RIDGID, part of Emerson’s professional tools portfolio, has a long history of supporting local education As part of its ongoing commitment to support education, RIDGID®, a part of Emerson’s professional tools portfolio, and its employees donated a variety of school supplies to the Elyria City School District as part of a back-to-school supply drive sponsored Read more
RIDGID
RIDGID, part of Emerson’s professional tools portfolio, has a long history of supporting local education
As part of its ongoing commitment to support education, RIDGID®, a part of Emerson’s professional tools portfolio, and its employees donated a variety of school supplies to the Elyria City School District as part of a back-to-school supply drive sponsored by Mosaic, an Emerson employee resource group focused on serving the community, celebrating cultural diversity, and supporting future leaders through educational initiatives. The supplies, including writing utensils, glue sticks, scissors and backpacks, will be used in elementary school classrooms across the district so all students have the resources needed to learn and succeed.
“RIDGID is proud to be able to support Elyria students by providing additional school supplies to classrooms through our Mosaic school supply drive,” said Manirajan Manivannan, sr. project manager, Professional Tools and Founder/Global Chair, Mosaic for Emerson. “One of our goals through Mosaic is to take part in activities that bring us together as a community and embrace how our diverse cultures make anything possible.”
As part of the donation, Emerson’s Mosaic team created special age-appropriate activity sheets for young students that encouraged them to welcome inclusive cultures within their classrooms. “We want to provide the next generation of leaders with information regarding the benefits of cultural diversity and empathy,” said Manivannan.
As part of RIDGID’s ongoing commitment to education and fostering the skills of the next generation, employees regularly volunteer in the school district and demonstrate the role science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) plays in manufacturing through student tours at its state-of-the-art manufacturing center.
Over the years, RIDGID has also sponsored many other key projects with the school district, including a technology lab, new computer equipment for students, and the district’s Maker Space – a learning area dedicated to fostering STEM education.
“We’re thrilled to have RIDGID’s support on such an important initiative. These extra supplies will go a long way in helping teachers and students focus on learning and eliminate concern over whether they will have the resources needed to make it through the school year,” said Amy Higgins, communications director, Elyria Schools.
To learn more about RIDGID, visit RIDGID.com.
The RP 350 features a brushless motor, no service interval downtime and 360-degree swiveling head. RIDGID®, part of Emerson’s Professional Tool group, is adding even more versatility to its line of trusted press tools with the introduction of the RP 350 – an advanced, long- running press tool that’s built for the most demanding jobsites Read more
The RP 350 features a brushless motor, no service interval downtime and 360-degree swiveling head.
RIDGID®, part of Emerson’s Professional Tool group, is adding even more versatility to its line of trusted press tools with the introduction of the RP 350 – an advanced, long- running press tool that’s built for the most demanding jobsites. Engineered to be five percent lighter and almost three inches shorter than its predecessor, the RP 350 eliminates scheduled service intervals for less downtime and features a brushless motor, 360-degree swivel head and most advanced LED interface and lighting.
“RIDGID has been the leader in press technology for decades, and we’re excited to give tradespeople even more options for connecting pipe quickly, safely and with less fatigue,” said Michael Provenzano, global product manager, press connections, RIDGID. “We’ve already heard from contractors who previewed the RP 350 at the AHR Expo that the tool exceeds their expectations and they are excited to upgrade their pressing capabilities on the jobsite.”
Weighing only eight pounds with the battery, the RP 350 features an advanced brushless motor, known for maximizing tool longevity, efficiency and durability. The tool’s 360-degree swivel is an industry-first and comes paired with brightest-in-class LED lights to let users not only access tight spaces – but see them more clearly in low-light applications.
“The RP 350 is designed for contractor ease of use, not only from the standpoint of creating a quality press, but also to minimize contractor fatigue when using the tool,” said Don Embree, manager, industrial design – professional tools, Emerson. “Every feature we built into the tool helps put less impact on the body – for a more productive day and to reduce muscle fatigue.”
Ideal for making connections on residential, commercial and industrial jobs, the RP 350 is compatible with the full line of RIDGID jaws and rings, including: 1⁄2 – 4-inch ProPress® for copper and stainless steel, 1⁄2 – 2-inch PureFlow® for PEX, and 1⁄2 – 2-inch MegaPress® for carbon steel. It also offers maximum versatility, pairing with the RIDGID Press Booster for 2 1⁄2 -inch, 3-inch, and 4-inch carbon steel, StrutSlayrTM Strut Shear Head and the Press SnapTM Soil Pipe Cutter. The tool’s 18V battery platform includes a car charger for on-the-go battery charging; the unit also pairs with the RIDGID Link app to track tool usage, service needs, battery life and last known location. All RIDGID press tools, including the RP 350, come with the RIDGID Full Lifetime Warranty.
