PHCC Educational Foundation scholarships offer tuition assistance

This year, the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors — National Association (PHCC) Educational Foundation scholarship program will award up to 61 scholarships totaling $160,000. Awards are available to plumbing and HVACR apprentices working for PHCC—National Association members, trade school or community college students taking plumbing or HVAC classes and college students pursuing majors directly related to the plumbing-heating-cooling industry.

All applicants are required to answer a few questions about their interest in the trades and career plans, plus provide a letter of recommendation. Apprentices can get that recommendation from their contractor employer, while trade school or college students can have an instructor or guidance counselor write their recommendation. With those materials prepared, the application process can take as little as 15 to 30 minutes. Awards range from $1,000 to $10,000; with the most awards set at $2,500 each. The deadline for all submission materials is May 1, and the application can be found at phccfoundation.org/scholarships.

“Some contractors pay for their apprentices’ training - we still want those apprentices to apply. Union apprentices who are expected to pay for their own textbooks should apply as well,” said John Zink, Foundation vice president of development and communications. “These awards are intended to smooth the career path for individuals interested in joining our industry, and to make professional training affordable for the apprentice and their employer.”

Apprentice applicants must be working for a contractor member of the PHCC — National Association.

The scholarships are funded by contractor donations to the PHCC Educational Foundation and by these corporate sponsors: A. O. Smith, Bradford White Corp., Delta Faucet Co., Moen, RIDGID, Scorpion Home Services Marketing, State Water Heaters and Viega.

Bradford White, PHCC extend exclusive partnership agreement

Bradford White and PHCC announced 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; and
• 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.”

REHAU Group suspends operations in Russia

REHAU Group announced is has suspended operations in Russia, due to the development of the crisis and the suffering of the people in Ukraine. As a company that operates in Ukraine, as well as in Russia and Belarus, it emphasizes its position:

• REHAU strongly condemns the attack on Ukraine and its people;
• It is a war against humanity, the freedom of all of us and peace in Europe; and
• Thus, against the values for which we as a REHAU Group stand with all of its subgroups.

The company has decided to suspend our operations in Russia and Belarus until further notice.

Russia in particular, where REHAU has been present for many years, is an important market for the company. The company stated it hopes the situation will soon change in such a way that it can resume our activities in both countries.

REHAU said its priority is the safety of its colleagues and their families in Ukraine and those that are leaving the country. The company began preparing possible contingency plans some time ago. Concrete help is underway at various levels:

• Via the emergency aid fund “Family for Families,” which has been endowed by the company with a significant sum to provide immediate assistance, but also to support reconstruction later on;
• Via the crisis taskforce, which coordinates support for our team in Ukraine, but also for the people fleeing. We are in constant contact with the local management for this; and
• And via an account we have set up for donations from our 20,000 employees worldwide.

Dr. Veit Wagner, president of REHAU Group, stated, “We hope for a peaceful outcome and our thoughts remain with everyone affected by the conflict.”

Manhattan Mechanical achieves three-year, zero OSHA-recordable record

Manhattan Mechanical Services announced a third consecutive year with zero OSHA recordables. As Chicagoland’s premier merit shop mechanical contractor, a proactive approach to safety has created a deeply ingrained safety culture that drives this impressive record.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) enforces safety standards in the workplace to ensure safe working conditions for workers, offering employers training, outreach, education, and assistance to maintain a safe and healthy work environment. Employers are required to record any work-related injuries and illnesses that require medical treatment beyond first aid or involve a loss of consciousness, time off work, work restrictions, transfer of jobs, diagnosed cases of cancer or chronic irreversible diseases, fractured or cracked bones or teeth, punctured eardrums, or fatalities.

As a result, OSHA utilizes this information to evaluate risks and hazards in the workplace with the intent to identify and prevent further injury, illnesses, or fatalities. OSHA safety standards are responsible for saving thousands of lives and preventing countless injuries and diseases.

At Manhattan Mechanical, high safety standards remain paramount in each project’s execution and quality mechanical services. A safety-first approach is crucial to mitigate risks, according to corporate safety manager Nate Hassett.

