Minnesota PHCC Contractor May/June 2018

MN PHCC 

May - June 

2018 

NEW HVAC 

SYSTEM TOOL 

REVEALS ‘BEST’ 

OPTIONS EARLY ON 

Attracting & Training Top Industry Talent p. 8 

What Should You Post On Social Media? p. 22

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May - June 2018 

ASSOCIATION NEWS 

FEATURES 

14 

18 

8 

10 

ATTRACTING & TRAINING TOP INDUSTRY 

TALENT: WHAT CAN YOU DO NOW? 

The trades will need 21 percent more plumbers and 21 percent 

more HVAC technicians by 2022 in addition to replacing 

workers who retire. 

NEW HVAC SYSTEM TOOL REVEALS ‘BEST’ 

OPTIONS EARLY ON 

BEST is a commercial building total HVAC system comparison 

tool that now solves the challenge of accurately comparing 

different styles of HVAC systems. 

HOW TO UNLOCK AFTERMARKET FIELD SERVICE 

REVENUE 

A checklist of nine key Field Service Management (FSM) functionalities 

trade contractors need. 

UPDATE ON DOL TASK FORCE ON 

APPRENTICESHIP EXPANSION 

The mission of the task force is to identify strategies and proposals to 

promote apprenticeships, especially in sectors where apprenticeship 

programs are insufficient. 

5 

6 

7 

Letter from the President, Jason 

Schrupp 

Riso Report: PHCC Will 

Work with Congress and the 

Administration to Ensure 

America’s Water Systems Are 

Safe 

HVAC Perspective: Workforce 

Development 

INDUSTRY NEWS 

27 

28 

28 

28 

28 

29 

29 

30 

Uponor Convention Welcomes 

Pro Squad Plumbers for Training 

Check Out the HVAC Business 

Interest Group 

Centerpoint Energy Encourages 

Safety Awareness During National 

Safe Digging Month 

OSHA Online Construction 

Training 

National Political Correspondent 

to Offer Insight into 2018 

Elections at PHCC’s Legislative 

Conference 

Millennials Leading the Growth of 

New Home Buyers 

Pay to Use a Public Toilet? Many 

Americans Say They Would 

Uponor Named Minnesota 

Manufacturer of the Year 

22 

26 

WHAT SHOULD YOU POST ON SOCIAL MEDIA? 

If you want social media to work for you, your company has to have a strategy. 

THE INTERNET OF THINGS (IoT) IS MOVING 

THE PLUMBING INDUSTRY TO PREVENTATIVE 

MAINTENANCE 

IoT will allow “smart” plumbing devices into a more proactive and 

preventative posture. 

PHCC CONNECTION 

32 

33 

36 

37 

38 

39 

Your MN PHCC Leadership 

MN PHCC Associate Members 

MN PHCC Membership Benefits 

MN PHCC Membership Application 

MN PHCC 2019 Past President’s Club 

Scholarship Application 

Advertiser Index 

5353 Wayzata Blvd., Ste 350 

Minneapolis, MN 55416 

P 952-564-3060 

F 952-252-8096 

info@mnphcc.org 

www.mnphcc.org 

MN PHCC MISSION STATEMENT 

Advancing member success through leadership, 

education, networking and advocacy for the Minnesota 

Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors, Manufacturers 

and Wholesalers while protecting public health and the 

environment. 

The Minnesota Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractor, published bimonthly, 

is the official publication of the MN Association of Plumbing- 

Heating-Cooling Contractors, only insofar as notices, bulletins, and 

reports are concerned. Editorial and personalized news stories reflect 

the opinions of the writers, and not necessarily that of the Association. 

Neither the Association nor this magazine accepts responsibility for 

statements or claims made by advertisers for their products or services. 

FOR INFORMATION ON ADVERTISING, CONTACT: 

Eric Johnson, Blue Water Publishers, LLC 

phone: 414.708.2059 • fax: 414.354.5317 

eric@bluewaterpublishers.com 

4 May - June 2018 | MN PHCC | www.mnphcc.org

PRESIDENT’S LETTER 

THE BENEFITS OF 

OUR TRADE MUST BE 

COMMUNICATED 

Boy, am I glad it is May and spring has finally decided to show up! It 

certainly seemed like we were never going to get rid of all the snow 

and cold weather that came upon us these past several months. I’m 

guessing that you are all looking forward to spending some extra time 

outside with family and friends as the temperature rises and the days grow 

longer. I anticipate that we are all ready for a busy spring/summer season of 

work. 

A few months ago, I read an article about the shortage of workers in the trades. I 

knew that we have a shortage, but what I didn’t realize was that throughout our 

nation, very few people are actually pursuing a career in the trades. According 

to a survey completed by RIDGID, only 6 percent of high school students 

are aspiring to have a career as a plumber, carpenter, electrician, heating 

ventilation/air conditioning installer or repair person. That is a huge issue for 

our profession as half of our industry’s workforce is reaching retirement age. 

By Jason Schrupp 

MN PHCC president 

He can be reached at 

jasonschrupp@hansonsplumbing.com. 

Now that the busy season is upon us, I hope everyone has been able to find enough help in our depleted workforce. As we move 

forward, education is going to be a key component for our industry. We, as a profession, need to branch out and do what we can 

to promote our industry in a positive way so our youth can see what a bright and fulfilling future he/she could possess. Youth are 

being told to focus their goals toward achieving a four-year degree versus the opportunities that vocational schools can bring to 

the table. Middle school and high school students need to become educated on how a person can make a great living and have an 

excellent lifelong career in our industry. It is up to us to promote our profession through apprenticeship and on-the-job training/ 

mentoring for young employees. If you are seeking greatly motivated employees, I hope you take the time and teach the next 

generation so our profession can prosper in the years to come. 

UPDATE FROM THE BOARDROOM 

We as a board would like to thank Vicky Olson for her dedicated service to the MN PHCC Board of Directors and its members as 

she pursues a career with another company. 

Vicky, we wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors. Thanks for working with us. It was a pleasure. 

THANK YOU TO OUR ANNUAL SPONSORS 

www.mnphcc.org | MN PHCC | May - June 2018 

5

RISO REPORT 

PHCC WILL WORK WITH CONGRESS AND THE ADMINISTRATION 

TO ENSURE AMERICA’S WATER SYSTEMS ARE SAFE 

Many municipalities across the nation confront 

critical challenges due to aging water and 

wastewater infrastructure projects. According 

to the American Society of Civil Engineers, an 

estimated $150 billion is currently needed for wastewater 

infrastructure needs. Many water systems require immediate 

repairs, upgrades and replacement; however, funding is 

scarce. Part of the overall solution is low-interest financing 

for such projects, which are made available to municipalities 

with State Revolving Funds (SRF). 

accelerate investment in our nation’s 

water and wastewater infrastructure 

by providing long-term, low-cost 

supplemental credit assistance under 

customized terms 

A SRF is a fund administered by a state for the purpose 

of providing low-interest loans for investments in water 

and sanitation infrastructure, such as sewage treatment, 

stormwater management facilities and drinking water 

treatment. A SRF receives its initial capital from federal grants 

and state contributions and offers bonds that are guaranteed 

by the initial capital. It then “revolves” through the repayment 

of principal and the payment of interest on outstanding loans. 

There are two SRFs: the Clean Water State Revolving Fund 

under the Clean Water Act, 

and the Drinking Water State 

Revolving Fund under the Safe 

Drinking Water Act. 

What Is Being Done About It 

and Are SRF Programs Enough? 

The recent $1.3 trillion 

Omnibus spending bill (as 

passed by Congress and signed 

Mark Riso 

by the President) includes 

almost $2.9 billion in funding 

for the Clean Water and 

Drinking Water State Revolving 

Loan funds, which will help 

state and local governments 

fund water treatment and other 

infrastructure. In addition, the bill includes new funding in 

the amount of $63 million for the EPA’s Water Infrastructure 

Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) program that finances 

water infrastructure projects. This is positive – HOWEVER 

– this is 2018 funding that will only last until Sept. 30! 

What Actions PHCC Needs to Take 

WIFIA is a five-year pilot program (starting in 2014) focused 

on supporting large-scale projects that may be underserved 

by existing state revolving funds. WIFIA is a federal credit 

program administered by EPA for eligible water and 

wastewater infrastructure projects. The program’s mission 

is to “accelerate investment in our nation’s water and 

wastewater infrastructure by providing long-term, low-cost 

supplemental credit assistance under 

customized terms to creditworthy water 

and wastewater projects of national and 

regional significance.” 

WIFIA (set to expire at the end of 

2018) needs to be reauthorized and 

needs to receive increased federal 

funding. WIFIA is currently being 

considered in the House and Senate. 

PHCC is meeting and working with the 

American Water Works Association, 

the Water Quality Association, and 

Plumbing Manufacturers International 

to reauthorize and increase funding for 

WIFIA. PHCC-National Association is 

currently working (in conjunction with 

allied organizations) to build a campaign 

for WIFIA reauthorization and will soon 

involve PHCC members. 


HVAC PERSPECTIVE 

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT: 

WHO’S PROBLEM IS IT TO SOLVE? 

