Alabama Contractor Summer 2018

Annual Trade Show at Hoover 

Tactical Firearms, page 16 

Alabama PHCC Career 

Center, page 15

Built to be the Best TM 

Built to be the Best TM 

©2017, Bradford White Corporation. All rights reserved. 

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BWPHAL0618 

©2018, Bradford White Corporation. All rights reserved.

ta.tAI terna ti vesSM 

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Associated Plumbing - Heating - Cooling Contractors of Alabama 

Contractor 

ALABAMA 

6 

Table of Contents 

7 

8 

10 

12 

13 

14 

15 

16 

18 

19 

20 

21 

22 

PHCC Will Work with Congress and the Administration to Ensure America’s Water 

Systems Are Safe 

Industry News from PHCC-National 

Member Profile: Dean Plumbing 

Four Leadership Styles To Help You Get the Most Out of Your Team 

Safety Walk-Arounds for Managers 

Opportunities After the New ‘Tax Cuts and Jobs Act’ 

Exercise Safety When You’re Traveling 

PHCC of Alabama Announces a Jobs Board 

Annual Trade Show Information and Exhibitor Application 

Past Presidents of The APHCC of Alabama 

Online Continuing Education 

PHCC of Alabama Apprentice Program 

Backflow Assembly Tester Internet Certification Class 

Special Thanks to Our Associate Members 

APHCC of Alabama 

Officers 

PRESIDENT: 

Rick Thomason PHC 

1634A Montgomery Highway, Suite 162 

Hoover, AL 35216 

205-822-0597 

The APHCC of Alabama is dedicated to the 

promotion, advancement, education and 

training of the industry, for the protection of 

our environment, and the health, safety, and 

comfort of society. 

SUMMER 2018 

Advertiser Directory 

Bradford White (bwforthepro.com) 2 

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

Kolbi Pipe Marker Co. (kolbipipemarkers.com) 9 

Liberty Pumps (libertypumps.com) 24 

Rheem (rheem.com/TanklessInnovation) 5 

T&S Brass (tsbrass.com) 7 

Taco Comfort Solutions (TacoComfort.com) 23 

Tax Alternatives (tax-alternatives.com) 3 

VICE PRESIDENT: 

James Cole 

Cole Sewer & Drain Services 

4530 Plummer Court 

Montgomery, AL 36106 

334-279-8919 

SECRETARY-TREASURER: 

Nick Tatum 

Conrad Watson Air Conditioning, Inc. 

4100 County Road 5 

Monroeville, AL 36460 

251-282-7741 

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT: 

Michael Dean 

Dean Plumbing Company 

3100 Leeman Ferry Road 

Huntsville, AL 35801 

256-883-6130 

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: 

Bob Mosca 

PO Box 36972 

Birmingham, AL 35236 

205-985-9488 

APHCC of Alabama 

Board 

Christine Joiner 

DMJ Service, LLC 

219 Oxmoor Circle, Ste 1 

Homewood, AL 35209 

205-362-9989 

4 Alabama Contractor • www.alabamaphcc.org • Summer 2018 

Paula Quarles 

Banks Quarles Plumbing, Heating, Cooling 

2501 17th Street 

Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 

205-758-2627 

Mike Scanlon 

Scanlon Plumbing Services 

263 Mendel Parkway 


331-279-8989 

Charlie Conklin 

Sentry Plumbing, Heating & Air 

2490 Rocky Ridge Road 


205-979-9864 

Phil Smitherman 

AUX Mechanical Inc. 

5925 Johns Road 

Bessemer, AL 35023 

205-428-8416 

Fred Williamson 

Williamson Plumbing 

560 Glade Park Loop 


Barry Lee 

Birmingham Noland Company 

500 35th Street North 


205-323-6322 

Senior Editor: 

Bob Mosca 

PO Box 36972 


(205) 985-9488 • alphcc@gmail.com 

Alabama Contractor is the official magazine 

of the Associated Plumbing-Heating-Cooling 

Contractors of Alabama and is published four 

times annually. APHCC of Alabama does not 

necessarily endorse any of the companies 

advertising in this publication or the views 

of its writers. 

Alabama Contractor is designed and 

published by Blue Water Publishers, LLC. 

Articles and information published in this 

magazine may not be reproduced without 

written consent of the APHCC of Alabama 

or Blue Water Publishers, LLC. APHCC 

reserves the right in its sole discretion to 

reject advertising that does not meet APHCC 

qualifications or which may detract from its 

business, professional or ethical standards. 

