Colton Henkowski

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.

Since their introduction in North America in 1999, Viega press systems have earned a loyal following among plumbers and contractors who value their performance, efficiency and reliability. In recent years, this community has grown into a large following across Viega LLC’s social media accounts. In response, Viega LLC is recognizing some of its most enthusiastic Read more

Since their introduction in North America in 1999, Viega press systems have earned a loyal following among plumbers and contractors who value their performance, efficiency and reliability.

In recent years, this community has grown into a large following across Viega LLC’s social media accounts. In response, Viega LLC is recognizing some of its most enthusiastic and influential supporters through a new Press Masters Brand Ambassador program. The Press Masters are a group of highly skilled plumbing, HVAC, and general contractors who have built followings through their creative, and often entertaining, educational social media content.

As Press Masters, they will use their social channels to educate people on the benefits of pressing with Viega fittings and share their trade expertise.

“The Press Master brand ambassador program is centered around building relationships with people who have shown great pride in their work using Viega fittings and who are passionate about being involved in the trade community,” said Rebecca Stamey, PR and Social Media Manager for Viega. “There is so much value in having the opportunity to partner with people who choose to use our products every day. We want to recoginize their endorsement for the brand and celebrate their accomplishments, all while also helping other realize the benefits of pressing.”

The current Press Masters are:

To learn more about each Press Master and for those interested in applying to join the program visit viega.us/pressmasters.