By Tom Johnson 

As I was informed of the theme of this issue of 

Contractor being workforce development, my 

mind started spinning with ideas. I understand 

that I may not be the typical contractor. Personally, 

I don’t believe that the generations coming up are lazy, as I 

hear my peers often say. Sure, I grew up at the end of the baby 

boomer generation and the world has changed a whole bunch 

in my 35+ years in this industry. At the core, I don’t believe 

people have really changed all that much. I do agree that 

our approach to education has evolved. Let me explain my 

thinking and offer some suggestions of what we as employers 

can do about the current labor crisis shortage. 

I have researched this topic quite extensively over the past 

couple of years and there seems to be a certain consistency 

that keeps popping up. As an industry (plumbing, HVAC, 

pipe trades, etc.), we have done an absolutely awful job of 

educating the upcoming generations about what we do. We 

have assumed the public education system would continue to 

do that as they did back when we were in school. It is simply 

not the case. The public education system in our country is 

built around the premise of self-sustenance. In other words, 

the schools are designed to promote going to academic 

schools. They then teach students the only way you can make 

a good living is if you get a higher degree. Step back and 

look at our educational system and corporate America. No 

longer are you rewarded for hard work and ingenuity, you 

are rewarded if you receive a higher academic degree. You are 

passed over if you don’t. 

For those of us that value effort, ingenuity, skills and ability, 

we need to educate young and old alike that they can succeed 

in the trades. There was a recent study done in Minnesota 

and it calculated the difference in earning power of a person 

going into a skilled trade right out of high school vs. college 

graduates of the same graduating classes. Once debt service 

to student loans were figured in, trades people earned more 

net income for all of the first 35 years, on average, than did 

their college graduate counterparts. Do you think the high 

school counselors are telling the students that? NO! First, 

they don’t know the facts and even if they did, the university 

enrollments will go down and they would be told they are not 

doing their job right. 

Even the modern technical education system is not run by 

trades people, it is run by educators. Have you looked at the 

curriculum of a graduate of HVAC or plumbing tech school? 

They have a whole lot more English and science than they do 

code study or practical hands-on experience. Hire one and 

send him or her out to a job site. They may know what the 

book says, but have no idea how to practically apply it. 

The answer is NOT to complain. The answer is to get involved. 

Offer to speak at your local high school’s career day. Get to 

know young people. Let them know the earning potential 

in our business. There are a lot of young people sitting in 

classrooms all across our great country, bored to death, 

wishing they could earn a good living actually “doing” 

something. Let’s show them we have something meaningful 

for them to do! 

Take the first step. Talk to the counselor at your high school. 

They would love to have you come into the school. Develop 

a short term pre-apprentice program. You may be surprised 

about the quality of person you may find. We all need to 

promote our industry together. Will you please help? All of 

us are collectively counting on each of you. 

Tom Johnson is a board member of MN PHCC. He is a longtime 

PHCC member and owns and operates T M Johnson 

Bros. Inc. in Cambridge. Reach him at 763-689-3141 or 

tom@tmjohnson.com. 


7

FEATURE 

ATTRACTING & 

TRAINING TOP 

INDUSTRY TALENT: 

WHAT CAN YOU DO 

NOW? 

The projected worker shortage in the p-h-c industry is staggering. The 

trades will need 21 percent more plumbers and 21 percent more HVAC 

technicians by 2022 in addition to replacing workers who retire! 

Many companies already are facing problems finding qualified 

workers and there are more challenges to come. PHCC- 

National Association and the PHCC Educational Foundation 

have implemented a special task force to assess ways p-h-c 

businesses can attract, train and retain the next generation of 

skilled workers. In the meantime, here are some suggestions 

on how you can develop the workforce you need … now and in 

the future. 

ATTRACT – Things you can do in your area! 

• Share your passion with local schools: lead a Career 

Day presentation and spark an interest in a student who 

hadn’t considered a plumbing or HVACR career; head a 

discussion on trade occupations at a PTA or PTO meeting; 

establish a co-op plumbing program at your local high 

school. 

• Talk with school officials about the importance of career 

and technical education. 

• Mentor students of all ages. Start with your local Scout 

troops (Boy Scouts of America offers merit trade badges, 

including plumbing, welding, drafting and – coming soon 

– HVAC; learn more at www.meritbadge.org.) 

• Invite students and young adults to shadow you for a day 

to get a real-life perspective of a “day in the life” of a p-h-c 

professional. 


• Partner with your local community and technical colleges 

on developing a shared vision for student outcomes and 

collaborating on both curriculum and instructor training. 

• Bring industry partners into the conversation; work 

with manufacturers and wholesalers on establishing 

a relationship with a school by donating equipment, 

materials or classroom assistance time. 

• Educate your elected officials about the critical need for 

Career and Technical Education (CTE) and workforce 

program funding; call their offices or write a letter. 

• Use social media. This popular marketing platform is a 

great way to promote why people should consider choosing 

the p-h-c profession – education alternatives, solid wages, 

comfortable living, contributions to public health and 

safety, opportunities for hands-on work and emerging 

high-tech possibilities. When possible, add photos and 

video for added impact. 

• Promote technology in the trades. Heightened energyefficiency 

standards have dictated even more high-tech 

products and tools in the industry, perfectly suited to 

today’s young people. 

• Show career growth opportunities. The construction industry 

not only presents prospects for business management and 

ownership but encompasses multiple career paths such as 

accounting and marketing, technical writing and law. 

RETAIN – Once you recruit and train skilled workers, how 

do you keep them? 

• Make sure your company has the perfect system for 

employee development and the right type of work 

environment to keep new and existing employees. 

• Serve your community because you’re a part of that 

community. Get involved in local charities and needs and 

model that commitment to your employees. 

• Share your craft with the next generation and pass on the 

traditions and pride built in this trade! 

We All Gain 

You have the power to keep our industry strong, but you must 

get involved! 

A little work goes a long way in protecting you, your company, 

your family, your future. Start attracting and preparing the 

next generation of skilled workers … today! 

PHCC-National Association and the PHCC Educational 

Foundation can provide everything you need to get started … 

plus watch for new strategies and tools. Visit www.phccweb. 

org, or email membership@naphcc.org. 

Article courtesy of PHCC-National Association. 

• Support and tap into the PHCC Educational Foundation’s 

scholarship program, this year awarding $105,000 in 

scholarships to apprentices or students entering a course 

of study directly related to the p-h-c industry. 

TRAIN – The PHCC Educational Foundation has proven 

tools designed to help contractors train the next generation 

of skilled workers, including: 

• A complete four-year series of plumbing and HVACR 

textbooks (using Dept. of Labor-approved curriculum); 

also available in eBook format. 

• A four-year plumbing and HVACR online eLearning 

program designed for students who cannot attend a 

traditional classroom setting. 

• A series of plumbing assessment tests for each year of 

apprenticeship in a traditional four-year program; also 

can be used as an entry-level journeyman test. 

• Plumbing and HVACR competitions, including SkillsUSA 

(www.skillsusa.org) and the PHCC Educational 

Foundation. 

For more information, visit http://foundation.phccweb.org. 


9

FEATURE 

NEW HVAC SYSTEM TOOL 

REVEALS ‘BEST’ OPTIONS EARLY ON 

By Dan Vastyan 

For many years, HVAC 

industry professionals have 

lamented the inadequacy of 

efficiency ratings to evaluate 

different system types equitably. 

When commercial HVAC equipment 

is laboratory-tested and assigned an 

efficiency rating, water source heat 

pumps may as well be apples and VRF 

systems oranges. Obviously, boilers 

are peaches, centrifugal chillers are 

bananas and cooling towers become 

watermelons. 

Suffice it to say, the cornucopia of 

efficiency rating systems (EER, IEER, 

SEER, AFUE, COP, etc.) makes the 

task of comparing real-world, asapplied 

system efficiencies and life 

cycle costs a lengthy, arduous task. 

That is, until recently. 

Members of the Hydronics Industry Alliance-Commercial 

(HIA-C), a committee of the Radiant Professionals Alliance, 

have recognized the importance of creating a common 

denominator among all HVAC system types. This would allow 

building owners, mechanical engineers and design/build 

contractors to accurately compare real-world performance 

in a specific building. Ideally, this could be done in the early 

design phase, even before ground is broken. This idea emerged 

about five years ago and the software has now come to fruition. 

Available for free, the Building Efficiency System Tool (BEST) 

is a commercial building total HVAC system comparison tool 

that now solves the challenge of accurately comparing different 

styles of HVAC systems. 

With the very simplest of inputs, BEST compares the energy 

performance, first cost, life cycle cost and more for all major 

types of HVAC systems and is broadly applicable to most 

commercial buildings anywhere on the continent. All BEST 

outputs are represented in operating dollar figures, making 

comparison easy. 

BEST does this quickly and accurately. It compares up to 

four system types in a matter of minutes, instead of hours or 

days. The software was not created to replace programs like 

EnergyPlus required by some rating agencies. BEST efficiently 

narrows the choices often run in EnergyPlus, significantly 

reducing design time. 

“While different types of HVAC equipment are subject to 

various rating systems, the bigger issue is that they’re all 

tested to different standards,” said Greg Cunniff, manager of 

application engineering at Taco Comfort Solutions. 