The publisher cannot assume responsibility 

for claims made by advertisers and is not 

responsible for the opinions expressed by 

contributing authors. 

For more information 

on advertising, contact 

Eric Johnson, Blue Water Publishers, LLC, 

9406 N. 107th St., Milwaukee, WI 53224 

414-708-2059 / fax: 414-354-5317 

eric@bluewaterpublishers.com

TAKE THE 

EASY WAY OUT 

2" PVC 

VENTING 

UP TO 50' 

Install Rheem Tankless 

Venting to the outside can be one of the most challenging parts of installing a water 

heater. That’s why our engineers designed our high efficiency tankless gas water 

heaters with recirculation with vent runs up to 50 ft. on 2" PVC and 100 ft. on 3". Plus, 

homeowners love the instant hot water at the tap which reduces water waste—making 

the sale as easy as the installation. 

Rheem.com/TanklessInnovation 

INSTANT HOT WATER • COMMON VENTING • NEW EASY HANG BRACKET

THE RISO REPORT 

Director of Government Relations, PHCC National 

Mark Riso 

PHCC WILL WORK WITH CONGRESS 

AND THE ADMINISTRATION TO ENSURE 

AMERICA’S WATER SYSTEMS ARE SAFE 

The DeMany 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 lowinterest 

financing for such projects, which are made available to 

municipalities with state revolving funds (SRF). 

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 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, lowcost 

supplemental credit 

assistance under customized 

terms to creditworthy water and 

wastewater projects of national 

and regional significance.” 

IFIA (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. 

6 Alabama Contractor • www.alabamaphcc.org • Summer 2018

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. 

OSHA ONLINE CONSTRUCTION TRAINING 

By Chuck White, Vice President of Regulatory Affairs, 

PHCC-National Association 

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. 

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. 

And we have the extensive 

product line to prove it. 

WE KNOW 

PLUMBING. 

Whether bidding on future projects or providing 

solutions for an urgent plumbing issue today, 

it’s critical to know you have the right resources 

in place. That’s why T&S offers a vast selection 

of high-quality products that are easy to install 

and built to perform for years to come. And with 

a full assortment of in-stock items ready for 

same-day shipping, it’s no wonder contractors 

everywhere rely on T&S when it matters most. 

Visit tsbrass.com and learn more about how we’re 

partnering with contractors just like you. 

T&S plumbing products represented in Alabama by: Williams & Associates, Inc. - 205-833-6666 

TSB_0592 2015 PHCC Pubs.indd 1 

Summer 2018 • www.alabamaphcc.org • Alabama 12/18/14 Contractor 10:41 AM7

Since 1954, customers throughout Alabama have turned to the 

signature Dean Plumbing Co. Inc. (Dean Plumbing) shield of 

quality for plumbing and HVAC service. The family-owned firm 

has been serving Huntsville, Alabama, as a Plumbing Heating 

and Cooling Contractor (PHCC) member company for more 

than 60 years. 

Dean Plumbing Co. Inc. 

TRUST IN THE SHIELD FOR 

PLUMBING, HEATING AND COOLING 

“We deliver residential and commercial plumbing and fullservice 

HVAC,” shares Michael Dean, president of Dean 

Plumbing. “We’re known for detailed estimates and we charge 

by the job, not the hour. We have a robust service division as 

well, offering 24-hour emergency service around the clock.” 

Dean Plumbing first entered the greater Huntsville market in 

1954, when Dean’s father, James Dean, established the company. 

“My father also worked for the city fire department, so as you 

can imagine, he really had his hands full,” tells Dean. “In 1963 

he got my uncle to move here from Georgia to help him handle 

the work.” 

After finishing college, Dean came onboard on a full-time basis 

to help his father. “In 1983, I got my state heating, cooling and 

gas piping license and we’ve been doing full HVAC ever since,” 

recounts Dean. 

“They’re getting ready 

to send another manned 

shuttle to the space station 

and that’s a driving force 

in this area. There’s a need 

for plumbing directly and 

indirectly.” 

STRENGTH IN DIVERSITY 

Today, Dean Plumbing offers a range of services from HVAC 

to water heater repair and drain cleaning.“One year the biggest 

job we did was installing storm drainage at the Huntsville 

International Airport,” tells Dean. “And the next year we changed 

out more than 300 heating units at a multifamily unit – I think 

that’s the key to our success; being diversified.” 

