PHCPPros: Behind the Wall

Evelyn Pacheco is an Army veteran who became Nevada’s first black female union plumber nearly 20 years ago.  Find out what impact joining the military had on her life, why she entered the skilled trades, and how she continues to prepare other women in Nevada for successful careers in high-skilled trade occupations!

Cheryl discusses how she began her career and the lessons she’s learned along the way. Discover how she combines her love of tech and the trades, as well as how she has staked her claim in the two heavily male-dominated industries!

Cheryl McRae is the Director of Vertical Marketing and Producer of The Sharpest Tool™ podcast. She spearheads Scorpion's strategy for educating home services businesses about digital marketing and connecting them to solutions for acquiring new customers. Cheryl brings more than 15 years of award-winning national and international marketing expertise to the Scorpion team. When Cheryl isn't working, she's typically busy kickboxing, strength training, hiking, and enjoying California's beautiful weather and Pacific Ocean.

Host Ellen Rohr interviews Michael Werner, CEO and founder of HomeX. They discuss why Michael entered our industry, his experiences working with family, advice for businesses looking to grow, and the motivation behind HomeX, a home services platform combining world-class technology and next generation service operations. Michael also shares how his life changed when he was diagnosed with lymphoma, as well as his commitment to making a positive difference for others. 

Jay Egg was fascinated when his wife, Kristy Egg, explained that epidemiological studies can be thought of for requiring seat belts in cars, and for the banning of lawn darts. He was even more fascinated to learn about Legionnaires Disease and Pontiac Fever, and why HVAC systems can be such a breeding ground for them.

Ellen Rohr interviews the duo to discuss their ongoing work with IAPMO's Legionella Task Group, what the focus of their efforts has been during the COVID-19 pandemic and the progress they've seen in the prevention of Legionnaires' disease. Plus, Jay and Kristy share their personal heroes and missions, as well as what makes them happy in life and our industry!

Jay is a consultant and designer of geothermal HVAC systems, in addition to being author of two books and several articles on the subject. He is the Founder of Egg Systems, and focuses on geothermal consulting, engineering, and contracting technologies.

Kristy is a Registered Nurse and a public health and environmental health student learning to live with the disability of epilepsy and change paths mid-life. 

Erin Holohan Haskell, president of HeatingHelp.com, shares her experiences growing up in the industry and working with family, as well as how she works to strengthen our industry through education, community and mentorship. 

Host Ellen Rohr interviews Josh Kelly, CEO of Clover Marketing, a marketing consulting business for contractors. Tune in to hear their vulnerable discussion on life as a serial entrepreneur, working for a family business, and finding love, as well as how Josh went from working 80-hour weeks to establishing his ideal work-life balance and staying in touch with what matters. 

Host Ellen Rohr interviews Sean McCormack, PHC News columnist and owner of BMC Plumbing and Heating Inc. They discuss what it's like to take over a family business, how Sean balances work and family, and why he decided to start writing about his life as a plumber. 

Ellen interviews Dennis Hamon, co-owner of Zoom Drain Seattle and Gene Johnson Plumbing and Heating. Tune in to learn about Dennis' unique career path (he's perhaps the world's only plumbing mortician) as well as how he's helping young people get the most out of their apprenticeships. 

Ellen Rohr interviews Dan Foley, the president and owner of Foley Mechanical. Listen to find out how this industry icon got his start and what lessons he's learned throughout his 30-year career. 

Laura Kelly is the head of sales and marketing at RevuKangaroo and partner at Clover Marketing and Consulting, a full service marketing firm that specializes in the home services industry. At only 24 years old, Laura has consulted one-on-one with billion-dollar businesses and CEOs, toured the country with a venture capitalist investment group, and run more than 30 events across the nation.

Tune in as she and Host Ellen Rohr discuss Laura's journey from Ireland to the United States, how she got her start in the PHCP industry and the steps she thinks all contractors should take to improve their marketing efforts!