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This quick Hub on the Road finds us in a residential new build in Chippewa Falls, Wis. Plumber Ross Christopherson of Dunkin’ Creek Plumbing talks about the Noritz EZ-111 LP tankless unit with top mount access, and the space-saving aspect the unit provides compared to other alternatives. There was some discussion as what heat source to use as natural gas was not an option. The left an electric heat pump or this Noritz propane tankless We’ve heard back from the homeowners and they are ecstatic with their endless hot water.

To the left, Christopherson double-checks the installation instructions before bleeding the system to gain full hot water throughout the house. Reading the manual (RTFM) is always advised for any installation. A tankless advocate, Christopherson likes the space-saving aspect of a wall-hung tankless unit. Now the mechanical room has a bit more space for any type of work needed. As mentioned, a bulkier heat pump, which just wasn’t right for the northern climate of Wisconsin, was considered.

To the right, Christopherson uses the Milwaukee Tool M12 PEX Expander to connect some of the PEX piping and fittings. Ross is a big user of Milwaukee Tool cordless tools and the PEX Expander is huge difference maker in his tool bag arsenal. For a one-man shop, efficiency and time-saving methods are key to his “survival.”

For this first-time attendee, I was super impressed with this year’s Nexstar Network’s Super Meeting. The member event was well-organized, well-attended, and some really compelling keynote speakers, which included Gary Vee speaking on the importance of social media, Rocky Ozaki touched on AI, and the Governator, Arnold Schwarzenegger.

The always engaging CEO Julian Scadded kicks off the Super Meeting.

More than 900 members and vendor partners attended Nexstar Network’s annual Super Meeting, held September 24–27, 2024, at the extraordinary Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Over the course of four days, the event featured dedicated spaces and times for members to meet with their business coaches, as well as multiple social and networking events. Every day the event was designed to help owners in the trades make connections, learn how to take their businesses to the next level, and harness emerging technologies in the industry.

Mother Nature can be a … well you know the rest. Hurricane Helene prevented Arnold from actually being there in person, but it didn’t stop him from giving the keynote remotely.

Mike Cottle of Cole Services – a Nexstar member in Garden Grove, CA ­– attended the event. He said, “My favorite part of Super Meeting is connecting with other members and finding out the latest trends. When I met with my coaches the other day, I asked, ‘What is someone doing well with in their business? And can you introduce me to them?’ AI is something that I’m a late bloomer in – I’m super excited about it, and it’s a new thing for my business.”

The trade show floor had some unique and fun events, including this Hold ‘Em table.

As he reaffirmed relationships and helped members discover new ways to grow their businesses, Nexstar President and CEO Julian Scadden said, “We’re excited about the content of this year’s meeting, which has a renewed focus on fundamentals and operational basics for organic and controlled growth. We also introduced new technology applications and frameworks to our members’ businesses this year, which provide new perspectives and action items to help them grow and increase their community impact.”

The after-events were fantastic!

The theme of the event was Built to Scale, and members were buzzing and excited to learn from notable keynote speakers. The lineup included world champion bodybuilder, actor, and former Governor of California Arnold Schwarzenegger; Rocky Ozaki, the founder and CEO of the NoW of Work; serial entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk; and economist Brian Beaulieu.

The Hub’s John Mesenbrink (l) with Julian Scadden (c) and Mike Prencavage Jr., owner of The Family Plumber.

Breakout sessions taught by Nexstar coaches focused on AI and other new technologies, operational marketing, creating efficiencies, and working to improve business practices. Participants at Super Meeting also attended a jam-packed, two-day Strategic Partner trade show, Strategic Partner-sponsored social activities, speed-networking events, a Women of Nexstar reception, a nonprofit fundraising fireworks and dessert party for Explore The Trades, and other networking functions. Those who attended Super Meeting 2024 left with new ideas, new solutions to business challenges, and a new dedication to reimagining their day-to-day operations. They also left with new industry friendships, forged under the Florida sun at Walt Disney World.

This week’s update is loaded with industry happenings. We cover the Nexstar Super Meeting, PHCC CONNECT, ServiceTitan’s Pantheon, podcasts updates with Eric Aune and a super cool “Did you Know” segment regarding T&P relief valves. Check it out!

In today’s edition, we’ll talk mandates on circulator efficiency as we welcome back Taco’s John Barba. We’ll scratch the surface with heat pump water heaters, and Eric Aune talks about our weekly podcasts, and a cool incentive from Navien.