When she was young, Sara Mazin moved around a lot. That’s because her family wanted the best opportunities for her that she coundn’t have in a third-world country. Born in Mauritania, North Africa, and after just one month, Mazin initially moved to Berwyn, Ill. and lived there until she was 16. She moved across the Read more
trades
When she was young, Sara Mazin moved around a lot. That’s because her family wanted the best opportunities for her that she coundn’t have in a third-world country. Born in Mauritania, North Africa, and after just one month, Mazin initially moved to Berwyn, Ill. and lived there until she was 16. She moved across the country to Irvine, Calif. to live with her sister so she could have a fresh start, and graduate high school.
As a young adult, Sara entered the trades by completing nine months at the now closed WyoTech College in Long Beach, focusing on the plumbing trades. Right after finishing the program, at the age of 19, Mazin was hired as a plumbing apprentice at Rescue Rooter Riverside. “I was bored, frankly,” says Mazin. “But by the time I worked my way up to plumbing service tech after six months, that’s when I fell in love with the trade.”
Working for the company was a good experience, but Mazin felt it was too big for her so she looked for a smaller company to work for where she could continue to learn, and have more opportunities. Mazin spent eight years with Kalka Plumbing Heating and Air as a plumbing service technician and field supervisor before she left to start her own company—Sara’s Best Plumbing, Orange County, Calif. Some two short years later, Sara runs a successful plumbing service and repair company with five employees.
You see Sara is a fast riser. What started as digging trenches, Sara worked her way up to the top, becoming a licensed Master Plumber. “When I realized I had that really strong passion for the trade, I had a vision to build a company that would impact not only my family, but other families throughout the plumbing trade and industry,” says Mazin.
Sara started Sara’s Best Plumbing in 2022, and early on, “I was extremely nervous to get the phone to ring,” says Mazin. “At first, I reached out and networked with everyone I knew. I focused on developing my online platforms—Instagram, facebook, Yelp, TikTok—to reach as many people as I could. I also focused on registering as a certified contractor with all the major manufacturers in the plumbing industry.”
Mentoring and Moving Forward
Mazin has gained such an admiration for the trades over the years. “I have so much respect and appreciation for the trade. There is literally nothing that I do not like about the trade,” she says.
Mazin recalls some of her mentors to help her get to where she is today. Thomas Gillespie, former plumbing manager at Kalka Plumbing and current GM at NexGen, taught Sara a lot of the sales and service and side of the industry. Kevin Kalka, owner of Kalka Plumbing really taught Sara a lot about the trade and plumbing. And lastly, Sara’s brother Abdul and sister Amna are mentors and role models in both business and life.
Loving the the problem-solving side of the trade and being able to solve problems for her clients, Sara absolutely considers herself a mentor. “I love leading by example, and passing on my knowledge and experience. I have always done that with my previous coworkers and now my employees at Sara’s Best Plumbing. I wish I was more of a mentor to women and would love that opportunity,” says Mazin.
And while Sara welcomes the role of mentoring for women, “I think the industry needs to be more diverse in bringing more minorities to leadership roles. They, in turn, can be role models for more people,” says Mazin. “It is really hard being what you haven’t seen. Meaning, we need more women/minorities in roles of leadership to open up more opportunities.”
In her “spare” time, Sara likes to be active: go on hikes, workout and trying any new activities. To decompress, she enjoys listening to music, cooking, and watching Netflix. Her bucket list items include 1) Going on a Safari in Africa 2) Sitting courtside at an NBA Game and 3) Visiting Italy or Fiji.
And while every day Sara is thankful everyday for the opportunities given to her, the last time she said “Today is a great day, ‘It was on the 4th of July when I got to spend time and hang out with my family eating BBQ’d and watching fireworks.’”
Houston — RectorSeal has announced the acquisition of PSP Products (PSP), an innovative supplier of surge protection and load management electrical solutions, which has worked with RectorSeal in recent years to build a comprehensive line of HVAC electrical products. This strategic acquisition broadens RectorSeal’s existing surge protection product line while allowing for continued market expansion Read more
Houston — RectorSeal has announced the acquisition of PSP Products (PSP), an innovative supplier of surge protection and load management electrical solutions, which has worked with RectorSeal in recent years to build a comprehensive line of HVAC electrical products. This strategic acquisition broadens RectorSeal’s existing surge protection product line while allowing for continued market expansion and growth outpacing the market.
Based in Manassas, Va, PSP Products has provided superior surge protection and load management products for over 30 years. The company has developed industry-leading load management systems for residential and commercial applications. All PSP surge protection devices have been designed, tested, and built for consistent and superior performance and have UL safety ratings. In addition to excellent performance, function, and protection, PSP Products use a unique hybrid design that allows products to perform efficiently for years in extreme power and environmental conditions.
“PSP has been a great partner to RectorSeal, working hand in hand to develop an industry-leading series of HVAC electrical products”, said Jeff Underwood, President of RectorSeal. “Bringing Clay and the rest of the PSP team into the organization will allow us to continue our innovation pace and better serve electrical distributors and contractors with a broader product offering.”
“I have had the chance to work with RectorSeal for the last five years and am confident that RectorSeal will be a good steward of the PSP team,” said Clay Outlaw, President of PSP Products. “We’re excited to join an industry leader and to continue innovating with new products to meet the electrical and HVAC contractor’s needs.”
Falls Church, Va. — Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors National Association (PHCC) unveils Jeff Butler and Mary Kelly as the keynote speakers for CONNECT 2024 in Birmingham, Alabama, October 7-10, at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex. Jeff Butler is a workplace strategist, who has offered expertise to help companies like Amazon, Google and John Deere foster a harmonious Read more
Falls Church, Va. — Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors National Association (PHCC) unveils Jeff Butler and Mary Kelly as the keynote speakers for CONNECT 2024 in Birmingham, Alabama, October 7-10, at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex.
