The commercial washroom manufacturer has been a long-time supporter of S.T.E.M. education in Wisconsin Bradley, manufacturer of commercial washroom and handwashing solutions for 100 years, supported the 2nd Annual Galentine’s Women in S.T.E.M. event, hosted by Hartford Union High School’s (HUHS) Robotics Team 1091. The February 13 event provided an interactive and inspiring platform for female Read more
Industry News
The commercial washroom manufacturer has been a long-time supporter of S.T.E.M. education in Wisconsin
Bradley, manufacturer of commercial washroom and handwashing solutions for 100 years, supported the 2nd Annual Galentine’s Women in S.T.E.M. event, hosted by Hartford Union High School’s (HUHS) Robotics Team 1091. The February 13 event provided an interactive and inspiring platform for female students in grades 7-12 to discuss opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (S.T.E.M.).
As part of this year’s round-table discussion, attendees from HUHS, Central Middle School in Hartford, and a Hartford homeschool group participated in a fun, collaborative session decorating cookies while listening to local female engineers about their professional journeys. Among the speakers was Bradley’s Quality Engineer, Anna Kinzel, who shared her experiences, lessons learned, and advice for young women considering careers in S.T.E.M.
The speakers and HUHS Robotics team members discussed topics like finding a mentor, beneficial extracurriculars, navigating college S.T.E.M. courses, and overcoming challenges as minorities in the field. Along with the other speakers, Kinzel guided conversations about academic and career opportunities in these fields.
“I’m thrilled to have had the opportunity to participate in this event and interact with this enthusiastic group of students,” said Kinzel. “By sharing personal experiences and industry knowledge, my hope is that we were able to encourage these young women and make a positive difference. I feel privileged to have been invited.”
Bradley’s Quality Engineer, Anna Kinzel
Last year the HUHS Team 1091 created the event to connect students with local professionals who share their interests and gain confidence in their S.T.E.M. interests and aspirations. The team plans to continue this initiative in February 2026.
“Our students thoroughly enjoyed learning first-hand from Anna as well as the other speakers about their experiences and insights on pursuing S.T.E.M. education and careers,” said Rena G. Diem, Business Mentor and Team Mom for HUHS FIRST Robotics Team 1091, HUHS. “Anna was very engaging.”
A long-time advocate for S.T.E.M. education initiatives, Bradley has been a multi-year supporter of FRC Team 1091. Through financial sponsorship and mentorship, including the guidance of longtime mentor Tim Perrin, Bradley’s support has helped cover a portion of the team’s annual competition registration fees, which gives students access to hands-on learning experiences.
“We greatly appreciate Bradley’s support monetarily and in providing inspiration to our youth,” Diem said.
Human-Centered Curriculum Bridges the Skills Gap in the Age of AI, Setting a New Standard for Trade Education While artificial intelligence continues to automate routine tasks across many industries, one Montana-based company is proving that some skills can never be replaced by machines. Plumb-Rite Plumbing has been honored with the 2025 FVCC Business and Industry Read more
Human-Centered Curriculum Bridges the Skills Gap in the Age of AI, Setting a New Standard for Trade Education
While artificial intelligence continues to automate routine tasks across many industries, one Montana-based company is proving that some skills can never be replaced by machines. Plumb-Rite Plumbing has been honored with the 2025 FVCC Business and Industry Award for pioneering an innovative plumbing apprenticeship program at Flathead Valley Community College (FVCC), the first of its kind in the region. This hands-on, human-centered training model emphasizes complex problem-solving and the nuanced service skills that remain beyond AI’s reach.
Kirk Katzenmeyer, Owner and Master Plumber at Plumb-Rite Plumbing, Emily Larsen, Team Manager at Plumb-Rite Plumbing, Jodi D. Smith, Director of Continuing Education at FVCC, Sabrina Komenda, General Manager at Plumb-Rite Plumbing.
“Plumbing combines technical expertise with critical thinking and personalized service—elements that technology alone can’t replicate.”
— Emily Larsen, Team Manager at Plumb-Rite Plumbing
Launched in partnership with FVCC, Plumb-Rite’s apprenticeship program offers a dual-learning approach where students earn wages while mastering real-world plumbing scenarios. Under the guidance of veteran Plumb-Rite professionals, apprentices gain immediate, tangible experience, supplementing their on-campus coursework with invaluable fieldwork.
“By combining academic instruction from master plumber Dave Micone with on-the-job training, we are partnering to prepare students for long-term success in a field that will always require human expertise.”
— Lisa M. Blank, Ph.D., Executive Director, Workforce Development at FVCC
Some Top Line Items
- Filling a Critical Gap: As AI automates routine tasks, industries like plumbing still demand human ingenuity, adaptability, and a hands-on approach.
- Forward-Thinking Workforce Development: The program demonstrates how community colleges and local businesses can collaborate to future-proof the skilled trades.
- Award-Winning Innovation: Recognition by FVCC underscores Plumb-Rite’s leadership in shaping the next generation of plumbers, ensuring the Flathead Valley remains competitive and well-served.
- Programs like these are important and necessary: “The United States is expected to face a shortage of over 550,000 plumbers by 2027. This deficit is anticipated to drive up costs for consumers and hinder business expansions that rely on plumbing infrastructure.” https://onekeyresources.milwaukeetool.com/en/plumber-shortage
About Plumb-Rite Plumbing:
Serving the Flathead Valley and beyond since 2003, Plumb-Rite Plumbing is dedicated to providing high-quality plumbing services with integrity and professionalism. From plumbing repairs to water heater installations, drain cleaning, and sewer line services, the team is committed to delivering reliable solutions and supporting the local community through service and education. Get to know Plumb-Rite Plumbing at https://plumbritemt.com/ and discover their newly released exclusive Done Right! Club Membership.