A diverse scope of services allows Dean Plumbing to bid on 

any number of area projects. “We have developed several 

subdivisions where we did all of the utilities, but we also have 

a strong service department for residential work,” tells Dean. 

“Even if new construction is slow we have something to keep us 

occupied and keep the bills paid.” 

Dean Plumbing helps residential customers prevent larger 

issues from forming with affordable preventative plumbing 

maintenance. “We do pipe and leak repairs, bathroom and 

kitchen remodeling, fixture replacement, tub, toilet and shower 

repairs, as well as water heater service,” notes Dean. 

Based in Huntsville, Dean Plumbing serves approximately a 60- 

mile radius of the city with 35 to 40 employees, give or take. “It 

depends on the amount of work we have going on,” shares Dean. 

“Lately it’s been a lot of schools, hotels and shopping centers. 

We do more commercial work than residential for the most part.” 

The company self performs nearly all of its work, occasionally 

subcontracting concrete cutting and insulation. “Sometimes, 

we’ll even do that in-house,” adds Dean. “We’ve even taken on 

projects where we are our own general contractor.” 

One such instance is the James Clemens project in Madison, 


Alabama. “Every major subcontractor had to be their own GC, 

it’s the way this $2.5 million plumbing job was bid,” tells Dean. 

RISING TO THE CHALLENGE 

Back in Huntsville, Dean Plumbing has also completed the 

Bridge Street Town Shopping Center, a $1.8 million contract 

encompassing all of the main plumbing and utilities. “We 

frequently work with the University of Alabama at Huntsville,” 

shares Dean. “The most memorable project we tackled at the 

university was a science and laboratory building with miles and 

miles of various gas piping. It was one of the most rewarding 

jobs we’ve ever completed because of all the complex piping.” 

It’s this ability to rise to meet a range of plumbing and HVAC 

challenges that keep customers throughout Huntsville and beyond 

calling on Dean Plumbing. “We certainly feel the pressure of 

more out-of-state, larger companies saturating the market, but 

we have customers that count on us; that know we’re going to 

be dependable and serve them – that’s what’s most rewarding to 

me,” says Dean. “We don’t have to solicit a lot of new business 

because every customer we make, we keep. We operate on repeat 

business and many referrals.” 

Strong customer base or not, Dean Plumbing isn’t immune 

to competition and the changes taking place in the industry. 

Fortunately, Dean says the company is not alone. As a PHCC 

member contractor, Dean Plumbing has the opportunity to 

network with others like itself. “PHCC offers us the opportunity 

for peer networking and discussing with others in the business 

about their problems and solutions,” says Dean. 

As the regional economy continues to improve Dean says he 

sees more major projects down the pipeline. “Major companies 

such as Lockheed Martin and Boeing, as well as Marshall Space 

Flight Center will keep the economy moving strong in this area,” 

he tells. “They’re getting ready to send another manned shuttle 

to the space station and that’s a driving force in this area. There’s 

a need for plumbing directly and indirectly.” 

The outlook in the coming years is promising for the familyowned 

company. For more than 60 years, commercial and 

residential customers have trusted the Dean Plumbing Co. Inc. 

shield for the quality plumbing and HVAC guarantee. 

This article originally appeared in US Builders Review (www. 

usbuildersreview.com) and is reprinted with permission. 

Since 1970... 

Pipe Marker Co. 

“KEEP IT SIMPLE WITH KOLBI” 

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Phone: (800) 499-8450 

Fax: (800) 596-3057 

Email: sales@kolbipipemarkers.com 

RTU-5 

www.kolbipipemarkers.com 

HOT WATER 

DOMESTIC COLD WATER 

Summer 2018 • www.alabamaphcc.org • Alabama Contractor 9

Leadership 

Styles 

TO HELP YOU GET THE 

MOST OUT OF YOUR TEAM 

Most teams don’t naturally get better on their own. Left alone, 

they don’t grow, improve, or reach championship caliber. 

Instead, they tend to wind down. The road to the next level is 

always uphill, and if a team isn’t intentionally fighting to move 

up, then it inevitably slides down. 

The team loses focus, gets out of rhythm, decreases in energy, 

breaks down in unity, and loses momentum. At some point, it 

also loses key players. And it’s only a matter of time before it 

plateaus and ultimately declines into mediocrity. 

The good news is that your leadership style can build a winning 

team or transform the one you have. Here are four leadership 

styles you can employ that can make or break your ability to 

succeed – because no one succeeds alone. 

