Family businesses work when everyone is invested in a common goal. Half-hearted efforts and attitudes, jealousy or near-sightedness are the kiss of death when parents, siblings and in-laws are involved. But when all are engaged and aligned fruitfully, the result can be an uncommonly strong enterprise with long-term potential. AC Plumbing, Heating & Mechanical in Read more
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Family businesses work when everyone is invested in a common goal. Half-hearted efforts and attitudes, jealousy or near-sightedness are the kiss of death when parents, siblings and in-laws are involved.
But when all are engaged and aligned fruitfully, the result can be an uncommonly strong enterprise with long-term potential.
AC Plumbing, Heating & Mechanical in Cleveland, OH, seems to have written the handbook for success in family business, though that wasn’t initially the plan. Tony Caruso started the firm with his wife LuAnn, in 1980, while also serving as a professional fireman.
Today, their children operate the 14-person company in Bedford Heights, OH.
Daughter Monica runs the office and her husband, Kelly Miller, is head of the HVAC shop. Anthony, like his father, is a professional fireman and paramedic, working 24 hours on, 48 off. When he’s not on duty at the firehouse, he’s the lead hydronic technician. Michael, who has a construction management degree, is the company’s lead plumber.
Under their direction and Tony’s mentorship and guidance, the business has flourished.
“I never envisioned all of this with my children,” said Tony Caruso. “I didn’t plan for them to join the company, let alone see the potential for them to propel us forward. But I’ve always believed this profession was something special. Having them join me has been a tremendous source of pride.”
Today, the company’s reputation for outstanding craftsmanship is validated by long-standing customer relationships, both commercial and residential. Some of those clients haven’t changed since the early years, when LuAnn was still writing invoices from notes that Tony scratched in the firehouse breakroom.
As Tony takes a back seat to day-to-day operations, it has given him time for volunteer work, and to tackle personal projects.
Restoring antiquity
“I’m drawn to old things, especially mechanical in nature,” said Tony. “Volunteering at a historic railway has been rewarding, especially when I can involve my grandchildren. I love to bring things back to their proper vintage and grace; cabooses, automobiles, buildings, etc.”
In part to scratch an itch and partly as a long-term investment, Tony and LuAnn purchased a 100-year-old building near downtown Cleveland in 2017. The Detroit Avenue area is slowly experiencing a renaissance of sorts. Young people are moving back in, small businesses are cropping up, and property values are plodding patiently upward.
Caruso bought the old building as a rundown residence. Police were frequently called to the address for one sort of disturbance or another. But with plenty of vision and know how – not to mention the involvement of a team of mechanical technicians – Tony and LuAnn had other plans.
They’re just now finishing the details on the 5,000 square-foot building. An upscale salon and spa occupies the ground level, with floor-to-ceiling windows along the sidewalk. The upstairs is divided into two apartments, with a third being added behind the salon.
Half of the basement slab received a pebble finish called Natural Stone. No sooner had the top coat cured before water backed up into the basement.
“We thought we’d need to hammer out a part of the new floor to access a clog in the old porcelain plumbing, and install a drain at that spot,” said Caruso. “So we purchased a Watts Pronto!™ floor drain because of the ability to do post-pour adjustment between the concrete and finished floor.”
Then Michael and Zac Wood, one of the company’s plumbers, scoped the pipe. It became apparent that the clog could be remedied without digging up the floor. Jagged edges on the old cast iron pipe within a fitting were catching sewer debris. By snaking the pipe with a heavy cutter tip, the issue was remedied.
In an adjacent basement room without finished flooring, the building had a plumbing stack coming down from the first floor. It was no longer in use, and just in the way.
“We wanted to remove the stack for more storage space,” said Michael. “But in a building like this, where the use of occupied space can easily change in the future, we try not to eliminate sewer connections. We already had the Pronto! drain in the van. It’s a little overkill for an unfinished slab, but it definitely served the purpose.”
Zac hammered-out the floor, installed a new trap, then poured new concrete and installed the drain.
“The real benefit of the Pronto! floor drain is that the drain can be adjusted twice,” said Zac. “The basin can be raised or lowered to match the initial concrete pour, and then the strainer can be adjusted to match the finished floor grade. It comes with a set of shims to get a perfect level. On this installation, though, we only needed to make one adjustment. Using the drain’s integral bubble level, I was able to plumb-in the drain perfectly just by adjusting it after making my PVC connection.”
