The plumbing and HVAC company has used the format to promote topics within the skilled trades industry and tackle customer and employee concerns regarding home service When Rooter Hero Plumbing & Air, a plumbing and HVAC company serving residential and commercial locations in California and Arizona, launched its HeroTalk podcast in May of 2022, it hoped the format would Read more
Industry News
The plumbing and HVAC company has used the format to promote topics within the skilled trades industry and tackle customer and employee concerns regarding home service
When Rooter Hero Plumbing & Air, a plumbing and HVAC company serving residential and commercial locations in California and Arizona, launched its HeroTalk podcast in May of 2022, it hoped the format would give its experts a chance to talk directly to and with others personally affected by the skilled trades industry.
Now, with nearly 50 episodes and a year of episodes under its belt, its hosts have discussed everything from Rooter Hero cofounder and CEO John Akhoian’s life lessons to the traits of rockstar employees and managing customer expectations.
“HeroTalk has been a fanatic conduit to provide information, advice and hot takes to our audience,” Akhoian said. “We’ve tried to keep the topic list diverse while still discussing things that should appeal to both employees within the industry and to customers who are looking to learn more about skilled trades and what we do.”
The podcast features Rooter Hero Contact Center Manager David Powers and Social Media Coordinator Katherine “Kat” Conchas. Powers and Conches have already interviewed several company experts and given their opinions on a variety of thought-provoking topics, including “7 Cardinal Rules for Directors of First Impressions” and “Stacking Weaknesses (And Why You Shouldn’t Do That).”
“The goal of this podcast has always been to be both informative and entertaining,” Powers said. “We’ve made it our mission to keep the topics fresh and offer a new perspective on issues that most podcasts don’t provide. This way our discussions are always lively and hold the listener’s interest. After a year, we’re proud of what we’ve accomplished.”
The podcast airs every Thursday and is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Amazon and Spotify.
The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors–National Association (PHCC) welcomed PHCC members, chapter executives, and corporate partners to Washington, D.C., May 16-17, to meet with lawmakers and educate them on energy, economic, and workforce policies that are important to the industry and consumers. Before heading to Capitol Hill as industry experts, members first heard from political expert Charlie Cook, who was the keynote speaker Read more
The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors–National Association (PHCC) welcomed PHCC members, chapter executives, and corporate partners to Washington, D.C., May 16-17, to meet with lawmakers and educate them on energy, economic, and workforce policies that are important to the industry and consumers.
Before heading to Capitol Hill as industry experts, members first heard from political expert Charlie Cook, who was the keynote speaker for the event. Cook spoke on the current political landscape, lessons from the 2022 midterms, and predictions for 2024.
After hearing from Cook, the group was briefed by PHCC Legislative Affairs Director Mark Valentini, PHCC Vice President of Regulatory Affairs Chuck White, and a panel of other industry lobbyists. Panelists included Jim Collura, vice president and director of government affairs for the National Energy & Fuels Institute (NEFI); Steve Rossi, vice president of advocacy for the American Supply Association (ASA); and Robert Wolfer, manager of government relations for Bradford White Corp (PHCC Strategic Partner). That evening, the group attended a reception in the historic Caucus Room of the Cannon House Office Building. This reception was held in conjunction with the Heating Air-conditioning and Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI) and the Air-conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI). Members of Congress stopped by to network with members of PHCC and these other industry groups.
The next morning during breakfast, attendees heard insights from a second Washington Insider panel consisting of Craig Brightup, chief executive officer of the Brightup Group LLC; Matt Kiessling, senior director of state affairs for the American Gas Association (AGA); and Christopher Lindsay, vice president of government relations for the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO – PHCC Supporting Sponsor). After a quick stop for a picture on the Capitol steps, they headed to their respective meetings. In total, 71 PHCC members from 27 different states had 111 meetings with elected officials and their staffs. At a closing roof-top reception that evening, members spoke in-depth about how much they valued the in-person meetings on Capitol Hill, in addition to getting to participate in the rest of the sessions as a part of this two-day event.
