The Fix

In part 1 of our Oatey Ambassador Mini-Series, our hosts chat with Danielle “Twig” Browne (@thelittestplumber) and Thomas Young (@t.y.custom) who are in Cleveland visiting Oatey Headquarters for Ambassador Fest 2022, a two-day immersive experience that includes exclusive training, networking and recreation activities. Coming from Newfoundland, Canada, Twig discusses her work and establishing her role as the first female plumber in the province. Thomas traveled all the way from his home in the San Francisco Bay area to discuss his robust experience and the role the trades played when helping him bounce back from a serious health problem. Thomas and Twig dive into why they love being Oatey Ambassadors and how beneficial the program has been for them.

A huge thanks to Thomas and Twig for sitting down and talking with us here on “The Fix!” 

Related Resources:

To learn more about the Oatey Ambassador program, visit our website.

Questions or Feedback:

[email protected]

Oatey’s own Maureen Pansky and Brian Lippert are in the studio to you give the inside scoop on all of the exciting innovation and workforce development opportunities that continue to unfold at the organization, including Oatey’s emphasis on building cross-skilled technician generalists through its rigorous Industrial Maintenance Apprenticeship Program. They debunk common misconceptions and emphasize that manufacturing careers are not what they used to be – strong safety protocols, diversity and inclusion, as well as state-of-the-art technology, continue to be significant game changers for our essential workers.

Related Resources:

Max S. Hayes High School – Career and Technical Education

Youth Opportunity

Unlimited – Workforce Development

Questions or Feedback:

 [email protected]

Our latest guest Patrick McCombe is truly a jack of all trades. He’s spent the past 17+ years refining his remodeling skills, championing the trades and writing about residential construction on behalf of several well-known trade publications. He currently holds the title of Senior Editor at Fine Homebuilding Magazine and hosts the publication’s fan-favorite podcast. His authentic approach to writing and producing content stems from his dedication to “keeping the craft alive.” Patrick places a thoughtful emphasis on quality and craftsmanship in all of his articles, arming readers with the highest quality of technical advice.   

Stay tuned as Patrick details how his greatest passions collided to form the career of his dreams.   

Guest:

Patrick McCombe – Senior Editor, Fine Homebuilding Magazine

Connect with Patrick:

[email protected]

Related Resources:

Fine Homebuilding Magazine’s Website, Instagram & Podcast

Questions or Feedback:

 [email protected]

We had the privilege of sitting down with Dr. Michele Scott Taylor, who has spent most of her career in higher education administration developing and guiding a myriad of young students toward successful professional paths. Currently, Michele serves as the Chief Program Officer of College Now Greater Cleveland, an organization that helps middle/high school students and adult learners throughout Northeast Ohio reach postsecondary completion through the facilitation of educational opportunities, career counseling, college access advising, financial aid and more.

Michele and her team empower students to pursue postsecondary educations that best align with their interests, passions and aptitudes – whether that includes completing a certification, on-the-job training, associate program, trade apprenticeship or four-year college degree. Don’t let its name fool you – College Now welcomes every type of student, not just those with college aspirations.

Tune in for Michele’s unique take on how we can better grow the trades talent pipeline by nurturing students’ interests while also effectively assessing their aptitude and exposing them to real-world professionals, as well as organizations, in the trades and beyond. She offers both parents and educators great advice on how they can help put students on a viable career pathway with long-term financial security and independence.

Guest: Dr. Michele Scott Taylor, Chief Program Officer, College Now Greater Cleveland

Connect with Michele:

[email protected]

Related Resources:

College Now Greater Cleveland Website, Instagram & LinkedIn

Career Technical Education (CTE)

ACE Mentor Program

MAGNET

Questions or Feedback:

 [email protected]

Jeff Patterson, also known as the “Home Repair Tutor,” is a licensed general contractor from Pittsburgh who’s turned his passion for home renovation and video creation into an impressive online community with over 1.3 million social media followers/subscribers. Utilizing his diverse skillset, Jeff produces comprehensive, step-by-step videos and courses to aid homeowners tackling all kinds of renovation projects. His goal is simple: make home renovations easier for everyone.

Jeff is a shining example of how individuals can hone their creativity in the trades, while also showcasing their technical skills and helping others along the way. Throughout this episode, Jeff reflects on the supportive community he’s championed, delivering relevant content to his audiences and being mindful of his own work-life balance.   

