In this episode, we sit down with Dave Donahue, Waterworks Market Manager at Fernco, to talk about the evolution of one of the most recognized names in the industry—and why it still matters today.

Dave walks us through the history of Fernco, from its beginnings with a master plumber hand-making “donuts” in Detroit to becoming a global leader in flexible couplings. We get into what sets great manufacturers apart, why solving real problems in the field is everything, and how innovation actually happens in this industry.

We also dive into Dave’s own journey—from construction to marketing to sales—and how he built momentum during COVID by thinking differently and meeting customers where they were.

One of the most impactful parts of the conversation highlights Fernco’s “Sparks Program,” an initiative creating meaningful employment opportunities for individuals on the autism spectrum—proof that great companies don’t just build products, they build people.

This episode is about more than couplings. It’s about culture, innovation, and the responsibility we all have to keep pushing the industry forward.