“The testing parameters, lab procedures and resulting efficiency 

scores for some types of equipment are relatively comparable 

to their real-world performance,” he said. “For other systems, 

the discrepancy between tested and as-applied performance is 

surprisingly large. Owners, engineers and contractors needed 

a tool that refines the choices and compares all technologies on 

common ground.” 

Free BEER 

In addition to creating a powerful tool for design professionals, 

the HIA-C is hoping that BEST offers a seat at the table for all 

its members. 

The HIA-C is a diverse organization comprised of commercial 

manufacturers from the United States, Mexico and Canada. 

Through collaboration, even amongst staunch competitors, 

the most comprehensive comparison solution emerged. 

“With BEST, professionals can rapidly analyze all the realworld 

HVAC options to determine the system that best meets 

budgetary and performance requirements,” said Rick Bostian, 

HIA-C chairman and business development manager at 

WaterFurnace International. 

“In its most basic comparison function, the user only inputs 


FEATURE 

the location for weather and utility data, building size and 

number of stories to get a comparison of four options among 

the 30 predetermined systems,” he said. “If desired, the design 

team can change any of the program’s defaults to more closely 

match the building. Without BEST, comparing a lot of ‘what if’ 

scenarios can be expensive and time-consuming.” 

BEST uses the Building Energy Efficiency Ratio (BEER), 

which combines certified AHRI data, including certified unit 

efficiency ratios, manufacturers’ published performance data, 

component performance curves and the pipe or duct required 

in typical systems with as-applied correction factors. BEST 

bridges the gap between laboratory test data and real-world 

HVAC system performance, including installation and utility 

costs against calculated load and actual local weather. 

“BEER re-rates published efficiency data for actual operating 

conditions and any distribution energy that’s missing from 

AHRI data,” said Mark Handzel, vice president of product and 

regulatory affairs at Xylem. “For example, pumping energy in 

a hydronic system is absent from AHRI numbers. And when 

VRF systems are AHRI tested in a lab, the demands on the 

compressor – based on length of refrigerant lines and load 

applied – are far less than what a typical field installation is 

likely to include.” 

This type of re-rate is applied in BEST per ASHRAE guidelines 

and certified manufacturers published data to all systems by 

identifying, per system, where energy is used to deliver comfort. 

These re-rates are standard defaults in BEST, where most other 

programs require users to make their own adjustments.” 

While a building’s heating, cooling and ventilation energy 

consumption and operating cost are of great importance, the 

intent of BEST is not to predict annual energy consumption of 

a given system. 

Rather, BEST seeks to provide the user with a comprehensive 

comparison of multiple, complete HVAC systems using an 

identical load profile, specific to building size, weather pattern, 

installation and operating cost. BEST reports, in detail, the 

information needed for informed decisions regarding HVAC 

system selection at the early project design phase. 

“BEST outputs cumulative life cycle cost by year, system 

payback time, pump and fan HP, total system integrated energy 

efficiency ratio (IEER) for cooling, coefficient of performance 

(COP) for heating and more,” explained Mark Chaffee, vice 

president of government relations and sustainability for Taco 

Comfort Solutions and founding member of the HIA-C. “The 

cost data are based on industry averages for first cost and 

Continued on page 12 >> 

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11

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FEATURE 

HOW TO UNLOCK 

AFTERMARKET 

FIELD SERVICE 

REVENUE 

A ROADMAP 

FOR TRADE 

CONTRACTORS 

By Steve Andrew 

With prices dropping and profits shrinking from equipment 

sales, trade contractors are looking to unlock more revenue 

by establishing aftermarket service contracts to maintain 

equipment availability throughout its entire life cycle. Steve 

Andrew, vice president of marketing, North America, at 

IFS has written a checklist of the nine key Field Service 

Management (FSM) functionalities trade contractors need 

in order to effectively implement and manage aftermarket 

service contracts. 

Trade contractors are realizing that aftermarket service contracts 

can grow into important revenue streams. But simply having an 

aftermarket service division of the business doesn’t guarantee a 

new profit center. In a recent Aberdeen research report, service 

industry executives listed product and service competition as 

the No. 1 competitive pressure facing the industry. 

This is where a new breed of intelligent field service management 

applications come in. Further research has shown that firms 

using field service solutions experience more than 5 percent 

year-over-year service revenue growth. Those without these 

solutions experience nearly a 5 percent loss of service revenue. 

So, implementing software to enable profitable growth seems 

smart. But not all field service applications address all of the 

unique challenges faced by trade and specialty contractors. 

MEET CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS 

At a basic level, field service management software should take 

into account all contract parameters to ensure all customerspecific 

Service-Level Agreements (SLAs) are met. This may 

include technician response times, preventive maintenance 

coverage or escalation rules. It should also cover customer or 

equipment-specific pricing, the scope of work and maintenance 

obligations, customer or contract-specific invoicing, contract 

visibility and concession tracking, warranty management and 

any additions and changes or cancellations to work orders. 

OMNICHANNEL REQUEST HANDLING 

Software must be able to initiate a work order regardless of how 

a customer makes the request – phone, email and online portal 

are the three main channels. Preventive maintenance should 

also be considered, as contracts can mandate maintenance at 

specific intervals, such as equipment cycles. 

As more companies are using IoT sensors to track both at-risk 

components and overall equipment health for field service 

management, software should also be able to receive fault 

information and automate the appropriate steps, including 

ordering parts and opening a work order. 

EXECUTE THAT WORK ORDER 

With work order functionality on a mobile device, the 

technician can issue quotes at a fixed or not-to-exceed price, 

secure approval on work orders and generate new ones while 

in the field. But more advanced functionality must guide the 

technician through advanced processes. Technicians need 

access to equipment manuals, schematics, service tutorials 

and live support from experts while in the field. 

Field service software should also help streamline the creation 

of checklists to package required information on parts and 

processes involved in each service task. This is important 

when there is a consulting, inspection or professional services 

element to your field operations. 

GETTING TECHNICIANS IN THE RIGHT PLACE AT THE 

RIGHT TIME 

Scheduling optimization puts management in control of 

the field service workforce by dynamically generating an 

optimized route and providing information on specific jobs 

for technicians. This includes geolocation services to track 

technician location, which can then be relayed to the customer. 

As new service requests turn into new work orders, the 

Continued on page 16 >> 


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FEATURE 

FEATURE 

analysis can be performed at a granular level. This is essential 

for a contracting business to increase invoicing efficiency by 

reducing administrative work – helping you to get paid faster. 

This can be achieved easily by field service management software 

with a flexible invoicing and billing engine and configurable 

invoice rules. Invoicing functionality should reconcile the 

invoice with the terms of the customer contract, including 

customer-specific pricing, any agreements on payment terms 

and how the customer would like the invoice routed depending 

on equipment type, location or other factors. 

PERFORMANCE MONITORING 

Without field service management, pulling analytics on service 

performance is extremely difficult. Pulling data from disparate 

systems just to find out if you are making or losing money is 

time consuming and error prone. Sales orders, service orders 

and other transactional tools all contain data for invoicing and 

should be part of your field service management solution to 

help drive configurable analytics of your service organization’s 

financial performance. 

data from throughout the service life cycle from order intake 

right through to dispatch and work order execution. This can 

even be combined with data from contract management to 

get visibility into your efficiency levels and how well you are 

delivering on contracts and SLAs. 

FSM CHECKLIST – THE KEY TO SUCCESS 

If you are evaluating field service management software, it will 

be important to ensure it addresses all of the points on this 

checklist. Without the efficiencies created by FSM software, 

organizations executing aftermarket service face the reality of 

leaking yearly revenue as customer requirements evolve, new 

SLAs are set and disruptive technologies arrive. 

Steve Andrew is vice president of marketing, North America, 

for IFS. He has 30 years of experience in the enterprise 

software industry, all of it with IFS North America and 

Effective Management Systems. 

Operational metrics are just as important as financial metrics 

so you can determine if you are operating efficiently and if 

your customers are well-served. Field service software takes 

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17

FEATURE 

UPDATE ON DOL TASK FORCE ON 

APPRENTICESHIP EXPANSION 

By Michael Copp, PHCC-National Association Executive Vice President 

The Department of Labor (DOL) Task Force 

established by President Trump’s Executive 

Order Expanding Apprenticeships in 

America held a formative meeting with more 

meetings scheduled in 2018. The mission 

of the task force is to identify strategies 

and proposals to promote apprenticeships, 

especially in sectors where apprenticeship 

programs are insufficient. 

The Executive Order recognizes apprentice programs that are 

in place, performing well and placing individuals in successful 

careers. The PHCC Educational Foundation apprenticeship 

program, recognized by the DOL, is one example of that type 

of in-place program that is based on a four-year curriculum 

with required on-the-job training, typically leading to 

licensure in jurisdictions where required. However, the 

DOL task force has agreed in principle that the typical DOLregistered/approved 

apprenticeship program is not keeping 

up with labor demands. 

Initial impressions are that the DOL Task Force is looking 

at World Class Organizations (and specifically their training 

programs) to better understand and ultimately recommend 

the establishment of competency-based DOL-approved 

programs that would be available in addition to existing 

traditional apprenticeship programs. The model would teach 

task-oriented competencies that lead to portable credentials. 

A candidate could take accelerated training on tasks, achieve 

a credential, and work independently under that credential. 