RIDGID will select six winners for a VIP Experience at its global headquarters August 13th to 15th. Elyria, Ohio — Entries are now being accepted for a chance to win a spot at the 2025 RIDGID® Experience, taking place August 13th to 15th at their global headquarters in Elyria, Ohio. The exclusive experience designed to Read more
RIDGID will select six winners for a VIP Experience at its global headquarters August 13th to 15th.
Elyria, Ohio — Entries are now being accepted for a chance to win a spot at the 2025 RIDGID® Experience, taking place August 13th to 15th at their global headquarters in Elyria, Ohio. The exclusive experience designed to celebrate the trades continues to grow in popularity, with the all-expenses paid trip now in its eighth year. RIDGID, a part of Emerson’s professional tools portfolio, is accepting entries until April 14th.
Six winners will have the opportunity to shape the future of professional tool development by sharing their expert insights with RIDGID leadership and the engineering, marketing, research, and product development teams. They will also receive RIDGID’s signature VIP treatment that includes:
• An all-expenses-paid trip to RIDGID global headquarters.
• A VIP RIDGID headquarters tour.
• A custom iconic RIDGID pipe wrench.
• Professional photoshoot, celebrating winners’ dedication to the skilled trades.
• Suite seats to see MLB Cleveland Guardians.
• And more.
“We regularly hear from RIDGID Experience winners that their trip was a once-in-a-lifetime event that they won’t ever forget,” said Maddie Suvak, engagement marketing manager, RIDGID for Emerson. “Our team can’t wait to provide that same unforgettable experience to this year’s winners.”
Entries will be accepted through April 14th, 2025. Contest winners will be selected based on their response to questions, trade involvement, enthusiasm for RIDGID tools as displayed in submitted picture or video of them with their favorite RIDGID tool, and originality and uniqueness of entry. How to enter and full 2025 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. RIDGID®, Greenlee® and Klauke® are trademarks of Emerson or its subsidiaries. All other trademarks belong to their respective holders.
Watts is launching its April Continuing Education Campaign, offering engineers, designers, specifiers and other professionals in the plumbing industry an opportunity to expand their expertise while fulfilling Professional Development Hours (PDH) requirements. This month-long initiative, beginning April 1, provides access to a comprehensive selection of accredited courses designed to support ongoing professional growth. Participants can Read more
Watts is launching its April Continuing Education Campaign, offering engineers, designers, specifiers and other professionals in the plumbing industry an opportunity to expand their expertise while fulfilling Professional Development Hours (PDH) requirements. This month-long initiative, beginning April 1, provides access to a comprehensive selection of accredited courses designed to support ongoing professional growth.
Participants can choose from 25 courses accredited through the American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE) and the American Institute of Architects (AIA), covering key industry topics such as smart building technologies, data center server cooling optimization, and cross-connection control and backflow prevention. Courses are available through Watts Works Online, allowing users to learn at their own pace and on their own schedule.
Upon completion of a course, participants receive a certificate within 48 hours. Continuing education courses are also eligible for tokens that can be redeemed for free rewards. As an added incentive, those who complete five or more courses during the campaign will receive a complimentary Watts-branded umbrella.
For more information, visit training.watts.com.
A new slate of BDR University courses provides professional development opportunities for plumbing, electrical, and HVAC professionals Business Development Resources (BDR), the training and business coaching authority for home services industry professionals, has announced new specialized BDR University (BDRU) courses, including unique opportunities for home service contractors to bolster their business acumen and leadership skills. “Our Read more
A new slate of BDR University courses provides professional development opportunities for plumbing, electrical, and HVAC professionals
Business Development Resources (BDR), the training and business coaching authority for home services industry professionals, has announced new specialized BDR University (BDRU) courses, including unique opportunities for home service contractors to bolster their business acumen and leadership skills.
“Our spring BDR University courses are designed to provide timely content that translates directly into business growth,” said Matt MacArthur, sr. vice president of training at BDR. “Our professional trainers share actionable insights into a range of topics affecting the home service industry, creating ways for businesses to add real value to their team and positively impact the bottom line.”
BDRU’s upcoming slate of live virtual training options for business owners and managers, installers, sales teams, technicians, and dispatchers include:
- Residential Maintenance (April 3-4) will show home service professionals how to increase their year-round revenues, building reliable customer bases through regular maintenance programs and hedging against seasonal slumps.
- Labor Management for Retail Installations (April 9-10) will provide contractors with strategies to optimize retail installation projects, focusing on core concepts such as job staging, “pack out” truck stock, and in-home customer interactions.
- Leading a Management Team (April 24) is one of BDR’s signature power-up training classes, helping home service leaders discover the secrets of effective delegation and managing high-performance management teams.
- QuickBooks® for Contractors (May 7-8) walks business owners and bookkeepers through the popular QuickBooks® accounting software and how they can use it to generate accurate and timely financial reports, which are critical to making informed business decisions.
Registration for these and other spring courses is now open. Enrollment through the BDRU+ training program provides industry-leading training options that fit into any company’s yearly training budget.
For more information about BDR, visit http://www.bdrco.com.