We recently asked some of the major players in the phvac markets to give us their feel of how the economy, supply chain, etc. plays out for 2022. We caught up with Bradford White’s Bruce Carnevale, president and CEO, and here are his thoughts on the rest of the year and beyond. MH: We’ve all experienced Read more
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We recently asked some of the major players in the phvac markets to give us their feel of how the economy, supply chain, etc. plays out for 2022. We caught up with Bradford White’s Bruce Carnevale, president and CEO, and here are his thoughts on the rest of the year and beyond.
MH: We’ve all experienced supply chain shortages, whether it’s industry related or things such as computer chips, plastics, bacon, etc., for example. Do you project a turnaround soon or within the next 6-12 months for certain materials that relate to your specific company?
Carnevale: While the supply chain issues for some materials and components is improving, for others it’s actually getting worse. In the aggregate, I think that supply chain issues will continue to impact our business for most of 2022, and for some components, into 2023.
MH: We are in the midst of some of the highest inflation rates since the early ‘80s. Do you think that higher inflation becomes a “newer normal”? Explain.
Carnevale: No. Inflation is somewhat of a self-correcting problem. One of the many economic indicators we follow is the consumer savings rate, which was at an all-time high during the peak of COVID. It is now back to normal levels, so at some point, prices increase to the point where consumers are no longer willing or able to pay the higher prices. Demand then falls, and that puts downward pressure on prices. This will go back through the supply chain from the consumer to commodities suppliers, and I expect we will see deflation on some products driven by lower material costs. There will, however, be a “new normal” for prices because of increased labor costs. Those costs are very unlikely to adjust downward, and therefore even when commodities adjust, the total costs will still be higher than pre-COVID.
MH: In general, how do you see the economy short-term? Give a few examples of how you draw that conclusion (housing starts, commercial construction, etc.).
Carnevale: I have concerns about the macro-economy for 2022 and 2023 and have had concerns since the beginning of 2021. I don’t see how we can’t have a significant slowdown in the economy with all of the headwinds we are facing: Inflation, rising interest rates, energy prices, labor shortages, global instability, the politics of a mid-term election year, etc. I see the slowdown taking hold going into the second half of 2022.
MH: Where are you seeing signs of positivity, if any?
Carnevale: Clearly COVID cases are falling, and hospitalizations and deaths are significantly lower with Omicron vs. previous variants. There is hope that we are nearing the end of the pandemic phase and entering the endemic phase.
MH: How do you as manufacturers work with customers who are dealing with longer lead times and/or higher prices? Is it a matter of open lines of communication?
Carnevale: Each manufacturer deals with it differently. Our team has communicated very openly with customers when issues arise, or even when we expect issues to arise so that our customers can have the most time and information to make appropriate adjustments in their operations. So, yes, transparent communication is the best way to deal with rapidly changing conditions.
MH: It seems that in today’s employment landscape, it’s hard to find good labor, whether it’s truck drivers, waiters at restaurants, etc. In our industry, how do we continue the fight to highlight the trades as a great career choice?
Carnevale: Very true. The restaurant where I had lunch this afternoon had a sign on their entrance door that read: “Every business is short on labor. Please be kind to those who showed up to work!” That really sums up the current labor environment.
As everyone in our industry knows, the labor shortage was our biggest challenge before COVID, and it will continue to be post-COVID. There are many industry initiatives working to position the trades as a great career choice, and many companies in our industry are working diligently to promote the trades as well. I still believe what we are missing is a well-funded, well-coordinated public/private message with a big voice and a clear message that would connect with younger audiences. While we continue to work towards that, Bradford White will continue our initiatives, and 2022 we will be launching an entirely new foundation designed to promote our industry and attract new people.
MH: In spite of COVID, people must move on. How has your company evolved—or continued to march forward—over the past two years, and talk about any new initiatives, expansions, etc.
You’re right, organizations and individuals must move on. We have found that it is very helpful to shorten the time horizon for goals and objectives, otherwise you can really get bogged down by all the negative things happening all around you. So, whereas you might have had the monthly or quarterly goals, now you have to look at them weekly, or even daily. That doesn’t mean that you don’t still have long term, strategic goals, but rather that you shift more of your focus to just getting through each day or week.