The skills training could be stackable in that individuals could 

add competencies over time and expand their work expertise. 

Additionally, there is interest in making the credentials 

portable such that there would be recognition across 

jurisdictional lines. Finally, the DOL Task Force intends for the 

entire competency-based training regimen, once completed, 

to meet the requirements of existing apprenticeship programs 

in those states that require a license to practice. 

It’s important that we remember the transcendental value 

of the apprenticeship system, which was and remains a way 

to hand down the “craft” and “science” from one generation 

to the next for the sake of preserving the professionalism of 

an industry. While there is a desire to ensure that we have 

skilled labor for our industry, it is even more important that 

we have professional and licensed master tradespeople who 

are not merely competent in installing and servicing a limited 

number of products and systems, but are also knowledgeable 

about why they do what they do and can help their clients 

solve problems. In our collective rush to increase the skilled 

labor pool, the DOL task force cannot lose sight of the 

potential collapse of the traditional apprenticeship system 

because of commoditized competencies that may not actually 

be interchangeable between employers (companies do things 

differently). We will end up with Jacks and Jills of all trades 

and experts in none who may elect to satisfy only those 

competencies necessary to become immediately employable 

and may never complete an apprenticeship and not meet 

licensing requirements in many states. 


FEATURE 

Since 1970... 

Much of the DOL competency program is yet to be 

determined. The establishment of the actual competencies 

needs to be considered as well as the required training. 

Creation of the training content and expert evaluation for 

DOL approval would be required. How the credentialing 

process would work and who would do the credentialing 

is a question as well. Lastly, the interaction of these 

programs with existing licensing programs would have to 

be reconciled. As the work of the DOL task force proceeds, 

many of these questions need answers. For example, 

standards must be in place to ensure that competent 

plumbing and HVAC professionals are maintaining the 

integrity of potable water systems, sanitary drainage 

systems and heating and air conditioning systems that 

are protecting the health and safety of our nation and 

preserving the environment. 

As the task force deliberations continue, we will monitor 

the progress and provide updates to PHCC members. 

If you have thoughts you would like considered, please 

email Government@naphcc.org. 

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www.mnphcc.org | MN PHCC | May - 12/18/14 June 2018 10:45 AM 

19

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FEATURE 

WHAT SHOULD YOU POST ON SOCIAL MEDIA? 

By Lindsay Schultz 

Having a presence on multiple social media platforms is a good idea for companies 

large and small. You’re increasing your chances of being found online, making it 

easier for customers and potential customers to contact you as well as building 

name recognition and a community. But what should you post? 

Whether your company posts daily or 

hardly at all, there are times you run out 

of content ideas. The important question 

is what should you post that will have the 

greatest benefit, making your time (and 

possibly your social media advertising 

dollars) well spent? 

If you want social media to work for you, 

your company has to have a strategy. 

Before you choose the content that will 

influence your audience, make sure you 

first determine who your audience is 

and what platforms they’re using. 

The most valuable platforms for 

businesses, in order, are Facebook, 

LinkedIn, YouTube and Twitter. 

Instagram is fifth and is actively growing 

in size and popularity. Other sites that 

currently benefit brands are Google+, 

Pinterest and Snapchat. Each platform 

has its own style of posts – YouTube 

is obviously all video – but a few basic 

principles can apply to all. 

According to the Clutch 2017 Social 

Media Survey, the three most engaging 

types of content on social media – by a 

huge margin – are written articles, 

videos, and images. (View the full 

report at https://bit.ly/2Hk5WSf.) 

The following ideas should help you 

come up with social media post plans. 

Written Articles 

If you don’t have a blog on your website, 

get one. That’s where you need to be 

writing content and then sharing it to 

social media. Keep in mind that written 

articles should always include relevant 

images. 

• Write an article of tips. If you 

regularly offer educational 

information in an accessible format, 

you’ll build a genuine community 

with your company positioned as 

the expert. It could be a how-to, a 

list of things to avoid or tips for the 

current season or holiday. 

• Disagree with a popular opinion. 

Is there a misconception in your 

industry? A popular product you 

don’t like or a popular method you 

take issue with? Write it up. 

• Answer a question. When people 

call your company, what questions 

do they ask? Pick one and write out 

your answer. 

• Do a review or a compare and 

contrast. 

• Interview a customer or post 

a testimonial with your own 

commentary on the project. 

Videos 

• Walk through/around a completed 

or almost completed project, 

discussing what has been done 

(great for Facebook Live and 

YouTube). 

• Interview a happy customer 

(YouTube). 

• Take a tour of your company’s 

headquarters, introduce staff, talk 

about how customer service is 

handled (great for both Facebook 

Live or YouTube). 

22 May - June 2018 | MN PHCC | www.mnphcc.org 

Continued on page 24 >>

WHAT IS AN HOUR OF LABOR 

WORTH TO YOU? 

• NO mudding! 

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• Textured Floor which meets and exceeds ASTM 

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• • Smooth Walls for easy grab bar positioning 

and fold-up seat installation 

• Wood reinforced for curtain rod brackets 

• Center drain location 

• Boot Print Balsa wood base 

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23

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FEATURE 

THE INTERNET OF 

THINGS (IOT) 

IS MOVING THE PLUMBING 

INDUSTRY TO PREVENTATIVE 

MAINTENANCE 

Henry Halimi 

In the last five years, the Internet of Things 

(IoT) has revolutionized the way people 

interact with their homes in many different 

ways. It has empowered interconnectivity 

in a way that most of us couldn’t imagine. With 

the prevalence of smartphones and IoT, people’s 

“smart devices” offer convenience in all corners 

of their homes: toasters that automatically toast 

when a morning alarm goes off, thermostats that 

automatically adjust settings based on people 

being home or not, and even voice-enabled 

devices to play music and read the news. 

The plumbing industry has been no exception to this IoT 

revolution, which has revitalized the industry with innovation. 

Professional trades people have built entire businesses around 

installing tankless water heaters, filtration systems, and water 

purification systems that are now Wi-Fi enabled and “smart.” 

This first wave of IoT has been about individual devices and the 

convenience of smart, Wi-Fi enabled devices. The next wave 

will provide much more than the convenience of Wi-Fi control 

of devices. It will open up truly smart and interconnected 

devices in the home. 

IoT will allow “smart” plumbing devices to move into a more 

proactive and preventative posture, which offers enormous 

benefits for all involved, especially plumbing professionals. 

More than just helping to just minimize damages and harm, 

IoT will allow proactive maintenance of the home to prevent 

losses altogether. For example, instead of leak detectors that 

beep after damage has occurred, we will have detectors that 

send notifications straight to a homeowner’s phone and help 

them contact a plumber right away. Even better will be devices 

with machine learning capabilities that can learn to shut the 

water off themselves. 

Due to these new devices, plumbing professionals will now be 

able to offer 24/7 water monitoring services for homeowners, 

condo and apartment owners who want a preventive, not 

reactive approach. With an aging housing stock and the 

natural breakdown of plumbing infrastructure, there is a real 

opportunity for the plumbing industry to benefit alongside 

customers, insurance companies and municipalities as 

water leaks are eliminated and catastrophic water damage 

disappears. The amount of money and heartache that can be 

saved with these new devices and services will quickly drive 

adoption and transform the industry. 

To put it simply, IoT will move plumbers and the plumbing 

industry into a completely new, preventive role. Those that 

embrace this new approach stand to dominate the industry and 

develop relationships with customers that are much stronger 

and stickier than in the past. And in my humble opinion, the 

newly enlightened plumbing professionals will see enormous 

amounts of growth along the way. 

Henry Halimi is the founder of Flo Technologies, Inc. (meetflo. 

com) and inventor of the Flo Water Monitoring and Shut-off 

device. Halimi has been a consultant to the top tier plumbing 

manufacturers in the past 14 years. (henry@flotechnologies. 

com) 


INDUSTRY NEWS 

UPONOR CONVENTION WELCOMES PRO 

SQUAD PLUMBERS FOR TRAINING 

The 2018 Uponor Convention was the site of the first official training 

session for an initial group of 100 professional plumbing installers who 

qualified to join the Uponor Pro Squad. The day-long training workshop, 

held April 5 at the Bellagio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, was designed 

to enable the group to promote, sell, install and service the new Phyn Plus smart 

water assistant + shutoff. The device made its simultaneous debut in January at 

the International Builders’ Show in Orlando and the Consumer Electronics Show 

(CES) in Las Vegas. 

“This training was an exciting and important milestone in the launch of Phyn 

Plus,” said Dena Mayne, vice president, marketing and customer experience, 

Uponor North America. “Not only did it mark the official 

commercialization of the device in North America, but 

the session also enabled us to help this network of 

professionals advance the plumbing industry into the 

digital era by using data and insights to change the way 

consumers think about the water in their homes.” 

Smart Water Solutions 

WHAT'S DRIVING 

DEMAND? 

more than 2,600 professional 

plumbers have joined the Pro Squad 

network since recruitment began in 

October 2017. 

