Ryan Kiscaden
Next Gen All Star: Eric Harvey
Age: 39
Company: American Plumbing Heating & Cooling
Title: Plumbing service manager and director of field operations
How long have you been in the PHCP-PVF industry?
EH: 17 years
What drew you into the industry?
EH: I have always really enjoyed mechanicals in general, even as a kid. And then joining the military at 17 really gave me greater insight into how logistics, attention to detail and structure are critical in making processes work efficiently. So, when I was introduced to the industry, I was very intrigued by how complete building systems were engineered and then installed to those engineered specifications. And over the years, I was able to learn and implement the understanding of what it takes to build these systems. From atmospheric pressure to microorganisms, I’ve been hooked ever since.
What is the most rewarding aspect of working in the industry?
EH: I’m not sure I can pick just one aspect of the industry that I find the most rewarding. First and foremost, training, teaching and helping motivated technicians and mechanics grow within the industry is extremely rewarding for me. I take much pride in experiencing the growth and success of the employees that I have had the opportunity to work with over the years. Second, I would have to say solving problems for the consumer. It is instantly gratifying to create solutions for customers when they feel there are no other options while fearing the financial burden, they feel they may have to face for a solution.
What motivates you every day?
EH: Number one is my family. Without them, I am not sure if I would have been able to maintain the level of motivation that I have been able to maintain to this day. Otherwise, my professional team genuinely motivates me every day. Their motivation to do their best daily for our team and our brand says everything. Holding each other accountable every day for the best interest of one another for professional growth and efficiency is an incredible sign of success by itself. And that should motivate any professional who wants to achieve success.
What is one thing you wish more people knew/understood about the PHCP-PVF industry?
EH: I wish more people knew or understood how critical the industry is in keeping all of us healthy. Giving all of us the opportunity to stay clean, have potable water, eliminating hazardous waste from living areas, staying warm in the winter and cool in the summer. We as a people really take for granted how much industry contributes to our everyday lives.
What has been the proudest moment in your career so far?
EH: Being part of building/growing new departments within the company I have worked for the last decade. And experiencing the unexpected growth and success of those departments in a very short time frame with those who have played a role in that success. What we have been able to accomplish in the industry, in the time frame we have, is virtually unheard of.
What is one thing most people don’t know about you?
EH: I have a strong passion for music, mainly vocals, and computer animation. It would be a dream come true for me to create and produce an animation with a complete musical production within the animation.
Why he was chosen as a Next Gen All Star Top 20 Under 40 winner:
“Eric Harvey is deserving of this nomination for a multitude of reasons. Let me tell you a little bit about him and you'll get a clearer picture of his character and why I'm compelled to share his inspiring story.
Eric dedicated nine years of active duty service to the Army, much of which was spent overseas working in logistics. He entered the plumbing industry back in 2011 as a laborer in the construction division and was a stand-out employee from the start. In just 10 years, he was promoted to field superintendent, then project manager and finally director of field operations before taking on the role of service manager.
“With hard work and plenty of grit, he has helped our organization reach some incredible milestones in the past 16 months. As a working manager, Eric has been instrumental in building our team and helping them understand their value and how their contributions affect the bottom line. After implementing flat rate pricing, things really picked up speed and we began to see a positive shift in the morale.
“He supports the technicians' ongoing progress by focusing on providing solutions and repair/replacement options instead of just making a sale. He reinforces this message every week with a standing one-on-one meeting to review the previous weeks’ results for conversion rate, tasks per call, dollars per task and sold hours to on-job time. He’s a coach and a cheerleader and celebrates their success every chance he gets.
“As a woman who’s spent her entire career in a male-dominated field like the trades, I’ve seen a lot of misogynist behaviors with good ole’ boy attitudes. Eric has shown me in his actions, not just his words, that times are changing, and those toxic behaviors will never again be tolerated. Because of Eric and his leadership, our revenue increased 45% year-over-year and we are just getting started!” — Lynette Raimondi, American Plumbing Heating & Cooling