Jeff Butler is a workplace strategist, who has offered expertise to help companies like Amazon, Google and John Deere foster a harmonious and high-performing workplace. Butler will present a keynote address, “Building an Effective Multi-Generational Workplace.” He will also lead a breakout session on the topic of “Winning the Talent War.”
Mary Kelly is a Council of Peer Award of Excellence speaker, best-selling author and Navy commander. At CONNECT, Kelly will share various stories and experiences of interest to p-h-c contractors during her keynote address, “Why Leaders Fail and the 7 Prescriptions for Success.” Kelly will also lead a breakout session, “Master Your World,” where she will emphasize effective tactics, practical strategies and innovative solutions that are tailored to dilemmas faced by today’s leaders.
“I know that many attendees, including myself, are anticipating the remarks that Jeff and Mary will share,” says Joe Cornetta, PHCC national president and co-owner of Cornetta Brothers, Inc., Elmont, New York. “We are excited to have these two leaders join us and help offer invaluable insights to the industry.”
For more details, including the schedule-at-a-glance, visit phccweb.org/CONNECT. This site offers information on education sessions, speakers, exhibitors, registration and hotel reservations, as well as the many attractions of Birmingham, known as “The Country’s Best Kept Secret.”
Washington, D.C. — In a landmark event, the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) along with the Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA), the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors National Association (SMACNA), and The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC) officially signed a strategic alliance agreement on July 10, 2024. The importance of all four associations Read more
Washington, D.C. — In a landmark event, the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) along with the Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA), the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors National Association (SMACNA), and The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC) officially signed a strategic alliance agreement on July 10, 2024.
The importance of all four associations coming together emphasizes the combined commitment to collaboration and innovation through all facets of the construction and maintenance industry. The agreement solidifies a unified front among these prominent organizations to address industry challenges and leverage collective strengths. It also highlights the value of cohesive efforts in advocating for policies that support the growth and stability of the construction sector at national and regional levels.
By working together NECA, MCAA, SMACNA and TAUC aim to develop and promote best practices, enhance safety standards, and drive technological advancements across their respective sectors.
David Long, CEO of NECA said, “Today’s agreement represents a pivotal moment for our industry. By uniting four leading trade associations, we are reinforcing our dedication to collaboration and innovation across every aspect of the construction and maintenance sector. This enables us to address the complexities of modern construction more effectively and deliver unparalleled value to our members and their clients.”
Timothy J. Brink, CEO of MCAA, echoed this sentiment, stating, “MCAA is thrilled to enter into this Strategic Alliance Agreement with NECA, SMACNA, and TAUC. This collaboration represents a significant step forward in unifying our efforts to address the critical issues impacting the construction and maintenance industry. Together, we will drive innovation, enhance safety, and foster growth for our unionized contractor members, ensuring the continued leadership of America’s construction capabilities on the global stage.”
Aaron Hilger, CEO of SMACNA conveyed, “Trade associations set a high bar for what it means to work together for the benefit of everyone. SMACNA is pleased to formalize ways that we will collaborate with our colleagues to advance practices and procedures that will grow our professions and help the people dedicated to building a better America and world.”
Daniel Hogan, CEO of TAUC, added, “This agreement is a great step forward for the construction and maintenance industry, and formalizes something we have known for a long time – we are at our best when we work together. TAUC is all about collaboration, and bringing all of these associations together will benefit all of us in the industry for years to come”
The strategic alliance is expected to deliver tangible benefits to the members of MCAA, NECA, SMACNA and TAUC by fostering a collaborative environment that encourages the sharing of knowledge and resources. This alliance is poised to set a new standard for industry cooperation and pave the way for future innovations.
The trusted water heater manufacturer and nonprofit veterinary services provider join to make a difference in the health and well-being of local pets. Ambler, Pa. Bradford White Corporation, an industry-leading manufacturer of water heaters, boilers and storage tanks, announced today a three-year partnership with Emancipet, a nonprofit organization on a mission to make veterinary care Read more
The trusted water heater manufacturer and nonprofit veterinary services provider join to make a difference in the health and well-being of local pets.
Ambler, Pa. Bradford White Corporation, an industry-leading manufacturer of water heaters, boilers and storage tanks, announced today a three-year partnership with Emancipet, a nonprofit organization on a mission to make veterinary care affordable and accessible for everyone.
Bradford White’s ongoing support ensures Emancipet clinics in Philadelphia can provide affordable, safe, and sanitary surgeries and other essential veterinary care.
“At Bradford White, we understand that reliable hot water is essential for maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness and sanitation in veterinary care,” said Rebecca Owens, senior communications manager, Bradford White Corporation. “That’s why we are proud to support Emancipet, whose mission to provide affordable and accessible vet services ensures pets and their families receive the best care possible. Together, we’re making a difference in the health and well-being of pets and their families.”
In Philadelphia, more than 500,000 pets live with families that cannot afford the costs of veterinary care. Since 1999, Emancipet and their growing network of clinics has provided pet families in need with low-cost healthy pet services such as vaccinations, heartworm prevention and flea and tick control as well as low-cost spay and neuter surgeries and more.
“Emancipet exists because we believe people love their pets and want to do what’s best for them,” said Robyn Colajezzi, vice president of development for Emancipet in Philadelphia. “The rapidly increasing cost of veterinary care makes it inaccessible for many families. But veterinary care is an essential service, just like many other important social services. We’re committed to strengthening this critical component of our community, and we’re grateful for Bradford White’s support.”
For more information about Bradford White, visit https://www.bradfordwhitecorporation.com/.
For information about Emancipet and its services in Philadelphia, please visit www.emancipet.org.