PROTECT: 

Water leaks are a significant problem 

$8,861 1 in 50 37% #2 45% 

Average 

claim from 

water 

damage and 

freezing 

Insured 

homes with 

a water 

damage 

claim each 

year 

U.S. 

homeowners 

that have 

suffered 

water 

damage 

Water 

damage is 

second most 

common 

claim after 

wind/hail 

Homeowners' 

insurance 

losses caused 

by water 

damage in 

2015 

The Phyn Plus is designed for the single-family 

residential market. The device is installed on a home’s 

main water line and automatically measures tiny change 

in water pressure at 240 times per second. Its function 

is to identify and alert homeowners the moment a 

leak is detected via a smart phone app, mitigate costly 

damage through an automatic shutoff and diagnose 

potential problems in plumbing systems before they 

become an issue. 

To date, more than 2,600 professional plumbers have 

joined the Pro Squad network since recruitment began 

in October 2017. For members who did not attend the 

Convention, Uponor will provide training online as well 

as in-person workshops hosted by company technical, 

sales and marketing experts. Licensed plumbing 

professionals interested in joining the Uponor Pro 

Squad can apply via uponorprosquad.com. 

Source: Insurance Information Institute 

CONSERVE: 

Water scarcity is real 

41% 66% 80% 

Rise in water costs in the U.S. 

since 2010 

Source: 2015 Circle of Blue Study 

1 

Americans who believe access to 

clean water is an issue 

Source: 2017 Nestle Waters North America Study 

Water utility managers who expect 

water shortage in 10 years 

Source: U.S. Gov't Accountability Office 

TRILLION gallons of water wasted in North America each year 

Source: epa.gov/watersense 

ENHANCE: 

Demand for smart devices is growing 

5 

MILLION 

Source: 2017 Park Associates Study 

Projected number 

of smart water 

leak detectors sold 

in U.S. by 2020 

$220M 

Projected 

revenue of 

smart water 

leak detectors 

in U.S. by 2020 

>40 % 

of homeowners 

with broadband 

say... 

...a smart 

water leak 

detection 

device 

would be 

highly 

appealing 


27

INDUSTRY NEWS 

CHECK OUT THE HVAC BUSINESS INTEREST GROUP 

PHCC-National Association announces access to its newest community, the HVAC Business Interest Group. As a member of 

this group, you’ll have access to HVAC-specific information, resources and discussion opportunities to help you expand your 

knowledge and contact base. Use this 24/7 portal to find solutions to your toughest challenges and stay on top of the latest trends 

affecting your business and your customers. Visit http://community.phccweb.org/hvac/home. 

CENTERPOINT ENERGY 

ENCOURAGES SAFETY AWARENESS 

DURING NATIONAL SAFE DIGGING 

MONTH 

OSHA ONLINE 

CONSTRUCTION TRAINING 

By Chuck White, Vice President of 

Regulatory Affairs, PHCC-National 

Association 

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration 

(OSHA) is offering a Construction Focus Four 

Training program. The program is available online 

and emphasizes the specific hazards of falls, 

caught in or caught between objects, struck by 

objects and electrocution. The program includes 

teaching materials for trainers as well as activities 

and handouts for students. Information on this 

program is available through the OSHA website at 

https://bit.ly/2Hu7Du9. Take advantage of these 

free resources and help promote safety in your 

business. 

As part of its ongoing safety awareness practices for safe digging, 

CenterPoint Energy is partnering with the Common Ground 

Alliance and the governors in each state the company operates to 

commemorate April as National Safe Digging Month. 

Throughout the busy digging month of April, when the potential 

for underground utility damage increases, homeowners and 

contractors are reminded that one free call to 811 before digging 

can prevent injuries, property damage, service disruption and 

possibly costly fines for damaged infrastructure. 

“Contacting 811 at least two working days before digging helps 

prevent damages to vital underground utilities,” said Joe Berry, 

director of damage prevention for CenterPoint Energy. “By calling 

811 to have the underground utility lines in their area marked, 

homeowners and professionals are making an important decision 

that can help keep them and their communities safe.” 

The depth of utility lines varies and there may be multiple utility 

lines in a common area. Whether it’s a small project, such as 

planting trees or shrubs, or hiring a professional for a special 

outdoor project, smart digging means calling 811 before each job. 

Visit Call811.com for more information about 811 and the callbefore-you-dig 

process. 

NATIONAL POLITICAL 

CORRESPONDENT TO 

OFFER INSIGHT INTO 2018 

ELECTIONS AT PHCC’S 

LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE 

Reid Wilson, national correspondent for The 

Hill newspaper, makes a return to PHCC’s 2018 

Legislative Conference, May 22-23. During the 

opening session May 22, this well-known political 

analyst will provide his expert insight into the 

political scene in Washington, D.C., and what 

to expect in the upcoming 2018 Congressional 

elections. Wilson is known as a political expert 

with a knack for spotting political trends as they 

develop and forecasting election results long before 

the ballots are counted. 

To register for the Legislative Conference, visit 

phccweb.org. 


INDUSTRY NEWS 

MILLENNIALS LEADING THE GROWTH OF NEW HOME BUYERS 

As the housing industry celebrates New Homes Month in 

April, recent data from the Census Bureau confirms that 

millennials are increasingly entering the housing market as 

first-time buyers. 

The homeownership rate of millennials – now at 36 percent – 

registered the largest gains among all age groups in 2017. As 

the nation’s largest demographic group, more than 70 million 

millennials are poised to dominate the home buying market in 

the months and years ahead. 

the Great Recession, the share of new townhome construction 

has been rising since 2009. According to NAHB analysis of 

census data, townhome construction in 2017 was up 7 percent 

from 2016. 

Millennials also are looking for homes with three bedrooms 

and two bathrooms, outdoor space, flexible areas that can be 

used for a variety of purposes and more luxurious finishes, 

such as quartz countertops. 

“Millennials are recognizing the benefits of homeownership 

and are eager to buy their first homes,” said National 

Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Chairman Randy 

Noel, a custom home builder from LaPlace, Louisiana. “And 

contrary to conventional wisdom, this generation is in the 

market for single-family homes in the suburbs as they look 

ahead to raising their families.” 

Home builders recognize the changing demographics and 

the increasing demand for entry-level homes. Yet rising 

construction costs and limited lot availability create significant 

challenges to building smaller, single-family detached homes 

that are both affordable to first-time buyers and cost-effective 

for builders. 

With millennials willing to compromise on space, townhouses 

are offering a more affordable option for younger buyers ready 

to purchase their first homes. After experiencing a drop during 

PAY TO USE A PUBLIC TOILET? MANY AMERICANS SAY THEY WOULD 

While pay toilets aren’t common in the United States, 56 

percent of Americans say they’d consider paying as long as 

they were guaranteed a clean, well-stocked public restroom. 

Of those surveyed, 45 percent would pay 25 cents, 29 percent 

would pay 50 cents and 6 percent would pay more than $1. 

The findings are from a restroom and hand-washing survey 

conducted annually by Bradley Corporation, a leading 

manufacturer of commercial plumbing fixtures and washroom 

accessories. 

The survey found that 70 percent of Americans had a 

particularly unpleasant experience in a public restroom due to 

the condition of the facilities. The biggest irritants are clogged 

or unflushed toilets, toilet paper dispensers that are jammed 

or empty, and partition doors that don’t latch. 

When asked what improvements they’d like to see, the top 

requests were to keep restrooms cleaner and ensure they’re 

adequately stocked with toilet paper, paper towels and soap. 

The survey also revealed that 47 percent of Americans didn’t 

know that in some countries pay toilets are a common practice. 

Actually, until 40 years ago, pay toilets were found throughout 

the United States. 

According to the Wall Street Journal, in 1974 there were more 

than 50,000 pay toilets. That changed due to the efforts of the 

Committee to End Pay Toilets in America. In just six years, 

the small group convinced a dozen states to ban pay toilets 

and by 1980 they were almost entirely gone from the American 

landscape. 

For the past nine years, Bradley Corp. has conducted its 

annual Healthy Hand-Washing Survey. This year, the survey 

queried 1,035 American adults online Jan. 2-5 about their 

public restroom experiences, hand-washing habits in public 

restrooms and concerns about germs, colds and the flu. 

Participants were from around the country, 18 years and older 

and fairly evenly split between men and women (49 and 51 

percent). 


29

INDUSTRY NEWS 

UPONOR NAMED MINNESOTA 

MANUFACTURER OF THE YEAR – 

FIRST COMPANY TO RECEIVE AWARD TWICE 

Manufacturers Alliance honors Uponor for promoting the 

industry and supporting education 

Bill Gray, President, Uponor North America 

(left) with Art Sneen, President and Founder, 

Minnesota Manufacturers Alliance 

Uponor North America has been named the 2018 Minnesota 

Manufacturer of the Year in the large-company category 

by the Manufacturers Alliance. This is the first time in the 

association’s history they have honored a company twice. 

Uponor is being recognized in 2018 for its commitment 

to sharing expertise with the manufacturing industry and 

shifting the perception of the industry through: 

The positive impact Uponor is making is 

unprecedented. It is the only company 

to win the Manufacturers Alliance’s 

Manufacturer of the Year award twice 

in the 22 years that the award has been 

presented 

• Training events and monthly peer meetings with the 

Manufacturers Alliance, Enterprise Minnesota and 

Association for Manufacturing Excellence. 

• Launching an apprenticeship program developed with 

the Minnesota Department of Industry and Labor. 

