Meet Catherine Oliveira of Contractors Social

Today we’d like to introduce you to Catherine Oliveira.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Some people inherit heirlooms. I inherited a toolbox and a front-row seat to grit.

My passion for the trades isn’t something I picked up later in life, it’s woven into who I am. I grew up watching my dad run his own appliance repair business, and from a young age, I learned what real work looked like. Early mornings. Late nights. Tough jobs that didn’t come with shortcuts. We always joke about the fact that my father went to work the day I was born. I can count on one hand the number of days I have seen him stay home from work; he was and is that diligent.

Prior to living in Kansas City, I spent years out in the field myself in Pennsylvania. I have held many positions in the home service industry over the years such as a field dispatcher, service supervisor, and even worked as an in-home comfort advisor for a multi-million dollar HVAC company. Working shoulder-to-shoulder with the same kind of people I looked up to as a kid. The kind who show up, get it done, and don’t ask for recognition.

And somewhere along the way, I started noticing something that didn’t sit right: these incredible, skilled professionals were inevitably getting left behind in the digital world. Websites were outdated, if they existed at all. Logos looked like an afterthought. Social media? Most didn’t have the time, energy, or interest to mess with it. And honestly, who could blame them? When you’re running wires, laying foundations, or fixing what no one else can, the last thing you want to do is figure out Instagram captions or deal with SEO updates.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
In 2024, my husband—a skilled plumber, was recruited by a major company in Kansas City. We packed up, took the leap, and made the move. At the time, I couldn’t find work in my field. The job application grind was as soul-crushing as ever, so I pivoted. I started working outside of my industry, selling sewing machines while quietly running the marketing for that business on the side.

Then, everything changed.

That October, my husband, along with 12 other hardworking tradesmen – was laid off after the company sold out to a private equity firm. Just like that, the promise we’d uprooted our lives for was gone. It was a brutal reminder that even the most skilled, dedicated workers can get swept aside by business decisions that have nothing to do with the quality of their work.

In passing, he always mentioned, “Oh, my wife does marketing.” To many of his coworkers when they wanted to start a business. Before long, those guys were calling me. I showed up. I listened. I rolled up my sleeves and started helping with whatever they needed—logos, websites, social posts, Google listings. And when they saw results, they told their buddies. What started as a side hustle built on referrals quickly became a full-fledged business.

We’ve been impressed with Contractors Social, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Contractors Social is a marketing agency built specifically for the trades. We specialize in helping hardworking business owners: plumbers, electricians, HVAC techs, handymen, general contractors, and beyond—build brands that work as hard as they do. From logo design and websites to SEO, social media management, content creation, and digital ads, we handle it all in-house, which means our clients get consistent branding, clear communication, and results without the runaround.

What sets us apart? We speak blue-collar. I grew up in the trades, married into them, and spent years in the field myself before building this company. That perspective changes everything. I don’t approach marketing like an outsider—I know the pride, pressure, and pace of the work you do. I know that your reputation is everything, and I’ve built this brand around protecting and enhancing that.

Our clients trust us because we’re not selling them fluff—they get practical, powerful marketing tools that help them get found online, stand out from the competition, and book more of the jobs they want.

Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the integrity that drives Contractors Social. Every design, every strategy, every post reflects the kind of work ethic the trades are known for: no shortcuts, no gimmicks, just solid work built to last.

If there’s one thing I want readers to know, it’s this: we’re not just here to “do your marketing.” We’re here to elevate your business, tell your story, and make sure the world sees the skill and heart behind every job you take on. Because the trades deserve to be seen—and celebrated—the right way.

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Asking for help—whether it was from other business owners, mentors, or even clients who became friends—opened doors I didn’t even know existed. Every time I reached out, someone reached back. That’s how Contractors Social grew: not from having all the answers, but from having the courage to ask questions, take advice, and learn as I went.

There’s strength in community. And in the trades especially, we all get a little further when we’ve got someone willing to lend a hand.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://contractorssocial.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/contractorssocialco
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568528295425