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Hiller Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical (Hiller), the region’s premier provider of residential and commercial service and repair, is proud to announce a three-year, multi-faceted partnership with Middle Tennessee State University Athletics (MTSU).

Middle Tennessee State University, originally founded in 1911 as a two-year program for teachers as Middle Tennessee State Normal School, was designated as a four-year state college in 1943 by the General Assembly of the State of Tennessee, and advanced to university status in 1965. MTSU has since graduated over 149,000 students, offering over 300 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. MTSU has grown into an academic city sprawling across 500 acres and, in recent years, invested over $1.4B in campus improvements.

MTSU strives to foster a student-centered environment conducive to lifelong learning, personal development, and success, as well as promoting ongoing engagement with alumni, partners, and friends. A large part of fulfilling these missions is through its athletic department and corporate partnerships, like this new relationship with Hiller.

Hiller’s founder and the company’s namesake, Jimmy Hiller, is a native to the Greater Nashville area, who has developed the company alongside its local cities. Rutherford County has been a central and growing service area for Hiller for more than 15 years, with Hiller opening its third individual branch in Murfreesboro in 2007. For Hiller, a partnership of this magnitude with MTSU, who contributes so much to the local economy, infrastructure, and community at large, makes perfect sense.

“We are extremely excited and proud to partner with Middle Tennessee State University”, remarked Jimmy Hiller. “At Hiller, we attribute our growth to caring for the communities that we serve. MTSU provides so much support, infrastructure, camaraderie, and resources to the Murfreesboro community, so partnering with them is extremely meaningful to us. We have been fortunate to have seen the impacts of their efforts”, he continued, “Through our previous partnership with the Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center, and we look so forward to expanding our involvement across other facets of this incredible institution.”

Lee De Leon, Deputy Athletic Director for External Affairs at Middle Tennessee State University, echoed these sentiments. “MTSU Athletics is thrilled to welcome Hiller Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Electrical as a corporate partner. We look forward to a wonderful relationship”, he continued, “And know that MTSU fans will love their ‘Happy You’ll Be’ guarantee”.

Launched in 1990 with a single employee and just $500, Hiller has grown exponentially across the past three decades. Today, Hiller includes over 800 associates and 600 trucks across 16 locations and has responded to over 1.7M service calls across 7 states.

AHR 2023 is a wrap, and the biggest U.S. HVAC show marks the 20^th time—minus the COVID year—that I have attended this great event. A huge shoutout to the Stevens family for organizing such a great experience. Also, huge props to Nicole Bush and her press team for helping the trade press throughout the event, and keeping them fed and hydrated.

Now that we’re all back home safely—I hope—we can digest the event and gain a better perspective of what transpired over these past three days. The numbers haven’t been shared yet attendance-wise, but it was a hugely successful event, especially coming through what some call the “COVID years,” where traveling came to a stop—with more people now connecting again.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention some of the manufacturers’ investment in after parties that are always a hit! For the Mechanical Hub crew, for example, it was Taco, Burnham/U.S. Boilers, Rheem, RLS, Franklin Electric, RIDGID and Viega.

From what I heard, over and over again, is that Atlanta just isn’t the most optimum place for a trade show, if I can be perfectly honest. Listen, Atlanta is a wonderful city with plenty to do and many fine places to eat and drink, but the traffic, and the infrastructure to support such a trade show, need to improve. But hey, it was 65 degrees and sunny, and relatively quick flight to the show. So, I suppose it does have its advantages. Where does Atlanta rank for you? Atlanta, Chicago, Orlando, Las Vegas. Perhaps it should be noted that the sooner you book accommodations for a show, the more strategically you will be for rides, dinners, walking, etc.

Nevertheless, I can’t tell you how many people sniped about the layout of the show floor—getting from one end of Exhibit Hall C, and its meeting rooms, to the other end of Exhibit Hall B, and its meeting rooms was a hike. My feet, and the 55,000 steps according my trusty Fitbit, were a testament to that.

Also, as I mentioned, 20 years of covering the event, it’s nice to see the changing of the guard with some young talent in attendance, more pointedly—and I know some don’t like to be referred to as this—social influencers. They cover the floor tirelessly to promote the show and new products. In fact, I was lucky enough to attend the social media breakout on the last day. Ten of the brightest influencers graced the stage to talk about their experiences and the importance of social media, and what it means to be an influencer.

We also were fortunate to share the stage with some of the best podcasters on the planet, as our Make Trades Great Again, hosted by Eric Aune and Andy Mickelson, featured three podcasts during show hours to much fanfare. Guests included representatives from RIDGID, NIBCO, Navien and guest Travis Albaire, T.A.P. Plumbing and Heating. Check them out wherever you stream. Also, the Appetite for Construction podcast, hosted by John Mesenbrink and Tim Ward, featured two podcasts, which featured guests from Bradford White, Rheem, Spirotherm, Lochinvar, and Danny G and Louie the Boiler Man. These recording will be launched within a couple of weeks. In the meantime, check out these podcasts wherever you like to stream stuff, or you can always find them right here on our site.

