RIDGID

Pfister® Faucets continues its celebrated docuseries, hosted by country music star and Army Reserve soldier Craig Morgan, spotlighting real-life stories of plumbers’ successes and the individual approaches that enabled them to achieve their dreams through a career in plumbing. Pfister® Faucets, a trailblazer in the plumbing industry, proudly announces the launch of the fifth season Read more

Pfister® Faucets continues its celebrated docuseries, hosted by country music star and Army Reserve soldier Craig Morgan, spotlighting real-life stories of plumbers’ successes and the individual approaches that enabled them to achieve their dreams through a career in plumbing.

Pfister® Faucets, a trailblazer in the plumbing industry, proudly announces the launch of the fifth season of their docuseries, American Plumber Stories. Over the past four seasons, this series has captivated audiences nationwide, showcasing the inspiring stories of plumbers who have overcome challenges to pursue their dreams in the plumbing trade.

Season 5 will present perspectives from plumbing experts in Australia, Alaska, Canada, Hawaii, and California, shedding light on the common challenges faced by plumbers worldwide. For the first time, the show has ventured outside the United States, creating great excitement about reaching an international audience—especially the next generation of plumbers.

Craig Morgan Returns for Season 5 

Country music star and Army Reserve soldier Craig Morgan will return as the show’s charismatic host. Craig’s authentic passion and profound connection to the stories of tradespeople make him the ideal guide on this journey of discovery and inspiration.

“This year, Pfister’s American Plumber Stories is heading to my second home state of Alaska and beyond, and five seasons in, it remains an honor to share these stories of inspiring men and women on the frontline of the worldwide plumbing trade,” Craig Morgan shared.

Strong Alliance Partners and New Partnerships

Three new partners joined forces with American Plumber Stories for Season 5. The International Code Council, NIBCO and AprilAire will help expand the reach of the series to their sizable audiences in the US and around the world. They are joining the ranks of industry leaders RIDGID, Cintas, Oatey, and the PHCC in this important mission.

“NIBCO partnering with American Plumber Stories was a natural fit, as we are committed to supporting and elevating the plumbing industry,” said Ashley Martin, president and COO, NIBCO. “The U.S. is in critical need of the next generation of plumbers. This show is helping to engage young men and women in an authentic way to help change the perception and inspire successful and fulfilling careers in the plumbing trades.”

Beyond the Boundaries

Season 5 tracks down some interesting plumbers around the world.

  1. Maui–Arecently retired plumber lost his house and everything he owned in the Lahaina fire disaster. The set-back motivates his son Raymond to recruit the next generation of plumbers to help build Lahaina back.
  2. Australia– Martin is the “Crocodile Dundee” of the plumbing industry in Tasmania. He specializes in servicing remote locations that he reaches by helicopter and small “bush” planes.
  3. Alaska– In this episode we explore the beauty of Alaska and what it’s like for Bill to work as a plumber in an extreme climate.
  4. Vancouver Island, B.C.– This episode tells the inspirational story of Mary Anne who employs an all-female team of plumbers. Her 100K+ social media followers know her as @the_ladyplumber. Discover why she is a role model to tradeswomen.
  5. Salinas, CA– Plumber Instructor Jorge helps rehabilitate inmates by teaching them the plumbing trade in the Soledad State Prison. We have an open discussion with the warden on why this approach works so well.
  6. Victorville, CA– Meet the Motherflushers. They are young and passionate about plumbing and have changed the perception via social media– well beyond the borders of the United States.

For more information and to watch the new episodes of American Plumber Stories, please visit www.americanplumberstories.com.

Interested plumbers who would like to share their own story can do so here: www.americanplumberstories.com/pages/i-am-an-american-plumber.

