For many, the thought of driving more than 2,000 miles with their father-in-law might be intimidating. But for Rodney Cobos, the drive from Fort Knox, Kentucky, to Santa Paula, California, marked the beginning of his career and eventual rise to success.
At the time, Cobos was 24 years old, married, and newly discharged from the Army, unsure of what his next step would be. During the long trip home, his father-in-law, a retired plumber and a member of UA Local 484 in Ventura for 35 years, encouraged him to sign up for an apprenticeship with the local union.
Plumbing ran deep in his wife’s family: her two brothers, a cousin and her brother-in-law were already in the trade. Taking his father-in-law’s advice, Cobos pursued the same path. Because union work was slow at the time, he enrolled in a plumbing technology program at a trade school in Long Beach.
This introduction to IAPMO’s Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC®) and hands-on training laid the foundation for his future career. The following year, Cobos became an apprentice with UA Local 484 and was fortunate to attend while taking advantage of the G.I. Bill.
Reflecting on his early influences, Cobos credits UA instructor Steve McFarland for leaving a lasting impression on him, particularly in terms of the UPC and IAPMO’s role in the plumbing industry. Cobos joined IAPMO and quickly realized the value the association offered in his learning.
“I was really impressed with the support IAPMO provided, from the illustrated manual to the Uniform Plumbing Code to the study guide. It really helped me,” he said. “The UPC is your bible, but the illustrated manual puts it right in front of you; you can see it out in the field and pick up on it.”
In 1999, Cobos became a certified plumber. Eager to take on greater responsibility, he was elected to the UA Local 484 Finance Committee in December 2000. His involvement deepened, and in May 2002, just three years after completing his apprenticeship, Cobos was elected president of UA Local 484 and appointed business representative. In 2007, at the age of 38, he became the youngest person to be elected business manager and financial secretary of UA Local 484.
Cobos stepped into leadership during a challenging period — the country was entering a recession.
“That took a real toll on our membership and work, but we got through it,” he said. “I would tell them at every meeting, ‘If I had a magic wand to erase this economy, I would do it.’ But they understood the economy and were very supportive for almost nine years.”
Cobos raised more than $5,000 in donations for the Mercer-Prieto VFW Post #2043 when he ran in the 2016 Los Angeles Marathon. With him are, from left, son Zac; wife, Heidi; and sons Ramon and Jorge. PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE SANTA PAULA TIMES Right: Cobos with his daughter, Audrey. PHOTO COURTESY OF RODNEY COBOS
In 2015, Cobos was appointed assistant business manager of the Southern California Pipe Trades District Council 16, which represents 13 UA local unions across 12 counties, spanning from San Luis Obispo and Bakersfield to San Diego.
On his first day on job, Cobos learned that Business Manager Mike Layton would be away on business for six weeks.
“I was fortunate it happened that way because it allowed me to learn the position as assistant manager,” he said. “Then when he left, I was thankful that he had given me that chance to be assistant and let me learn on the job.”
When Layton moved on in 2019, Cobos was appointed interim business manager; he was elected business manager and financial secretary-treasurer of Southern California Pipe Trades District Council 16 the following year, a position he continues to hold.
Cobos and the Board of Directors serve as the support arm for their 13 affiliated local unions, representing nearly 19,000 members.
His primary responsibilities include implementing the mandates passed by the council delegates, overseeing the council’s day-to-day operations, and assisting affiliated local unions in protecting the UA’s trade jurisdiction when requested.
Cobos also helps resolve grievances between affiliated local unions and employers, fosters employment opportunities for members, and promotes market growth. He manages the council’s financial transactions, ensuring monthly financial reports are submitted to the Finance Committee.
Additionally, he serves as a trustee on all Southern California Pipe Trades Trust Funds, which include the Health & Welfare plans (both active and retired), Vacation and Holiday Fund, the Retirement Fund, the Defined Contribution (401k) Fund, Landscape and Irrigation Trust Fund and the Christmas Bonus Fund.
Left: Cobos with his wife, Heidi, and son Zachary. Right: Cobos, center, with IAPMO CEO Dave Viola and IAPMO President Steve Panelli after receiving an IAPMO Fellowship Coin at the Board of Directors meeting in Key West, Florida, in January 2024. PHOTOS COURTESY OF RODNEY COBOS
“My main goal is to provide each affiliated local union’s business manager with the support needed to best serve their members and ensure they have the needed support to run their respective locals,” he said.
His other goals focus on increasing membership by supporting their organizing department, growing market share, maximizing political influence through legislation, improving member communication, and enhancing the branding and marketing of the pipe trades.
“We are continually working to challenge the perception that college is the only path to success, showcasing the many opportunities within the piping industry that lead to well-paying, long-term careers and dignified retirements,” Cobos said.
Their success as a pipe trades labor organization relies heavily on maintaining strong relationships with their business partners — their contractor employers.
“This partnership is key to expanding our market share,” he said. “Last year, we achieved a record of more than 17 million work hours across the council.”
An IAPMO member for nearly 30 years, Cobos became a certified IAPMO plumbing inspector in 1997. Although the UA and Southern California Pipe Trades are affiliated with many organizations, Cobos has a special connection with IAPMO.
“I’ve grown up knowing IAPMO, the code, and the people who have worked there,” he said. “I still remember being an apprentice and having questions, and I was able to pick up the phone, talk to somebody and get answers.”
Over the years, the relationship between the Southern California Pipe Trades and IAPMO has strengthened, and now the union covers the cost of IAPMO memberships for apprentices.
“As I came up through the ranks, attended IAPMO conferences and got to know (former and current CEOs) Russ (Chaney) and now Dave (Viola), I feel that we have that bond with IAPMO,” Cobos said. “That’s why we support whatever we can do to help membership grow.”
Outside of work, Cobos enjoys running, an activity he picked up more than 35 years ago while preparing to join the Army. He has completed the L.A. Marathon four times, once running alongside his wife, Heidi.
“Of course, she got a better time than me,” he said with a chuckle.
Rodney and Heidi have three sons — Zachary, who is majoring in mechanical engineering at Arizona State University; George, a freshman civil engineering major at Chico State University; and Raymond, a high school senior. They also have a daughter, Audrey, who is in eighth grade.
Reflecting on his journey, Cobos remains uncertain about the specific reason his father-in-law encouraged him to enter to trade — whether out of affection for him or he was just looking out for his daughter — but he is grateful for the guidance and support he has received from many people along the way.
“He really helped me get in, become part of the organization and get involved as far as becoming an officer and moving up through the ranks to where I’m at now,” he said. “I didn’t get here by myself; I have had lots of support and help and I’m grateful for what everyone has done.”
Mike Flenniken is a staff writer, Marketing and Communications, for IAPMO. Prior to joining IAPMO in 2010, Flenniken worked in public relations for a group of Southern California hospitals and as a journalist in writing and editing capacities for various Southern California daily newspapers.
Last modified: December 12, 2024