As far as the latest and greatest, you couldn’t get far without seeing the future. Electrification, decarbonization, hydrogen technology are making waves as more heat pumps, electric furnaces, electric boilers, hybrid heat pumps and prefabbed distributed pumping methods are front and center; the latest in thermostats, and a plethora of other products that can talk to each other, and you, with a WiFi signal—from circulators, forced air furnaces to tankless water heaters. New or improved pipe joining methods through press technology, push-to-connect fittings, fusion welding, advances in pipe bending and cutting drew eyes. Listen, if it’s in the HVAC industry, it’s at AHR.

Check out Mechanical Hub websites, social media (@mechanicalhub & @plumbing_perspective on Instagram and TikTok, Facebook and LinkedIn.) and check out our ever-growing YouTube for products from the show.

Next year’s AHR Expo will take place in Chicago, my back yard, January 21-24 (2024). Again, check back for updates on the show or any other breaking announcements surrounding the event.

A Rolls Royce with a Veto Pro Pac tool bag in the trunk. Now that’s pretty drippy. For Moe Hirsch, Moes Consulting and Mechanical Services, Rockland County, N.Y., his bucket list item is a good representative mix of work and swaggy.

Hirsch basically started off in the trades when he joined his cousins, who were plumbers, for a few days and he immediately loved the excitement. Eventually, when things began to slow down, “I went out on my own using the heating knowledge I had learned. I had the mentality that if someone was going to figure it out, it might as well be me.”

From there, Hirsch grew into a plumbing, heating and cooling company, and two years ago began distributing and installing Cummins generators. Currently, the company focuses on the mechanical trades but offers property services to its clients as well.

Hirsch says he’s learned a lot from so many that narrowing it down would be impossible to credit everyone. Having said that, “The trade leaders for me were Dan Holohan, Mark Eatherton, Bob Hot Rod Rohr and John Siegenthaler. In the business world, Grant Cardone and Brandon Dawson have showed me what my true potential is. You really can learn something from everyone,” says Hirsch.

In addition to meeting and helping so many people, another rewarding aspect of the trades is that it can be very profitable. And while you can be in the trenches working hands-on, says Hirsch, you can use your skills to be a great manager, assistant or other asset to a company. “It’s not all wrenching knowledge. Business to me is 33% knowing your trade, 33% knowing business management, fact finding and sales, and the other 33% is just being a genuine, kind person.”

How can the PHVAC industry do a better job attracting people to the trades? Hirsch, you could say, practices what he preaches. As he prepares for every job, Hirsch makes sure he has his MacBook, latest smart phone, his personal CO detector and his loaded Veto bag, and says, “Make trades cool again; show kids the cool stuff. If they’re into muscle cars show them a tradesman driving his mustang to work. If they’re techy, show them someone performing a diagnostic using a computer.”

Moreover, social media, whose influence on young people can’t be denied, has opened many doors for tradespeople. “Social media is a free outlet to showcase your work—you can share your work, learn from others and link up with locals. Plus, social media can make the sale easier. The client feels they know you and is more willing put their trust in you,” says Hirsch.

As far as balancing work/leisure time, “I don’t balance them,” says Hirsch. “I try to do both to the max.” And that includes spending time with his wife and kids, training his new Golden Retriever, Marshmallow, and, of course, bumping into clients and seeing their happiness.

Monumental concerns in the industry—from supply chain issues and inflation concerns to electrification and decarbonization—challenge contractors and manufacturers alike to be ready to rise above the fray.

On September 28, Hurricane Ian, a Category 4 storm, hit the Florida coast, leaving a trail of destruction, loss of life, and people without power, and a place to live. The following week, after the residual rains moved through the South Atlantic states, PHCC CONNECT attendees, exhibitors and staff were fortunate to convene in Charlotte, N.C. for the annual show.

One of the many bright spots during CONNECT was the annual Industry Perspective panel—back by popular demand—which featured some of the industry’s finest: Elisabeth Sutton, Director—Marketing, Professional Channel, Kitchen and Bath Americas, Kohler; Bruce Carnevale, President and CEO, Bradford White Corporation; Randy Roberts, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Rheem; Scott Teson, Senior Vice President of Skilled Trades, Milwaukee Tool; Jeff Fetters, Chairman, Federated Insurance Companies.

As I prepared for the panel, I would have been remiss if I didn’t mention those people still struggling in the Sunshine State. And the more I thought about what was happening in Florida, the more I could draw some symmetry of what has been plaguing our nation the past few years.

Things like supply chain. Are the right people getting what they need in Florida? Labor shortage. Do we have the manpower to provide assistance? Or, do we have the proper infrastructure in place? What about electrification? I mean, I had just seen a meme that said something like, “2.8 million people without power, time to fire up the Teslas.” Now that could be perceived as a bit naïve, but when you look at California, for instance—declaring no new gas cars sold in the state by 2035—concerns about adequate infrastructure are real.

