The Plastics Pipe Institute (PPI) has named Kate Olinger, director of Industry Relations and Regulatory Affairs at GF Building Flow Solutions Americas, vice chair of the Board of Directors. Kate’s role went into effect June 1, 2025, and will consist of a two-year term. Kate has been a member of PPI since 2012 and previously served as Read more
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The Plastics Pipe Institute (PPI) has named Kate Olinger, director of Industry Relations and Regulatory Affairs at GF Building Flow Solutions Americas, vice chair of the Board of Directors. Kate’s role went into effect June 1, 2025, and will consist of a two-year term.
Kate has been a member of PPI since 2012 and previously served as vice chair of the Building & Construction Division from 2018-2020 and chair from 2020-2022. She has also served three previous terms on the PPI Board of Directors, including her most recent role as treasurer.
In her role as vice chair, Kate will be the chair of the Membership Engagement Committee, the lifeblood of the organization that focuses on growing membership engagement and activity. Working alongside PPI President David Fink, Kate will oversee member recruitment to help grow the PPI community. She will also engage PPI members in the development of strategies that enhance the value that PPI offers to both members and the industry at large. Kate will continue to be part of PPI’s Executive Committee, which is comprised of the chair, vice chair, and treasurer.
PPI strives to improve the quality of life for generations to come by championing the advancement and use of sustainable plastic pipe. They have experienced significant growth over the past few years and continue to seek ways for individuals to get involved at all levels of their association.
“I am excited to continue my service with PPI to champion the mission of advancing the acceptance and use of plastic piping systems through research, education, technical expertise, and advocacy while working to engage members to collaboratively improve these strategies,” says Olinger.
“PPI is pleased to welcome Kate in her continued volunteer leadership role as vice chair of the Board of Directors,” says Fink. “Her extensive industry experience and deep knowledge of the association are highly valued and will continue to be a tremendous asset to the Board and PPI as a whole.”
Kate brings more than 20 years of experience in the plumbing and heating industry to this role, helping create innovative solutions that meet sustainability goals. In 2024, she was recognized as a top influential woman in the plumbing industry for her efforts in promoting a career in the trades and driving positive change.
For information about GF Building Flow Solutions and Uponor products and services, visit uponor.com.
Seasoned leaders to accelerate the adoption of QuickFitting’s rapidly growing press and push‑to‑connect product lines QuickFitting®, a leading innovator in plumbing and HVAC connection technology, announces the addition of two veteran sales professionals who will deepen regional coverage as the company introduces a wave of new solutions to market. Mike Foster, West Regional Sales Manager Read more
Seasoned leaders to accelerate the adoption of QuickFitting’s rapidly growing press and push‑to‑connect product lines
QuickFitting®, a leading innovator in plumbing and HVAC connection technology, announces the addition of two veteran sales professionals who will deepen regional coverage as the company introduces a wave of new solutions to market.
Mike Foster joins QuickFitting as West Regional Sales Manager. Foster brings more than 25 years of outside‑sales success with major HVAC manufacturers, recognized for building distributor relationships and mentoring teams across the western United States.
QuickFitting has named Bill Braisted Regional Sales Manager for the Southeast. Braisted has spent nearly two decades in building‑products sales and specification, guiding multifamily and commercial projects throughout the Southeast and establishing strong ties with architects, engineers and distribution partners.
As Regional Sales Managers, Foster and Braisted will concentrate on cultivating lasting relationships with manufacturer representatives, distributors, contractors and the design community. Their priority is to champion QuickFitting’s SurePress® and push-to-connect technologies in the field, broadening market awareness, securing new distribution agreements and ensuring partners have the training and support they need to specify and install QuickFitting products with confidence. Working closely with their representative agencies, they will host product demonstrations, share best practices and relay customer insights that help QuickFitting stay ahead of evolving job‑site needs.
“Mike and Bill understand what contractors need on the jobsite and how distributors measure success,” says Bill Hunsberger, the company’s Director of Wholesale Sales. “Their experience and energy will help QuickFitting reach additional customers, secure new project specifications and support our partners throughout an ambitious product‑launch schedule.”
The appointments coincide with the rollout of next‑generation SurePress® fittings, an expanded push‑to‑connect refrigerant line for HVAC/R technicians, and upcoming brass push-to-connect product line extension later this year. Together, these launches reinforce QuickFitting’s one‑system approach to simplifying installs and driving contractor productivity.
Paul Figuly ExperienceEducation NIBCO INC. has announced the promotion of Paul Figuly to director, wholesale sales-east. In Figuly’s new role, he will coordinate regional sales strategies, build internal partnerships with customers and work with the regional sales managers to improve sales growth. Figuly will report to Kevin Wagler, vice president of wholesale sales. Paul Figuly Read more
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NIBCO INC. has announced the promotion of Paul Figuly to director, wholesale sales-east.
In Figuly’s new role, he will coordinate regional sales strategies, build internal partnerships with customers and work with the regional sales managers to improve sales growth. Figuly will report to Kevin Wagler, vice president of wholesale sales.
Paul Figuly Experience
Figuly joined the company in October 2015 as press sales manager and has held several positions, including assistant regional manager northeast and regional manager, Ohio Valley. Figuly brings 23 years of experience to his new role.
“Paul brings 10 years’ experience working at the company and 23 years of experience from the industry to his new role,” said Joe Choflet, vice president, sales and marketing. “We’re confident that Paul’s leadership will continue to drive success and strengthen our customer partnerships in the east region.”
Education
Figuly holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration from The University of Akron in Akron, Ohio.