LEADERSHIP STYLE #1: ENCOURAGE 

SIGNIFICANCE 

One is too small a number to achieve greatness. Become a better 

team leader by thinking about the greatest dream you have for 

your life. 


Start by asking yourself: 

• Is my dream bigger than me? 

• Does it benefit others as well as myself? 

• Is it worth dedicating part of my life to? 

If you answer yes to all of these questions, then think about 

the kinds of people who should join you to achieve that dream. 

Make a list of the like-minded people you know who might want 

to join you in the process, and then begin inviting them to take 

the journey with you. And be on the lookout for others who 

would benefit from being part of the team. 

LEADERSHIP STYLE #2: SHARE IN THE BIG 

PICTURE 

The goal is more important than the role. A team isn’t supposed 

to be a bunch of people being used as a tool by one individual 

for his or her own selfish gain. Members of a team must have 

mutually beneficial shared goals. They must be motivated to 

work together, not manipulated by someone for individual glory. 

“Every team 

member is valuable 

in their own way. 

But it’s important 

to figure out which 

group they’re in.” 

To employ this leadership style, think about a team you are 

currently part of (preferably one with a big goal). What kind of 

attitude do team members have about the big picture? Are they 

team players who desire to do whatever it takes for the team to 

succeed? Or do they desire to benefit only themselves? 

Begin to foster a team mind set in others by modeling a 

willingness to serve the big picture rather than yourself. 

Motivate people by painting the big picture. Publicly honor team 

play and give rewards to people who sacrifice for the good of 

the team. 

LEADERSHIP STYLE #3: BENCH STACKING 

Every team has three groups of players. First, there are starters, 

who directly add value to the organization or who directly 

influence its course. Second, there are bench players, who add 

value to the organization indirectly or who support the starters 

who do. 

The third group is a core group within the starters called the 

inner circle members. These are the people that without them, 

the team would fall apart. 

Your job is to make sure each group is continually developed 

so that bench players are able to step up to become starters, and 

starters are able to step up to become inner circle members. 

To employ this leadership style, try this exercise: Write the 

names of the people on your team who are starters. Now, look 

at the people supporting your starters. These are your bench 

players. How can you lead, train, or inspire them in order to 

create a strong, deep bench? What value can they add from their 

position and how can you create an environment for them to 

grow and succeed? 

Every team member is valuable in their own way. But it’s 

important to figure out which group they’re in. Moving in from 

bench to starter to inner circle member, you’ll discover that 

each group becomes more and more important to the big picture 

vision for the team. Develop your bench and you’ll always have 

a pool of fantastic team players who can help the team win. 

LEADERSHIP STYLE #4: CLEAR 

COMMUNICATION & GOOD LISTENING 

As the leader of an organization, you set the tone for 

communication. Your communication must be consistent, clear, 

and courteous. Leaders must also be good listeners. When 

leaders don’t listen ... 

• They stop gaining wisdom. 

• They stop “hearing” what isn’t being said. 

• Team members stop communicating. 

• Their indifference begins to spread to other areas. 

• Ultimately, poor listening leads to hostility 

miscommunication, and a breakdown of team cohesion. 

To employ this leadership style, give yourself a 360-degree 

listening review. Ask for feedback concerning your listening 

skills from your boss or mentor, your colleagues, and your 

subordinates. If you don’t get good grades from all of them, then 

quiet down and listen up. This is one of the most effective ways 

to improve as a communicator. 

This content was developed by SESCO Management Consultants 

(https://sescomgt.com/) for the PHCC Educational Foundation. 


SAFETY WALK-AROUNDS 

FOR MANAGERS 

This fact sheet provides guidance to help managers and 

business owners conduct safety walkarounds to identify 

hazards in the workplace and communicate with workers 

about hazards in their jobs. 

There are at least two reasons why managers and owners should 

periodically conduct workplace inspections themselves. 

First, inspections demonstrate management’s commitment to 

improving safety and health by finding and fixing hazards. 

Second, walk-arounds let managers see for themselves how 

the safety and health program is working and whether it is 

effective in identifying and eliminating hazards. 

Safety walk-arounds can also help managers and owners 

assess how key elements of the safety program are working. 

For example, how engaged are workers in the program? Do 

workers feel they have received appropriate training? Do they 

know how to report a safety or health incident or concern? 

PRE-INSPECTION ACTIVITIES 

Preparation is important prior to starting an inspection. 