It’s a good thing we had the right people on the panel to address such concerns. I learned that Federated Insurance sent “catastrophic teams” to Florida to help. “We needed to have boots on the ground as quickly as we could,” said Fetters. “Businesses need to have high expectations for employees to remain safe. Disasters can strike at any time. A risk management culture has to perpetuate through every single employee,” said Fetters.

As a side note, how can contractors prepare for such an event? “Make sure you sit down with an agent to see what it would cost to replace your business, and any personal property in the event of any potential catastrophe,” said Fetters.

Supply Chain Woes

Nonetheless, supply chain issues dominate conversation almost daily among working contractors. “We are still challenged by supply chain issues, and it has forced us as a company to better manage our supply chain. We do things differently now,” said Carnevale.

As a manufacturer, you’re never getting what you need from plastic resins overseas, nickel component slowing lines down to component issue challenges,” said Roberts. “This makes us be creative on managing supply chain.”

According to Sutton, “We see that luxury side of remodeling is still high. The thing impacting supply chain is that distributors are receiving more products, managing inventory for distributors.”

Investments in People/Training

Milwaukee Tool has made an $400 million investment in domestic manufacturing. “We want to control our own destiny,” said Teson. Yet, Teson pointed out that with more commercial construction projects on the books, how do we find the right people to support those jobs? “We need skilled tradesmen and women to support those efforts,” said Teson.

Sutton suggests that technology in products is a viable avenue to attract the younger generation. C’mon, who doesn’t like the way an impact driver or press tool feels in their hands?

“We also need to attract people to the industry to show them how wonderful it is, and that should not be specific to one type of person,” said Sutton. “We need more diversity, not just one profile,” continued Sutton.

“This is a fantastic industry, and once people are a part of it, they stay,” said Roberts.

Yet, once in the building, how do we get people to stay? Training. “It has always been a critical part of what we do. We have been very flexible with our training—we will take it to customers and also bring them into our facility,” said Carnevale.

How do employees continue to get better year after year? The panel agreed that it’s about establishing a culture of training in your office. This gives employers a competitive advantage in keeping people and attracting people because they will be seen as investing in them.

Electrification is the Buzzword

According to Carnevale, topics surrounding electrification loom large. For example, will the infrastructure be in place to support the new products? How will the infrastructure build out in a very short time? This puts the consumer in a bad position and puts our national security at risk—i.e., supply chain issues and the country’s fragile relationship with China.

“Electrification and decarbonization, whether we like it or not, we need to be prepared. We have the products available,” said Roberts.

Government Regulations

Carnevale noted that he receives email relating to a regulatory issue almost daily. “The DoE is extremely active, and there’s a requirement that is in the foundational law that once the DOE sets a new minimum efficiency standard, it cannot go backward.”

According to Rheem’s Roberts, there is an “Install Date Standard for Air Conditioning Systems” looming and, “Contractors will be breaking the law if they install an AC system not rated to the new standard come January, 1 2023.” Efficiency standards dictate that sell through of existing systems will be allowed in the northern states if the product was manufactured prior to January 1, 2023. This is not the case in the South and Southwest. AC systems must comply with the 2023 federal minimums to be installed after January 1, 2023. Current Heat Pump systems can continue to be installed in all regions as long as they were manufactured before January 1.

And who is enforcing this, you may ask? “Contractors and distributors will be self-policing installations to make sure they meet the new standard. In addition, manufacturers cannot ship products that don’t meet the new standards or allow them to be registered for warranties if installed after January 1. A standard based on install date will ultimately create inventory challenges for everyone in the industry,” said Roberts.

That Dreaded ‘R’ Word

There are whispers of the “R” word and I don’t think it means that “relief” is on the way anytime soon. From inflation to fuel prices, contractors have faced economic hardships that may continue to linger into 2023, and beyond. “We’ve been bearish on the economy longer than the financial press has been,” says Carnevale. “It is pretty clear that we are in a recession. There have been some positive signs, the fed is getting aggressive, and we will see significant drop in housing market.”

Carnevale continued that he is concerned about the macro economy, even though there are some good signs. “Labor shortages continue to be a vexing problem, and we need to focus on the labor participation rate compared to pre-pandemic, meaning there are a lot of people who are choosing not to work,” said Carnevale.

Teson said that interest rates are the real threat. “We’re watching it very closely and trying to make decisions that will make us come out stronger than our competitors.”

Carnevale added that there is a very distinct demand for discretionary vs. non-discretionary products. In the end, “As the demand starts to soften, we are subject to the laws of supply and demand. It is not going got back to where it is pre-pandemic, but will see some softening on pricing.”

Roberts says that overall, we should see a correction. “How do you position yourself to come out stronger than you go into it?” That’s the question.

For more info, visit PHCC.