Stay Connected 

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Instagram.com/AmericanPlumberStories

Facebook.com/AmericanPlumberStories

Linkedin.com/showcase/American-Plumber-Stories

TikTok.com/@AmericanPlumberStories 

Subscribe to Email and Text Message Alerts www.americanplumberstories.com/pages/subscribe 

RIDGID®, a part of Emerson’s professional tools portfolio, hosted “We Love STEM Day” in June for 50 local students in grades three through eight. The annual event, held at RIDGID global headquarters in Elyria, Ohio, gave young learners the chance to see the real-world role science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) plays in critical jobs Read more

RIDGID®, a part of Emerson’s professional tools portfolio, hosted “We Love STEM Day” in June for 50 local students in grades three through eight. The annual event, held at RIDGID global headquarters in Elyria, Ohio, gave young learners the chance to see the real-world role science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) plays in critical jobs, such as manufacturing. Throughout the day-long experience, students participated in group projects, interactive learning games and more.

“STEM learning encourages students to explore new ideas and solutions to real-world challenges, equipping them with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive as students and future professionals,” said Rose Hitchens, event chair and chapter lead, RIDGID Women’s Impact Network for Emerson. “We loved experiencing the energy this year’s students brought to the day’s activities. Even the youngest participants had the chance to see how the concepts they’re learning in school can be applied to what we do every day at RIDGID.”

Students participated in a variety of hands-on activities, including making balloon cars, robotic hands, pinwheels, water filtration systems and solar-powered engines. Each activity allowed students to learn about the importance of mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, renewable energy and natural resources in manufacturing.

RIDGID is a proud supporter of local programs and education-based initiatives throughout Lorain County, including the Elyria school makerspaces that reinforce STEM learning. The company also partners with current and future trade professionals and regularly invests and donates products. For years, its leaders have served on industry boards to help strengthen the trades.

Emerson’s professional tools business, which includes RIDGID as well as the Greenlee® and Klauke® brands, provides the industry’s broadest portfolio of advanced, reliable tools and technologies for the mechanical, electrical and plumbing trades globally. Visit emerson.com/professionaltools for more information.

RIDGID®, Greenlee® and Klauke® are trademarks of Emerson or its subsidiaries. All other trademarks belong to their respective holders.

RIDGID®, a part of Emerson’s professional tools portfolio, announced their participation in the WWETT Show, Jan. 25 – 27, in Indianapolis. This year’s in-booth experience will include demos of their latest underground and pressing technology solutions, the opportunity to network with other pros during an exclusive show meetup and the first chance to enter to Read more

RIDGID®, a part of Emerson’s professional tools portfolio, announced their participation in the WWETT Show, Jan. 25 – 27, in Indianapolis. This year’s in-booth experience will include demos of their latest underground and pressing technology solutions, the opportunity to network with other pros during an exclusive show meetup and the first chance to enter to win a spot at the 2024 RIDGID Experience.

“RIDGID is taking cleaning, inspecting and patching to the next level and our team can’t wait to meet with the plumbers and drain cleaning professionals at WWETT to share our latest solutions,” said Jeff Albertini, marketing director, plumbing and mechanical, RIDGID. “We also can’t wait to host an exclusive in-booth meet up for industry pros to connect with each other and to offer the possibility of winning a new K9-204+ FlexShaft Machine.”

RIDGID invited tradespeople to stop by the RIDGID booth to experience their innovative drain cleaning, inspection, pipe rehabilitation, and pressing tools, including these latest solutions:

