Caleffi

A Carlson-Holohan Industry Award of Excellence honoree, Bob “Hot Rod” Rohr travels across the country as a trainer for Caleffi North America, sharing his 40+ years’ of experience as a plumbing, radiant heat and renewable energy contractor, all while bringing his rubber-to-the-road experiences to life. Be honest, do what you say you will do.  It’s that simple Read more

A Carlson-Holohan Industry Award of Excellence honoree, Bob “Hot Rod” Rohr travels across the country as a trainer for Caleffi North America, sharing his 40+ years’ of experience as a plumbing, radiant heat and renewable energy contractor, all while bringing his rubber-to-the-road experiences to life.

Be honest, do what you say you will do.  It’s that simple, really.

If you bill your training as a technical event or class, make it that. Certainly, everyone of your attendees has an opinion, and that is a good thing. So at class end they get to decide if it checked the boxes they brought along to have filled. For example, a boiler piping presentation needs to have schematics of piping. I’d take it further and make the drawings as generic as possible.

Caleffi North America, Caleffi, hydronics, training, HVAC, plumbing, water heating, supportthetrades, trades, Hot Rod Rohr, Bob Rohr

Fortunately I work for a manufacturer that publishes a very generic, non-biased trade journal. This makes for some excellent content for the classes.

But also be realistic in your expectations; not everyone in the room will be at the same level, and have the exact same expectations. Promote the event as basic, intermediate or advanced to help clear up the  content. A trainer should, poll the room right off to get a feel of the experience level of the class. Ask occasionally if the info is meeting the needs or expectations. A trainer needs to be prepared to shift gears

Keep additional PPTs ready to go on your desktop if you need to raise or lower the content level, or bounce around to assure everyone gets something from their time commitment.

Know also that generous giveaways and CEU offerings will get some attendees that are there for the “goods” more so then the content. It’s easy to spot folks like that. They spend a lot of time looking at their phone.

Caleffi North America, Caleffi, hydronics, training, HVAC, plumbing, water heating, supportthetrades, trades, Hot Rod Rohr, Bob Rohr

Someone is paying the trainer to get to the event and spend a few nights on the road. Expect the sponsor to have a product table, or some handouts that are brand specific. A few questions on a form or link to QR code to get feedback is helpful for trainers.

Timely topics help fill a room. Clever course names help people click on the training promos.

Like any trade, time on the job helps a trainer learn what works and what flops, so be prepared to change up your presentations or presentation style occasionally. A Toastmasters class can sharpen your presentation skills. Speak loud and clearly. Move around the room.

Caleffi North America, Caleffi, hydronics, training, HVAC, plumbing, water heating, supportthetrades, trades, Hot Rod Rohr, Bob Rohr

Watch big name, professionally-trained  presenters. See how they move and observe the techniques they use to keep the room’s attention. Who is your favorite actor and why?

Got any tips or suggestions? Pass them along.

Mechanical Hub continues with its 2023 Industry Forecast series with an exclusive interview with Caleffi North America’s president Mark Olson. Despite all of the negativity, Caleffi remains optimistic throughout all of the bumps in the road.   MH: I’ve heard that the first half of 2023 might be a bit bumpy, how do you see Read more

Caleffi North America, Caleffi, Mark Olson, Coffee with Caleffi, hydronics, plumbing, heating, air separator, magnetic separator, electrificationMechanical Hub continues with its 2023 Industry Forecast series with an exclusive interview with Caleffi North America’s president Mark Olson. Despite all of the negativity, Caleffi remains optimistic throughout all of the bumps in the road.

 

MH: I’ve heard that the first half of 2023 might be a bit bumpy, how do you see 2023 shaking out and the short-term economy in the U.S.?

OLSON: The economy is slowing; however, orders are expected to remain healthy through Q1 as building projects are completed. In Q2, we expect orders to slow to probably a little less than last year’s intake rate. A primary factor is the abrupt drop in single-family construction from the quick rise in mortgage rates. However, we anticipate continued investment in homeowner refurbishment will be offsetting—there is still healthy excess personal savings out there for people to invest in their homes. Another additional factor is wholesalers are reducing their DOS as the supply chain is catching up on availability.

Caleffi North America, Caleffi, Mark Olson, Coffee with Caleffi, hydronics, plumbing, heating, air separator, magnetic separator, electrification

In the commercial marketplace, we expect activity will remain strong throughout 2023. Building projects have alternate sources of financing not constrained by high interest rates. Residential multi-family will stay robust before slowing some around the middle of the year.

Caleffi North America, Caleffi, Mark Olson, Coffee with Caleffi, hydronics, plumbing, heating, air separator, magnetic separator, electrificationMH: What causes you concern? (Steady inflation, materials pricing, supply chain, housing starts, interest rates, foreign factors, etc.)

OLSON: We do not have much concern honestly, outside of a belligerent foreign act that triggers a deep recession. The supply chain is healing and we expect inflation will continue falling through the year.

MH: Are you seeing any signs of positivity? If so, where?

