People in the News

A part of Emerson’s professional tools portfolio, RIDGID hosted winners at their headquarters with an all-expenses paid trip and signature VIP treatment RIDGID®, a part of Emerson’s professional tools portfolio, recently hosted their fifth annual RIDGID Experience trip, a VIP event that invites select members of the skilled trades to gather for fun, camaraderie and Read more

A part of Emerson’s professional tools portfolio, RIDGID hosted winners at their headquarters with an all-expenses paid trip and signature VIP treatment

RIDGID®, a part of Emerson’s professional tools portfolio, recently hosted their fifth annual RIDGID Experience trip, a VIP event that invites select members of the skilled trades to gather for fun, camaraderie and hands-on experiences. The event also serves as a “thank you” to the trades for the role they play in building and maintaining our country’s infrastructure.

The contest, which draws entries from tradespeople across the country, concludes with RIDGID treating nine guests to a three-day, all-expenses-paid trip to RIDGID headquarters. The highlight of the visit is a factory tour that invites each guest to build their own iconic RIDGID customized pipe wrench. Guests also received a sneak peek at the latest RIDGID tool innovations and provided their opinions on product that is currently in development. Evening events included treating the guests to a preview of the company’s 100 Year Anniversary celebration plans, set for 2023. Guests also had the opportunity to network with guests of Greenlee® Experience, a similar contest hosted by professional tools brand Greenlee. The two concurrent events created a full-scale celebration of the electrical, mechanical and plumbing trades.

“The excitement around RIDGID Experience, both by trade professionals and the RIDGID team, has grown each year. After every contest our team is always impressed by the pride and commitment each guest has for their profession,” said Becky Brotherton, director of engagement marketing, RIDGID for Emerson. “It’s a privilege to be able to thank each of them for their dedication and hard work with this VIP experience.”

This year’s guests were equally enthusiastic about the trip, with one guest calling it the “bucket list” trip of a lifetime.

“My favorite part was meeting the people behind the brand because that’s what makes the brand,” said Armando Ramos, a service plumber in Phoenix, Arizona. “Now that I think of RIDGID I think of family. Thanks for the opportunity!”

“I can’t say enough about how amazing the past few days were. I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to go to the RIDGID Experience 2022 and meet so many fantastic people, check out the headquarters and go on some pretty awesome outings. I’m over the moon and still just can’t believe that I got to do this,” said Mary-Anne Bowcott, owner of Westcom Plumbing and Gas in Sooke, British Columbia.

Individuals in the RIDGID Experience Group included (in photo L-R):

  • Tyler Dale – Seaside, California
  • Armando Ramos – Phoenix, Arizona
  • John Snyder – Blue Bell, Pennsylvania
  • Derek Newton – Kirland Lake, Ontario
  • Colton Henkowski – Denver, Colorado
  • Mary-Anne Bowcott – Sooke, British Columbia
  • George DeJesus – Stanhope, New Jersey
  • Alan Carlson – Wheaton, Illinois
  • Christopher Armstrong – Ulster Park, New York

Details on the 2023 RIDGID Experience Contest will be announced early next year.

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.

One of the industry’s leading independent agencies, the 73-year-old Dellon Sales now represents the full Saniflo offering throughout its territory, targeting both residential and commercial segments, while placing strong emphasis on contractor product education. SFA Saniflo USA recently partnered with Dellon Sales Company to serve as its exclusive sales agent throughout the state of New Read more

One of the industry’s leading independent agencies, the 73-year-old Dellon Sales now represents the full Saniflo offering throughout its territory, targeting both residential and commercial segments, while placing strong emphasis on contractor product education.

SFA Saniflo USA recently partnered with Dellon Sales Company to serve as its exclusive sales agent throughout the state of New Jersey and the five boroughs of New York City. In this capacity, effective July 1 of this year, Dellon Sales is representing the entire Saniflo offering of above-the-floor macerating and grinding toilet systems and drain pumps, serving wholesaler-distributors, as well as project managers, engineers, contractors, and architects.

A multi-channel agency, Dellon Sales covers all segments of the construction market, residential and commercial. Its team of more than 40 outside and inside sales personnel work to specify materials and quote a wide range of commercial projects, including retail, multi-use, offices, schools, hospitals and multifamily.

Based in Albertson, N.Y., Dellon Sales currently employs over 40 personnel and operates a 46,000-square-foot warehouse stocked many of the more prominent brands in plumbing, hydronic heating, HVAC and fire protection today.