  • NEW: FlexShaft® KM-1004 Milling Machine – This new innovative milling machine provides heavy-duty milling and a wall-to-wall clean on 1 ¼ to 4-inch pipe up to 80 feet with unmatched efficiency. With cordless freedom, plug-in capability, first ever cable counter, and best-in-class durability, the FlexShaft KM-1004 Milling Machine allows users to adapt to tough jobsite conditions and makes in-field serviceability effortless.
  • NEW: K9-204+ FlexShaft Machine – This upgraded version of the K9-204 FlexShaft Drain Cleaning Machine has latches around the perimeter to provide easy access to the inside of the machine, an improved cable clamp for increased cable protection, and on-board hex key storage. The K9-204+ can be used on 2 to 4-inch pipe and includes 70 feet of 5/16-inch cable. A full range of chain knockers and accessories are available.
  • RIDGID Pipe Patching System – An all-inclusive, start-to-finish solution for faster and simpler trenchless repairs, the Pipe Patching System is the most versatile system on the market, offering more types of repairs with less materials and equipment. Featuring a durable fiberglass patch, it is ideal for repairing small sections of damaged pipe in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.
  • SeeSnake® Mini Pro Inspection Camera with TruSense Technology – The first reel of its kind to provide digital self-leveling without mechanical rotation, the small, yet rugged Mini Pro is designed to inspect up to 200 feet of 1 ½ to 8-inch pipe with its mid-flex push cable that can navigate hard 90-degree bends. Its innovative 25 mm digital self-leveling camera head always keeps the in-pipe image upright and, when
    paired with a TruSense enabled monitor, the Mini Pro delivers the industry’s best in-pipe image with superior clarity, detail and fewer blown-out areas and sections of the pipe that are too dark to see.
  • K-4310 FXP™ Drum Machine – The K-4310 features an industry-first cable counter that provides real-time, in-pipe cable distance in 3 to 10-inch lines for faster locating and diagnostics. Ideal for residential and commercial plumbing and drain cleaning projects, its powerful brushless DC motor spins at 230 RPM allowing you to tackle tough jobs with less required maintenance. The battery-powered K-4310 is also the newest addition to the FXP Technology Platform, delivering cordless freedom and powerful performance.

Other RIDGID drain cleaning, diagnostic, and press tools will also be available for demo including sectional machines, drum machines, jetters, SeeSnake® camera systems and locators.

Along with product demos, RIDGID had several other booth experiences, including hosting a booth meetup where they will gave away a K9-204+ FlexShaft Machine. Additionally, the first day of the show kicked off the RIDGID Experience 2024 and the RIDGID WWETT booth was the first opportunity for attendees to enter for their chance to win a spot on the seventh annual, all-expenses-paid trip to RIDGID headquarters. Throughout the show, attendees scanned their badge to enter to win one of three K9-102 FlexShaft Machines.

RIDGID also took their social followers to WWETT virtually on their social channels and with drain cleaning professionals Evan Berns (@re.plumb) and Nick Parlet (@plumbingsk8r) who will shared their WWETT show experience on their social media channels too.

To learn more about RIDGID purpose-built tools they had at WWETT, contact your local distributor or visit RIDGID.com.

The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association (PHCC) Educational Foundation is proud to announce the winners of our 2023 scholarships program. Fifty-seven students were selected to receive scholarship awards totaling $139,000. Applicants must be plumbing or HVAC apprentices or trade school students, or college students pursuing studies directly related to the plumbing-heating-cooling industry. The Foundation extends our congratulations Read more

The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association (PHCC) Educational Foundation is proud to announce the winners of our 2023 scholarships program. Fifty-seven students were selected to receive scholarship awards totaling $139,000. Applicants must be plumbing or HVAC apprentices or trade school students, or college students pursuing studies directly related to the plumbing-heating-cooling industry.

The Foundation extends our congratulations to all our winners and our thanks to the contractor donors and corporate sponsors who make these awards possible. Sponsorships are provided by A.O. Smith, Bradford White Corporation, Delta Faucet Company, InSinkErator, RIDGID, Scorpion Home Services Marketing, State Water Heaters, Sterling (a Kohler brand), SupplyHouse.com, Viega, the Texas and Massachusetts PHCC Auxiliaries, the PHCC Past National Officers, Bill Jones, and Gerry Kennedy, with additional funding from the generous donations made by PHCC contractors.

The 2024 PHCC Educational Foundation scholarship program will open for applications in January, with all submission materials due by May 1st. Information on the scholarship program can be found at https://phccfoundation.org/scholarships.