OLSON: Yes! A consensus among manufacturers is that the long-term outlook for the economy remains good. Future infrastructure spending by the government such as enhanced electrical distribution and port infrastructure investments are examples. Reshoring manufacturing back to the U.S. will drive employment opportunities with product demand to follow.

MH: Obviously, Caleffi is dependent on a global market as well. What are some indicators globally that are cause for concern and/or optimism?

Caleffi North America, Caleffi, Mark Olson, Coffee with Caleffi, hydronics, plumbing, heating, air separator, magnetic separator, electrification

The global growth of Caleffi

OLSON: OPTIMISM wins! Our global rolling 2-month order intake rate exceeds 2022’s record pace. We are investing heavily in manufacturing expansion. Availability of energy in Europe is rapidly sorting out. In addition, the shift in Europe to electrification, accelerated by the Ukraine invasion, has created opportunities for new, innovative hydronic solutions. Caleffi is eager to meet this opportunity with energy savvy hydronic products.

MH: As it relates to contractors, what is your “message” to them as it relates to your company and its line of products and services?

Caleffi North America, Caleffi, Mark Olson, Coffee with Caleffi, hydronics, plumbing, heating, air separator, magnetic separator, electrificationOLSON: We pick up the phone! Engineers, wholesalers, reps, contractors, it does not matter! Our “Ask Caleffi” Technical support team, with over 150 combined years’ of experience in the industry, is available real-time to answer calls and emails. Caleffi wants to be a business partner of choice. Contractors can count on our level of experience, expertise and our commitment to Excellence in Education to help make their job easier!

MH: What specifically does Caleffi have its sights set on in 2023? (New products, working with associations, for workforce development, etc.)

Caleffi North America, Caleffi, Mark Olson, Coffee with Caleffi, hydronics, plumbing, heating, air separator, magnetic separator, electrificationOLSON: Caleffi is kicking off the year at AHR with the 536 Series PresCalTM HP which has been recognized by the Innovation Awards judges as the 2023 INNOVATIVE PLUMBING product winner! We’ll be exhibiting in our biggest Booth ever in Atlanta, where visitors can literally look inside of our quality products.

Spoiler alert: We will be soon launching a revolutionary union sealing technology with Posi-StopTM (stay tuned!).

We are increasing investment in the professional development of our staff.

Did we mention that we are GROWING? In fact, we are nearly tripling our inventory carrying capacity in Milwaukee during the next phase of our building expansion starting later this year.

Caleffi North America, Caleffi, Mark Olson, Coffee with Caleffi, hydronics, plumbing, heating, air separator, magnetic separator, electrification

Dan Firkus (l) talks with the prez Mark Olson.

Caleffi is proud to expand its industry engagements with the American Society for Health Care Engineering (ASHE), American Backflow Prevention Association (ABPA) and the Advanced Water Heating Initiative (AWHI).

MH: Any unique training opportunities for 2023?

OLSON: Watch for training opportunities facilitated by our Caleffi staff and Manufacturer’s Representatives in YOUR neighborhood, making it easy to connect and learn with in-person and LIVE virtual settings.

Caleffi North America, Caleffi, Mark Olson, Coffee with Caleffi, hydronics, plumbing, heating, air separator, magnetic separator, electrification

Gregg Tubbs (r) gives a demo to a visiting contractor.

In 2020, the heart of the latest expansion in Milwaukee was the incorporation of unique work environments that can be transformed into large spaces for training and workshop events. Caleffi will be offering Academy sessions in 2023 designed especially with the engineer and contractor in mind. Stay tuned!

And… don’t worry! The industry can count on the continuation of Caleffi’s commitment to Excellence in Education including idronicsTM, a complimentary design journal for hydronic and plumbing pros, with its just released 32nd edition: Troubleshooting Hydronic Systems.

Caleffi North America, Caleffi, Mark Olson, Coffee with Caleffi, hydronics, plumbing, heating, air separator, magnetic separator, electrification

Bob ‘Hot Rod’ Rohr during the wildly popular Coffee with Caleffi.

Coffee with CaleffiTM, a popular monthly webinar series that features our trainers and industry guest speakers, continues into its 14th year.

Our Ask Caleffi team hosts an engaging podcast series intended for contractors tasked with solving tricky system problems and are looking for answers!

Three Keys to Hydronic System Protection Maintaining the health of water-based fluids circulating within hydronic systems is paramount in protecting components and maximizing efficiency. Proper air, dirt and magnetic separation are three keys for optimal system performance. Designers and installers might hang their hats on using high-performance separators, however, best practices for hydronic systems may Read more

Three Keys to Hydronic System Protection

Maintaining the health of water-based fluids circulating within hydronic systems is paramount in protecting components and maximizing efficiency. Proper air, dirt and magnetic separation are three keys for optimal system performance. Designers and installers might hang their hats on using high-performance separators, however, best practices for hydronic systems may call for a more complex approach.

Rest assured!  Bob “Hot Rod” Rohr, Cody Mack and Max Rohr will cover the basics of these devices and then treat our audience to a lively debate.

You’ll learn:
→ What is the difference between baseline and high-performance air, dirt and magnetic separation?
→ Why do I still have an air issue?
→ What is the best method for replacing fluid that leaves a system?
→ Shop Talk Showdown: Do you leave the AutoFill on? Yes or no?