Guest:

Jeff Patterson – Licensed General Contractor & Digital Content Creator

Connect with Jeff:

[email protected]

Related Resources:

Home Repair Tutor Website, Instagram & YouTube

Questions or Feedback:

 [email protected]

Get ready for an episode packed with entertaining “Doug-isms” coupled with insightful (and downright hilarious) stories from one of our favorite dynamic duos – John and Chris Sbrocco. They join The Fix to discuss their career journeys, what it’s like working with each other and passing on the trade within their family.

The uncle-nephew pair shares a special bond over their love of plumbing, entrepreneurship and dedication to the trade. Chris, now a successful Master Plumber and business owner based in Cleveland, was introduced to the plumbing trade by his Uncle Johnny, who he worked for nearly 10 years before starting his own company. Similarly, John’s plumbing career took off after his uncle took him under his wing and taught him the tricks of the trade.

 Guests:

Chris Sbrocco, Owner & Founder: Pro Service Plumbing, Claim Professionals and Earthworks Environmental, Oatey Brand Ambassador

John Sbrocco, Owner & Founder J.R. Sbrocco Plumbing

Connect with the Sbroccos:

[email protected]

Related Resources:

Chris Sbrocco Instagram

J.R. Sbrocco Plumbing

Oatey Brand Ambassador Program

Questions or Feedback:

[email protected]

If you’re asking yourself, “what’s a manufacturers’ rep agency?” or “what does this type of job entail?” – then you’ve come to the right place. Mike McLeod, a technical sales expert with 22 years of experience, answers these questions and more, as he details his experiences partnering closely with the trades and owning an agency.

Mike’s agency, Harry Warren of Georgia, specializes in offering innovative sales solutions to Commercial & Residential Plumbing, Fire & Irrigation and Waterworks manufacturers. His team acts as a true extension of the manufacturers’ sales forces, providing superior customer service and serving as the conduit between manufacturers and the pros working in the field.

Guest:

Mike McLeod – Owner, Harry Warren of Georgia Manufacturers’ Representative Agency

Connect with Mike:

[email protected]

Related Resources:

Harry Warren of Georgia Website & Instagram

Questions or Feedback:

 [email protected]

We’re back for Season 2 of The Fix and are joined by our friends over at Mechanical Hub – the go-to digital resource for plumbing and HVAC pros across the country. Since its inception in 2010, Mechanical Hub has delivered the cutting-edge content that trade pros crave right to their fingertips, including expert advice, the latest industry news, how-to guides, product reviews and more.

In this episode, industry veterans John Mesenbrink and Tim Ward discuss why they started Mechanical Hub, the significance behind their media company and the strategies they employ to break through the modern “information overload” in order to engage with their audiences. They’ll talk all the innovative ways they’re using video, social media and podcasting to not only support, but strengthen, an industry that is so important to them.

Guests:

John Mesenbrink, President of Mechanical Hub

Tim Ward, Digital Media Editor & Business Development at Mechanical Hub

Connect with Mechanical Hub:

[email protected]

Related Resources:

Mechanical Hub Website & Social Media

Podcast

Questions or Feedback:

 [email protected]

Oatey Technical Experts Erin Bullock and Matt Valore join Co-Host Doug and answer questions submitted by YOU! Covering everything from favorite products and best application tips to sharing hilarious jobsite stories, pet peeves and everything in between. Whether you’re thinking about going into the trades, are a seasoned pro or an ever-curious DIYer, this episode has something every skill level and age can take away.

Guests:

Erin Bullock, Product Manager, Oatey Co.

Matt Valore, Manager, Tile and Flooring Sales

Products Mentioned:

• Stain-Free Plumber’s Putty
• Sta Put Plumber’s Putty
• Purple Primer
• LiquiLock Water Absorbing Crystals
• Universal DWV Pipe Hanger
• Safe-Flo Plumbing Wire Solder
• No. 5 Solder Paste Flux

Questions or Feedback:

 [email protected]

If you’re a trades pro in the Ohio area, you’ve likely worked with licensure legend Carol Ross and the top-notch organization she leads – the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB). However, if you’re not familiar with Carol, we guarantee you can learn a little something from her during this episode. She’s a seasoned and passionate leader who continues to serve as strong voice in the trades community, continuously advocating for superior safety, regulation and education among commercial contractors. Carol is known for her dedication to helping others and setting them up for success in the trade they love. In this episode, she provides an insightful outlook on the commercial contracting industry, the value of obtaining a license (and exactly how to do it!)

Connect with Carol:

[email protected]

Related Resources:

• Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board Website 

Questions or Feedback:

 [email protected]