The Watts Pronto! floor drain is available in either cast iron or PVC, and comes in grate sizes of 5”, 6” or 8”.
“We’ve used a variety of Watts products since I started the company,” said Tony. “Our hydronic installations are covered in Watts valves, and we often use tekmar controls. We also like their backflow assemblies. We picked the Pronto! drain, despite it being a completely new product, based on the quality of products we’ve come to expect from the brand.”
With the plumbing issues resolved at the investment property, the Carusos can focus on finishing the final rental unit. The building is now an integral part of the Detroit Avenue urban revitalization effort, inside and out. Two walls on the building feature giant murals, a theme throughout the area. It’s another source of pride.
Doing right
“Not everyone at AC Plumbing is family, but they may as well be,” said Tony. “Every member of our team is vital. We hire people that want to provide service. That is, in my judgement, the finest pursuit. The responsibility to our team is never to do less than the right thing. That may include engineering the correct system, performing the proper replacement or repair, or taking responsibility for mistakes. Good business ethics.”
Tony’s quick to note that the industry and market is changing rapidly, and is thankful that his children are proactively keeping pace with it. Clients have become much more astute in regard to what they want in their homes. Systems are now “on demand,” “green” or otherwise designed primarily for comfort.
“The daily challenge we now face is installing a system that never compromises safety, comfort or efficiency,” Tony continued. “In years’ past, things were simpler, and efficiency wasn’t as critical. These factors have truly raised the bar on what it means to be a plumbing or HVAC professional. Fortunately, manufacturers and reps are providing more support than ever before.”
“I feel that being trusted in a customer’s home is the greatest responsibility,” Tony said. “As my career winds down, I feel that my family has that same passion. At the end of the day we can all rest knowing we’ve done what is dutifully right.”
Panasonic, an industry-leading manufacturer of air conditioning, heating and indoor air quality systems, announces a new collaboration with Trumbull Campbell Associates, Inc., an independent manufacturers’ rep firm selling applied commercial heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment and parts, to distribute Panasonic VRF equipment to its commercial customers in Eastern Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire and Rhode Island. As one Read more
Panasonic, an industry-leading manufacturer of air conditioning, heating and indoor air quality systems, announces a new collaboration with Trumbull Campbell Associates, Inc., an independent manufacturers’ rep firm selling applied commercial heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment and parts, to distribute Panasonic VRF equipment to its commercial customers in Eastern Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire and Rhode Island.
As one of New England’s most respected manufacturers’ rep firms, Trumbull Campbell provides sales, application and service support to customers across a variety of industries, including healthcare, biotech, hospitality, elderly care and higher education. Founded in 2006, Trumbull Campbell has delivered cost-effective end-to-end solutions to its customers, offering assistance with installation, design, and reliable products that address the complexity of maintaining an HVAC system.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to represent a company not only of innovation and quality, but one of integrity,” said Tom Trumbull, Co-Founder, Trumbull Campbell Associates, Inc. “The level of support we’ve received from Panasonic is a true differentiator from other manufacturers. Our foothold in the territory paired with Panasonic’s brand and reputation offer a winning combination.”
“Trumbull Campbell is able to provide exceptional support for their customers in New England seeking applied equipment solutions,” said Nathan Oliver, Eastern U.S. Sales and Business Development Manager, Panasonic Appliances Air-Conditioning North America. “We are pleased to align with a company that can provide our customers with a personalized experience, satisfying their VRF application needs from design and selection to commissioning and service.”
For more information about Panasonic heating and air conditioning, please visit na.panasonic.com/us/home-and-building-solutions/heating-air-conditioning/.
Integrity, work ethic, dedication, community. These are the values identified when selecting Mechanical Hub’s inaugural “Person of the Year.” Please help us in saluting Jim Godbout, Jim Godbout Plumbing & Heating, Inc. and Provencher Fuels in Biddeford, Maine for this prestigious nomination. Godbout certainly represents the industry with true professionalism and class. But it’s not Read more
Integrity, work ethic, dedication, community. These are the values identified when selecting Mechanical Hub’s inaugural “Person of the Year.” Please help us in saluting Jim Godbout, Jim Godbout Plumbing & Heating, Inc. and Provencher Fuels in Biddeford, Maine for this prestigious nomination. Godbout certainly represents the industry with true professionalism and class.
