Oatey Co. remains committed to supporting, advancing and retaining its operations associates through world-class, on-the-job training, as well as educational opportunities. In 2016, Oatey launched its first-ever Industrial Maintenance Apprenticeship Program, designed to promote the advancement of operations associates into higher-skilled positions that are more aligned with their long-term career goals. It also leverages additional Read more
Oatey
Oatey Co. remains committed to supporting, advancing and retaining its operations associates through world-class, on-the-job training, as well as educational opportunities.
In 2016, Oatey launched its first-ever Industrial Maintenance Apprenticeship Program, designed to promote the advancement of operations associates into higher-skilled positions that are more aligned with their long-term career goals. It also leverages additional career-development opportunities for the company’s more experienced associates, allowing them to hone their leadership, training and mentoring skills, while working with a diverse group of apprentices.
Oatey’s registered apprenticeship program, which is based at its Cleveland Manufacturing facility and led by Maintenance Supervisor Ruben Santos, is sponsored by Manufacturing Works and regulated through the State of Ohio. As the sponsor, Manufacturing Works helps manage the program and provides Oatey with continuous expert guidance about how to offer the most cutting-edge resources for associates.
“Since its inception, the program has received a tremendous response, and associate participation continues to grow,” says Santos.
To date, the program has included three groups (or cohorts), including a total of six registered apprentices. Every other year, Oatey anticipates adding a new cohort to the program roster. “We continue to maintain 100% retention of associates who participate in the apprenticeship program,” Santos explains.
Oatey’s inaugural group of two apprentices successfully completed all of the program’s training requirements in 2020, and two deserving individuals earned the title of Journeyman. After graduating from the program, these individuals have gone on to advance their careers.
“Our Journeymen continue to embody the spirit of Oatey and set a positive example for fellow associates,” says Santos. There are currently two active cohorts with four apprentices making their way through the program. All current apprentices are from underrepresented groups (Hispanic and African American). Oatey also recently welcomed its first female apprentice, who will graduate as part of the third cohort. Oatey’s commitment to small cohorts ensures personal attention to the apprentices’ development.
When the need for new apprentices is determined, positions are opened and the application, recruiting and selection process begins. The four-year program welcomes applications from any active operations associate in good standing, including those at Cleveland Manufacturing and Distribution facilities; however, the selection process for admission is rigorous. Applicants must display a strong work ethic, reliable attendance record, commitment to Oatey, and passion for skilled technical work.
Prior to acceptance, new candidates for apprenticeship must provide evidence of earning their high school diploma or GED, and complete a Mechanical Aptitude Test and a college admissions placement exam to ensure successful completion of the program.
The Industrial Maintenance Apprenticeship is a hybrid program that offers both in-classroom instruction with college credit and on-the-job training (OJT). Oatey partners closely with Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) to deliver a robust, specialized curriculum to complement the OJT that takes place at the Oatey facility. Every apprentice must complete up to 10,000 hours of OJT.
Visit Oatey.com to learn more about career opportunities at Oatey Co.
Dearborn®, a part of the Oatey family of brands, today announced that its True Blue® Bath Waste Kits are now available in an on-trend Champagne Bronze finish, adding to its already robust line of designer finishes. The new Champagne Bronze finish allows installers to add an elegant and traditional touch to any bathroom, while it Read more
Dearborn®, a part of the Oatey family of brands, today announced that its True Blue® Bath Waste Kits are now available in an on-trend Champagne Bronze finish, adding to its already robust line of designer finishes. The new Champagne Bronze finish allows installers to add an elegant and traditional touch to any bathroom, while it also pairs well with many different finishes, including other metallics.
Innovative, flexible and designed with the plumber in mind, the True Blue Bath Waste line is made with integrated locking features that reduce the number of tools needed for installation, saving time and frustration. The new Champagne Bronze finish enhances the existing portfolio of the True Blue line, which also includes bath waste kits in Matte Black, Chrome, White, Brushed Nickel, Oil Rubbed Bronze, and Brushed Gold.
Constructed of brass, the True Blue Drain Spud is built for durability and longevity. Featuring two heavy duty crossbars, it provides a greater flow rate than standard, four-crossbar designs. The Drain Spud can accept the trim veneer for easy finish change and replacement and is compatible with all existing True Blue components.