2023 PHCC Educational Foundation Scholarship Winners

  • Thomas Langer of McKean, Pa. is studying Business Management at Indiana University of Pennsylvania and was awarded a $3,000 scholarship sponsored by A.O. Smith.
  • Ryan Welte of Roscoe, Ill. is studying HVACR Installation, Service and Repair at Blackhawk Technical College and was awarded a $3,000 scholarship sponsored by A.O. Smith.
  • Noah Gonzales of Beaumont, Calif. is studying Plumbing Installation, Service & Repair in the PHCC-ORSB Plumbing Apprenticeship Program and was awarded a $3,000 scholarship sponsored by Bradford White.
  • Justin Hendrix of Reno, Nev. is studying Plumbing Installation, Service & Repair at PHCC of Nevada and was awarded a $3,000 scholarship sponsored by Bradford White.
  • Nathaniel Sanchez of Allentown, Pa. is studying Plumbing Installation, Service & Repair at PHCC of Lehigh Valley LCTI and was awarded a $3,000 scholarship sponsored by Bradford White.
  • Matthew Toohey of San Diego, Calif. is studying Plumbing Installation, Service & Repair at the PHCC of San Diego Academy and was awarded a $3,000 scholarship sponsored by Bradford White.
  • Sarosh Ahmed of Sylvania, OH is studying Mechanical Engineering at The University of Toledo and was awarded a $3,000 scholarship sponsored by Delta Faucet Company.
  • Cameron Barton of Amarillo, Texas is studying Construction Engineering at Texas Tech University and was awarded a $3,000 scholarship sponsored by Delta Faucet Company.
  • Todd Daskalov of Costa Mesa, Calif. is studying Plumbing Installation, Service & Repair in the PHCC-ORSB Plumbing Apprenticeship Program and was awarded a $1,500 scholarship sponsored by Delta Faucet Company.
  • Kyle Girard of Westford, Mass. is studying Plumbing Installation, Service & Repair at The Peterson School and was awarded a $1,500 scholarship sponsored by Delta Faucet Company.
  • Lane Prindle of Navarre, Fla. is studying HVACR Installation, Service and Repair at Locklin Technical College and was awarded a $1,500 scholarship sponsored by Delta Faucet Company.
  • Andrew Shields of Bryan, Texas is studying Mechanical Engineering at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology and was awarded a $3,000 scholarship sponsored by Delta Faucet Company.
  • Grant Styers of Gastonia, N.C. is studying Business Management at NC State and was awarded a $3,000 scholarship sponsored by InSinkErator.
  • Matthew Dineen of Glendale, Wis. is studying Plumbing Installation, Service & Repair at Waukesha County Technical School and was awarded a $1,500 scholarship plus $1,500 in tools sponsored by RIDGID.
  • Andrew Jacobs of Cypress, Calif. is studying Plumbing Installation, Service & Repair in the PHCC-ORSB Plumbing Apprenticeship Program and was awarded a $1,500 scholarship plus $1,500 in tools sponsored by RIDGID.
  • Eliuth Perez Gonzalez of San Jose, Calif. is studying Plumbing Installation, Service & Repair at the PHCC-GSA Plumbers UAC Apprenticeship Program and was awarded a $1,500 scholarship plus $1,500 in tools sponsored by RIDGID.
  • Cameron White of Trabuco Canyon, Calif. is studying Plumbing Installation, Service & Repair in the PHCC-ORSB Plumbing Apprenticeship Program and was awarded a $1,500 scholarship plus $1,500 in tools sponsored by RIDGID.
  • Ricardo Amezquita of Lynwood, Calif. is studying Plumbing Installation, Service & Repair in the PHCC-ORSB Plumbing Apprenticeship Program and was awarded a $1,500 scholarship sponsored by Scorpion Home Services Marketing.
  • Chase Fenner of Granger, Ind. is studying Plumbing Installation, Service & Repair at JATC Local 172 Apprentice Program and was awarded a $1,500 scholarship sponsored by Scorpion Home Services Marketing.
  • Ashley Trester of New Orleans, La. is studying Business Management at Tulane University and was awarded a $1,500 scholarship sponsored by Scorpion Home Services Marketing.
  • Sadiq Evans of Atlanta, Ga. is studying Mechanical Engineering at Alabama A&M and was awarded a $3,000 scholarship sponsored by State Water Heaters.