But it’s not necessarily what he does in the field that makes this honor most deserving—it’s what he does outside of the office with his free time, as well, that must be commended.
Getting Started
Godbout has been mechanically inclined since a very young age, specifically plumbing with his grandfather. “It’s hard to believe that back in the early ’70s I used to run the melting pot for my grandfather many years ago running sewer pipe out to the ocean,” says Godbout.
Godbout’s grandfather passed away, and, at the time, Godbout worked on a variety of jobs including building homes to roofing and siding work. He did not return to the trades until he was about 17 years old. “I saw a great need for professional plumbing and heating techs at which point I made my way back into the trade.”
Plumbing with his grandfather early in life, Godbout saw need to start his own company at very young age. “Times were tough in the ’80s, where the company did everything from plumbing and heating to roofing and groundskeeping, anything to keep company alive,” says Godbout.
But persevere, he did. For more than 30 years, Godbout has run a successful plumbing and heating business in southern Maine, specializing in plumbing, HVAC, geothermal, mechanical piping, heat exchangers, solar heating, thermal imaging and fuel delivery. “We have the diversity to take care of any plumbing, heating, refrigeration and mechanical problem in-house including construction services,” says Godbout.
Look at those lines! Proud of his team’s work. Shown here: Viessmann CU3 boiler and 80-gallon storage tank, 7 zones (Taco circulators and zone valves) for radiant, 3 zones for Runtal radiators and 3 zones to hydro coil for air handler.
Community is Key
Godbout is known for his community support and he is active in youth development. He has led several youth organizations and coached local sports teams. Godbout’s dedication to community and philanthropic work stems from the fact the he grew up without having much, and learned very quickly how important it is for people to take care of people. “We are only here a very short time and what we do daily can truly change people’s lives, from the smallest gift of friendship to financially helping those in need. It helps me reduce stress from our demanding profession by really stepping back, and with a little help, I can help others be the best that they can be,” says Godbout.
Godbout and his wife, Lynn. “She has been the best, putting up with my long hours, my commitment to Rotary and community, always standing beside me and supporting our endeavors. My love for 36 years,” says Godbout.
One of Godbout’s focus has been combatting drug addiction in the area. The issue is personal: he’s had dozens of friends and family members dies as a result of drug overdoses. “We’re going to lose an entire generation here if we don’t start making a difference,” Godbout has said. Godbout has been an active member in the local Biddeford-Saco Rotary Club. “I am a very active Rotarian—a group that makes an impact in the lives of so many around the world—and it is a great avenue to give back to our communities.”
Within Rotary, nearly five years ago, Godbout started the Red Ribbon program, an education committee on substance abuse and helping children make healthy choices. The committee has developed educational programming about substance abuse with schools in Biddeford. “The one thing I know that works is providing unconditional love for our youth providing them with healthy choices,” Godbout has said. “Prevention and culture change for all of us regarding use of substances works. Help our youth develop good habits as they embark on becoming young adults in this very confusing world in which we live. As role models it is the most important thing we can do in our lifetime.”
Godbout has also been busy with the renovation of Biddeford’s Waterhouse Field, where he and other volunteers worked tirelessly last year to transform the football field of which the entire community can be proud.
The volunteer crew, led by Godbout, lifts the press box into position at the Waterhouse Field project.
The field, named after Alfred Waterhouse, a clerk who worked in a hardware store in the late 1920s, is unique because it is not city owned but board run. Waterhouse bought the field for local athletes by taking quarters out of his modest weekly paycheck. “His actions many years ago, I believe, is what has help motivate me to give back and mentor our youth,” says Godbout. “All we have to do is take care of each other and good things happen,” says Godbout.
Godbout has been the current president of Waterhouse Field alumni board now for more than 10 years. “The city uses field but had no capital improvement budget, so I took bull by horns and rallied up troops to use labor and financial support of community to rebuild field. The field was closed prior to this due to condemned bleachers and it just wasn’t safe for public use. A lot of pride went into that field and I was not going to let it sit vacant,” says Godbout.