From a business philosophy perspective, we, and I think most organizations are looking at supply chain improvements and diversification. I think some of the important trends will be shortening supply chains by working with suppliers closer to manufacturing operations and reviewing the risks of just-in-time inventory models versus the overall value.
A part of Emerson’s professional tools portfolio, RIDGID will select five winners for this year’s trip RIDGID®, a part of Emerson’s professional tools portfolio, is once again giving trade professionals a contest to win the trip of a lifetime. The company announced today they have begun accepting entries for the RIDGID Experience contest, being held Read more
A part of Emerson’s professional tools portfolio, RIDGID will select five winners for this year’s trip
RIDGID®, a part of Emerson’s professional tools portfolio, is once again giving trade professionals a contest to win the trip of a lifetime. The company announced today they have begun accepting entries for the RIDGID Experience contest, being held Aug. 3-5 at RIDGID world headquarters. Five grand prize winners will be selected to receive the event’s signature VIP treatment at the annual, all-expenses-paid trip that continues to grow in popularity.
Entries will be accepted through April 29, 2022. Contest winners will be selected based on their response to questions, trade involvement, enthusiasm for RIDGID tools displayed in submitted picture or video, and originality and uniqueness of entry. To enter, and for additional rules and details, visit the RIDGID Facebook page.
“It is so important to us as a brand to recognize the hard work, commitment and dedication that trade professionals put into their jobs every day. The RIDGID Experience contest gives us the opportunity to reward a select group of individuals with a truly unique event, and it puts a spotlight on the work they do,” said Becky Brotherton, director of engagement marketing, RIDGID for Emerson. “This year marks the fifth RIDGID Experience contest and the excitement it generates is a direct result of the people who join us: their enthusiasm for what they do is evident. Our goal always is to highlight the importance of the skilled trades, and every year we’re thrilled to see that pride within our winners.”
Past contest winner, Bobby Scirica, a plumbing service technician from Arizona described the trip this way, “I’ve been using these tools for years and being here and seeing the machines and people who make the tools, it’s emotional.” And another past winner, Rob Broccolo, owner of Professional Drain Services of Southern New England, said, “RIDGID is a big name in the industry and it felt incredible to be selected for a once in a lifetime opportunity. By far the highlight of my career and time in the trades.”
RIDGID Experience contest winners will receive:
- An all-expenses-paid trip to RIDGID world headquarters
- A VIP RIDGID headquarters tour
- A custom RIDGID pipe wrench
- Hero photoshoot, celebrating winners’ dedication to the skilled trades
- Suite seats to see the Cleveland Guardians
- A trip to Topgolf, a sports entertainment complex that features an inclusive, high-tech golf game
- And more
Winners will also have the opportunity to shape the future of professional tool development by providing their expert insights with RIDGID leadership including the engineering, marketing, research and product developments. How to enter and full 2022 RIDGID Experience official contest rules can be found here.
Emerson’s professional tools business, which includes RIDGID as well as the Greenlee® and Klauke® brands, provides the industry’s broadest portfolio of advanced, reliable tools and technologies for the mechanical, electrical and plumbing trades globally. Visit emerson.com/professionaltools for more information.
It’s been quite the start to 2022 for Ryan Bickerton, owner/operator of Bickerton Plumbing and Heating LLC, Boston. Recently recovered from COVID, his phone hasn’t stopped ringing. He’s been busy, and that’s a good thing. Mostly specializing in high-end renovations, old houses in the historic areas of Boston and high-efficiency boilers, Bickerton has run his Read more
It’s been quite the start to 2022 for Ryan Bickerton, owner/operator of Bickerton Plumbing and Heating LLC, Boston. Recently recovered from COVID, his phone hasn’t stopped ringing. He’s been busy, and that’s a good thing.
Mostly specializing in high-end renovations, old houses in the historic areas of Boston and high-efficiency boilers, Bickerton has run his own company since 2014. At the age of 18, Bickerton started into plumbing, working for a larger residential company doing large multi-unit buildings where he worked for 2 1/2 years before moving to a smaller company doing mainly commercial work.