  • Garrett Crabb of Cameron Park, Calif. is studying Plumbing Installation, Service & Repair at the PHCC-GSA Plumbers UAC Apprenticeship Program and was awarded a $1,500 scholarship sponsored by Sterling, a Kohler Brand.
  • Matthew Emig of Springville, Iowa is studying HVACR Installation, Service and Repair in the PHCC of Iowa Online Program and was awarded a $1,500 scholarship sponsored by Sterling, a Kohler Brand.
  • Jacob Mellen of Leeds, Maine is studying Plumbing Installation, Service & Repair at Central Maine Community College and was awarded a $1,500 scholarship sponsored by Sterling, a Kohler Brand.
  • Tatiana Sicard of Mansfield, Mass. is studying Construction Management at Wentworth Institute of Technology and was awarded a $1,500 scholarship sponsored by Sterling, a Kohler Brand.
  • Mario Alvarado Jr. of Moreno Valley, Calif. is studying Plumbing Installation, Service & Repair in the PHCC-ORSB Plumbing Apprenticeship Program and was awarded a $1,500 scholarship sponsored by SupplyHouse.com.
  • Joseph Brehm of El Dorado, Calif. is studying Plumbing Installation, Service & Repair in the PHCC-GSA Plumbers UAC Apprenticeship Program and was awarded a $1,500 scholarship sponsored by SupplyHouse.com.
  • Hannah Keller of St. Petersburg, Fla. is studying Plumbing Installation, Service & Repair with PHCC of Florida and was awarded a $1,500 scholarship sponsored by SupplyHouse.com.
  • Anna Kurtz of Bethlehem, Pa. is studying Plumbing Installation, Service & Repair at PHCC Academy and was awarded a $1,500 scholarship sponsored by SupplyHouse.com.
  • James Mantsch of Sacramento, Calif. is studying HVACR Installation, Service and Repair in the Sacramento City College Mechanical Electrical Technology Program and was awarded a $1,500 scholarship sponsored by SupplyHouse.com.
  • Lamonte Wright of Murrieta, Calif. is studying Plumbing Installation, Service & Repair at PHCC Academy of San Diego and was awarded a $1,500 scholarship sponsored by SupplyHouse.com.
  • William Broas of Oxford, Conn. is studying HVACR Installation, Service and Repair at Lincoln Technical Institute and was awarded a $3,000 scholarship sponsored by Viega, LLC.
  • Aubree Carr of Stanwood, Wash. is studying Business Management at George Fox University and was awarded a $3,000 scholarship sponsored by Viega, LLC.
  • Chase Carrico of Lakeville, Ind. is studying Plumbing Installation, Service & Repair at JATC Local 172 Apprentice Program and was awarded a $3,000 scholarship sponsored by Viega, LLC.
  • Joseph Christensen of Lathrop, Calif. is studying Plumbing Installation, Service & Repair at PHCC-GSA Plumbers UAC Apprenticeship Program and was awarded a $3,000 scholarship sponsored by Viega, LLC.
  • Samuel Gutierrez of Fullerton, Calif. is studying Plumbing Installation, Service & Repair in the PHCC-ORSB Plumbing Apprenticeship Program and was awarded a $1,500 scholarship sponsored by Viega, LLC.
  • Erik Licona Perez of San Bernardino, Calif. is studying HVACR Installation, Service and Repair at San Joaquin Valley College and was awarded a $1,500 scholarship sponsored by Viega, LLC.
  • Elijah Patterson of Coxs Creek, Ky. is studying HVACR Installation, Service and Repair at Bluegrass Community and Technical College and was awarded a $1,500 scholarship sponsored by Viega, LLC.
  • Erin Perez of Richmond, Calif. is studying Plumbing Installation, Service & Repair with PHCC of Alameda & Contra Costa Counties and was awarded a $1,500 scholarship sponsored by Viega, LLC.
  • Helen Tallulah King of Tallahassee, Fla. is studying Business Management at University of Alabama and was awarded a $10,000 Charles Hiley Memorial Scholarship sponsored by PHCC Educational Foundation.
  • Anthony Cacciotti of Millstone Township, N.J. is studying Plumbing Installation, Service & Repair in the PHCC of New Jersey Academy and was awarded a $1,500 scholarship sponsored by PHCC Educational Foundation.
  • Kadyn Campeau of New Richmond, Wis. is studying HVACR Installation, Service and Repair at Chippewa Valley Technical College and was awarded a $3,000 scholarship sponsored by PHCC Educational Foundation.