Take the time to familiarize yourself with the workplace 

and operations and the hazards that have been previously 

identified. Pre-inspection activities might include: 

• Identify the most hazardous areas by examining past 

inspection reports, injury and workers compensation 

records, incident investigation reports, and recent nearmiss 

incidents. Plan to focus your inspections on areas 

where hazards have been identified and check to see if 

previously-identified hazards have been abated or if 

further action is needed. 

• Talk to workplace safety representatives and other 

managers or supervisors about their safety observations 

and concerns. 

• If the workplace has a safety committee, meet with the 

committee prior to the inspection to get their perspective 

on the most important safety issues. 

• Determine what safety equipment you will need to 

conduct the inspection. 

• It is important to lead by example, and wearing the right 

personal protective equipment (PPE) sets a good example. 

Practice wearing the PPE to make sure you know how to 

put it on properly, and that it fits. 

• Consider taking the same hazard identification safety 

training taken by workers, managers, or the safety 

committee. 

ONSITE INSPECTION ACTIVITIES 

When onsite, make sure you are wearing the right PPE for 

each area you enter. Nothing takes away credibility faster 

than having the wrong PPE or not wearing it properly. Be safe; 

don’t expose yourself to hazards during an inspection. 

Limit the size of the inspection group. Large groups tend 

to stifle open communication with workers. Look for easily 

observable hazards first, such as: 

• Tripping hazards 

• Blocked exits 

• Frayed/exposed electrical wires 

Can this little word become a big deal? You bet. For 

example, 

• Missing machine guards 

• Poor housekeeping 

• Poorly maintained equipment 

Look for property damage, such as walls or doors damaged 

by equipment or forklift traffic. Such damage may indicate a 

potential for future worker injuries. 

Talk to workers at their work stations. Workers are likely to 

know the most about the hazards and safety issues in their jobs. 

Tap into that knowledge. Make them comfortable talking with 

you. Assure them that you are interested in finding problems 

and fixing them, i.e., improving safety, not blaming anyone 

for your findings. Avoid yes/no questions. 

Encourage conversation. Ask open-ended questions such as: 

• What is the most hazardous task in your job? What makes 

it hazardous? 

• If you have been injured in your job, what was the injury 

and how did it happen? What was done to make your job 

safer? 

• How would you report an injury, hazard, or near-miss? 

Seek out and talk to the most recently-hired workers to get 

their perspective on safety. These “fresh eyes” could have 

valuable insights. 


Observe workers as they perform their job. For example, do 

they lift heavy objects? Do they stand/sit in awkward postures? 

Are they performing repetitive motions? If so, take notes and 

photos. If their job involves handling chemicals or exposure 

to excessive noise and/or heat, a more detailed evaluation by a 

safety professional may be in order. 

Try to find solutions for hazards while you are conducting 

the inspection by applying your own creativity and inspiring 

the creativity of workers. Finding solutions “on the spot” 

demonstrates your commitment to making the workplace safer. 

Prior to completing the inspection, make a list of hazards that 

need to be addressed and prioritize them according to the 

severity of the potential injuries that might occur as a result of 

workers being exposed to the hazards. 

POST-INSPECTION ACTIVITIES 

Post-inspection follow-up is important to establishing your 

credibility as a manager who is committed to improving safety. 

Failure to follow up can often stifle worker participation and 

enthusiasm, which can be hard to regain. 

Very soon after your inspection, prepare an abatement plan 

containing a list of the hazards found, corrective actions needed, 

and a reasonable timeline for implementation. Some complex 

hazards may require further evaluation, study, or engineering 

work to design and implement appropriate controls. Describe 

briefly how the hazards will be addressed and identify interim 

controls that will be used while more permanent measures are 

developed. 

Share the abatement plan with managers, supervisors, and 

workers as a way of showing your commitment to fixing the 

safety issues found during your inspection. Track progress by 

sharing or posting periodic updates to the plan. Ensure all 

corrective actions are implemented in a timely fashion. 

Fact sheet provided by OSHA® 

OPPORTUNITIES AFTER THE NEW ‘TAX CUTS AND JOBS ACT’ 

The “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act,” which was passed by Congress in 

December 2017, made significant changes to individual, business 

and estate taxes, and became effective as of Jan. 1, 2018. While the 

business related provisions are considered permanent, the individual 

and estate tax provisions only remain in effect until Dec. 31, 2025, 

when they are subject to a “sunset” and will revert back to 2017 law. 