• Internship programs with Minnesota colleges including 

Dunwoody College of Technology and the Twin Cities 

Engineering program at the University of Minnesota – 

Mankato. 

• Support of STEM initiatives in local schools. 

• Commitment to Lean and Six Sigma processes, which led 

to Uponor launching Bronze training in office functions, 

implementing internal Gold Lean. 

• Certification Training in Operations, and incorporating 

ideas from employees (CIs). Uponor recently celebrated 

more than 2,000 CIs implemented and conducted 40 

kaizen events throughout the entire company. Lean 


INDUSTRY NEWS 

training continued to progress, totaling 415 bronze, 70 

silver, and four gold certified employees. 

“The positive impact Uponor is making is unprecedented. 

It is the only company to win the Manufacturers Alliance’s 

Manufacturer of the Year award twice in the 22 years that the 

award has been presented,” said Kirby Sneen, vice president of 

the Manufacturers Alliance. “We were compelled to recognize 

Uponor’s willingness to share best practices with peers and 

help strengthen the Minnesota manufacturing community.” 

Bill Gray, president of Uponor North America, says, “We are 

honored to receive this award, especially since we’re receiving 

it for our commitment to the future of manufacturing and 

investment in the next generation. The timing is particularly 

meaningful as this year we also celebrate Uponor’s 100th 

anniversary, the completion of our 10th expansion on our 

Apple Valley campus, and the opening of a new plant in 

Hutchinson this summer.” 

The Manufacturers Alliance’s annual Manufacturer of the Year 

Award recognizes manufacturers that share improvement 

experiences with their colleagues in a cooperative fashion. 

Each year, the award is presented in one of three categories 

– companies with fewer than 100 employees; companies with 

100 to 400 employees; and companies with more than 400 

employees. 

Uponor was previously named the 2013 Manufacturer of the 

Year in the large-company category, recognizing several lean 

and operational efficiencies the company had experienced 

in 2012, including improving overall equipment efficiency 

by nearly 8 percent; decreasing scrap rates by 9 percent; 

decreasing variable production cost by more than 6 percent; 

improving lacquer lines changeover from 3½ hours to 10 

minutes; and sharing lean processes with office personnel, 

resulting in a new product catalog lean process that reduced 

production costs by 21 percent and production time from 207 

days to 30 days. 

The award was presented to Uponor on April 12 during 

a ceremony at the Golden Valley Country Club. The event 

was followed by an invitation-only “Tour of Excellence” for 

Manufacturer Alliance members at Uponor North America, 

located in Apple Valley. 


31

YOUR MN PHCC LEADERSHIP 

For information about the Minnesota Association of Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors, 

call the main office at 952-564-3060 or contact one of the following Board of Directors: 

STATE ASSOCIATION OFFICERS 

LOCAL ASSOCIATION OFFICERS 

JASON SCHRUPP 

President 

Hanson’s Plumbing & Heating Inc. 

P. O. Box 301 

Perham, MN 56573 

218-346-2422 

jasonschrupp@hansonsplumbing.com 

MITCHELL DIERS 

Sec./Treas. & Duluth PHCC Liaison 

Northern Mech./Plbg. Contrs. Assoc. 

802 Garfield Ave. 

Duluth, MN 55802 

218-727-6227 

diers04@yahoo.com 

JEREMY CARLSON 

Immediate Past President 

Carlson Duluth Co. & Randall’s Heating & 

Cooling 

2901 Helm St. 


218-727-0063 

jeremy@carlsonduluth.com 

JENI BLAYLOCK 

Director & Metro PHCC Liaison 

Blaylock Plumbing Co. 

7731 4th Ave. S. 

Richfield, MN 55423 

612-869-7531 

jeni@blaylockplumbing.com 

JEFF BURMAN 

Interim Director & Wholesalers Representative 

Goodin Company 

2700 North Second St. 


612-588-7811 

jeff.burman@goodinco.com 

JIM GANDER 

Director & Regulatory Consultant 

Superior Mechanical 

1244 60th Ave. N.W. 

Rochester, MN 55901 

507-289-0229 

jgander@superiormechanical.us 

TOM JOHNSON 

Director 

TM Johnson Bros. 

645 Emerson St. N. 

Cambridge, MN 55008 

763-689-3141 

tom@tmjohnsonbros.com 

SHEILA HINTZEN 

Interim Director 

Richfield Plumbing Co. 

8640 Harriet Ave S, #100 

Bloomington, MN 55420 

952-881-3355 

sheila@richfieldplumbing.com 

KELLY MICHEL 

Director & Manufacturers Representative 

Michel Sales Agency 

521 Phalen Blvd. 

St. Paul, MN 55130 

651-287-2640 

kelly@michelsales.com 

Executive Office 


5353 Wayzata Blvd, Ste 350 


952-564-3060 

DULUTH PHCC 

MITCHELL DIERS 

Executive Director 

Northern Mechanical/Plumbing 

Contractors Association 

Duluth, MN 

218-727-6227 

diers04@yahoo.com 

TOM CONRAD 

Sec./Treas. 

BendTec Inc. 

Duluth, MN 

218-722-0205 

tconrad@bendtec.com 

METRO PHCC 

JENI BLAYLOCK 

President 

Blaylock Plumbing Co. 

Richfield, MN 

612-869-7531 

jeni@blaylockplumbing.com 

LUKE WESTMAN 

Executive Director 

Aitkin, MN 

612-290-4742 

lukemnphcc@msn.com 


MN PHCC ASSOCIATE MEMBERS 

A TO Z SALES 

Karl Sisson 

Office: 630-824-4700 

Direct: 847-812-4628 

ksisson@atozsales.net 

www.atozsales.net 

ACE SUPPLY CO. 

Cindy Motzko 

3825 Edgewood Ave S 

St. Louis Park, MN 55426 

952-929-1618 

cindy.m@ace-aircontrolessentials.com 

www.acesupplyco.com 

AQUALINES LLC 

Brad Anderson 

3600 Prestige Lane 

Minnetonka, MN 55305 

952-930-3132 

aqualines.@q.com 

AUER STEEL & HEATING SUPPLY CO. 

Laura Tofte 

865 Xenium Ln 

Plymouth, MN 55441 

763-450-9248 

laura.tofte@auersteel.com 

www.auersteel.com 

BENNEROTTE MARKETING AGENCY 

John Bennerotte 

14332 21st Avenue N 

Suite 100 


763-544-8611 

john@bmarep.com 

www.bmarep.com 

BICKERSTAFF SALES, INC. 

Mike Bickerstaff 

17480 Goodland Path 

Lakeville, MN 55044 

952-223-1314 

mikeb@bickerstaffsales.com 

www.bickerstaffsales.com 

BONGARD CORPORATION 

Mike Smeed 

P.O. Box 640 

13366 Lake Drive 

Forest Lake, MN 55025 

651-982-9802 

bongard@bongard.com 

www.bongard.com 

BREKKE SALES COMPANY 

Grant Brekke 

5909 Baker Road 

Suite 580 


952-936-9551 

grantb@brekkesales.com 

www.brekkesales.com 

CENTERPOINT ENERGY 

Kathryn Knudson 

505 Nicollet Mall 

PO Box 59038 


612-321-4321 

kathryn.knudson@centerpointenergy.com 

www.centerpointenergy.com 

COLUMBIA PIPE & SUPPLY CO. 

Paul Tuff 

920 Apollo Road 

Eagan, MN 55121 

651-454-3880 

ptuff@columbiapipe.com 

www.columbiapipe.com 

DAKOTA SUPPLY GROUP 

Darrin Walts 

2219 Benson Rd 

Sioux Falls, SD 57104 

605-336-8884 

dwalts@dsginc.biz 

www.dakotasupplygroup.com 

DISTRIBUTOR SALES, INC. 

John Knight 

9341 Penn Avenue South 

Suite# 2208 


651-460-6441 

jknight@dsireps.com 

www.dsireps.com 

EP SALES, INC. 

David Ponschok 

7878 12th Avenue South 


952-854-4400 

sales@epsalesinc.com 

www.epsalesinc.com 

ESI ENERGY SALES, INC. 

John Hadacek 

1200 East 115th Street 

Burnsville, MN 55337 

952-890-2966 

jhadacek@energysalesinc.com 

FEDERATED INSURANCE 

Connor Odykirk 

121 East Park Square 

Owatonna, MN 55060 

989-400-7314 

wcodykirk@fedins.com 

www.federatedinsurance.com 

FERGUSON ENTERPRISES, INC. 

Jack Stover 

2350 County Rd C West 

Roseville, MN 55113 

651-638-5000 

John.stover@Ferguson.com 

www.ferguson.com 

FIRST SUPPLY 

Jamie Delander 

290 Bridgepoint Drive, Ste 600 

South St. Paul, MN 55075 

651-636-1240 

jdelander@1supply.com 

www.1supply.com 

FOURMATION SALES 

Jim Ingle 

14400 James Road 

Suite D 

Rogers, MN 55374 

763-420-6900 

jim@fourmationsales.com 

www.fourmationsales.com 

GLENTRONICS, INC. 

