Recognizing commitment to the plumbing-heating-cooling industry – plus decades of dedication to the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors National Association – PHCC presented its prestigious Col. George D. Scott Award to James S. Steinle, owner of Atomic Plumbing & Drain Cleaning in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The honor was announced on Oct. 4 at PHCCCONNECT2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

“Jim has brought great honor upon himself, his family, his company, his local, state and National PHCC associations, his local community and our beloved industry,” said outgoing PHCC President Ken Nielsen during the award presentation.

Inspired by PHCC’s inaugural president, Col. George D. Scott, the award acknowledges a PHCC member who has provided years of service and unselfish devotion to the association and to the industry … and whose industry efforts have provided many benefits to other p-h-c contractors.

For PHCC, Steinle has served in almost every capacity – from committee chair positions to chapter president – within his local PHCC chapter and the state organization. On behalf of PHCC of Virginia, he also has worked as an instructor for continuing education courses (required for license renewal in Virginia) and has met individually with countless contractors to help them enhance customer service and boost profitability in their businesses.

Steinle started his own career by working as an apprentice in the field with other plumbing mechanics. His passion for apprenticeship training has fueled his continued work on the PHCC Educational Foundation Plumbing Apprentice and Journeyman Training Committee. He is the chair of the annual Plumbing Apprentice Contest Committee and is a member of the SkillsUSA Plumbing Technical Committee.

“Jim has made a significant impact on the industry and on dozens of kids who entered the trade due to his passion for the industry,” said Susan Milhoan, executive director of PHCC of Virginia. “He is a self-effacing and tireless proponent of the trades, and we are so fortunate – and proud – to have him among our members.”

Working his way up through Atomic Plumbing in the late 1970s – from apprenticeship, to on-the-job training to obtain his journeyman’s license, to the mechanic level, to the company’s top producer – Steinle took over the company’s operations in 1985. Since then, the number of employees has grown from three to 30, more than one-third of whom have been with the company for 10 or more years. As outlined on the nomination from PHCC of Virginia, “[Steinle] is tireless in his pursuit of new ideas to recognize and promote employees.” Among the employee programs at Atomic are anniversary gifts, various bonus programs, and tuition coverage and on-the-job training for apprentices.

Beyond the company’s doors, Atomic is heavily involved in its community, donating to a variety of local organizations, sponsoring school and educational programs, and volunteering to promote the p-h-c industry at career fairs and trade shows. In addition, the company actively participates in its local Habitat for Humanity program.

“Jim humbly gives back to PHCC and to this industry in so many ways,” said Nielsen. “He is the person you turn to when you want something done right. He is most deserving of this significant award.”