“The 2023 PHCC Legislative Conference was an extremely valuable event for all who attended,” said PHCC—National Association President Dave Frame. “Besides the very beneficial one-on-one meetings with legislators, the conference was a great opportunity for PHCC members to connect with each other and with others in the industry supply chain. Together, we are able to accomplish so much more on behalf of our members, the industry, and society.”
The conference was sponsored by PHCC Corporate Partner Federated Insurance. Next year’s event will be May 21-22, 2024.
Rebrand to Copeland Reflects 100-Year Legacy of Leadership in HVAC and Refrigeration Technology and Solutions Sustainable Climate Solutions Leader Positioned for Next Phase of Growth with Enhanced Focus on Innovation to Transform How People Live and Work Emerson Receives Approximately $9.7 Billion in Upfront, Pre-Tax Cash Proceeds and $2.25 Billion Seller’s Note; Retains 40% Common Read more
Rebrand to Copeland Reflects 100-Year Legacy of Leadership in HVAC and
Refrigeration Technology and Solutions
Sustainable Climate Solutions Leader Positioned for Next Phase of Growth with Enhanced Focus on Innovation to Transform How People Live and Work
Emerson Receives Approximately $9.7 Billion in Upfront, Pre-Tax Cash Proceeds and $2.25 Billion Seller’s Note; Retains 40% Common Equity Ownership
Blackstone (NYSE: BX) and Emerson (NYSE: EMR) announced that private equity funds managed by Blackstone (“Blackstone”) have completed the previously announced acquisition of a majority stake in Emerson’s Climate Technologies business in a transaction valuing the business at $14.0 billion. This closing marks a significant milestone in the HVAC and refrigeration (HVACR) industry leader’s journey to advance the next generation of climate technologies.
The new standalone business will be named Copeland – building on the brand’s 100-year legacy, global recognition and influence across the HVACR industry. As a standalone company focused on serving the global HVACR market, Copeland’s product portfolio includes market-leading compressors, controls, thermostats, valves, software and monitoring solutions for residential, commercial and industrial customers. Copeland had fiscal 2022 net sales of $5.0 billion.
“Copeland has long been a pioneer in the HVAC and refrigeration industries with unmatched capabilities in engineering, design and innovation,” said Ross B. Shuster, Chief Executive Officer of Copeland. “With the focus that comes from being a standalone company, and the support of our shareholders, Blackstone and Emerson, we plan to extend the company’s leadership position in the industry and develop new and integrated climate technology solutions. The Copeland business is made up of over 18,000 talented team members, who are aligned and committed to developing technologies and solutions that drive decarbonization at scale, accelerate the global trend of electrification and deliver greater value for our customers and end users.”
Copeland is poised to build on its iconic brand and trusted expertise to shape the future of climate technology. The company’s products, expertise and innovation play a key role in improving the energy efficiency of heating and cooling solutions – including the rapidly growing market for electric heat pumps and climate-friendly refrigerants, which are seeing strong demand and global adoption given their potential to reduce the environmental impact and carbon emissions of HVAC systems.
“Copeland has grown into the market leader in supplying critical components for residential, commercial and industrial climate control solutions, and we are thrilled to support its next phase of growth as a world-class standalone company,” said Joe Baratta, Global Head of Blackstone Private Equity. “Leveraging Blackstone’s long track-record of successful large-scale corporate partnerships, we look forward to working with the Copeland and Emerson teams to accelerate the company’s profitable, long-term growth. We’re confident in the runway ahead to advance Copeland’s industry leading position by delivering even more innovative, energy-efficient solutions to support its customers’ carbon reduction efforts.”
“We are pleased to complete this significant transaction, an important milestone in Emerson’s portfolio transformation into a cohesive global automation leader,” said Lal Karsanbhai, President and Chief Executive Officer of Emerson. “The upfront proceeds from this transaction allow Emerson to advance our portfolio in attractive, higher-growth automation markets, while our remaining non-controlling investment enables Emerson to benefit from Copeland’s future upside under Blackstone’s ownership, until we exit the business. With our focused portfolio, we are bringing comprehensive automation products, software and solutions to a diverse set of end markets, driving operational excellence and enhancing value creation for Emerson shareholders.”