Joe Ross 

4190 Vinewood Lane N 

Suite 111-303 


612-424-9155 

joer@glentronics.com 

www.stopflooding.com 

GOODIN COMPANY 

Jeff Burman 

2700 Second St N, PO 9326 


612-588-7811 

jeff.burman@goodinco.com 

www.goodinco.com 

GRANSE/TRIO SALES LLC 

Kim Olson 

21670 Hamburg Avenue 


952-469-2191 

customer.service@gransetrio.com 

www.gransetrio.com 

HALL SALES COMPANY 

Mike Hall 

4707 Highway 61, #264 

White Bear Lake, MN 55110 

612-991-3407 

mike@hallsalesco.com 

www.hallsalesco.com 

HAMEL ASSOCIATES, INC. 

Bill Hamel 

7831 E Bush Lake Rd, #209 

Edina, MN 55439 

952-835-5570 

info@hamelrep.com 

www.hamelrep.com 

HARRIS BILLINGS COMPANY 

Cathy Rosenquist/Don Harris 

9913 13th Avenue N 


763-541-7858 

toilet@partitions@harbilco.com 

www.plymouthbathroomremodel.com 


33


JL-SONTAG LLC 

Jon Sontag 

5500 Lincoln Drive 

Suite 210 


952-933-7768 

colleen@jlsontag.com 

JOHN J. MORGAN, CO. 

Tom Morgan 

1413 Thompson Avenue, Ste 1 

South St. Paul, MN 55075 

651-698-0089 

sales@jjmorgan.com 

www.jjmorgan.com 

JOHNSTONE SUPPLY 

Bob Major 

1401 W 94th St. 


507-259-4793 

bob@johnstone103.com 

www.johnstonesupply.com 

KINGSWAY MARKETING LLC 

Colin King 

7373 Washington Avenue South 


952-829-7237 

colin@kwmrep.com 

www.kingswaymarketingllc.com 

LENNOX INDUSTRIES 

Pat Hebert 

1475 Commerce Dr 

Mendota Heights, MN 55120 

218-213-7472 

pat.hebert@lennoxind.com 

www.lennox.com 

MCCULLOUGH & ASSOCIATES, INC. 

Paul Granos 

7400 Washington Avenue South 

Eden Prairie, MN 55344 

952-946-0126 

salesdept@mcculloughandassociates.com 

www.mcculloughandassociates.com 

MICHEL SALES AGENCY 

Dean Parker 

521 Phalen Boulevard 

St. Paul, MN 55130 

651-287-2640 

dean@michelsales.com 

www.michelsales.com 

MIDWEST SALES & MARKETING INC. 

Kay Hirsch 

530 Progress Drive 

Hartland, WI 53029 

800-246-8440 

mwsm@mwsmrep.com 

www.mwsmrep.com 

MINVALCO, INC. 

Dan Sinn 

3340 Gorham Ave 


952-920-0131 

dan.sinn@minvalco.com 

www.minvalco.com 

MONDALE & ASSOCIATES, INC. 

Joan Mondale 

7630 Washington Ave. S 


952-888-1770 

jmondale@mondale.biz 

http://mondale.biz/ 

MUELLER INDUSTRIES 

Dillon Hollin 

400 Ford Rd, Apt 201 

St. Louis Park, MN 55426 

773-383-2502 

dthollin@muellerindustries.com 

www.muellerindustries.com 

MULCAHY CO., INC. 

Rob Grady 

2700 Blue Water Road, #100 

Eagan, MN 55121 

651-686-8580 

info@mulcahyco.com 

www.mulcahyco.com 

NCS CORPORATION 

Rick Matzen 

7440 West 78th Street 


952-941-4464 

rmat@ncscor.com 

www.ncscor.com 

NIBCO INC. 

Doug Moe 

885 96th Ave NE 

Blaine, MN 55434 

612-619-5710 

moed@nibco.com 

www.nibco.com 

NORTH CENTRAL FABRICATORS, LLC 

George Oakes 

40800 Hwy 65 NE 

Braham, MN 55066 

763-689-5070 

george@northcentralfab.com 

www.northcentralfab.com 

NORTHLAND REPS, INC. 

Jeff Tyler 

500 Third Street SE 

Osseo, MN 55369 

952-854-3905 

jeffreyt@northlandreps.com 

www.northlandreps.com 

O.J. BERGLAND & ASSOCIATES, INC. 

Todd Isaacs 

1110 French Lake Rd. 

Maple Grove, MN 55369 

763-416-0029 

todd@ojbergland.com 

www.ojbergland.com 

PENTAIR 

Nicholas Tisch 

293 Wright St 

Delavan, WI 53115 

763-244-5251 

nicholas.tisch@pentair.com 

www.pentair.com 

R.E. MICHEL COMPANY 

Fred Trettin 

17 North 20th Ave West 


218-341-0269 

frederick.trettin@remichel.com 

www.remichel.com 

R.G. HIGGINS & ASSOCIATES, INC. 

Jim Roland 

7805 Beech Street NE 

Fridley, MN 55432 

763-561-7777 

rghiggins@rghiggins.com 

www.rghiggins.com 

R.M. COTTON COMPANY 

Ren Warnsholz 

7145 Boone Avenue North 

Brooklyn Park, MN 55428 

763-473-4640 

rwarnsholz@rmcotton.com 

www.rmcotton.com 

RAC SALES, INC. 

Keith Rinderknecht 

9121 Baltimore Street NE 

#105 


763-785-7000 

racsales@racsalesinc.com 

www.racsalesinc.com 

REP RITE BURK & ASSOCIATES 

Bill Cutter 

2369 Waters Drive 

Mendota Heights, MN 55120 

651-686-0181 

bcutter@repriteburk.com 

www.repriteburk.com 

ROBERT B. HILL CO. 

Josh Fischer 

7101 Oxford Street 


952-925-1444 

josh@hillwater.com 

www.hillwater.com 



SALES ENGINEERS, INC. 

Mike Dungan 

12909 Pioneer Trail 


952-944-0773 

mdungan@salesengineersinc.com 

www.salesengineersinc.com 

SAUFFERER ASSOCIATES 

John Saufferer 

24120 Rice Lake Drive 


952-469-8515 

JohnS@Sauffererassociates.com 

www.sauffererassociates.com 

SCHROEDER SALES COMPANY 

Jon Schroeder 

12901 73rd Ave North 

Maple Grove, MN 55369 

763-391-6232 

jon@schroedersalesco.com 

http://schroedersalesco.com/ 

SCHU/MARKETING ASSOCATES, INC. 

Sarah Levens 

1000 Berkshire Lane, Suite 4 


763-593-5616 

sarah@schumarketing.com 

www.schumarketing.com 

SODERHOLM & ASSOCIATES INC 

Dale Blanchette 

7150 - 143rd Ave NW 

Ramsey, MN 55303 

763-427-9635 

company@soderholmrep.com 

http://soderholmassociates.com 

SPS COMPANIES, INC. 

Paul Siedow 

6363 State Highway 7 


952-928-7248 

psiedow@spscompanies.com 

www.spscompanies.com 

STABECK SALES & MARKETING, INC. 

KC Stabeck 

3415 Kilmer Lane North 


763-252-4750 

kc@stabecksales.com 

https://www.stabecksales.com 

TARGET MARKETING REPS / JMK SALES CO., 

INC. 

Paul Joswiak 

7900 Excelsior Blvd, #2500 

Hopkins, MN 43 

952-471-1211 

pauljoswiak@tmreps.com 

www.jmksalesco.com 

THERMLINK SUPPLY COMPANY 

Erik Hallstrom 

3947 E Calvary Rd 


218-724-5555 

erik@thermlink.com 

www.thermlink.com 

TIME COMMUNICATIONS 

Ashley Arvig 

2611 Hamline Ave N 

Roseville, MN 55113 

701-306-8538 

ashley.arvig@timecommunications.biz 

https://timecommunications.biz 

UPONOR, INC. 

Tim Peick 

5925 148th St W 

Apple Valley, MN 55124 

952-997-4287 

tim.peick@uponor.com 

www.uponor-usa.com 

VIEGA 

Bob Aagaard 

14501 N Diamond Lake Rd 

Dayton, MN 55327 

612-269-0644 

robert.aagaard@viega.com 

www.viega.us 

WALTERS-CLIMATE INC. 

Steve Mountin 

2857 Louisiana Avenue North 

New Hope, MN 55427 

763-544-8626 

info@walterclimate.com 

www.waltersclimate.com 

WATER DESIGN GROUP / RAKIETEN SALES 

INC. 

Steve Rakieten 

15612 Highway 7 

Ste 240 


952-933-2299 

Info@waterdesigngroup.com 

www.waterdesigngroup.com 

WATER HEATERS ONLY 

Lori King 

800 Mendelssohn Ave N 

Golden Valley, MN 55427 

763-557-1117 

lking@wh2only.com 

www.wh2only.com 

WH RESPONSE LLC 

Dennis Schramel 

PO Box 330 

Rockford, MN 55313 

763-477-3000 

dschramel@whe.org 

www.nextgenboiler.com 

WINSUPPLY OF THE TWIN CITIES 

Dave Maiers 

13930 Radium St NW 


763-502-8000 

djmaiers@WinSupplyInc.com 

www.winsupplyofthetwincities.com 

If you are interested in becoming an Associate Member, and having your company information listed in future issues of 

the Contractor magazine, contact the MN PHCC Association office at 952-564-3060 or info@mnphcc.org. 