  • Luke Ciaffaglione of Plantsville, Conn. is studying Construction Management at Central Connecticut State University and was awarded a $3,000 scholarship sponsored by PHCC Educational Foundation.
  • Marley Colville of Coats, N.C. is studying Business Management at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and was awarded a $3,000 scholarship sponsored by PHCC Educational Foundation.
  • Peter Diaz of Pomona, Calif. is studying Plumbing Installation, Service & Repair in the PHCC-ORSB Plumbing Apprenticeship Program and was awarded a $1,500 scholarship sponsored by PHCC Educational Foundation.
  • Aiden Divelbiss of Youngstown, Ohio is studying HVACR Installation, Service and Repair at University of Northwestern Ohio and was awarded a $3,000 scholarship sponsored by PHCC Educational Foundation.
  • Jake Dunlap of San Antonio, Texas is studying Plumbing Installation, Service & Repair at PHCC of San Antonio Apprentice Program and was awarded a $1,500 scholarship sponsored by PHCC Educational Foundation.
  • Zachary Hulin of Huntington Beach, Calif. is studying Plumbing Installation, Service & Repair in the PHCC-ORSB Plumbing Apprenticeship Program and was awarded a $1,500 scholarship sponsored by PHCC Educational Foundation.
  • Nathan Telander of San Antonio, Texas is studying Plumbing Installation, Service & Repair at PHCC of San Antonio Apprentice Program and was awarded a $1,500 scholarship sponsored by PHCC Educational Foundation.
  • Cole Trautman of San Luis Obispo, Calif. is studying Mechanical Engineering at Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo and was awarded a $3,000 scholarship sponsored by PHCC Educational Foundation.
  • Cody McManus of Dedham, Mass. is studying Business Management at Williams College and was awarded a $3,000 scholarship sponsored by PHCC of Massachusetts Auxiliary.
  • Nicholas Graves of San Antonio, Texas is studying Plumbing Installation, Service & Repair at PHCC of San Antonio Apprentice Program and was awarded a $1,500 scholarship sponsored by PHCC of Texas Auxiliary.
  • Joshua Fletcher of Knox, Ind. is studying HVACR Installation, Service and Repair at JATC Local 172 Apprentice Program and was awarded a $3,000 Need-Based scholarship sponsored by PHCC Past National Officers.
  • Jason Fornito of Springfield, Pa. is studying Plumbing Installation, Service & Repair in the PHCC of Philadelphia Suburban Apprentice Program and was awarded a $3,000 Need-Based scholarship sponsored by PHCC Past National Officers.
  • Victor Pacheco of Whittier, Calif. is studying Plumbing Installation, Service & Repair in the PHCC-ORSB Plumbing Apprenticeship Program and was awarded a $3,000 Need-Based scholarship sponsored by PHCC Past National Officers.
  • Timothy Portnoy of Vista, Calif. is studying Plumbing Installation, Service & Repair at PHCC of San Diego Academy and was awarded a $3,000 Patty Jones Memorial Scholarship sponsored by William Jones.
  • Hunter Styers of Gastonia, N.C. is studying Construction Management at University of Alabama and was awarded a $3,000 Gerry Kennedy Memorial Scholarship sponsored by Gerry Kennedy.

2023 PHCC Educational Foundation Scholarships Corporate Sponsors

About PHCC Educational Foundation

The PHCC Educational Foundation, a partnership of contractors, manufacturers, and wholesalers, was founded in 1987 to serve the plumbing-heating-cooling industry by preparing contractors and their employees to meet the challenges of a constantly changing marketplace. Students interested in pursuing a career in the plumbing or HVACR professions are invited to visit phccfoundation.org/scholarships for information on 2024 scholarships.

RIDGID®, a part of Emerson’s professional tools portfolio, is celebrating a major milestone this year: 100 years of designing and building innovative tools trusted on jobsites around the world and handed down from generation to generation. On Saturday, July 29, the company commemoratedthe occasion by inviting employees past and present, along with their families, to Read more