Copeland will continue to operate from St. Louis, while maintaining a global footprint to serve customers in Europe, Latin America, Asia, Middle East and Africa.
Learn more about Copeland’s sustainable solutions at Copeland.com.
The global business mentoring and coaching organization’s four-day event helps members revitalize their business and plan for growth CEO Warrior, a global business mentoring, training and coaching organization for service business owners, will host its Warrior Awakening event June 6-9 with an eye toward helping home service companies scale their businesses by awakening their inner Read more
The global business mentoring and coaching organization’s four-day event helps members revitalize their business and plan for growth
CEO Warrior, a global business mentoring, training and coaching organization for service business owners, will host its Warrior Awakening event June 6-9 with an eye toward helping home service companies scale their businesses by awakening their inner warriors.
“The Warrior Awakening event is not only geared toward helping contractors revitalize their business and optimize growth, but it also teaches them how to implement a warrior culture within their organization that sticks,” said CEO Warrior co-owner and Chief Operating Officer Mike Disney. “Each day is packed with tips to grow, scale and dominate your market, differentiate yourself from your competition and prepare the right strategies for an improved future.”
The four-day course will also feature vendor showcases, sessions on recruiting, training and retaining the right employees, a Centurion/Emperor dinner and a belt ceremony dedicated to former CEO Warrior member Dustin Folkes.
Folkes started Folkes Homes Services in New York’s Hudson Valley in 1998 with one truck and grew it into a powerhouse service company employing more than 30 people. He was an active and beloved member of CEO Warrior before his death in November 2021.
“We want to bring out our attendees’ inner warriors,” Disney said. “This event isn’t for the faint-hearted. It’s hands-on training that can involve mental and physical challenges designed to teach contractors how to apply the lessons they will learn. Applied knowledge is power. You can learn new skill sets, but they don’t work until you change your mindset.”
The seminar will be held at CEO Warrior’s headquarters in Brunswick, New Jersey and is only open to the company’s members.
For more information about CEO Warrior and how to become a member, please visit https://ceowarrior.com/.
Bradford White Water Heaters pocket catalogs now use QR technology to ensure quick access to most up-to-date product specs, manuals, and other documents Bradford White Water Heaters, an industry-leading manufacturer of water heaters, boilers and storage tanks, introduces new printed and digital pocket catalogs that use QR codes to ensure contractors and distributors have quick access Read more
Bradford White Water Heaters pocket catalogs now use QR technology to ensure quick access to most up-to-date product specs, manuals, and other documents
Bradford White Water Heaters, an industry-leading manufacturer of water heaters, boilers and storage tanks, introduces new printed and digital pocket catalogs that use QR codes to ensure contractors and distributors have quick access to the most recent product specifications and documents.
The new catalogs were designed based on customer input and reflect Bradford White’s continuing commitment to meeting the needs of customers and business partners who are rapidly increasing their adoption of digital assets and information-sharing.
Traditional pocket catalogs, like other printed assets, can become quickly outdated as product specs are updated, new products are introduced, or older products are taken out of production. Bradford White’s new pocket catalogs equipped with QR codes allow users to immediately retrieve and view the most recent and up-to-date spec sheets, manuals and other product documents available.
“An overwhelming number of contractors have informed us that pocket catalogs remain a critical cross-reference guide,” said Carl Pinto, Jr., senior director of marketing communications for Bradford White. “Many of our customers and business partners have also adopted one or more apps or other digital assets to manage their businesses. Our new pocket catalogs ensure that they have quick, reliable access to the latest and most accurate product information, regardless of their preference for the print or digital version.”
Besides providing customers with quick access to the most up-to-date product information, each edition of the new printed pocket catalogs will be roughly 50% leaner than previous editions.
“With the new printed catalogs requiring significantly less paper, there’s an environmental component to this new design,” Pinto said. “Ultimately, we’re looking to drive 100% adoption of the online versions to eliminate paper waste altogether.”
The digital pocket catalog will ultimately be integrated into the Bradford White For the Pro® app, which is currently being field tested for release later this year.
For more information about Bradford White Water Heaters, visit https://www.bradfordwhite.com.