Key to its work with Saniflo will be Dellon Sales’ long-standing commitment to contractor education. Able to offer a full range of AIA and CEU-accredited courses, Dellon will leverage its expertise to conduct field demonstrations and formal trainings for Saniflo. The goal: To help familiarize plumbing contractors as well as various buying influencers with the special features and benefits of the Saniflo product line and the cost- and time-saving solutions it brings to residential and commercial projects.

Now in its fourth generation, Scott Dellon leads Dellon Sales with over 40 years of industry experience. Scott’s son David, a 2005 graduate of Penn State University, majoring in marketing and supply-chain logistics, joined the company in 2005 and now serves as company president, leading Dellon Sales with his father. Based in Albertson, N.Y., Dellon Sales currently employs over 40 personnel and operates a 46,000-square-foot warehouse stocked many of the more prominent brands in plumbing, hydronic heating, HVAC and fire protection today.

The father-and-son team that leads Dellon Sales (Albertson, NY), now in its fourth generation of family ownership: David (left) and Scott Dellon.

“Dellon Sales is excited to form this new partnership with Saniflo, a recognized brand leader and the inventor of above-floor maceration that has built a strong and growing market for the technology over the past two decades,” says David Dellon. “Our agency has an exceptional inside and outside sales team, filled with industry veterans and up-and-coming industry leaders who are eager to boost brand awareness and project specifications in the New York and New Jersey markets for Saniflo.”

“New Jersey is our home state in this country,” notes SFA Saniflo CEO Regis Saragosti. “Along with New York City, it is also one of Saniflo’s largest and most vibrant markets, one that offers a huge and growing potential. Working with Dellon Sales, one of our industry’s leading independent reps, we expect to fully capitalize in the years ahead on all that opportunity that New York and New Jersey have to offer.”

For more information on Saniflo’s partnership with Dellon Sales, visit: https://saniflo.greenhousedigitalpr.com/dellon-sales

Arrow Fastener, the leader in manual, electric and cordless fastening tools, and manufacturer of the world’s best-selling staple gun, the T50®, announced today it has promoted Justin Sumner to vice president, sales. In his new position, Sumner will oversee and manage all aspects of sales function for Arrow, including distribution and channel strategy, market competitiveness Read more

Arrow Fastener, the leader in manual, electric and cordless fastening tools, and manufacturer of the world’s best-selling staple gun, the T50®, announced today it has promoted Justin Sumner to vice president, sales.

In his new position, Sumner will oversee and manage all aspects of sales function for Arrow, including distribution and channel strategy, market competitiveness, pricing and compensation. He will report to chief operating officer, Roberto Izaguirre, and will provide support and strategic direction to the sales team in order to meet the company’s customer acquisition and revenue goals. Prior to moving into his new role, Sumner served as director, North American and Canadian sales at the company.

“As Arrow continues down a path of growth and expansion, it is crucial we have the necessary talent in place to lead the charge and sustain long-term success,” said Roberto Izaguirre, COO, Arrow Fastener Company, LLC. “We’re proud to celebrate Justin as he moves into this leadership role, further strengthening both our national and international sales strategies.”

Before joining Arrow in 2014, Sumner worked at Ohio-based ClosetMaid, a worldwide leader in home storage and organization, as national account manager. Sumner graduated from Troy University with a bachelor’s degree in marketing.

For more information on Arrow Fastener, visit www.arrowfastener.com.

Second annual program recognizes the home service heroes, smooth operators, career builders, and community caretakers who demonstrate excellence in their industries Jobber, the leading provider of home service operations management software, today announced the recipients of its $150,000 Jobber Grants program. Twenty-five entrepreneurs were selected from thousands of applications and rewarded with funds ranging from Read more

Second annual program recognizes the home service heroes, smooth operators, career builders, and community caretakers who demonstrate excellence in their industries

Jobber, the leading provider of home service operations management software, today announced the recipients of its $150,000 Jobber Grants program. Twenty-five entrepreneurs were selected from thousands of applications and rewarded with funds ranging from $2,500 to $15,000 USD to help grow and amplify the community impact of their home service businesses.

“Jobber Grants is the only program specifically designed to spotlight the hardworking and often overlooked entrepreneurs who make up the home services category,” said Sam Pillar, CEO & co-founder of Jobber. “We are thrilled to recognize these people and to support their ambitions to build something out of nothing. The contributions of these individuals, whether they’re new to home service or industry veterans, are helping to create stronger and more robust communities across North America, and it’s our honor to recognize that.”

