PHCPPros: Off the Cuff

In our latest Off the Cuff episode, we’re talking all about the Clean Water Bash, an annual Nashville fundraiser for Living Waters for the World. The event brings the plumbing industry together for a fun night in support of a serious mission: helping communities install and sustain clean water systems. 

Joining The Wholesaler Editor Ruth Mitchell is Dennis DeBlock, national business development manager for Ariston USA. As a volunteer and sponsor of the Clean Water Bash, learn what Dennis has to say about what makes the Bash so special, how the PHCP industry has rallied behind its mission and how one unforgettable night can help change lives around the world. 

9th Annual Clean Water Bash

Saturday, November 7

The Standard Club in Nashville

🎟️ Get tickets: www.eventbrite.com/e/clean-water-bash-9-ftnashville-yacht-club-band-tickets-2002575749976

IG: @cleanwaterbash
Auction: www.32auctions.com/lww26

🌐 Connect with Dennis on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/dennis-deblock-74943610

Consolidation is reshaping the HVAC industry — and its impact extends well beyond contractors.

In the latest episode of Off the Cuff, PHC News Editor Steve Smith sits down with Chris Forth, VP of Regulatory, Codes & Environmental Affairs at Bosch Home Comfort, to discuss how the shift from independent contractors to private equity-backed organizations is changing the way manufacturers do business.

Forth explores how manufacturers are adapting to serve both large consolidated organizations and traditional independent contractors, from strengthening relationships and expanding training to investing in digital tools and new approaches to customer support. He also explains why the industry’s ongoing labor shortage has made both technical and business education increasingly important.

The conversation looks at how evolving HVAC technology is influencing contractor training and product support as well, including Bosch’s emphasis on hands-on education and flexible online learning.

Plus, Forth discusses refrigerant transitions, changing efficiency and environmental regulations, the potential future role of propane as a refrigerant, and why manufacturers will need to remain agile as requirements continue to evolve.

Tune in for a conversation about what consolidation means for HVAC manufacturers, contractors and distributors — and what successful industry partnerships could look like in the years ahead.

Artificial intelligence is fueling unprecedented demand for data centers — and with it, a major shift in how these facilities are cooled.

In our latest Off the Cuff episode, PHC News Editor Steve Smith sits down with Joe Choflet, vice president of sales and marketing at NIBCO, to discuss why liquid cooling is quickly becoming the standard for modern data centers. They explore how contractors and engineers can prepare for this rapidly growing market, the importance of early collaboration with manufacturers, supply chain considerations, labor challenges, and how innovations like direct-to-chip cooling are reshaping mechanical system design. 

This episode is a must-listen for any member of the PHCP industry seeking practical insights into one of the fastest-growing sectors in commercial construction!

What does it really mean to lead—with honesty, vulnerability, and purpose?

In our latest episode, The Wholesaler Editor Ruth Mitchell sits down with Scott Thornton, president and local owner of Temecula Winnelson, to discuss his path from addiction and personal struggle to becoming a purpose-driven leader in the trades. From a defining wake-up call to rebuilding his mindset, habits, and relationships, Scott opens up about what it really takes to change.

Tune in to learn about the soft skills that matter most and why investing in ourselves may be the most important work any of us can do.

One hidden plumbing issue wastes energy, increases costs, and creates serious safety risks—yet it can take hours (or days) to track down.

In our latest Off the Cuff episode, PHC News Editor Steve Smith sits down with Shashwat Nath, senior product manager at Watts Water Technologies, to discuss how Watts is addressing one of the most frustrating challenges plumbers face: crossflow. 

The company's new LFUSG-CS Under Sink Guardian point of use mixing valve is the industry’s first point-of-use mixing valve engineered to simplify diagnosis and repair through visual indication and a replaceable strainer cartridge.

Whether you're a contractor, engineer, or facility manager, this episode offers practical insight into reducing time, labor, and material waste associated with diagnosing and replacing fouled point-of-use mixing valves. 

In our latest Off the Cuff episode, PHC News Editor Steve Smith is joined by Christine Boehm, Communications and Events Team Lead at SupplyHouse!