Here are a few of the major changes that could impact you and 

your business in the coming year: 

INDIVIDUAL TAXES 

There are still seven tax brackets, but the rates have changed to 

10 percent, 12 percent, 22 percent, 24 percent, 32 percent, 35 

percent, and 37 percent. 

The standard deduction increased to $12,000 for Single taxpayers, 

$18,000 for Head of Household and $24,000 for Married Filing 

Jointly. 

Personal exemptions are eliminated. 

Itemized deductions for state and local taxes and mortgage interest 

are limited; the deduction for miscellaneous itemized deductions 

(subject to the 2 percent of AGI) is eliminated. 

Taxpayers who receive pass-through business income from 

sole proprietorships, partnerships, S corps and LLCs electing 

to be taxed as a partnership or S corp may receive a 20 percent 

deduction, which essentially reduces the top marginal rate to 

29.6 percent. Owners of certain types of pass-through service 

businesses are subject to income limitations and may not be 

eligible for the deduction. 

ESTATE TAXES 

The estate and gift tax exclusion amount is increased from $5 

million to $10 million per person. Indexed for inflation, this 

amount is $11.2 million per person in 2018 ($22.4 million per 

married couple). 

The annual gift tax exclusion increased from $14,000 to $15,000. 

BUSINESS TAXES 

The corporate tax rate is reduced to a flat 21 percent. 

The corporate Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) is repealed. 

The amount that can be expensed in the current year under Code 

§179 (rather than depreciated over time) increased to $1 million. 

Deductions for business-related entertainment expenses and 

employee transportation fringe benefits are eliminated. 

These changes bring a wide range of both questions and 

opportunities for business owners. “Is my business is better off 

being a pass through entity (like an S corp or LLC) or a C corp?” 

“Do the potential tax savings to my business this year support 

an increase in wages for my employees?” “Are there increased 

opportunities for implementing employee retention strategies 

(like a Private Bonus or Split Dollar plan)?” Talk to your attorney 

and/or CPA for information 

about how the Tax Act might 

impact you and your business 

based on your individual 

situation. 


EXERCISE SAFETY 

WHEN YOU’RE TRAVELING 

Business travel can be stressful. Why make it more so by setting 

yourself up as a target for crooks? Here’s what you can do – at the 

airport, on the road and at your hotel to improve the chances you’ll 

return home safely. 

At the Airport 

• Don’t let anyone but uniformed airline personnel handle your 

bags. 

• Stay especially alert and watch your bags and laptop computer 

carefully at all times. 

• Watch out for staged mishaps, like someone bumping into you 

or spilling a drink. Often it’s a ploy to divert your attention. 

• Carry your purse close to your body, or your wallet in an inside 

front pocket. 

• Keep a separate record of the contents of checked luggage. 

And keep anything of value in a carry-on that stays with you. 

• Avoid displaying expensive cameras, jewelry, and luggage that 

might draw attention. Your aim should be to blend in with the 

crowd. 

On the Road 

• Become familiar with your travel route before you start. Get a 

map and study it. 

• Make sure your rental car is in good operating condition. Learn 

how to operate all windows, door locks, and other equipment 

before you leave the lot. 

• Keep your maps and rental agreement concealed, not lying on 

the seat or the dashboard. 

• Have keys ready when approaching your car. 

• Keep car doors locked while you are driving. 

• Park in well-lit areas, close to building entrances and walkways. 

• If you are bumped by another car, think before you get out. If 

you are in doubt or uncomfortable, signal the other driver to 

follow you to a nearby police station or a busy, well-lighted 

area where it’s safe to get out. 

At the Hotel 

• Insist that hotel personnel write down your assigned room 

number so others can’t see or hear it. 

• Never leave luggage unattended. 

• Keep all hotel doors and windows locked, and use all door 

locks. 

• Learn the location of fire exits, and elevators in case of 

emergency. 

• Make sure your room has an indoor viewer and a dead bolt 

lock. 

• Keep valuables (jewelry, cash, etc.) in the hotel safe.Better 

still; leave jewelry in a safe at home. 

• Before taking a cab, ask the staff about directions and estimated 

costs. 

• Always verify who’s at your door. Don’t open the door to 

someone you don’t know. If an unexpected visitor claims to be 

a hotel employee, call the front desk to make sure. 

• Don’t display room keys in public or leave them on the 

restaurant tables, at the swimming pool, or in other places 

where they can easily be stolen. 

• If you lose the plastic key card to your room, insist on a newkeyed 

card. 