The itch started for Bickerton when he started in construction over the summers during high school, working for a roofing company and a general contractor, basically doing whatever was needed on a job site. “I tried helping whoever needed to be helped on the site—plumbers, electricians, carpenters—cleaning up, making coffee runs, etc. I remember those summers working for the GC and I enjoyed helping the plumbers more than anything else. I realized I was falling in love with the industry, and the rest is history,” says Bickerton.
Nevertheless, Bickerton was encouraged to make an attempt at college even though he didn’t really want to; he gave it a shot anyway. He lasted less than a year and decided that was it. “For me, it was a waste of time and money,” says Bickerton. “My parents were okay with me leaving after giving it a valiant effort, but my father said ‘pick a trade because you’re not going to be sitting around here all day.’”
Bickerton recalls speaking to his father, and a few other people he knew who worked in the trades, and was pushed in the direction of electrical or plumbing mainly because, “you’ll never be looking for work.”
After obtaining his Journeyman Plumbing and Gas Fitting License in 2008, Bickerton completely shifted gears and joined the United States Marine Corps where he was deployed to Afghanistan. It was a difficult decision but joining the military was something Ryan had always wanted to do. In 2008, it was the right time. After six years of service with the Marines, Bickerton returned to plumbing and got his Master Plumbing and Gas Fitting License. “I started doing more and more side work until I landed a few bigger jobs that motivated me to leap into owning my own company. I haven’t look back since,” says Bickerton.
Part of that drive came from his biggest role model, his father, who worked most of his life in a power plant in South Boston as a general mechanic—he could pretty much fix anything and everything that needed fixing. “My father is the hardest working person I know. I remember as a young kid not seeing him for days at a time because he was getting home late and leaving early before we were awake. I knew he was out working hard taking overtime to provide for us. He could and would fix most things around the house. I remember one year our water heater went out on Thanksgiving and he took care of it by himself. I thought that was pretty cool, and still do,” says Bickerton.
As for Ryan, he never considered himself a role model, but he tries to conduct himself that way. Any chance he gets, he’ll speak highly of the trades. “If any young kids ask me about the trades, I do my best to steer them in the right direction and let them know it’s a very viable option. It’s a rewarding career choice, and college and white-collar work doesn’t have to be for everyone,” says Bickerton.
Bickerton does rough-ins to beautiful renovations.
Bickerton’s trade role model was his first foreman, Mike Sheehan, a plumber for 30+ years, his body broken from years of moving massive boilers and extra heavy cast-iron pipe. “But he still loved the trade. He taught me a lot of my early skills, and he would say that this trade has all the potential to do anything you want with it, which has really stuck with me to this day,” says Bickerton.
Bickerton’s go-to tool has been the ProPress/MegaPress. “Don’t get me wrong, I loved to solder and took great pride in having clean joints, and still think it’s a necessary skill to have, but the press system is a complete game changer.”
While respecting these two men’s work ethic, Bickerton knows that balancing work and family life is important. It’s probably his most difficult task, says Bickerton. “I’m usually out the door by 5 am and home around 5 pm, and the kids go to bed between 7:30-8 pm and then most nights I have to do estimates or invoices when they’re in bed so I don’t have as much ‘leisure time’ as I’d like. I try to make every second I’m home count.”
And the weekends are for family. Bickerton used to work every Saturday and even some Sundays. Lately, however, Ryan doesn’t work Sunday unless it’s a catastrophic emergency, and on Saturdays he tries to be done by 12 or sometimes not at all. “Like I said before, I love plumbing and working but I don’t think I’ll ever regret not working more and spending less time with my family so I try to best divide my time in the fairest manner possible.”
It’s clear that family time is most important. “In my spare time, more than anything, I enjoy hanging out with my wife and our children. My wife Micayla and I have been married for six years and our three kids are growing up fast. If I’m not working, I’m with them. They are starting to get into different activities, hockey, baseball, football, swimming, horseback riding, and I just enjoy every second of that. Even if it’s just hanging out and watching a movie, it’s never wasted time for me,” says Bickerton.
Perhaps family means a bit more to Bickerton because his daughter, Mallory, was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder called Rubenstein Taybi Syndrome (RTS). In 2017, Ryan and Micayla, along with some close friends, started a non-profit organization called Mals Pals Foundation. “We have been very fortunate with Mallory. We live in the epicenter for healthcare; she has had an inclusive educational opportunity here in Boston and it helps that we are able to pay for anything and everything she has needed in order to thrive,” says Bickerton.