Recipients from this year’s program fit into four categories: home service heroes who keep our homes safe and running; career builders who help hardworking people build meaningful careers; smooth operators who strive for high standards in every area of their businesses; and community caretakers who give back to the communities where they live and work. Individuals were selected based on written submissions, followed by interviews with a Jobber judging panel.

The top grant of $15,000 was given to Shane Fast, founder of Renew Painting located in Spartanburg, South Carolina. The company, which provides an array of painting and staining services, focuses on giving a diverse group of employees including women, minorities, and individuals from low socio-economic backgrounds valuable experience in skilled work while providing fair living wages and profit-sharing. Shane also donates 10 percent of all profits to non-profit organizations in his community.

“I spent many years in the inner city near St. Louis where I saw a lot of poverty and watched people really struggle to overcome obstacles,” said Shane. “The experience molded me to love people more deeply, recognize the position they’re coming from, and inspired me to give back to my community as much as I can. Jobber created an opportunity for us to ramp up our plans to provide meaningful employment to more people and equip existing staff in various ways, an investment that will also relieve some of the stress and pressures that come with juggling family life with rapidly scaling a business. To be entrusted with this Jobber Grant leaves me with profound excitement and gratitude.”

Career Builder – Chris Reid, Shoreline Plumbing (Tampa, FL)

Shaylyn and Timothy Bliss, new entrepreneurs and founders of Home Roots Lawn Care in San Marcos, Texas, received a $10,000 Jobber Grant. Home Roots Lawn Care was founded in the middle of the pandemic while Shaylyn was pregnant and Timothy was mowing lawns in between shifts as a firefighter, working roughly 150 hours per week. The business quickly grew large enough to provide full-time roles for both Shaylyn and Timothy who are using the grant to expand their team and purchase equipment. Home Roots Lawn Care recently donated a significant amount of resources and time toward cleaning up low-income properties as part of a city-wide event, which they plan to participate in annually. Shaylyn and Timothy intentionally purchase supplies and equipment from local small businesses and employ many individuals who struggled to find work during the pandemic.

“This Jobber Grant is such a big push forward for our business, and comes at a great time, too,” said Shaylyn. “We’re in the process of training several new hires, which will allow us to focus on more complicated jobs and big picture planning.”

“It’s important that our people have a positive onboarding experience and that we create a strong sense of community among our employees,” adds Timothy. “We want to instill the importance of giving back to the community with every new hire, and Jobber is helping us achieve this.”

Justin and Jolene at Double J Plumbing and Heating

When asked how the grant will impact their companies, Justin and Jolene at Double J Plumbing and Heating shared, “The impact this grant will have on our business is monumental. We are very calculated with our expenditures, relying only on credit when absolutely necessary, and only take growth steps once we have saved the investment required, or when our monthly budget has grown enough to allow for investment. We have been saving each month in hopes to be able to hire in the New Year, but this grant will give us the ability to make this move ahead of our busy 2022 fall season, which will give us an incredible benefit going into the new year, and a headstart on our other future business goals! We also recently had some very unexpected vehicle repairs, so this has allowed us to redirect some of our savings towards the necessary repairs required to keep Justin working.”

Brandon Arnold, BDA Comfort Heating & Cooling

In addition, Brandon Arnold, BDA Comfort Heating & Cooling stated, “As an aspiring business owner, it is my pleasure to soon be able to offer customers a myriad of HVAC services from residential maintenance and troubleshooting to commercial rooftop unit replacements. Like with most bourgeoning business owners, I have quickly identified there are a number of administrative costs associated with legally establishing a business name and the various day-1 essential items required for a service-based business to be considered operational. The Jobbers Grant will be used towards the goal of managing those costs, which allows me to be one step closer to my dream.”

The full list of Jobber Grant recipients:

The Career Builders:

  • Mohamed Bouryal & Krista Keithly, Tidy Vibe (Tacoma, WA)
  • Shane Fast, Renew Painting (Spartanburg, SC)
  • Jenny Joy, Ruby Red Cleaning (Orlando, FL)
  • Michal Kenins & James May, Vista Tree Management Inc. (Toronto, ON)
  • Chris Reid, Shoreline Plumbing (Tampa, FL)
  • Jason & Joelene Sturm, Sturm Plumbing Inc. (Harrison City, PA)

The Community Caretakers:

