Inside Soledad State Prison with Larry Jones – Part 2 | American Plumber Stories

In Part 2 of this special American Plumber Stories series, we return to Soledad State Prison in CA, where real transformation is taking place—one pipe, one lesson, one life at a time.

We meet Fabian, Alex, and Marcos—three incarcerated men who found purpose, direction, and a renewed sense of self through the prison’s plumbing vocational program. Their stories are powerful testaments to the impact of skilled trades, not only as a path to employment but as a means of building confidence, leadership, and a life worth living.

For Alex, plumbing became a way to rebuild his identity. Fabian now mentors others in the class, paying forward the lessons that changed his life. Marcos, once reluctant to join, now helps teach fellow inmates, many of whom never believed they had a skill to offer.

With guidance from instructor Jorge Arias and encouragement from Larry Jones, their stories show us that change is possible when people are given the tools, trust, and opportunity to build something better.

“There’s hope in your hands.” - Larry Jones

This isn’t just a trade. It’s a lifeline.