PHCPPros: Off the Cuff

In our latest episode, The Wholesaler Editor Ruth Mitchell is joined by Josh Aberman, CEO of Lehman Pipe and Supply! The wholesale distributor of pipe, valve, and fittings is based in Miami, with five locations in Florida and the Caribbean. Josh joined the company more than 15 years ago as its general manager, working his way through leadership roles when he was named president in 2023 and CEO in September 2024. 

Tune in as he and Ruth discuss Lehman Pipe's recent decision to partner with a private equity firm, the specific goals and challenges the company is addressing, and the advice Josh has for other businesses looking to take a similar path. Plus — learn all about the Plumbing Contractors Association (PCA) and Josh's involvement with the group! 

In our latest episode, The Wholesaler Editor Ruth Mitchell is joined by Amy Zucchi-Justice, director of marketing for Matco-Norca! The company is a supplier of globally sourced, code-compliant plumbing and PVF products for use in residential, commercial and industrial applications.

With a hands-on approach and a creative mindset, Amy has built a career leading strategic planning, branding, and business development initiatives. Join her and Ruth as they dive into how wholesalers can harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to elevate customer engagement and streamline content creation! 

In our latest Off the Cuff episode, The Wholesaler Editor Ruth Mitchell is joined by Mary Jo Hann, Vice President of Enterprise Marketing for mSupply (formally known as Marcone), a $2 billion distributor to the HVAC, plumbing, appliance parts, commercial kitchen and pool/spa industries.

With a staff of 15, Mary Jo oversees marketing for 12 individual HVAC distributors, three plumbing companies and another three verticals spanning both the United States and Canada. Tune in as we discuss her career path, what excites her most about the current opportunities in the HVAC industry, her experience on HARDI’s marketing council, the advice she would give to other women looking to advance in HVAC, and more! 

A new season of the Off the Cuff podcast is here! In our latest episode, PHC News Editor Steve Smith, author and HVACR marketer Ryan Kiscaden, and Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) President and CEO Barton James are discussing Kiscaden's new children's book, "The Air Came to a Stop." 

Released last fall, the book is designed for children ages 4 to 10 years old and aims to help combat workforce challenges by sparking curiosity in trade careers early on. Tune in to learn more about the inspiration behind the book, why ACCA became a sponsor, the association's other education efforts and more! 

Those interested can purchase a copy of "The Air Came to a Stop" at https://www.acca.org/members/hvacr-workforce-center/the-air-came-to-a-stop 

During PHCC CONNECT 2024, PHC News Editor Steve Smith sat down with Brady Kroll, who represented the United States at the 2024 WorldSkills Competition this September in Lyon, France! Tune in as they discuss Brady's experience participating in the plumbing and heating competition, how he trained for the event, why he entered the skilled trades, and what lies ahead for the 22-year-old tradesman. 

Earlier this year, The Wholesaler Editor Ruth Mitchell and HARDI (Heating, Air-conditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International) CEO Talbot Gee discussed the current landscape in HVACR distribution. Tune in as they go over key trends shaping the HVACR market today, HARDI's primary initiatives, how the organization is actively engaging with its members to navigate challenges and opportunities, and more!

This interview was recorded in April 2024. 

In our latest episode, PHC News Editor Steve Smith sits down with Cindy Sheridan, CAE, CEO of Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors (PHCC)—National Association!

Tune in as the duo discuss everything new and exciting with PHCC CONNECT 2024, from how the event is more convenient than ever for attendees to the ways it's taking education to the next level. Plus — get a preview of the conference's keynote speakers, its Pep Rally for the Plumbing and HVAC Apprentice Contest contestants, what to look out for at the Product & Technology Showcase, and all of the networking opportunities that will fulfill its 2024 theme: “Authentic Connections."

For more information and to register for PHCC CONNECT 2024, visit https://bit.ly/46KRAn0.

About Cindy:

As CEO of PHCC —National Association, Cindy works to advance and educate the plumbing and HVACR industry and ensure that PHCC contractors are the best choice for professionalism, reliable products, and knowledgeable service. A frequent speaker on workforce issues, she is a strong proponent of initiatives to close the skills gap and promote the value that plumbing and HVACR industry careers offer. 

In this month's episode, Dan and Steve are joined by Sila Services' Eddie McFarlane! With the company since May 2023, Eddie was recently promoted from VP of Learning, Development & Engagement to Chief Learning & Development Officer. Tune in to learn how Eddie has applied his decades of HVAC industry experience to build Sila University, a comprehensive approach to professional and technical skill development.

Plus — the trio discuss Eddie's journey from Scotland to the U.S., his transition from the culinary industry to the trades, what's new and exciting with the ACCA Board of Directors, the surge in acquisitions of plumbing and heating companies, A2L refrigerants, electrification, and more! 

In our latest Off the Cuff episode, The Wholesaler Editor Ruth Mitchell is joined by Melissa Lunak, Chief People Officer of DSG — an employee-owned wholesale distributor that offers an extensive array of products and solutions to professionals across various sectors including electrical, plumbing, HVAC, communications, utility, automation, waterworks, as well as onsite sewer and well industries. 

Tune in as Melissa describes her role at the company and how its core values influence her approach to HR and people management. Plus — the duo discuss the balance of aligning HR strategies with overall business objectives, what's trending in regards to the wants and needs of employees, and some of the HR innovations Melissa is particularly proud of implementing at DSG.

A special thank you to Zoeller Pump Co. for sponsoring this episode! Visit  www.zoellerpumps.com to learn more about the products it manufactures for your basement sump, sewage ejector, and septic systems needs.

In our latest episode, The Wholesaler Editor Ruth Mitchell is joined by Katie Hubach, manager/partner of Signature Sales! Tune in as Katie shares insights learned from her role at the company and her initial year of leadership as the first female president of AIM/R.

Plus — the duo discuss the evolving role manufacturers' reps play in the distribution chain, trends having the most significant impact on reps today, emerging technologies, and AIM/R's goals for the year ahead!

Thank you to Bradford White Corp. and Laars Heating Systems for sponsoring this episode! Visit www.bradfordwhite.com to learn how the company's products are 'Built to be the Best.'