The ribbon cutting at Waterhouse Field.
The nine-month project included new bleachers, lighting, rebuilt field with AstroTurf, new storm drainage, fencing, scoreboard, sound system, press box and asphalt work.
Students never lost a year playing on the field.
A sense of pride and community—athletes using the newly-renovated Waterhouse Field.
Into the Future
Much sacrifice and hard work was put into Waterhouse field—now with its forever address 1 Godbout Way.
Godbout has 12 employees in his company under age of 25; he says he has some of the most talented employees and he needs them to share their knowledge and work ethic. Industry-wide Godbout shares the same view, “I think everyone needs to mentor our youth to help guide them through next generation of mechanical contractors.”
When asked about hanging up the wrenches, Godbout says he has no plans to slow down. In fact, the company just moved into a larger space, which positions the them to be a more sustainable company. In addition, Godbout recently acquired Provencher Fuels. When the previous owner—with whom Godbout had worked for more than 30 years—became ill, Godbout purchased it from the family “to keep small company values for our customers.”
Godbout on a recent jobsite with an incredible view. Still doing what he loves.
In addition, he’s too busy with his new project. Godbout is remodeling a historic church into a cultural community center for My Place Teen center in Biddeford. He will be building a commercial kitchen to help teach culinary arts and feed hundreds of kids aged 10-18 daily.
“I just don’t have that picture of retiring unless, of course, my health would fail. I do love to golf and be on the water so maybe I’ll try and spend a little more time doing those things,” says Godbout.
Radiant floor installation. (Crete-Heat, LLC)
The popular AquaBalance™ wall mount line of combination and heat only boilers from Weil-McLain now feature an energy saving AFUE rating of 95% on the new Series 2 version. The updated energy efficient units combine the warmth of high-efficiency space heating with the convenience of on-demand domestic hot water (combi version) in a reliable, space-saving, easy-to-install Read more
The popular AquaBalance™ wall mount line of combination and heat only boilers from Weil-McLain now feature an energy saving AFUE rating of 95% on the new Series 2 version. The updated energy efficient units combine the warmth of high-efficiency space heating with the convenience of on-demand domestic hot water (combi version) in a reliable, space-saving, easy-to-install package. The units feature the industry’s latest stainless steel, titanium-infused heat exchanger technology, and are ideal for retrofits or new construction in single-family homes, apartments or condominiums.
“The AquaBalance combi units feature an advanced condensing technology to deliver efficient, worry-free space heat and domestic hot water in a sleek, compact design that’s small enough to fit in a closet,” said Mike Boyd, product manager with Weil-McLain. “The AquaBalance Series 2 boilers have been awarded the ENERGY STAR® Most Efficient designation in 2018 – rated to deliver maximum operational cost savings to homeowners and provide qualification for local utility rebates, if available.”
The AquaBalance is now available in 3 sizes (80, 120 & 155 MBH input), in both combi or heat only versions. The impressive AquaBalance 155 size combi-boiler produces a constant supply of hot water up to four gallons per minute (GPM) at 70 degrees Fahrenheit temperature rise. The unit has the power to supply hydronic heat for up to a 2,500 square-foot home and enough hot water to run two showers and a dishwasher simultaneously.
The boilers also feature an aesthetically pleasing design and simple, user-friendly controls making installation and operation easy for contractors and homeowners.
“When choosing the combi version, the AquaBalance streamlines the installation process by eliminating the need to connect a separate boiler and hot water tank,” said Boyd. “Fewer pipes and less connection points translate into reduced set-up time and a more efficient installation.”
Other features of the AquaBalance include:
- Low NOx rated – low emissions level achieved South Coast certification
- Easy to navigate boiler control with digital display
- Simple electrical connection points and plug in cord
- Removable sides for easy service
- Heavy gauge insulated jacket for quiet operation
- Unique 3-in-1 vent adapter approved to readily accept PVC, CPVC, stainless steel or polypropylene vent materials
- Able to satisfy various venting challenges and orientations
- Ships as a natural gas unit, but simply converted to propane (LP) with conversion kit
To learn more about the AquaBalance boilers, visit our website or contact a Weil-McLain regional sales office.