Don’t know “Hot Rod“? A 2020-2022 Carlson-Holohan Industry Award of Excellence honoree, he travels from sea to shining sea for Caleffi North America, sharing his 40+ years’ of experience as a plumbing, radiant heat and renewable energy contractor. He is a regular contributor to industry magazines where Hot Rod brings his rubber-to-the-road experiences to life.

Cody has 20 years’ experience as installation contractor, service technician, application engineer and serves as national training manager for Caleffi. Our audience will appreciate his thoughtful yet humorous content delivery combined with his practical, common sense product approach.

Max is Caleffi education and industry engagement manager leading interactions with trade associations, committees, industry initiatives and collaborative manufacturer partners. He has 20+ years of work experience in installation, distribution, manufacturers’ representative and manufacturing roles. Max is a self-described “energy nerd.”

Coffee with Caleffi technical training webinars are free and intended for contractors, engineers, designers and wholesalers. By submitting your webinar registration, you are consenting to email communications to keep you up-to-date on industry news.

It’s easy to join us!  Simply register today.

A Certificate of Attendance is emailed to attendees following the webinar equivalent to 1.0 PDH for continuing education.   Please verify with your state/province for fulfillment compliance.

Caleffi North America, Inc., a leader in state-of-the-art engineered solutions for hydronic and plumbing systems and committed to providing Excellence in Education, is proud to introduce the 31st edition of idronics™:  Fundamentals of Pressure Reducing Valves.  This newest edition builds a technical foundation for selecting, installing and servicing pressure reducing valves.  Readers will learn how, when Read more

Caleffi North America, Inc., a leader in state-of-the-art engineered solutions for hydronic and plumbing systems and committed to providing Excellence in Education, is proud to introduce the 31st edition of idronics™:  Fundamentals of Pressure Reducing Valves.  This newest edition builds a technical foundation for selecting, installing and servicing pressure reducing valves.  Readers will learn how, when and why to design specific pressure reducing assemblies.

Caleffi also provides an interactive experience for the journal, optimizing access for mobile, tablets and desktop devices.  The content is fully searchable and is complimented with video and resource links.  The interactive edition can be found at idronics.caleffi.com.

A formal Coffee with Caleffi™ webinar, an online technical training series, discussed the issue and was presented on Thursday, Jul. 21.  John Siegenthaler, P.E. and Kevin Freidt, Caleffi director of product management, hosted the discussion.  An archived version is available on .

Not familiar with idronics?  The complimentary journal is provided semi-annually and is intended for industry professionals to aid them in system design, component application and selection.  Subscribers to the journal will receive a hard copy of the new edition in August.

For further information, please contact us at (414) 238-2360.

Optimal plumbing system design combines best practices on both sides of the flange. Designing, installing and maintaining perfect loops ensures that we deliver superior comfort, energy efficiency and reliability to our customers. Cody Mack and Max Rohr welcome Grundfos industry expert Becky Henderson from The Perfect Loop training series to discuss domestic hot water recirculation systems during this extended edition of Coffee with Caleffi™. The Read more

Optimal plumbing system design combines best practices on both sides of the flange. Designing, installing and maintaining perfect loops ensures that we deliver superior comfort, energy efficiency and reliability to our customers. Cody Mack and Max Rohr welcome Grundfos industry expert Becky Henderson from The Perfect Loop training series to discuss domestic hot water recirculation systems during this extended edition of Coffee with Caleffi™.

The Perfect Loop is a hands-on and complimentary contractor training series that combines both companies’ expertise in sustainable plumbing and hydronic technologies.  In this special edition of Coffee with Caleffi, we are proud to offer the series in a convenient, virtual fashion.

You’ll learn:
→ Sizing basics: GPM, pipe sizing, friction loss
→ Balancing basics: Valve choices and commissioning
→ Mixing basics: Valve choices and piping
→ Preventing recirculation creep
→ Cross connections
→ Maintenance: Tips and Tricks

Becky is Grundfos lead key account manager and is responsible for seven rep agencies covering 13 states. She enjoys running, motorcycle riding and spending time with her daughter in her free time. Becky has the innate ability to make learning fun and engaging.

Cody has nearly 20 years’ experience as installation contractor, service technician, application engineer, training manager and now product manager for Caleffi. Our audience will appreciate his thoughtful yet humorous content delivery combined with his practical, common sense product approach.

Max is Caleffi education and industry engagement manager leading interactions with trade associations, committees, industry initiatives and collaborative manufacturer partners.  Max – a self-described “energy nerd” – has 20+ years of work experience in installation, distribution, manufacturers’ representative and manufacturing roles. Max is a self-described “energy nerd.”

Coffee with Caleffi technical training webinars are free and intended forcontractors, engineers, designers and wholesalers. By submitting your webinar registration, you are consenting to email communications to keep you up-to-date on industry news.

It’s easy to join us!  Simply register today.

A Certificate of Attendance is emailed to attendees following the webinar equivalent to 1.5 PDH for continuing education.   Please verify with your state/province for fulfillment compliance.