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Falls Church, Va. — It is with great sadness that the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association (PHCC) reports the April 2, 2022, passing of Past National President Joe Schmitt (2008-2009) of Englewood, Ohio. He was a member of PHCC since 1968 and was a highly respected leader in the plumbing-heating-cooling industry.

“Joe Schmitt’s steady leadership was just what PHCC needed during the economic crisis that began in 2008,” said PHCC National President Joel Long.  “He was the ‘calming force’ during turbulent economic times and the initiatives he created had a lasting positive effect on PHCC for many years.”

Schmitt served as PHCC of Ohio President (1989-1991) and was a partner of Joe Schmitt & Sons Plumbing & Heating, Englewood. The PHCC “A Heritage Unique” history book reports that as an experienced business owner, he was a specialist and teacher of the art and science of backflow prevention. One of his first actions was to ask the PHCC—National Association Board of Directors to approve a strategic plan that was both simple and workable and focused on the core mission of supporting members.

Achievements during his term in office included:

• Producing numerous business-building programs that members could use to ‘survive and thrive’ in trying times—and position their companies for an expected upturn.
• Advocating to secure favorable small business and personal tax breaks in the federal stimulus package.
• Facilitating an invitation for a PHCC member to meet with President Obama and also participate in press conference highlighting the tax credits in the stimulus package.
• Maintaining an active role in “green” construction and the water and energy conservation arenas.
• Launching the PHCC Educational Foundation’s first online plumbing home study program, a precursor to a popular program in place today.

Schmitt passed down a love of the p-h-c profession to his son Ron, who now runs the family business. Ron is a current member of the PHCC National Board of Directors.

A celebration of life for Joe will be held 5-7 p.m. April 7, 2022, at the Kindred Funeral Home, Englewood, Ohio A funeral service will occur at 10:30 a.m., April 8, at St. Paul Catholic Church, Englewood, Ohio, where Joe was a founding member.

Leading manufacturer announces its continuing investment in the plumbing and HVACR trade organization’s training, education and workforce development programs

Bradford White Corporation, an industry-leading manufacturer of water heaters, boilers and storage tanks, and the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association (PHCC) announce the renewal of their exclusive strategic partnership agreement and confirm their joint commitment to promoting and strengthening the plumbing and HVACR industries.

The continuing partnership between two of the PCHP industry’s most trusted organizations reflects their shared mission to support professional contractors and their teams through investments in training, education, recruiting and advocacy resources.

“Our exclusive strategic partnership is based on the foundational values that drive Bradford White and PHCC,” said Joel Long, president of PHCC. “Bradford White’s deep, demonstrated commitment to the priorities of contractors aligns with PHCC’s dynamic initiatives for advancing the industry, and together we can enhance the positive effect we have on the lives of professionals on the ground who are providing essential plumbing, heating and cooling services now and in the future.”

Through its strategic partnership agreement with PHCC, Bradford White supports a range of scholarships, programs and initiatives dedicated to the advancement of contractor education and excellence, contractor business development, and promoting the value of the trades, including:

• The PHCC Educational Foundation, which provides innovative educational programming to enhance the growth and success of the plumbing and HVACR industry workforce.
• The SkillsUSA Plumbing Championship, a national competition for high school and post-secondary students featuring more than 16,000 competitors, instructors, industry representatives and volunteers.
• The Invest in Your Future Campaign, a fundraising effort supporting future workforce development.
• PHCC Education Partner, in support of PHCC education and training that provides PHC business owners and their employees with easy access to high-quality education and training opportunities.

“Bradford White’s unique relationship with PHCC through the years has given us an opportunity to elevate and amplify our investment in the plumbing, heating and cooling industry,” said Carl Pinto, Jr., senior director of marketing communications for Bradford White. “Supporting the hard-working professionals in our industry and developing future generations of PHC experts not only enhances the current state of our profession, it’s critical to ensure safe, reliable delivery of essential services for years to come.”