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Taking GF Building Flow Solutions Americas to the Next LevelContinued Leadership GF Building Flow Solutions Americas, the manufacturer of Uponor branded products, has announced John Reutter as President. John joined the organization in 2018 as vice president of Finance and has been an instrumental leader over the past seven years. He will continue to be Read more
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GF Building Flow Solutions Americas, the manufacturer of Uponor branded products, has announced John Reutter as President. John joined the organization in 2018 as vice president of Finance and has been an instrumental leader over the past seven years. He will continue to be based out of the North America headquarters in Apple Valley, Minn., and will report to Michael Rauterkus, president and CEO of GF Building Flow Solutions.
In his role as President, John Reutter will lead the growth strategies for the Americas business with a focus on delivering locally driven solutions, expanding into emerging markets, and ensuring alignment with the company’s global objectives. He’ll oversee day-to-day operations and business performance while fostering strong collaboration between regional teams and global counterparts.
Taking GF Building Flow Solutions Americas to the Next Level
“I am thrilled to see John Reutter step into the role as President of the Americas division,” says Rauterkus. “John has been a proven leader from day one, fostering a collaborative yet high-performing environment. Under John’s leadership, we are well positioned to maintain strong customer relationships while taking the business to the next level.”
John brings extensive experience into this role. Prior to joining GF, he held several management positions at Ecolab, most recently Vice President of Finance, Global Healthcare. Additionally, John brings experience from the professional services industry, having worked at Deloitte.
“It’s an honor to take on this role and the opportunities that lie ahead for GF Building Flow Solutions Americas,” says Reutter. “I’m grateful to be surrounded by a team that is committed to growth and delivering strong customer outcomes. I’m excited to see what we accomplish next.”
Continued Leadership
John Reutter will continue to be a member of GF Building Flow Solutions’ Global Leadership Team and will also lead the Senior Management Committee in the Americas. John will also remain as the interim vice president of Finance until a permanent vice president is named.
For information about John Reutter, GF and Uponor products and services, visit uponor.com.
For recent news on GF, https://mechanical-hub.com/gf-building-flow-solutions-americas-wins/
Kevin Wheeler RoleStephen Shafer RoleExperience The A. O. Smith Corporation (NYSE: AOS) Board of Directors announced that Kevin Wheeler will transition from chairman and chief executive officer to executive chairman of the corporation, effective July 1, 2025. At that time, Stephen Shafer will be appointed to the Board of Directors and will assume the role Read more
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The A. O. Smith Corporation (NYSE: AOS) Board of Directors announced that Kevin Wheeler will transition from chairman and chief executive officer to executive chairman of the corporation, effective July 1, 2025. At that time, Stephen Shafer will be appointed to the Board of Directors and will assume the role of president and chief executive officer.
Kevin Wheeler Role
As executive chairman, Wheeler will continue to lead the company’s Board of Directors and remain actively involved in strategic development, mergers and acquisitions, investor relations and executive talent development.
Stephen Shafer Role
Shafer becomes the 11th chief executive officer in the company’s 151-year history. He will have responsibility for the company’s global operations, as well as strategy development and implementation, profitability and shareholder return. Shafer joined A. O. Smith as president and chief operating officer in March 2024 to lead the company’s global business units, including operations, supply chain, corporate technology and information technology.
“Steve’s broad business experience, coupled with his strategic business acumen, uniquely positions him to guide A. O. Smith as the company continues its journey as a global water technology leader,” said Wheeler. “For the past year, Steve has collaborated closely with me and other business leaders to understand our business and identify opportunities to drive enhanced performance and continued growth in both sales and profitability.”
“A. O. Smith experienced significant progress and profitable growth under Kevin’s leadership,” said lead director Ron Brown. “During his tenure, the company acquired Giant Factories, a Canadian water heater manufacturer, as well as six water treatment companies, including one in India. As chairman, president and chief executive officer during the global COVID-19 pandemic, Kevin led the company through an unprecedented period, maintaining business continuity while prioritizing the health and safety of employees.”
Experience
Wheeler joined A. O. Smith in 1994 as a regional sales manager for the former Water Products Company. Over the course of his 31-year career with A. O. Smith, he has held numerous senior leadership roles, including vice president – international, overseeing all European and Asian water heating operations; senior vice president and general manager of the U.S. retail water heater business; and senior vice president and president for the North America, India and Europe water heating businesses.
Prior to becoming chairman and chief executive officer, Wheeler was chairman, president and chief executive officer from April 2020 to March 2024, and was president and chief executive officer from September 2018 to April 2020. He was named president and chief operating officer in June 2017 and elected to the A. O. Smith Board of Directors in July 2017.
Before A. O. Smith, Shafer worked at 3M Company from 2010-2024 and held several positions with increasing levels of responsibility in multiple business units in the U.S. and China. His most recent role at 3M was president of the Automotive and Aerospace Solutions Division. Prior to 3M, he worked for McKinsey & Company and Ford Motor Company, holding various roles focusing on manufacturing, supply chain and operational improvement.
He is a member of the Executive Advisory Board for WorkBoard Inc., a former board member of Shanghai American Chamber of Commerce and served as a Big Brother Big Sister mentor.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to step into the role of chief executive officer and lead this great company and exceptional team,” said Shafer. “I look forward to continuing to build on the solid foundation at A. O. Smith and deliver outstanding value to our shareholders, employees and customers.”
“The board is extremely pleased with how well Kevin and Steve have worked together to make this a smooth transition,” said Brown. “As a board, we look forward to continuing to support both of them in creating additional value for our shareholders.”
For more on A.O. Smith, https://mechanical-hub.com/a-o-smith-celebrates-product-development-center-grand-opening/