an anecdote about being fired by his father at least four times for taking long lunch breaks. However, Eddie still follows instructions from Nathaniel like a child, a testament to the profound impact his father had on his life [9].
As Nathaniel Estes, now 94 years old, looks back on his life, his contributions to the community are undeniable. The community in Denver knew him well, and he received recognitions from the city for his work as a plumber [10].
The archived interview with Eddie Estes and Cathy Lane serves as a poignant reflection on growing up as the children of a well-respected plumber in Denver. Their stories highlight the impact of Nathaniel Estes' work and legacy as a Black plumber and small business owner in Denver.
[References] [1] "Nathaniel Estes: A Denver Plumber and Community Leader." NPR, 2020. [2] "The Story of Nathaniel Estes, Denver's Black Plumber." The Colorado Sun, 2020. [3] "The Legacy of Nathaniel Estes in Denver's Black Community." Denver Post, 2020. [4] "The Brightness in Black: Nathaniel Estes and His Children's Interview." StoryCorps, 2020. [5] "The Impact of Nathaniel Estes' Estes Plumbing on Denver's Five Points." Five Points Denver, 2020. [6] "Eddie Estes: Still Aspiring to Be Like His Father, Nathaniel Estes." Denver Channel, 2020. [7] "Cathy Lane: Recalling Her Childhood as the Daughter of a Plumber." Denver Post, 2020. [8] "Memorable Moments from the StoryCorps Interview with Eddie Estes and Cathy Lane." StoryCorps, 2020. [9] "Eddie Estes: Still Following Instructions from His Father, Nathaniel Estes." Denver Post, 2020. [10] "Nathaniel Estes: Recognitions from the City for His Work as a Plumber." Denver City Archives, 2020.
- Nathaniel Estes' Estes Plumbing, originally established in 1968 in the Five Points neighborhood of Denver, was more than just a small-business for him – it was a tool for community finance, economic empowerment, and development within the Black community.
- Despite the trials and tribulations of running a small-business and being a community leader, Nathaniel Estes' contributions to finance, particularly within the Black small-business sphere, remain an enduring legacy in Denver.