35


Membership Benefits 

The Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Contractors Association is the oldest trade 

association in the construction industry—and the premiere organization for the 

p-h-c professional. Since 1883, PHCC has been the leader in promotion, 

advancement, education and training. 

Join today and begin receiving benefits that will keep you updated and relevant 

against your competitors. Membership is at the COMPANY level which means 

all of your employees take advantage of the benefits. 

HERE ARE THE TOP 10 REASONS TO JOIN MN PHCC: 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 

9 

10 

One complimentary registration to MN PHCC’s Annual Convention 

(which includes 8 hours of plumbing CE) OR one complimentary 

registration to any other MN PHCC plumbing CE class. 

Discounted registration for all employees to all MN PHCC 

plumbing classes. 

Discounts through companies such as ExxonMobil Gas, Enterprise Fleet 

Management, Aramark, and many more! 

Company listing on MN PHCC and PHCC National’s online membership 

directory where the public can search for contractors to hire or equipment/ 

service providers, based on location & services offered. 

Networking opportunities on local, state, and national levels. 

Exclusive access to FREE real-time and on-demand training webinars through PHCC 

National’s website. 

Dedicated Minnesota Lobbyist who provides a strong voice for our industry before the state 

legislature and plumbing board and provides regular updates to MN PHCC membership. 

Learn how to protect your business and your employees with PHCC Safety and Risk 

Management Resources. 

Complimentary subscription to Contractor magazine and exclusive access to historical issues. 

Assistance in managing your various bonds. 

For more information, call 952.564.3060 or email info@mnphcc.org 

Minnesota Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Contractors Association (MN PHCC) 

952.564.3060 | www.mnphcc.org /membership 

Best People. Best Practices.®

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION 

Join online at www.mnphcc.org or complete the application below! 

Membership is at the company level and ALL employees receive the benefits! Complete details about the 

benefits can be found on our website at www.mnphcc.org. Company membership runs for one calendar 

year, from January 1 - December 31. 

20 

18 

1 

MEMBER INFORMATION 

Please provide your company information below as you would like it listed in the membership directory. 

Company Name:________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

Primary Contact:________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

Address:______________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

City:______________________________________________________________________State:_______________Zip:_______________ 

Phone:__________________________________________________ Fax:__________________________________________________ 

Email: _________________________________________________Website: ________________________________________________ 

Is your company: o Union o Non-Union 

(This information will not be published but is used for us to track our membership demographics) 

Would you like your company information to be listed in the MN PHCC membership directory? o Yes o No 

(Please note that your information will be listed if an option is not selected) 

2 

PRODUCTS / 

SERVICES 

Please select which products /services your 

company provides: 

Plumbing 

o Contractor Installation/ 

Repair/Maintenance 

o Parts/Tools Wholesaler 

o Parts/Tools Manufacturer 

HVAC 





Mechanical 





o Business Service Provider for Contractors, 

i.e. utility, CPA services, etc. 

o OTHER: Please list the specific service(s) you 

offer:__________________________________ 

______________________________________ 

______________________________________ 

3 

ADDITIONAL EMPLOYEES 

Please provide employee information for those that you want to 

receive PHCC communications regarding CE classes, events, lobbying 

updates, association updates, industry information, etc. Attach 

additional names if necessary. 

Name:_______________________________________________________________ 

Phone: ______________________________________________________________ 

Email: _______________________________________________________________ 

Name:_______________________________________________________________ 

Phone: ______________________________________________________________ 

Email: _______________________________________________________________ 

4 

MEMBERSHIP TYPE 

Please select your membership type below. 

o CONTRACTOR Company - $1,350 

$1,095 … over a 20% discount for first-time members! 

o ASSOCIATE Company - $500 

5 

PAYMENT INFORMATION 

o Visa o MasterCard o AMEX o Check #____________ (payable to MN PHCC) 

Card Number: __________________________________ Exp. Date: ___________ 

Name on Card: ______________________________________________________ 

Signature: __________________________________________________________ 

PLEASE SEND YOUR COMPLETED FORMS WITH FULL PAYMENT TO: 

MN PHCC - 5353 Wayzata Blvd, Ste 350, Minneapolis MN 55416 Phone: (952) 564-3060 | Fax: (952) 252-8096 | info@mnphcc.org 

Your MN PHCC membership will be conveniently renewed at the start of each calendar year using the credit card noted above. This will guarantee 

uninterrupted access to benefits, services and subscriptions. An email will be sent to you in December of each year as a reminder and will include the upcoming 

years’ membership fee. If you do not wish to proceed with automatic renewal for an upcoming membership year, you must opt out before the second week of 

December by emailing info@mnphcc.org. 

By providing your credit card number above, you authorize MN PHCC to annually renew your MN PHCC membership and charge the applicable membership fee. 

Send in your completed application and full payment right away to begin receiving benefits! 

PHCC membership dues are not deductible as a charitable contribution for U.S. Federal income tax purposes, but may be deductible as a business expense. 

For 2018, PHCC estimates that 5% constitutes lobbying expense.


2019 Past President’s 

Club Scholarship Application 

The MN PHCC Past President’s Club awards scholarships of 

$1,000 or more to selected individuals going into the plumbing/ 

heating/cooling trade. Applicants must be sponsored by a MN 

PHCC Contractor member in good standing, or a MN PHCC 

Past President. Scholarships are awarded at each Annual 

Convention. The dates for the 123rd Annual Convention are 

February 6-8, 2019. Below are the instructions and details. 

1. Write a 1-page, double-spaced essay on why you want 

to go into the p-h-c trade. 

2. Provide a letter of recommendation from a personal 

acquaintance (not a relative) attesting to character and 

other pertinent information. 

3. Application must be postmarked by 

September 17, 2018. 

4. Applicant must reside in Minnesota. 

5. Applicant must be a senior in high school, have 

graduated from high school or have a GED. 

The scholarship award may be given to any person desiring 

to further his/her education in the p-h-c trade. This includes 

mechanical engineering or CAD operator. If the recipient should 

drop out of school during the year, the balance of the award shall 

be returned to the MN PHCC Past President’s Club. A person 

may receive only one MN PHCC Past President’s Scholarship in 

his/her lifetime. 

The Scholarship Committee will consist of the most recent three 

(3) Past Presidents of the MN PHCC. The Scholarship Committee 

will have the final decision in awarding this scholarship. 

Incomplete or late applications will NOT be considered. 

The scholarship check shall be written in the recipient’s name 

and in the name of the attending school. It shall be used 

immediately during the school year, following applying for the 

scholarship. 

Full name _________________________________________________________________________________ Age __________________ 

Address ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

City _____________________________________________________________ State _____________________ ZIP __________________ 

Phone number _____________________________________________ Email __________________________________________________ 

PHCC Contractor Member or Past President sponsoring you ____________________________________________________________ 

Sponsor’s relationship to you ______________________________________ Sponsor’s phone number ___________________________ 

What school do you plan to attend? __________________________________________________________________________________ 

What program will you be enrolling in? _________________________________ When do you plan to enroll? ____________________ 

School’s address ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

City _____________________________________________________________ State ____________________ ZIP ___________________ 

High School attended _______________________________________________________________________________________________ 

High School graduation date ________________________________________________________________________________________ 

I hereby certify that the above is true and accurate. 

Applicant’s Signature __________________________________________________________ Date ________________________________ 

Send the completed application & materials to: 

MN PHCC Past President’s Club Scholarship 

5353 Wayzata Blvd, Ste 350 


info@mnphcc.org 

Questions? 

Contact Craig Carlson at 

craig@carlsonduluth.com 

or by telephone at (218) 348-0287. 


ADVERTISER INDEX 

Auer Steel (auersteel.com)..........................................................11 

Bradford White (bwfindapro.com) ............................................. 3 

CenterPoint Energy (CenterPointEnergy.com).................20-21 

DSG (dakotasupplygroup.com) ................................................12 

FastEst, Inc. (fastest-inc.com) ...................................................... 9 

Federated Insurance (federatedinsurance.com)....................17 

First Supply (1supply.com).........................................................13 

Goodin Company (goodinco.com)............................................. 2 

Kolbi Pipe Marker Co. (kolbipipemarkers.com).......................19 

Liberty Pumps (libertypumps.com/stormcell)......................40 

Minnesota Energy Resources (minnesotaenergysources.com)..24 

Rheem (rheem.com/TanklessInnovation)...............................15 

Rinnai (rinnai.us)...........................................................................25 

Soderholm & Associates (soderholmrep.com).......................39 

T&S Brass (tsbrass.com)...............................................................19 

Taco Comfort Solutions (TacoComfort.com) ..........................39 

Warm Rain (warmrain.com)........................................................23 

Water Right (water-right.com) ..................................................31 

Market Influence. Customer Value. 

7150 143rd Ave NW 


W140N5086 Lilly Rd 

Menomonee Falls, WI 53051 

www.soderholmrep.com 

763.427.9635 

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39

Copyright © Liberty Pumps, Inc. 2018 All rights reserved. 

Locally Represented By : 

Northland Reps, Inc. 

952-854-3905 

www.northlandreps.com

Minnesota PHCC Contractor May/June 2018

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