True Blue Bath Waste Champagne Bronze is available in full, half and trim kits with options for ABS or PVC and touch toe, uni-lift and push ‘n’ pull stopper options. The trim kits in designer finishes are also compatible with True Blue Brass and True Blue FLEX, which is made with flexible PVC tubing to overcome jobsite obstructions. To learn more, visit oatey.com or your local distributor.
Are your customers requesting bathroom updates that will be stylish and functional for years to come? More homeowners than ever are renovating, using universal design principles that allow these spaces to serve people of varying ages and abilities. Universal design provides numerous important benefits to home and building owners, including higher levels of safety and Read more
Are your customers requesting bathroom updates that will be stylish and functional for years to come? More homeowners than ever are renovating, using universal design principles that allow these spaces to serve people of varying ages and abilities. Universal design provides numerous important benefits to home and building owners, including higher levels of safety and increased property value.
Universal design basics
Universal design creates an environment that is accessible to all people to the greatest extent possible. That means a bathroom will function as well for a child as it does for a senior. Basic principles of universal design focus on functionality. In the bathroom that might mean adding strategic lighting, slip-resistant flooring and features like grab bars.
Your customers don’t have to sacrifice aesthetics to achieve the functional goals of universal design. More options than ever are available for enhancing the bathroom’s safety and functionality while adding luxurious upgrades that are as useful as they are eye-catching.
When function and fashion blend like this in home improvements, it can add significant value to properties.
Curbless shower features
Consider one of the year’s top bathroom design trends: curbless showers with linear drains. This creates a barrier-free experience that is visually appealing, making it ideal for the universal design home.
A curbless walk-in shower eliminates hazards like curbs or thresholds that can cause people to slip or trip. It’s easier to use, whether you walk or utilize a device for assistance, such as a shower wheelchair. Curbless showers also provide an open feel, which makes the space feel larger because visual lines are not disrupted.
Curbless showers are enhanced by linear drains that are installed flush to the flooring, further reducing trip hazards while adding a sleek appearance to the space. With no barrier to cross, the floor more easily accommodates a freestanding bench, a walker or other mobility aids.
An added benefit is that linear drains generally avoid looking institutional, like some wheelchair-friendly bathrooms can. An excellent example of this counter-institutional trend is QuickDrain’s WallDrain, in which the drain literally disappears into the wall, offering an ultra-clean and contemporary look.
A curbless shower is achievable with various drainage points, therefore offering versatility in terms of design. A curbless shower also provides flexibility regarding its location, since you are not tied to placing the drain in a specific spot.
Deciding on shower doors is another important aspect of universal design. Glass doors work well for curbless walk-in showers because they open the space and let in light.
Another option is to design the space to be completely open as a wet room. Glass dividers are a hybrid option that provide a partition without a door, but can be easily removed if your customer might want to open the space in the future.
Shower bench
A shower bench can greatly enhance the look and functionality of a shower. It can serve as a necessary place to sit, a retreat to relaxation, or simply a place to store hygiene products, while also offering accessibility and style.
The QuickDrain BenchSeat offers three PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bench configurations to meet differing needs, depending on bench placement and overall shower size. These multiple configurations are suitable for newly constructed or renovated tile showers. Not only do these shower benches meet the ADA standard guidelines for height, but they also exceed the weight requirement, promoting a universal design for all.
Grab bars
Grab bars will offer added stability and convenience to your shower and bathroom. Contrary to popular belief, grab bars aren’t just meant for healthcare or senior living facilities. They can also increase safety and convenience in your home for children, pregnant women, and anyone dealing with health issues or recovering from an injury.
Dearborn Grab Bars are ADA-compliant and available in 1-1/4″ and 1-1/2″ diameters with concealed or open flanges. Available in peened or satin finishes, these grab bars can be ordered in whatever length is needed.
Universal design is important in bathrooms because these spaces are used every day. Whether your customer’s goal is to age in place or to make home improvements to improve property value, bathrooms with stylish universal design will help you meet those goals.
About the Author: Marlee Gannon is Director, Wholesale Product and Channel, at Oatey Co. With a robust background in sales, product development and marketing, Marlee’s comprehensive knowledge of the plumbing industry, its products and people, has helped propel her career over the past 7+ years. She is highly engaged with the chain of distribution, from end-users to Oatey’s wholesaler-partners.