Crime can be random, but there’s a lot you can do to limit your 

chances of becoming a victim. Often simply being aware of the 

threat of crime – and alert to what you can do to prevent it – will go 

a long way to making your business trip both safe and successful. 

Content provided by Quality Service Contractors(QSC), An 

Enhanced Service Group of PHCC-NA 


PHCC OF ALABAMA 

ANNOUNCES NEW MEMBER BENEFIT 

Since February 2018 our website 

alabamaphcc.org includes a jobs board; 

click on CAREER CENTER 

PHCC Staffing Pricing Per Post 

1-3 jobs $50 per job post ($195 Non-Member) 

4-10 $40 per job post ($175 Non-Member) 



• Largest Career Network - Your jobs 

can be distributed and marketed to the 

largest career networks available (Indeed, 

ZipRecruiter, Jobs2Careers, Google Jobs) 

driving targeted and high quality traffic that 

results in more applications. (Optional onetime 

fee of $99.00) 


Plumbing-Heating-Cooling 

C o n t ra ct o r s o f Al a b a m 

ANNUAL TRADE SHOW 

October 11, 2018 

At Hoover Tactical Firearms 

Hoover, Alabama 

FREE TO ATTEND FOR CONTRACTORS AND STAFF 

a 

Hoover Tactical Firearms 

1561 Montgomery Highway 

Hoover, AL 35216 

10am – 2pm 

Lunch will be served 

Range Pass and Gun of the Week Competition 

___________________________ 

Lunch Speaker: 

James Morgan, Executive Director 

Alabama Plumbing 

and Gasfitters Board 

OUR 2017 EXHIBITORS 

Covenant Fire & Water 

Jim Benton & Associates 

Hendricks Dodge Ram 

Coleman Russell 

Will & Pierce 

Viega 

VCM Sales 

McCain Sales 

DEC Fire & Water 

Sunbelt Marketing 

Federated Insurance 

Southern Marketing 

A H Deveney & Co 

Spartan Tool 

Alabama Plumbing & Gas Fitters Board 


ASSOCIATED 

of ALABAMA 

The Alabama Chapter of 

Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association 

ANNUAL TRADE SHOW 

EXHIBITOR APPLICATION 

Thursday, October 11, 2018 – 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM 

Hoover Tactical Firearms 

1561 Montgomery Hwy, Hoover, AL 35216 

LUNCH WILL BE SERVED 

Range Pass & Gun of the Week Competition 

(Prizes for the top 3 shooters) 

Booth Space: 8’ x 8’ 

Associate Member Pricing 

Non-Member Pricing* 

$200.00 per booth 

$425.00 per booth 

(*Non-member pricing includes Associate Member Dues for 2019.) 

Set-up will be between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM. 

____ My Company is an Associate Member of ALPHCC 

My company will require _______ booth(s) for our exhibit. 

Company Name: ____________________________________________________________________________ 

Representative: ____________________________________________________________________________ 

Address: ____________________________________ City: ______________________ State____ZIP ________ 

Phone: ____________________ Email:__________________________________________________________ 

Please remit to: PHCC of Alabama – PO Box 36972, Birmingham, AL 35236 

Credit Card Information: 

Credit Card #:_________________________________________________ Exp. Date: ____________________ 

Name as it appears on Card: __________________________________________________________________ 

Address: ____________________________________ City: ______________________ State____ZIP ________ 


