PHCC

As of Jan. 6, 2023, Mark Ingrao is no longer the chief executive officer of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association (PHCC).

Former PHCC Educational Foundation Chief Operating Officer Cindy Sheridan, CAE, has been named PHCC’s interim chief executive officer. Sheridan joined PHCC as the membership director in 2000 and became the Foundation Chief Operating Officer in 2010.

“We are delighted to have Cindy serve as staff leader for our PHCC team,” said PHCC President Dave Frame. “She is a well-respected professional who knows our association and industry well. Her extensive knowledge and expertise will help guide us as we collaborate together to build the future for our industry.”

Falls Church, Va. —  The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors — National Association’s (PHCC) Educational Foundation is proud to announce the winners of the national plumbing and HVAC apprentice contests. The contests were held October 5^th & 6^th in Charlotte, North Carolina on the tradeshow floor during the PHCC—National Association’s CONNECT 2022 event. A total of eighteen plumbing and ten HVAC apprentices from across the nation took part in the contests.

PHCC Educational Foundation Chair Kevin Tindall, Plumbing Contest Winner Jake Elsbecker and Plumbing Contest Chair Jim Steinle.

Plumbing Apprentice Contest Winners

• First place: Jake Elsbecker, from Midwestern Mechanical in Spencer, Iowa. He was sponsored by Zoeller.
• Second place: Scott Hicks, Jr. from TD Industries in Houston, Texas. He was sponsored by the International Code Council.
• Third place: Alex Estevez from B Wagner Contracting in Allentown, New Jersey. He was sponsored by the Copper Development Association.

HVAC Apprentice Contest Winners

• First Place: Sebastian Uhde, from Magnolia Plumbing, Heating and Cooling in Washington D.C. He was sponsored by the PHCC National Auxiliary.
• Second place: Harrison Bosler, from Howe Inc. in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He was sponsored by NIBCO, INC.

• Third Place: Sean Reed, from Reddick and Sons in Manassas, Virginia. He was sponsored by RIDGID.

The plumbing apprentices were required rough-in a bathroom system. The set-up includes a toilet, sink and shower, complete with supply, waste and vent lines, plus cleanouts and extra features designed to test the contestants’ knowledge and skills. The test set-up includes a variety of pipe materials – cast iron, copper, and PVC and corresponding joining methods.

The HVAC competitors were required to complete a written test, demonstrate proper brazing techniques and perform a hands-on diagnostic on an HVAC package unit, with system errors created by the Foundation’s contractor volunteers for the competition. The competitors also had to perform a pressure and leak test, demonstrate proper refrigerant recovery procedures and the ability to accurately take a variety of instrument readings.

A dedicated team of contractor volunteers arrived two days before the competitions to assemble the competitor test benches, distribute the materials and supplies and setup the testing areas. They monitor the competitions, evaluate the apprentices’ work and provide constructive feedback on each competitor’s performance following the event.

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.