By Max Rohr, manager, REHAU Academy

The heating and plumbing industry is a rapidly changing field. I spoke with Eric Aune, co-owner of Mechanical Hub, on the challenges and opportunities this growth brings to the industry and recruiting process.

Over time, job sites have become less chaotic and the trend is to make hydronic systems simplier. As this trend continues, the number of people on the job site may decline. Heating professionals will need a vast and varied knowledge base to keep up with these trends.

To prepare professionals for these changes, tactical training, use of social media resources and continuing education are important. Recruiting new, qualified talent can be a challenge. It is crucial to identify people with a desire to work with their hands and innovate with the latest technology.

As we look toward the future, Eric stresses it is important to make systems simpler to install and operate. This will decrease human error and strengthen consumer trust in industry experts.

To listen to the entire interview with Eric, download the podcast here:

By Max Rohr, manager, REHAU Academy

In an ever-changing political climate, constituents often feel powerless. Dain Hansen, senior vice president of government relations at IAPMO offers advice about getting involved and being heard by elected officials.

Dain Hansen

Hansen advises to reach out to locally elected officials first. Send letters, make calls and even schedule meetings. Contrary to what many people might believe, elected officials want to set aside time to speak with constituents.

It is important to contact the specific staff member that is most relevant to your issue. This will likely increase your chances of getting a response or meeting. Once you get a meeting, Hansen stresses the importance of presenting your information in very basic, concise terms.

For more on Hansen’s experiences and tips for talking with your local legislator, download the entire podcast here.

By Max Rohr, Manager, REHAU Academy

When renovating a home built in the 1930s, Dan Foley — President of Foley Mechanical — had two goals. First, update the antique home to match modern standards. Second, maintain the classic Virginia look and feel of the structure.

To achieve this, he needed the most efficient and flexible systems to be installed by a team whose members had experience combined with deep product knowledge.

Dan and his team used a geothermal system in the renovation because of its quiet, efficient and invisible nature.

The final product needed to look aesthetic pleasing, while maintaining its efficiency. However, an important factor in this project was being flexible in preserving a home this age.

Dan Foley, President of Foley Mechanical

To hear more from Dan about this historical renovation, download the entire podcast here.

By Max Rohr, manager, REHAU Academy

It is important for consultants to not only diagnose a problem but also diagnose a customer’s needs. This concept drives Al Levi as a business and radiant heating consultant, teacher and contractor.

Al and I recently discussed some key business practices for success; among them is the importance of planning. You can always tweak a plan, but if that plan doesn’t exist, unforeseen problems will be more stressful than necessary. A good plan keeps busy contractors on point.

Another key is getting a holistic understanding of a customer’s needs. A representative must listen carefully and ask the right questions about the entire system. Only then can you can offer a proper solution and explain any potential variables (good or bad).

To listen to more of Al’s business insight, check out the entire podcast.

By Max Rohr, manager, REHAU Academy

There are many benefits  to using radiant heating systems. It is often difficult to present these benefits to the customer – especially if a system is not properly installed from day one.

John Barba is an industry trainer and is the director of training at Taco. With over 20 years of experience, he understands how simple mistakes and assumptions can greatly impact a system’s performance. The most common mistakes include:

John stresses it is important to understand what circulators do and don’t do, and to have a full understanding of what you are installing.

We also discussed the difference between using water to move heat instead of forced air. Water is usually quieter, easier to design around and provides more comfort. Comfort is hard to quantify; there is no perfect measurement since comfort varies from person to person. John suggests introducing systems as lifestyle features instead of focusing solely on their efficiency.

The best installation for any system is the one that makes the most sense for each specific job.

For the full interview with John Barba, download the podcast.

By Max Rohr, manager, REHAU Academy

Picking the best window for a project is not just important, it is crucial. I spoke with Justin Taylor, REHAU design engineer, about different types of windows and the impact on a structure’s thermal efficiency.

Many styles of windows are on the market today, including single- or double-hung, casement, awning, hopper, sliders and tilt turn. Tilt-turn windows feature a tight seal around the complete unit and multiple locking points, making this style one of the best options for energy efficient structures.

REHAU windows offer solutions that are especially appealing to the hospitality market; hotels find fixed and tilt-turn windows particularly effective for blocking sound.

Justin noted that in the US, people are less likely to consider performance when selecting windows for a new project; usually, they select what the builder recommends. They are more likely to consider window efficiency when they’re replacing windows in their own home.

Listen to the entire interview with Justin:

By Max Rohr, manager, REHAU Academy

A good grasp on the latest boiler technology helps contractors secure jobs, and having the most efficient boiler system offers the customer a better investment and peace of mind.

It’s important to create training tools that benefit both contractors and the end-user. Ernie Chase, technical learning coordinator at Lochinvar, tells us his goal is to educate contractors with basic fundamentals before they purchase a system.

One of the most common mistakes Ernie sees in boiler installation is application-based — not investing in efficient boilers right away.

Ernie urges contractors to put efficient boilers in the building plan from the start; that way, it’s a part of the initial equation and budget.

To hear more from Ernie and learn about Lochinvar’s training program, download the entire podcast below.

Hydronics and training are the family business for Ellen, Max, and Bob “Hot Rod” Rohr.  The Multi-generational group talks about the dynamics of family operated companies and the importance of valuing your employees.  Ellen is a business consultant and “Hot Rod” is a now a technical trainer. Max is manager of REHAU Academy.

By Max Rohr, manager, REHAU Academy

In the last 10 years, the hyronics industry has witnessed many new products and innovations in technology. John Siegenthaler, principal of Appropriate Design, shared with me his insights on current and future heating trends.

Current Trends

He stresses that, while industry often stays fixated on the thermal efficiency of a heat source, the energy usage of the distribution itself is an important factor that shouldn’t be ignored.

Also, when designing custom systems, proper documentation is crucial. This creates a road map for the installation as well as for any repairs needed years down the line.

Ten Years From Now

A tip from John: In your work with customers as a heating contractor, explain that you’re not just replacing their heating system, you’re giving it a makeover.

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By Max Rohr, manager, REHAU Academy

In any industry, successful sales and marketing is being able to tell the story of your business to potential customers in a compelling way – one that captures their attention and gets them listening to your message.

I recently spoke with Ashlei Cooper, editorial director of TMB Publishing, about the importance of information and strategy when launching a marketing campaign. While much of her customer audience includes heating and plumbing contractors, Ashlei’s advice can be useful to business owners in many industries.

She tells us it’s vital to be in-tune with customer needs. That means attending and actively participating in heating expos and summits. Don’t be a passive attendee; walk the floor and engage with others.

When trying to reach customers before or after a show, clear and simple promotions are most effective. For example, technical information doesn’t tweet well. Stick to your story and save the technical details for later stages in customer engagement.

Remember that customers get information primarily through web searches, so you must take your online presence seriously. Ashlei advises that you should assume Google is the source of your company’s first impression.

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