To purchase or learn more about the RP 350 and its accessories or other press tool products, visit RIDGID.com, or call toll-free: 1-800-4RIDGID.
New tool boasts the widest range of applications of any press tool on the market No two jobs are created equal, but the RIDGID RP 342-XL Press Tool is built for them all: Its lightweight design packs major power and boasts the widest range of applications of any press tool. Now you can press ½” Read more
New tool boasts the widest range of applications of any press tool on the market
No two jobs are created equal, but the RIDGID RP 342-XL Press Tool is built for them all: Its lightweight design packs major power and boasts the widest range of applications of any press tool. Now you can press ½” to 4” copper, stainless steel and carbon steel pipe, and ½” to 2” PEX pipe – in under 12 seconds and all with one tool.
The lightweight RP 342-XL features QuickSwitch™ technology to quickly switch from Standard to Extended 32kN applications to press 2 ½” to 4” carbon steel. Adding to the tool’s versatility and usefulness on the job, the lightweight RP 342-XL is compatible with the RIDGID full line of Standard 32kN Press Tool accessories, including the StrutSlayr™ Strut Shear Head, Press Snap™ Soil Pipe Cutter and all MegaPress jaws.
“RIDGID has been the industry leader in press technology for decades and our latest innovation, the RP 342-XL Press Tool, continues to set us apart,” said Michael Provenzano, Global Product Manager for Press Connections at RIDGID. “The RP 342-XL offers maximum versatility in all types of materials and sizes that can be pressed with one tool.”
The RP 342-XL is backed by the industry’s leading warranty, and also offers the lowest initial investment for contractors whose goal is to press up to 4” copper, stainless steel and carbon steel pipe.
To learn more visit, ridgid.com/342-XL.
Earning a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice, Michael Flynn’s (@flynnstone1) career path took an unexpected turn. “I fell ass-backward into the trade,” says Flynn. Early on, Flynn worked as pool lifeguard for six years, and, at the time, he knew a family that owned a plumbing and HVAC business. “They asked me to come Read more
Earning a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice, Michael Flynn’s (@flynnstone1) career path took an unexpected turn. “I fell ass-backward into the trade,” says Flynn. Early on, Flynn worked as pool lifeguard for six years, and, at the time, he knew a family that owned a plumbing and HVAC business. “They asked me to come on as a helper and driver, and they said I could go on my interviews and take care of my criminal justice stuff any time I needed.”
After realizing that he wasn’t getting hired due to the job shortage in 2008, Flynn focused all of his energy on the trade; he started paying more attention because this was his new career path.
When the guy Flynn was driving for left that company a year and a half later, Flynn’s boss at the time threw him the keys and told him to hop in the truck. “Needless to say, I was shaking in my boots. I was super nervous to run my own truck and service calls. Yet the boss told me to call him anytime I needed help to describe what I was looking at. The dude was a genius; he helped me fix it every time, and this was before FaceTime and good quality phone pictures, lol,” says Flynn.
With this new-found confidence instilled by his boss, it finally clicked in Flynn’s head that he could succeed in the field. Then, a self-inflicted roadblock. Flynn got a DUI and the company couldn’t keep him on, which inevitably led him on the path to sobriety. “I’m going to be four years sober on the 19th of this month,” says Flynn.
Searching for new work, he worked for a company for six months and eventually moved to another company. “That company’s boss taught me a lot about the business aspect of the trade, and he was super hard on me to succeed. Because of that, I did 1/2 million in sales for him on the service side in one year.”
Eventually, Flynn sought an opportunity to advance his career and he moved to the company he is at now, Service Professionals, Union, New Jersey, to do installs. Working with Service Professionals for the past six years, Flynn wears many hats and has multiple responsibilities. “I am a lead installer for residential installations for plumbing and boiler service, and I oversee all operations on the jobsite, and entire projects. I’m also a field supervisor, and take care of warranty issues, difficult service calls, and sometimes oversee other installs that I am not even a part of,” says Flynn.
The last few months have been rather difficult, but lately business has picked back up. When COVID-19 first started here in the states, work was extremely slow, says Flynn. The company had to lay off a few installers—some who weren’t comfortable coming into work and some that just wanted to take off. “It was rough; fighting to get 25-30 hours a week when I’m normally at 50-60. People wouldn’t let us in the house. Now it has picked up because the weather is getting warmer and people need their AC. We are wearing masks and gloves, and asking customer to keep their distance when we are performing an install.”