PAST PRESIDENTS of The APHCC of Alabama 

2016-2017 Michael Dean, Huntsville 

2014-2015 Mike Scanlon, Montgomery 

2012-2013 Phil Smitherman, Bessemer 

2010-2011 Paula Quarles, Tuscaloosa 

2008-2009 Charlie Conklin, Birmingham 

2005-2006 Fred Williams, Montgomery 

2002-2005 Rick Thomason, Birmingham 

2001 Charles (Buddy) Parkes, Muscle Shoals 

1998-1999 George Brickley, Scottsboro 

1997 Phil Smitherman, Bessemer 

1996 Rick Hamm, Florence 

1995 Mike Scanlon, Montgomery 

1994 Brad Hinton, Hueytown 

1993 Gary Pettus, Muscle Shoals 

1992 Conrad Watson, Monroeville 

1991 Mark Slimer, Birmingham 

1989-1990 Jim Early, Decatur 

1988 Tom Michael, Birmingham 

1987 Wilbur Doonan, Birmingham 

1986 Walter Parkes, Muscle Shoals 

1985 Barney Knight, Birmingham 

1984 Billy Guin, Birmingham 

1983 J. D. Keller, Birmingham 

1982 Hubert Howard, Birmingham 

1981 Roy Deerman, Birmingham 

1980 Tommy Shaw, Montgomery 

1979 Bill Early, Jr., Birmingham 

1978 John C. Dill, Tuscaloosa 

1977 Barnett L. Banks, Birmingham 

1976 Hubert Howard, Birmingham 

1975 Dave Nuckols, Tuscaloosa 

1974 John Jackson, Montgomery 

1973 Walter Parkes, Florence 

1972 Lynoid Vaughn, Montgomery 

1971 Bob Quinn, Huntsville 

1970 John Spearman, Birmingham 

1969 Tom Neville, Montgomery 

1967-1968 Edward Briggs, Florence 

1965-1966 W.H. Bowles, Anniston 

1963-1964 Ferrin C. Smith, Florence 

1961-1962 Doy H. Hammond, Montgomery 

1960 Elmer Russell, Florence 

1959 John W. Dill, Tuscaloosa 

1958 Raymon E. Allison, Anniston 

1956-1957 Harry L. Eskew, Birmingham 

1954-1955 Alex Pate, Birmingham 

1952-1953 James B. Donaghey, Mobile 

1951 Fitts Smitherman, Birmingham 

1950 Bob L. Murphree, Tuscaloosa 

1948-1949 Ray W. Stewart, Gadsden 

1947 Sam K. Bodie, Mobile 

1945-1946 Stansel A. Brown, Birmingham 

1943-1944 Jack M. Main, Montgomery 

1942 Guy Acton, Birmingham 

1940-1941 Lester Ray, Dothan 

1939 J. L. (Buddy) Pope, Montgomery 

1935 Charles Bailey, Montgomery 

1933-1934 Joseph W. Pate, Birmingham 

1932 George H. Russell, Florence 

1931 Harmon Williams, Montgomery 

1930 Charles A. Mandy, Birmingham 

1929 J.L. (Buddy) Pope, Montgomery 

1927-1928 S. E. Scholze, Birmingham 

1924-1926 W. T. Perry, Montgomery 

1922-1923 E. Daniels, Birmingham 

1920-1921 Joseph W. Pate, Birmingham 

1918-1919 C. W. Spangler, Birmingham 

1916-1917 R. P. Reeves, Montgomery 

1914-1915 H. Hines, Birmingham 

1911-1913 Chris Bailey, Montgomery 

1910 Charles Barnetz, Birmingham 

1906-1909 William Wilby, Selma 

1898-1905 T. J. Young, Mobile 

1897 D. A. Ferrell, Anniston 



20 Alabama Contractor • www.alabamaphcc.org • Summer 2018 

$1395


SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR ASSOCIATE MEMBERS 

Alabama 811 

Annette Raburn 

811 

mlyvers@al811.com 

Alabama Plumbing and 

Gas Fitters Board 

David Wilcox 

205-945-4857 

Davidh.Wilcox@pgfb.alabama.gov 

Jim Benton & Associates 

Jim Benton 205-664-1221 

jim@bentonandassoc.com 

Coleman Russell 

Ronnie Holmes 

205-833-0700 

Ronnie.holmes@colemanrussell.com 

Covenant Contracting Company 

Christine Joiner 

205-362-9989 

Christiner@dmjservco.com 

DEC Fire 

Jay Compton 

205-940-9913 

jcompton@DECconstruction.com 

Federated Insurance 

Garrett Pepper 

404-497-8871 

Ferguson 

Chris Chiles 

256-858-5801 

Chris.chiles@ferguson.com 

McCain Sales 

Eric McCain 

205-222-8731 

eric@mccainsales.com 

Noland 

Barry Lee 

205-323-6322 

bwlee@noland.com 

Southern Marketing 

Terry Falkner 

205-276-9051 

tjfalkner@yahoo.com 

Spartan Tool 

Jay Shoemaker 

800-435-3866 

jayshoemaker@spartantool.com 

Sunbelt Marketing 

Nelson Randolph 

205-767-6339 

nrandolph@sminc.net 

VCM Sales Inc 

Dewhitt McDonald 

205-325-0663 

dewhittmcdonald@vcmsales.com 

Weathertech 

Spencer Atkins 

205-956-5400 

sgatkins@weathertech.net 

Will & Pierce 

Terry House 

251-621-1550 

dwalker@willandpierce.com 


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

Alabama Contractor Summer 2018

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