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
GF Building Flow Solutions Americas
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.
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
Table of Contents
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/
GF Building Flow Solutions Americas, the manufacturer of Uponor branded products, has been named a 2025 USA Today Top Workplaces Culture Excellence winner across three categories: Innovation, Work-Life Flexibility, and Compensation & Benefits. This is the company’s fourth consecutive year on the national Top Workplaces list. The Top Workplaces program has a 17-year history of Read more
GF Building Flow Solutions Americas, the manufacturer of Uponor branded products, has been named a 2025 USA Today Top Workplaces Culture Excellence winner across three categories: Innovation, Work-Life Flexibility, and Compensation & Benefits. This is the company’s fourth consecutive year on the national Top Workplaces list.
The Top Workplaces program has a 17-year history of surveying and celebrating people-first organizations nationally and across 60 regional markets. These awards are based on direct feedback from a research-backed employee engagement survey conducted by Energage, a purpose-driven organization that develops solutions to build and brand Top Workplaces.
The Top Workplaces Culture Excellence awards recognize organizations that excel in specific areas of workplace culture:
Innovation
This award celebrates organizations that have embedded innovation into their culture and create an environment where new ideas come from all employees.
Work-Life Flexibility
This award celebrates the organizations that provide options to their employees in how and where they work, as well as having managers who care for their employees’ concerns.
Compensation & Benefits
This award celebrates the organizations that provide employees not only with material rewards, but also with appreciation for their work.
“Maintaining a people-first culture is the foundation of innovation and long-term success at GF,” says Erica Amévo, vice president of Human Resources at GF Building Flow Solutions Americas. “These awards hold extra meaning as they are a reflection of our people-first mindset and commitment to creating an environment where every employee feels valued, supported, and empowered.”
“Earning a Top Workplaces award is a badge of honor for companies, especially because it comes authentically from their employees,” says Eric Rubino, Energage CEO. “That’s something to be proud of. In today’s market, leaders must ensure they’re allowing employees to have a voice and be heard. That’s paramount. Top Workplaces do this, and it pays dividends.”
Visit the Careers page to learn more about GF.
GF Building Flow Solutions Americas (formerly Uponor North America), a global provider of Uponor-branded products, today announced that Hailey Mick, business development manager of Engineering Services, was recently selected as the incoming president of the ASHRAE Tennessee Valley Chapter. Her two-year term will begin on July 1, 2024. ASHRAE, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating Read more
GF Building Flow Solutions Americas (formerly Uponor North America), a global provider of Uponor-branded products, today announced that Hailey Mick, business development manager of Engineering Services, was recently selected as the incoming president of the ASHRAE Tennessee Valley Chapter. Her two-year term will begin on July 1, 2024.
ASHRAE, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, advances the arts and sciences of HVACR and their allied fields while striving to achieve a healthy and sustainable built environment for all. As a long-standing member, Hailey was voted in as president by the ASHRAE Board and will draw on the theme of “Building on Foundations, Empowering Today, and Shaping Tomorrow.”
According to Hailey, “Being actively involved in ASHRAE is crucial for driving advancements in HVAC and refrigeration systems. As the incoming local chapter president, I am committed to fostering innovation, sustainability, and professional development within our industry. Our collective efforts not only enhance the efficiency and performance of the built environment but also ensure that we are leading the charge in promoting environmentally responsible practices. Through collaboration and continued education, we can inspire the next generation of engineers and uphold the highest standards of excellence in our field.”
As president, Hailey will represent the Tennessee Valley Chapter at both regional and national conferences, leading with education to bring value to the industry and inspiring others to take the necessary steps to improve the built environment.
“We couldn’t be more excited for Hailey as she steps into this role with an organization that’s highly committed to sustainability and innovation,” says Matt Bahr, vice president of Sales at GF Building Flow Solutions Americas. “Hailey is uniquely suited for this role with a passion for protecting the environment, advancing the industry with a new way of thinking, and inspiring others along the way.”
To learn more about the ASHRAE Tennessee Valley Chapter, visit ashraetnvalley.org.