Mal’s Pals Foundation aims to ease the burden of other families who maybe are not as fortunate. The Bickertons raise awareness for rare diseases like RTS, and they help educate newly diagnosed families. “We are trying to make difference in other people’s lives even if it’s just a small one. You can check us out at malspalsfoundation.org.”
Mallory is now seven-years-old and doing well. “Initially, there were concerns, but honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way,” says Bickerton.
Bickerton looks forward to going to work every day. “But the most rewarding to me is being able to sit back at the end of the day or at the end of a job and look at what I’ve done,” says Bickerton. “I like having something tangible, that I can look at and touch and say I did that, or I fixed that or I created that. Whether it’s fixing a leaking faucet, creating a bathroom where there wasn’t one before, plumbing a 5-unit building completely from scratch or providing someone with heat and hot water for the next 20-30 years. That’s pretty cool.”
In the end, Ryan really loves plumbing, even if he’s stressed out and jobs are behind, or he’s behind on paperwork, or he’s made a mistake and or redo something. “I still consider myself lucky to be doing what I love every day. And on those harder work days, I still get to come home to three beautiful children and a wife who loves me. Every time I walk in the door and they scream ‘DAD!’ all that stress lifts off instantly, and it’s all worth it.”
Last week at the AHR Expo in Las Vegas, the Bradford White booth was buzzing with some of the latest innovation in water heating. Pictured here, the 65-gallon AeroTherm Series heat pump water heater exceeds ENERGY STAR™ standards and it now features Bradford White Connect, which transforms the AeroTherm® into a smart, connected appliance that Read more
Last week at the AHR Expo in Las Vegas, the Bradford White booth was buzzing with some of the latest innovation in water heating. Pictured here, the 65-gallon AeroTherm Series heat pump water heater exceeds ENERGY STAR™ standards and it now features Bradford White Connect, which transforms the AeroTherm® into a smart, connected appliance that can be controlled from any smart device via an app. It also features quieter operation with 50dBA operating sound pressure.
Gregg Holladay, Bradford White Water Heaters, gives the Hub’s Eric Aune the rundown on the AeroTherm heat pump water heater.
The AeroTherm provides year-round energy savings—saves about $300/year on energy bills, allowing for quicker ROI.
Consumers can choose between five operating modes for their level of efficiency and performance:
• Heat Pump (only)
• Hybrid Standard
• Hybrid Plus
• Electric (only)
• Vacation
The AeroTherm utilizes both heat-pump technology (1) and back-up electric heating elements (2) to heat water. This integrated system helps to drive the AeroTherm’s economical and efficient operation. During heat pump operation, a fan (3) draws heat from the air into a compressor (4) and evaporator (5) to heat refrigerant. Once heated, the refrigerant travels through a coil (6) that fully surrounds the water storage tank. The AeroTherm Series heat pump water heater provides considerable energy efficiency while greatly reducing the cost of water heating.
For more information, bradfordwhite.com.
“Guests with clogged drains deserve prompt service – day and night,” James “Rob” Hoelscher, property manager of Colorado Bear Creek Cabins, declares. Rob is co-owner of the business with his wife Susan. And the Hoelschers never skimp on service standards or speed. Staff react professionally and immediately to every problem. “Our maintenance tools must likewise Read more
“Guests with clogged drains deserve prompt service – day and night,” James “Rob” Hoelscher, property manager of Colorado Bear Creek Cabins, declares.
Rob is co-owner of the business with his wife Susan. And the Hoelschers never skimp on service standards or speed. Staff react professionally and immediately to every problem.
“Our maintenance tools must likewise perform on demand,” Rob continues. “That’s why General’s hand-held Power-Vee anchors our drain cleaning tasks.”
Rapid Response Vital
Located 35 miles west of Denver in scenic Evergreen, Colorado, Colorado Bear Creek Cabins offers a range of “comfortably rustic” lodgings to skiers, nature-lovers, and travelers who simply want to “get away” since 1947.
The business is a family affair. Rob, Susan, and sons Oliver and Samuel live close-by, and work on-site – ensuring peak customer response.
“We never resolve problems over the phone,” Rob insists. “We’re not absentee owners!”