For more information about Bradford White Corporation, visit https://www.bradfordwhitecorporation.com.

Acquisition will expand residential and commercial single-room AC solutions

Rheem has announced its intent to acquire Friedrich Air Conditioning, a 138-year-old manufacturer of premium air conditioning products, from Monomoy Capital Partners.

Friedrich is a manufacturer of room air conditioning, dehumidification and air purification products for residential and commercial applications. It is a recognized industry leader in high-end air conditioning solutions designed for single-room use in hotels and multi-family buildings.

Founded in 1883, the company is based in San Antonio with manufacturing in Monterrey, Mexico and distribution centers in Texas and New Jersey.

“Friedrich has steadily innovated its residential and commercial offerings and grown its market share,” said Mike Branson, President, Global Air at Rheem. “They will bring a unique air conditioning product portfolio along with specialized products to the Rheem family of brands. Friedrich’s product offerings, company history and industry expertise make this acquisition a perfect fit for Rheem. Together, we will harness the power of our talented workforce and enhance our ability to deliver reliable and energy-efficient products that our customers and contracting partners expect.”

Upon the close of the acquisition—which is subject to additional regulatory approval—Friedrich will be a standalone business unit within the Rheem Global Air business.

After a challenging year resulting from the global pandemic that hit full force in March 2020, the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association (PHCC) reports that – one year later – there are signs that conditions are improving.

A contractor sentiment survey conducted by PHCC finds that 84% of respondents rank the continuing impact of COVID-19 on their businesses as having either a “low” or “medium” impact compared to 57% in spring 2020, when PHCC first began tracking trends during the pandemic. In addition, the number of people ranking impact as “medium high” to “high” has dropped to 9% from 43% in spring 2020.

“A year after COVID-19 hit, PHCC members indicate that they are cautiously optimistic that we are turning a corner toward better times ahead,” says PHCC President Hunter Botto. “Respondents also noted that their businesses have stabilized after several difficult months of disruption. They also see new business opportunities in the future, which is very good news for our industry.”

In fact, an annual environmental scan conducted by PHCC in January 2021 predicted an increased demand for home improvement spending; touchless products; upgraded and energy efficient equipment; smart technology; air and water filtration and purification; and IAQ markets, including UV and bipolar ionization.

While the overall outlook is positive, the plumbing and HVACR contractors responding to the sentiment survey cite several ongoing challenges, including maintaining a safe and fully operational staff; increased operating costs related to new safety requirements; addressing employee and customer health and safety concerns; customer delays on projects because of economic concerns; disruptions in the supply channel; and a fear of a potential recession.

Regarding manufacturers and suppliers’ responsiveness to supply chain issues, respondents noted many have been helpful by offering creative alternatives to products currently unavailable. There was an overall recognition that manufacturers and suppliers are also facing material cost increases and shortages, transportation challenges, workforce issues, etc. “They have been super helpful, but have had their own people issues, concerns and interruptions,” one contractor said.

Contractors indicate they have established many safety procedures to mitigate safety risks for employees and clients, including employee screening, social distancing, disinfection measures, increased communication about safety protocols and requirements for Personal Protective Equipment.

“As we look back on the last year, PHCC members – operating as essential businesses – illustrated time and time again that they are true professionals committed to keeping their employees, customers and communities healthy and safe,” Botto says. “As always, our members have shown they are extremely resilient in tough times.”

Another positive indicator is that – after recently completing its annual membership renewal process this spring – PHCC realized an increase in both renewing and new members.

“We are grateful for the loyalty demonstrated by our members throughout this crisis,” Botto says. “We are also excited to see growth in membership when business owners are assessing the ROI on every expenditure. Now more than ever, they can see the value of supporting and engaging with their association.”

To help navigate the many unexpected changes they faced, members relied on PHCC resources and videos via its COVID-19 Recovery Center, as well as monthly webinars, state and local support, advocacy, member discounts and access to Personal Protective Equipment.