No doubt about it, COVID-19 quickly changed the way we work, and play. Travel and in person visits came to a screeching halt. Professional offices, suppliers, even many working shops closed their doors to visitors. Training in the not to distant past was done, for the most part, in person. Conveniently, most trainers adapted quickly Read more
hydronics
No doubt about it, COVID-19 quickly changed the way we work, and play. Travel and in person visits came to a screeching halt. Professional offices, suppliers, even many working shops closed their doors to visitors. Training in the not to distant past was done, for the most part, in person. Conveniently, most trainers adapted quickly to offer online training options. Many of the companies in our industry were already familiar with platforms like Go To meeting. This made the switch to virtual training fairly easy for those trainers.
Some trainers I met through the ESCO group devised hybrid virtual training events. With a few cameras, one that would follow you around a room they kept the hands on training available also.
An instructor in front of a piece of equipment would be led through the troubleshooting in real time, clever and almost like being there.
The question remains, what happens going forward in the training world. In some cases offices that made the change to virtual workspaces plan on staying that way. In some larger cities’ that has created office space vacancies and those building owners are scrambling to repurpose those spaces to get the rent rolling back in.
In cities like San Francisco it was a tough slog to see more than two engineering firms in a day due to traffic and parking logistics. With online, virtual sessions you can present to their entire staff as well as any locations they have scattered around the world.
I’ve started limited travel myself for training events. I doubt cramming 30 or more folks into a hotel meeting room will ever be attractive anymore. In some cases moving the training into the shop area, parking lot or a large cafeteria area is a good option to allow attendees to spread out more.
I doubt anyone knows for sure how this will shake out or what “bug” will hit us next that makes people want to avoid crowded rooms and spaces, but plan on having options. Come up with new ways to engage the attendees. Not being able to see faces, expressions and not getting that in person feedback changes the game for a trainer. Add polls to your training to get some interaction and a feel for the groups. Consider multiple speakers or trainers to get some back and forth conversation in your online trainings.
The need for having a trained workforce is critical. Equipment is becoming more sophisticated and specific, so factory training will march forward. We would love to hear from all the players in the industry, thoughts suggestions, what we can do to keep you’ all coming back.
Let’s rid the ‘VID and get back to the normal face to face that we all crave.
In recent years, PP-R pipe has become an increasingly popular choice in plumbing and hydronic heating systems. Introduced over 30 years ago, this copolymer made from Polypropylene-Random has been a top choice among plastic piping options. Suitable for both hot and cold pipe, it’s known as a naturally insulating option that allows the installer to Read more
In recent years, PP-R pipe has become an increasingly popular choice in plumbing and hydronic heating systems. Introduced over 30 years ago, this copolymer made from Polypropylene-Random has been a top choice among plastic piping options. Suitable for both hot and cold pipe, it’s known as a naturally insulating option that allows the installer to make fast connections that are both permanent and leak-free. Using heat fusion technology, the installer can do more than just join two PP-R ends together – they can create a joint that has the same strength as that of the pipe wall. In contrast to other pipe-joining methods, common long-term concerns like corrosion and fatigue damage are eliminated with heat fusion. In fact, fusion connections are touted to be so robust that they will outlast their own piping system.
In the mid 2000’s, a new generation of PP-R pipe was introduced to the market – Polypropylene-Random Crystallinity Temperature – or PP-RCT. Its crystallinity allows the copolymer to resist greater levels of pressure at higher temperatures. The advancement of copolymers in recent years has begun to shift opinions on plastic pipe, leaving behind outdated misconceptions about its dependability.
But the ways of the past are not all gone. Installers may be embracing plastic pipes and fittings, but they have been slower to accept plastic bodied valves. The proven field reliability of brass-bodied construction remains favorable in a time when strong, reliable plastics are still a relatively new concept. As such, manufacturers who work with PP-R and PP-RCT have been trying to figure out how to bridge the gap between the time tested technology and recent innovations.
In order to incorporate brass valves into a PP-R/PP-RCT piping system, installers have historically had few choices. Options for brass valves with fully integrated connections have been somewhat limited. Some piping manufacturers have elected to offer valves that are compatible only with their specific line of piping, so finding a valve that is compatible with all PP-R and PP-RCT piping systems proved increasingly difficult. In absence of a universal solution, installers made use of transitional fittings to connect their brass ends to PP-R/PP-RCT pipe, at the expense of additional leak paths and labor.
That’s where Webstone comes in. Known for their quality brass valves, Webstone has introduced fully integrated PP-R or PP-RCT ends to their most popular engineered products. The Pro-Connect PP-R Pro line now includes the Isolator with Rotating Flange (a uni-flange ball valve with 360 degrees of motion and optional multi-function hose drain), the Pro-Pal Ball Drain, and ball valves (including PP-R/PP-RCT x FIP ends to transition to or from metal piping).
These products all feature socket style connections, which makes the heat fusion process as quick and simple as possible. Valves come in a variety of sizes and are certified lead free for both residential and commercial use. Additionally, all Webstone products carry a lifetime guarantee against manufacturer’s defects – ensuring peace of mind that no other valve manufacturer in the industry can match. To learn more, visit WebstoneValves.com/PP-R-Pro
The new floor-standing FT Series Combination Boiler and Water Heater is the only residential combi boiler that delivers uninterrupted home heat and on-demand hot water simultaneously. Laars Heating Systemsannounces the launch of its powerful, ultra-high efficiency floor-standing FT Series Combination Boiler and Water Heater, the only residential combi boiler that simultaneously supplies abundant home heat Read more
The new floor-standing FT Series Combination Boiler and Water Heater is the only residential combi boiler that delivers uninterrupted home heat and on-demand hot water simultaneously.