Flynn owes much of his growth and success to his father. “I’m adopted, which can be tough for some people. He showed me the meaning of hard work, but most of all, he showed me the love and affection I needed,” says Flynn. “He told me that if I wanted something, I had to put in the work to get it, and I still carry that to this day.”
That hard work translates to happy customers. “I get the best feeling when a customer sees the finished install and says ‘wow’! Taking a really bad looking and terribly functioning system and turning it into gold is what I live for,” says Flynn.
Beast mode
Flynn’s advice to those considering the trades is to dive head first into the trade and don’t be afraid to ask questions. “The lead, boss, or owner knows a lot more than you will ever know. That doesn’t mean they are not willing to teach you what they know. Are a hands-on learner or a watch and learner? It helps so they can get you to a point where you can perform tasks on your own,” says Flynn.
While the job is very rewarding, it’s not all puppy dogs and rainbows. “It’s a rough and tough industry. You have to lift stuff, push stuff and pull stuff; that’s just the nature of the beast. But, it’s also extremely fun. We have a great time every day, whether it’s joking on the job site—while still getting work done—or problem solving in a customer’s home. It really is a great place to be.”
The RIDGID Rp241 propress tool is one of Flynn’s go-to tools.
Yet, people have to know that the trade and industry is always changing, says Flynn. “My concern is people’s unwillingness to change with it and adapt. Some things never change. But some things are completely different. You have to look at things totally different now and be able to adapt. There is a lot of technology that can help people improve system performance, for example.”
According to Flynn, that excitement and visibility for the trades needs to start with shop classes in middle school and high school. For instance, recently Flynn was cleaning out his basement and found some woodworking projects he did in middle school. “I said to my wife, ‘Damn, I wish they had shop in high school.’ I might have been even further in my career if they did,” says Flynn.
Being part of the RIDGID Experience was one of the best things in Flynn’s career
Moreover, the trades need to more in the discussion as a viable option. “Everyone is pushing college, college, college when you can go to trade school and be debt-free. Don’t get me wrong, I benefited from college as far as knowledge and people skills, but I am not using that degree.”
Finding success in the trades does take time, hard work and dedication. And finding the right balance between home and work life can be difficult. “Balancing is hard, but it’s great for me because when I’m home, I’m home. I don’t have to go out. No on-call for me at all. There is an install weekend rotation, but that’s it. My wife knows that I am working very hard to provide so she doesn’t give me a hard time. If I know it’s going to be a long day, I let her know beforehand. She really is a great support for me. Communication is key to that, as well,” says Flynn.
In what spare time he has, Flynn enjoys reading and researching, BBQs and cookouts with family and friends, concerts and fishing trips. That researching includes scrolling through IG and absorbing as much information as he can. Social media has been a beneficial frontier for Flynn. “IG has been great for me. Connecting with everyone in the trades is incredible, and it really has helped me up my game on install with cleanliness and functionality. All of the tips and tricks is amazing.
I’ve also made some contacts with some tool companies, which is cool. Obviously, being part of the RIDGID Experience was one of the best things in my career, and I found out about that through Mechanical Hub!” says Flynn.
The last time Flynn said it was a great day? “It may sound cheesy, but every time I step back and look at a completed job that is running perfectly, I have a good day. I really do love what I do.”
In continuing its commitment to innovative jobsite solutions to expert tradespeople around the world, RIDGID® is pleased to announce the addition of Mitch Barton to the RIDGID Global Press Connection team, where he will serve as Marketing Director. In this new position, Barton will manage product development, partner relations and new business opportunities for the Read more
In continuing its commitment to innovative jobsite solutions to expert tradespeople around the world, RIDGID® is pleased to announce the addition of Mitch Barton to the RIDGID Global Press Connection team, where he will serve as Marketing Director. In this new position, Barton will manage product development, partner relations and new business opportunities for the growing line of RIDGID press tools.
Barton brings several decades of marketing and product development experience to his new role. Previously, he served as Director, Global Project Management for Performance Health in Akron. In this role, he transformed the product management group from a support organization to a high performing team leading projects and decision making across the organization. At RIDGID, he brings this innovative outlook to the Global Press Connection team, helping them strengthen their focus, responsiveness and global connectivity solutions in the pressing category.
“Looking at the needs of our end-user – the professional tradesperson – is critical to our overall product development strategy. Mitch understands this ‘consumer-first’ mindset and will help us continue to take a more holistic view towards new tool technologies,” said John Ruese, VP & General Manager of Global Press Connection at RIDGID.
In addition to more than 30 years of marketing experience across a variety of industries, Barton also holds a Master of Business Administration and Bachelor of Science degree from Bowling Green State University.
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.