  • Andrew Kennedy & Dave Sera, Streamline Renewables (Gibsons, BC)
  • Ashley Loveless, Organwize Professionals (Columbus, GA)
  • Stefanie Menzie, Tree Wizard LLC (Norman, OK)
  • Doug & Kristen Shoup, Shoup’s Cleaning (New Philadelphia, OH)
  • Antonio Taylor, Pressure Family Exteriors LLC (Oklahoma City, OK)
  • Garvin Thomas, Philtrin Holdings LLC (Philadelphia, PA)
  • Alycia Wolosezky & Nicholas Twigg, Twigg Transformations (Victoria, BC)

The Home Service Heroes:

  • Brandon Arnold, BDA Comfort Heating & Cooling (Houston, TX)
  • Ashley & Matthew Grant, Mosquito Mom (Courtice, ON)
  • Alex Neville-Verdugo, Lefty’s Handy Services (Springfield, MO)
  • Justin & Jolene Shewchuk, Double J Plumbing & Heating (Okotoks, AB)
  • Katharyn Snyder, Full Swing Land & Tree Care (Lake Clear, NY)

The Smooth Operators:

  • Shaylyn & Timothy Bliss, Home Roots Lawn Care (San Marcos, TX)
  • Nathan Fournier, HomeHarvest Central MA (Worcester, MA)
  • Nick Kilburg, Fayette Ecological Restoration and Design (Fayetteville, GA)
  • Callum Ng, Green Grads Window and Gutter Cleaning (Vancouver, BC)
  • Ben Pennoyer, Ben’s Electric Solutions Team (Calgary, AB)
  • Esteban Rodriguez, Esteban Land Design, Inc. (San Tan Valley, AZ)
  • Ethan Rossler, Wash Wizards (West Palm Beach, FL)

Asked how the challenges of the past couple years (supply chain, pandemic, economy, and workforce) created an impetus for looking outside the box for opportunities like the Jobber Grant, From Jason & Joelene Sturm, Sturm Plumbing Inc., shared their thoughts.

Jason Sturm, Sturm Plumbing Inc.

“We never got the time off that a lot of other industries did through the pandemic. We were extremely busy throughout and yes, add in all the supply chain issues and everything else and it was a bit overwhelming! Once I realized everyone was dealing with this and there’s nothing I can do, I relaxed a lot.  We use jobber every day and applying for the  grant was an instant gut feeling when I received the email, I knew I had to apply and sent it to some others I knew could use the opportunity just starting out in business,” they said.

 

To learn more about this year’s Jobber Grants recipients visit: https://www.jobbergrants.com/.

PumpMan® Expands Southern California Coverage with Acquisition of Ransom Pump & Supply in Ramona, California   PumpMan®, a leader in the sales, service, maintenance, and repair of pumps, motor, and control systems in the United States, announces the acquisition of Ransom Pump & Supply based in Ramona, CA.  Ransom Pump & Supply will join PumpMan’s Read more

PumpMan® Expands Southern California Coverage with Acquisition of Ransom Pump & Supply in Ramona, California

 

PumpMan®, a leader in the sales, service, maintenance, and repair of pumps, motor, and control systems in the United States, announces the acquisition of Ransom Pump & Supply based in Ramona, CA.  Ransom Pump & Supply will join PumpMan’s Baldwin Park-based PumpMan SoCal and PumpMan San Diego in serving, the commercial, industrial, municipal, agriculture and multi-unit residential pump systems in Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside, San Diego, and Imperial counties.

Ransom Pump & Supply designs, services, repairs, and installs complete residential and commercial well based freshwater systems.  These complete systems include pumps, motors, system controls, water storage and pressure boosters, and include generators or solar panels as back-up power supplies to ensure service reliability.

“Since 1924 Ransom Pump & Supply has been serving the agricultural, municipal, and residential markets throughout Ramona and San Diego County California. Our focus is to provide the highest quality of customer service, as well as the design of efficient productive pump and electrical systems” – Sommer Adams, General Manager Ransom Pump & Supply

“PumpMan’s goal is to expand our presence throughout Southern California with multiple locations and expanded service capabilities.  Ransom’s focus on well pumping systems is a nice complement to our Pumpman SoCal capabilities and provides the local community with access to groundwater water supplies as California continues to experience severe drought conditions.  We will be expanding Ransom’s staffing levels and capacity as market demand requires” said Donald Devine CEO of PumpMan, LLC.

Ransom Pump & Supply will continue operate with its full staff of pump technicians, field service mechanics, and administration personnel at the facility located at 533 B St, Ramona, CA 92065 24/7 Service is available 760-789-5955.

More information at:  www.ransompump.com, www.pumpman.com