At Bradford White, our business is being there for your business. We are proud to be FOR THE PRO®. We recognize that your quality professional installation delivers our quality product right to the customer. So every day, we support you and help you be more successful in a number of important ways. Bradford White is Read more
At Bradford White, our business is being there for your business. We are proud to be FOR THE PRO®. We recognize that your quality professional installation delivers our quality product right to the customer. So every day, we support you and help you be more successful in a number of important ways.
Bradford White is Here FOR THE PRO® –and Here’s Why that’s Important to You.
At Bradford White, our business is being there for your business. We are proud to be FOR THE PRO®. We recognize that your quality professional installation delivers our quality product right to the customer. So every day, we support you and help you be more successful in a number of important ways.
Bradford White is Loyal to You, the Professional Installer.
Bradford White is committed to quality in everything we do. We recognize that our quality product requires a quality installation.
So while Bradford White remains committed to the highest quality manufacturing, we also remain committed to a quality, professional installation.
We Are Here for You with 24/7 Tech Support.
When you’re in the field working on a Bradford White product, we always have your back. That means you can call for support at any time and get the answers you need – FAST.
At Bradford White we recognize this important truth: when you give quality service to your customer, you are showing them the quality they expect from Bradford White. We see you as our business partner. We are in this together.
Our Exclusive FOR THE PRO® Website Gives You the Tools to Help You Save Time… and Do Your Job Right.
At Bradford White’s exclusive FOR THE PRO® website, you’ll find technical documentation on every Bradford White product. You can search by model number or product name and find all associated technical documents for any of our products. All the information you need is here.
You’ll also get a variety of videos to help you troubleshoot and maintain Bradford White products, as well as smartphone apps and answers to your customers’ most frequently asked questions.
Our online RightSpec® Tools can make your job easier. You can properly size and install, find the Bradford White equivalent for a competitive model, calculate efficiency of a unit and more.
You can stay up-to-date with the latest energy efficiency ratings, so you can help your customers save money. You can also help your customers take advantage of Bradford White product rebates (this might also help you when you sell products to your customers).
Grow Your Business with These Valuable Sales Tools.
At Bradford White, we recognize you’re always trying to grow your business (and make more money) while you’re doing your job. So we’ve loaded up our FOR THE PRO® website with valuable tools to help you with that goal.
With our FOR THE PRO® Sales Materials, you can communicate the benefits of Bradford White products more effectively to your customers – and increase your sales! From marketing literature to videos and even webinars, we provide the resources you need to talk about Bradford White products with your customers.
You’ll also find logos, product images and other graphics you can use to create your own digital and print materials to help you better promote your business.
Take Advantage of Valuable Cutting-Edge Training from Bradford White.
Bradford White is committed to providing training to help contractors like you stay on top of all the latest advancements.
Bradford White’s International Technical Excellence Center in Middleville, Michigan is a cutting-edge 18,500 square foot training center where we allow our contractors to go “hands on” the latest technology so they can better serve our customers.
You can also take part in training at our secondary training center in Rochester, New Hampshire. Here you’ll sharpen your skills with various Bradford White hydronics products.
Help Your Customers Find You with Our New, Improved Contractor Directory!
Right now, customers are searching online for Bradford White contractors. You can list your name in our Contractor Directory so local customers can find you FAST. You can also provide details about your business, your skills, photos from recent installations and use valuable lead capture tools to help you connect with interested customers. You’ll find complete information about our Contractor Directory on our FOR THE PRO® site.
Give Your Customers the Financing They Need – with Fortiva® Retail Credit.
Another way that Bradford White is here for you is through our Fortiva® Financing Program. As a Bradford White contractor you may be eligible to give your customers up to $40,000 in financing through this program.
Your customers can use this funding for a Bradford White Water Heater plus other installations, products, repairs, warranties and other service work they might need. You can finance any amount with no minimum. The process is easy, approvals are instant and you get paid FAST.
By offering your customers the financing they need, this program can help you grow your business and increase your income. See our FOR THE PRO® site for details.
Bradford White is here for you, the professional contractor. Click below to visit Bradford White’s exclusive FOR THE PRO® website.