Recorded live from the PHCC CONNECT trade show floor this fall, the duo explore how SupplyHouse is helping shape the future of the skilled trades with its Track to the Trades initiative. Now in its second year, Track to the Trades is poised to deliver $100,000 in scholarships, grants, and in-kind donations, benefiting accredited trade schools and organizations such as Tools & Tiaras and Operation Tiny Home. The conversation highlights how SupplyHouse’s GRIT philosophy — Generosity, Respect, Innovation, and Teamwork — guides the program’s design, while real-life success stories illustrate the tangible difference this support makes for students pursuing careers in the trades.

About Christine: Christine began her career at SupplyHouse in Customer Service and Product Support, where she developed a deep understanding of the company’s customers, products, and values — a foundation that continues to inform her approach to communication and engagement today.

Christine holds an advanced degree in Nonprofit Leadership and Management, and her academic and professional experiences are rooted in a passion for mission-driven work that builds connection and community. She is dedicated to creating meaningful experiences that reflect SupplyHouse’s culture of care - both for its employees and for the tradespeople who power the industry.

In our latest episode, PHC News Editor Steve Smith is joined by Kaytee Grey, vice president of SupplyHouse’s supply chain and fulfillment operations! 

Tune in as Kaytee talks about the steps she takes to ensure timely, accurate, and cost-effective delivery to customers — discussing streamlining processes, what automation brings to supply chain management, and how to develop productive teams. 

Prior to joining SupplyHouse, Kaytee held several influential positions in demand, financial planning, pricing, and promotion at leading companies, including HSN, QVC, Target, Family Dollar, and Dollar Tree.   

In this month's cover story extra, Editor Steve Smith sits down with Khadija Head, chief leadership officer at Head’s Plumbing Sales & Service! 

Tune in as the duo discuss — 

• What it means to Khadija to lead the oldest Black-owned plumbing business in Georgia
• The history behind Head’s Plumbing and how Khadija's grandfather was instrumental in its establishment
• Working in a family business and how Khadija and her brother balance each other's professional strengths
•  Khadija's impressive NCAA career and how she utilizes her coaching skills with the staff at Head's
• The importance of representation in the trades 
• And more!

In our latest episode, PHCPPros Editor Steve Smith is joined by Ian Baynes, VP/ GM Fluid Solutions at Watts Water Technologies! 

Tune in as the duo discuss all things backflow prevention — 

• Why Watts started National Backflow Prevention Day in 2021 and how it has evolved since 
• How connected products have changed the game 
• What plumbers can do to raise awareness 
• The surprising results of Watts' recent homeowner survey on the topic
• What to expect during Watts' backflow webinar on Aug. 15 
• And more!

Discover how smart backflow technologies are helping engineers and facility pros design safer, more resilient buildings. Accelerate your career today – register now: https://ow.ly/BgaB50WtlZw

About Ian: With more than 35 years of manufacturing, marketing, and global business leadership experience, Ian joined Watts in 2017 as Snr. Product Manager, Backflow. In 2019, Ian transitioned into the role of Director Product management, and in 2025 he became the VP/ GM of the Fluid Solutions platform. In this role, Ian is responsible for the platforms’ profitable growth, product innovation, influencing codes and standards, and improving customer’s experience.

In this month's cover story extra, Editor Steve Smith sits down with Jon Hirsch, director of business development for Auer Steel & Heating Supply Co. — a family-owned HVAC wholesaler based in Milwaukee. Hirsch and his team routinely visit local high schools to talk to the students about working in the skilled trades, and in 2023, Auer opened its own 5,400-square-foot Technical Training Center to train both aspiring and existing techs. 

Tune in as the duo discuss why Auer Steel was inspired to get high school students to pursue careers in the skilled trades, how perceptions of the skilled trades have evolved over the years, what teaching methods the company uses to keep students interested, and more. Plus — we dive further into this month's cover story and learn more about the company's work with trade skills program ACE Academy and contractor Air Tech Heating.