“The credit goes to our employees for being able to perform projects injury-free,” says Hassett. “Their input and reaching out to our safety department are huge factors in our success and contribute to our safety culture.

“Our employees are the key to the successful safety culture that we’ve built,” Hassett adds. “From the supervisors to the foreman, to our safety and training departments, etc., our commitment to safety is a shared responsibility that we take to heart. If it can be done, it can be done safely. This is why Manhattan Mechanical stands above the rest.”

MAX Service Group names Greg Wells president

MAX Service Group, which operates a number of leading heating, cooling and plumbing companies in the Midwest, is proud to announce Greg Wells as its new president. Wells, who has been with MAX Service Group for more than six years, started with the company in the role of fleet and safety manager and spent more than four years as director of sales before being promoted to vice president, and now, president.

Former MAX Service Group President Jacob Huck will remain with the company as a special project manager.

“It is an honor to lead MAX Service Group, and I hope to follow the superior leadership footsteps left by Jacob Huck,” said Wells. “Time and time again, I’ve been in awe of the way this company has been able to not only impact customers through exemplary services but make a real impact in the communities it serves, as well. I’m thrilled to continue with MAX Service Group in this new role, and am confident we’ll be able to expand upon our top-notch reputation to do more great things in the industry and in the Midwest.”

“When I decided I wanted to step away from the President’s role with MAX Service Group to spend more time with my family, my instinct was to look within the company for a successor,” Huck said. “Greg immediately came to mind. He has a long history of success with MAX Service Group and is an incredible leader. I have no doubt he’ll push the company forward in meaningful ways, and I am confident he’ll help spur more growth for the business.”

MAX Service Group operates Williams Comfort Air and Mr. Plumber in central Indiana, Thomas & Galbraith Heating, Cooling & Plumbing in southwestern Ohio, Buckeye Heating and Cooling in greater Columbus, Ohio and Jarboe’s Heating, Cooling & Plumbing in greater Louisville, Kentucky.

Power Selling Pros launches social media show to help contractors improve customer service

Power Selling Pros, a customer service and call handling training company, is helping improve customer service for contractors with the launch of its new show “This Call May Be Recorded.”

During the show, Power Selling Pros Head of Marketing Zac Garside listens to customer service calls and discusses how the CSR could have improved the experience.

“Customer service calls provide a great opportunity to create repeat business, but oftentimes contractors don’t emphasize or realize its importance,” Garside said. “We want to change how home service contractors think about customer service because it can be a difference-maker when it comes to growing their business.”

“This Call May Be Recorded” airs live every Friday at 11 a.m. MST on YouTube and Facebook. From installation calls to conversations with callers who dialed the wrong number, Garside covers a variety of situations on the show.

“When we receive a call from a customer, it is the first and only time they give us their undivided attention,” said Brigham Dickinson, president and founder of Power Selling Pros. “In today’s digital world, booking an appointment can easily be done online, but the customer calls because they want the personal interaction. That is the perfect opportunity for contractors to build the relationship, which is why it’s vital for home service business owners to invest in the time to train their CSRs. It can take your company to the next level.”

To watch “This Call May Be Recorded” or submit your recorded calls to be on the show, visit powersellingpros.com/this-call-may-be-recorded.

For more information about Power Selling Pros, visit powersellingpros.com.

Caleffi announces promotions

Caleffi North America announced the promotion of six employees. The moves help position Caleffi for continued growth and demonstrates the company’s commitment to leadership cultivation.

General Director and CEO of Caleffi North America, Mark Olson, noted, “We no longer are a small company. The latest appointments recognize the achievements of these veterans to date and add to our growing team of leaders and future leaders. What they all have in common is a passion for what they do and the ability to inspire others to do likewise. They contribute greatly to Caleffi’s innovative leadership in the marketplace while creating a fun, family-type culture to be associated with.”

The promotions include:

• Mike Schreiner named chief technology officer;
• Mary Olson named marketing director;
• Cody Mack named product manager;
• Max Rohr named manager, education and industry engagement ;
• Dan Phelps named senior manager, planning and customer service; and
• Jesus Saavedra named warehouse manager.