Critical To Everyday Maintenance
“Most of our drain cleaning work is done indoors – under sinks and inside cabinets,” he adds. “And the compact, maneuverable Power-Vee proves perfect for that.”
Ideal for small-line stoppages, the rugged, reliable Power-Vee small-line drain cleaner from General Pipe Cleaners easily unclogs sink, tub, toilet, and laundry lines 1-1/4” to 3” in diameter – and up to 50 ft. long.
Its automatic feed makes clearing small drain lines faster and easier than using manual methods. And General’s simplified feeding system acts like “an extra hand” in tight and awkward work spots.
Oliver Hoelscher using Power-Vee® and Uni-Stand™ in a “typical setting of drain clearing” at Colorado Bear Creek Cabins. “Before getting Uni-Stand, it was a two-person job,” his dad Rob Hoelscher notes. “I’d start, exhaust my strength, then Oliver would take a turn.” Sometimes, Rob adds, “several iterations of this procedure were necessary to clear the line. Uni-Stand has transformed this operation to a one-person effort!”
Simplicity Speeds Service
It’s easy-to-use, too.
The Power-Vee holds 50 ft. of 1/4” or 5/16”, or 35 ft. of 3/8” Flexicore® cables. And General’s Quick Change Cable Cartridge system make swapping and switching different cables and diameters quick and simple.
Changing takes less than a minute – and turns potentially messy jobs into quick, clean ones.
Flexicore Advantage
To switch to a different diameter Flexicore cable, just loosen three screws, pull off the front of the drum, and load another cartridge.
Flexicore cables are the industry-leader. They’re manufactured of heavy gauge wire coiled tightly around 49-strand aircraft-type wire rope for unequalled strength and optimal flexibility. Flexicore is so tough it carries a one-year warranty against defect or breakage.
“Flexicore is impressive!” Rob beams. “It exudes exceptional engineering and manufacturing!”
Forget “Popeye Forearms”!
When working in tight spaces, even hand-held, powered drain cleaners can strain muscles.
That’s why the maintenance crew of Colorado Bear Creek Cabins teamed the Power-Vee with the new Uni-Stand™ from General.
“No one in this family wants ‘Popeye forearms’,” Rob chuckles. “It’s a game-changer for how we use our Power-Vee!”
Just slide the Uni-Stand clamp around the motor housing – and lock it into place for safe, solid support. Then change the Uni-Stand adjustable leg length to the desired height – and begin drain cleaning.
Rob calls it the “perfect accessory” for his Power-Vee.
“Uni-Stand is simple, sturdy, perfectly sized, and exceptionally well designed and built,” he maintains. “The strap and adjustment system are amazing, and its ingenious single-leg support provides maximum maneuverability.”
Environmentally Responsible Tool Maintenance
“Our cabins are on a septic system,” Rob resumes, “And since everything eventually flows to Bear Creek, an outdoor water body, we strive to ensure the optimal operation of our septic system, and minimize our impact on this precious water body.”
That’s why Colorado Bear Creek Cabins treats drain cleaning tools with Snake-Oil Plus™ from General.
Snake-Oil Plus features the same rust-inhibiting properties and pleasant lemon scent of original Snake-Oil Classic™. Its non-toxic, eco-friendly, biodegradable formula also creates virtually non-stick surfaces – keeping mud and debris from sticking to cables, drums, and machines, significantly extending drain cleaning equipment life.
“It’s part of our business ethos – and our business identity,” Rob asserts. “Colorado Bear Creek Cabins is literally located on a creek!”
Better than common lubricants, Snake-Oil Plus also features a special rust inhibitor that cuts through moisture, replacing it with a rust-resistant coating. Machine bearings, feeds, and moving parts last longer. And its deodorizer keeps drain cleaning tools smelling fresh and clean.
The Bottom Line
Other “intangibles” also matter to Rob Hoelscher.
“General’s ‘American-made’ products also makes a big difference,” he concludes. “Like us, they’re also a family business. Customer service is superior. And you can see high quality standards in everything they do!”
Just like Colorado Bear Creek Cabins!
To learn more about the Power-Vee and Uni-Stand, visit www.drainbrain.com/pv, or contact the Drain Brains at 800-245-6200.