Laars Heating Systemsannounces the launch of its powerful, ultra-high efficiency floor-standing FT Series Combination Boiler and Water Heater, the only residential combi boiler that simultaneously supplies abundant home heat and endless hot water without interruption.
“Home heat and hot water are critical to health and comfort in our daily lives,” said Chuck O’Donnell, director of marketing for Laars Heating Systems. “The Laars floor-standing FT Series Combination Boiler and Water Heater, like the rest of the FT Series of products, is built to meet the needs for space heating and domestic hot water reliably, efficiently and economically.”
The FT Series Combination Boiler and Water Heater includes a unique, integrated domestic hot water mini-indirect tank that delivers stable hot water on demand. Advanced smart technology coordinates uninterrupted space heating with domestic hot water demand and ensures continuing hot water supply for multiple heating events.
With industry-leading capacity, the FT Series Combination Boiler and Water Heater can deliver six gallons per minute of hot water in the first minute and 5.2 gallons per minute continuous delivery at a 70°F temperature rise. Other features include domestic hot water recirculation compatible; built-in low loss header for ease of installation; robust stainless-steel fire-tube heat exchanger; top piping connections for flexible installation; and large front access for service and maintenance.
“The Laars floor-standing FT Series Combination Boiler and Water Heater offers a unique combination of performance, efficiency and convenience,” O’Donnell said. “Based on extensive feedback from heating professionals, multiple features have been incorporated that make installation and service straightforward and accessible, and also provide options for homeowners.”
For more information, visit http://www.laars.com.
After the transition to online instruction in 2020, the leader in technical education will expand its offerings to students across the country. Minneapolis — In Fall 2021, Dunwoody College of Technology will begin offering two online degree programs, construction management and bachelor of architecture, for the first time in the school’s 107-year history. Students will Read more
After the transition to online instruction in 2020, the leader in technical education will expand its offerings to students across the country.
Minneapolis — In Fall 2021, Dunwoody College of Technology will begin offering two online degree programs, construction management and bachelor of architecture, for the first time in the school’s 107-year history. Students will experience innovative, project-based learning in the virtual space with industry-leading software and technology. Both programs will offer flexible, barrier-free online learning options for current students and working professionals who are interested in taking the next step in their career.
“This past year provided the opportunity to develop and implement online learning practices as we adjusted to a new way of operating during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Provost Scott Stallman. “That opportunity has opened the door for us to reach students in new areas of the country, and we are excited to deliver Dunwoody’s exceptional education, and the great careers that follow, to students beyond Minnesota.”
Dunwoody, a nonprofit institution of higher education and a leader in technical instruction, was approved to be a nation-wide provider of online education by the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) in December 2020. The approval allows the college to offer the bachelor of science in construction management and the bachelor of architecture as online-only options to students from states outside of Minnesota.
“For more than a century, Dunwoody has been a leader in hands-on, applied technical education, preparing students for high-skill, in-demand career fields,” said Cindy Olson, Dunwoody’s vice president of enrollment management. “That tradition will continue as the college expands into the online learning space. Students will benefit from small classes taught by faculty who have worked in the field. In addition, students enrolled in the program will receive a laptop loaded with state-of-the-industry software and technology. ”
The construction management completion program is designed for students and working professionals who need the flexibility of an online program that allows them to attend part or full-time and finish at their own pace. During the program, students learn how to successfully influence and lead production teams, develop projects, and grow businesses. Students will complete real-world service learning projects and work with renowned organizations and industry professionals.
With the shortest path to licensure, combined with a unique stackable degree format, Dunwoody’s bachelor of architecture is the perfect fit for those that want to become a licensed, practicing architect, but need the flexibility of an online degree. The program is rooted in a tradition of community engagement, social responsibility, and leadership in the profession, both locally and globally. Dunwoody’s bachelor of architecture is accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB).
The application for admission is now open and interested students should contact Admissions at admissions@dunwoody.edu for information or fill out the online application.
Bradford White Corporation subsidiary recognizes the experienced executive’s contributions to the company and industry with promotion to senior VP and general manager post Bradford White Corporation, an industry-leading manufacturer of commercial, residential and industrial water heating and storage applications, has named Rich Simons senior vice president and general manager of Laars® Heating Systems Company. “I’ve Read more
Bradford White Corporation subsidiary recognizes the experienced executive’s contributions to the company and industry with promotion to senior VP and general manager post
Bradford White Corporation
, an industry-leading manufacturer of commercial, residential and industrial water heating and storage applications, has named Rich Simons senior vice president and general manager of Laars® Heating Systems Company.
“I’ve often said that Rich is the epitome of a general manager, because he can bring insight and ideas to every facet of the Laars Heating System’s business,” said Bruce Carnevale, president and CEO of Bradford White Corporation. “His broad knowledge base, tireless work ethic and industry experience have made him an invaluable part of our corporate leadership team.”
Simons, a graduate of Case Western Reserve University and the University of Minnesota Carlson School of Business, joined Laars in 2016 as vice president and general manager. His responsibilities encompass the overall operation of the business as well as its strategic direction and financial results. Simons has more than 30 years of experience in the boiler industry.
“The opportunities that we are taking to deliver innovative customer solutions have never been better and we are excited about our future,” Simons said. “It’s about our customers and our people, and as a member of the Bradford White family, I am very proud of what we have accomplished. I believe we embody a customer commitment that is second to none as one of the industry’s premier boiler manufacturers.”
In January, Simons was appointed to the board of directors of the American Boiler Manufacturers Association.
“When Rich arrived at Laars, his priority was to spend time with our customers and manufacturers’ representatives so he could truly understand their needs and learn about any challenges they were experiencing,” Carnevale said. “Under his leadership, the Laars team has brought new products to market in record time and implemented improvements across the major functional areas of the company.”