Dearborn®, a part of the Oatey family of companies, today announced that its True Blue® Bath Waste Kits are now available in Brass material, further expanding its already extensive offering of bath-waste kits. Designed with the plumber in mind, the True Blue line is made with integrated locking features that reduce the number of tools Read more
Dearborn®, a part of the Oatey family of companies, today announced that its True Blue® Bath Waste Kits are now available in Brass material, further expanding its already extensive offering of bath-waste kits.
Designed with the plumber in mind, the True Blue line is made with integrated locking features that reduce the number of tools needed for installation, saving time and eliminating frustration.
Dearborn® True Blue® Brass is ideal for markets where brass installations are required for commercial and residential applications. It is suitable for standard tub depths up to 16” and whirlpool depths up to 24”.
Dearborn® True Blue® Brass is available in rough and full kits with solder and slip joint connections. The full kit includes a test kit, chrome trim kit, overflow assembly, waste shoe assembly and a solder, or slip joint tee.
Constructed of brass, the True Blue Drain Spud is built for durability and longevity. Featuring two heavy-duty crossbars, it provides a greater flow rate than standard, four-crossbar designs. The Drain Spud can accept the trim veneer for easy finish change and replacement, and is compatible with all existing True Blue components.
True Blue Bath Waste is available in full, half, rough and trim kits with options for ABS or PVC and touch toe, uni-lift and push n’ pull stopper choices. The trim kits come in designer finishes, including Matte Black, Chrome, White, Brushed Nickel, Oil Rubbed Bronze and Brushed Gold. Brass options are available with a standard slip-joint tee, NY tee, solder tee, and female outlet tee.
To learn more, visit oatey.com or your local wholesaler-distributor.
Oatey Co., a leading manufacturer in the plumbing industry since 1916, recently named J&K Sales the top-performing manufacturer representative for its Wholesale Business Unit in 2021, recognizing the agency’s exceptional partnership and accomplishments in support of Oatey Co. and its companies. In addition, Oatey named Chase Freeman, Vice President, Spirit Group, the inaugural winner of Read more
Oatey Co., a leading manufacturer in the plumbing industry since 1916, recently named J&K Sales the top-performing manufacturer representative for its Wholesale Business Unit in 2021, recognizing the agency’s exceptional partnership and accomplishments in support of Oatey Co. and its companies. In addition, Oatey named Chase Freeman, Vice President, Spirit Group, the inaugural winner of its Bob Bender Legacy Award.
J&K Sales, whose partnership with Oatey spans nearly 20 years, earned the title of Wholesale Manufacturer Representative of the Year because of their exceptional work, perseverance and passion throughout 2021. They delivered exceptional sales results for the year, across budget targets, new-product sales and more. In addition, through consistent investments in their business – such as training, associate development and team growth – J&K has positioned themselves for ongoing success.
“Oatey’s manufacturer representatives are an extension of our team, and we are extremely grateful for their hard work and dedication,” said Patrick Aquino, Vice President, Wholesale Sales at Oatey Co. “J&K Sales has built a phenomenal team in the New England states. They are strong in all segments, and I see them only getting stronger. Congratulations to them on this well-deserved honor.”
Oatey also recognized Chase Freeman of Spirit Group as the inaugural winner of the Bob Bender Legacy Award. Prior to his death in 2018, Bender spent his 42-year career in sales at Oatey, during which time he forged indelible relationships with customers and industry partners. His legacy and contributions will continue to serve as an example and inspiration to Oatey team members and partners for years to come.
Freeman was selected for the Bob Bender Legacy Award because of his passion, creative energy and willingness to go above and beyond for Oatey in both the rough-plumbing and waterworks markets. His ability to think outside the box enables him to drive impressive sales results, and he consistently demonstrates perseverance in support of Oatey and its brand.
“Congratulations to Chase on being the well-deserved winner of the Bob Bender Legacy Award,” said Aquino. “His dedication, no-quit attitude and enthusiasm for this industry are a true reflection of Bob’s legacy, and I know Bob would be proud to see Chase receive this recognition. We are so appreciative of his contributions.”