In an effort to spotlight exemplary young professionals in our industry and learn from their insights and experiences, PHCPPros presents our fourth annual “PHCP Millennials on the Move” honorary listing! 

Discover what 13 young professionals had to say about their paths to our industry, mentorship experiences, workplace expectations — and what they think the plumbing, heating, cooling and piping community can do to better recruit and retain the next generation. (Keep an eye out toward the end of the article — we’re thrilled to announce that in 2022, we’ve expanded the listing to highlight members of Gen Z as well!)

Matt Daniel
Branch Operations Manager, Eastern Industrial SuppliesWhat is your role in the PHCP industry? 

Eastern Industrial Supplies is a wholesale distributor of pipe, valves, fittings, EPIC and commercial plumbing products. My duties include managing the inside sales team, distribution and all things operations to ensure that we exceed customers’ expectations at the Spartanburg, S.C., branch. 

Why did you enter a career in the industry? 

I discovered this industry on LinkedIn when I was in college, looking for a career change from the retail industry. Eastern has a great reputation, and I loved the thought of being able to contribute to an industry that is so vital to society. 

What are some of your career highlights? 

One highlight includes working on a handful of large-scale projects throughout the country that we supplied material for. Another was working closely with our warehouse manager to develop a new way to store material within our warehouses that saves significant amounts of time and space.

What are your thoughts on mentorship? 

I have been fortunate to be mentored by Caleb Owen, a regional vice president at Eastern. Caleb has been very generous with his time and knowledge in the industry, and he has had a huge impact on my career. 

I also consider myself a mentor. We have an extremely young group at Spartanburg, and although I have only been in this industry for four years, I have had plenty of experiences that I share to help them grow and develop — as others have done for me.

Has the COVID-19 pandemic changed your workplace expectations? 

The pandemic has definitely changed my expectations and perspective of certain roles within the workplace. We have seen an increase in requests for remote or hybrid work, which we are adapting for certain positions. However, I personally prefer to work in the office around the team. 

How do you think the industry can better recruit and retain young professionals? 

The industry should spend time aligning with local colleges and universities to share information. I am such a believer in this industry; I am constantly networking with other young professionals to bring them in.

Allison Osteen Hale
General Manager, SOS Mechanical

Why did you enter a career in the industry? 

People often ask how long I have been in HVAC, and my answer is usually, “Since birth.” However, it was never my plan to join the family business. I pursued a career in the apparel design and production industry for five years before returning to my hometown. After a few days of visiting SOS Mechanical (the company my dad founded), I devoted myself full time to helping my dad grow it into the company he always knew it could be. 

Are you affiliated with any industry groups or organizations?

Serving on the Texas Air Conditioning Contractors Association (TACCA) State Board and Executive Board has been unexpectedly fulfilling, as I work with an amazing group of professionals who are constantly fighting to protect and enhance our industry. I am also a member of Women in HVAC/R. 

What are some of your career highlights? 

Through being an ambassador with Women in HVAC/R, I was able to visit an HVAC training program inside the Texas Criminal Justice Center and meet an amazing group of women who were determined to enter the field upon completion of their incarceration. I am still constantly championing contractors to consider these women as an untapped source of trained labor and be a critical part in helping them build a new life. 

What are your thoughts on mentorship? 

I do not have an official mentor, but I have collected a range of professionals I know I can call for advice or a shoulder to cry on. These include other contractors I have met through training classes or TACCA, as well as professionals such as my lawyer.

Has the COVID-19 pandemic changed your workplace expectations? 

Working through the pandemic has taught my team and me to be flexible and look outside the box to find solutions. The tools I use daily can be accessed remotely to let me be helpful and connected with my team no matter where I am. 

How do you think the industry can better recruit and retain young professionals? 

Younger employees value their time over your money. They want clear boundaries and expectations on job descriptions, daily tasks and compensation. Most young professionals value continual feedback and a dedicated space for two-way communication. 

Blake Hardy
Product Marketing Manager, HVAC, GE Appliances Air & Water SolutionsWhat is your role in the PHCP industry? 

In my role at GE Appliances Air & Water Solutions, I handle the execution of marketing activities for our residential ducted and ductless products, as well as our commercial VRF portfolio.

Why did you enter a career in the industry? 

When we launched our Air and Water Solutions channel at GE Appliances, I was fortunate enough to accept a position in marketing on the HVAC side of the business. Coming from a role in our retail sales channel, this was an exciting opportunity for me to learn the ins and outs of a new industry, as well as be involved in growing this new channel from the ground up. 

What are some of your career highlights? 

The highlight of my career has been bringing to market our new residential ducted HVAC line. Working with so many great people to continue to build the GE Appliances brand in the HVAC industry has been an awesome experience. Helping to craft the story behind these products and bring it to life has been something I’m very proud of.

What are your thoughts on mentorship? 

Robyn Gastol, Brian Buente, Andrew Twitty and Yi Hu are a few of the names that come to mind when thinking about my professional mentors. Seeing the passion they bring to work every day for finding solutions in this space is something that excites me to be a part of this team. 

Has the COVID-19 pandemic changed your workplace expectations? 

The pandemic has undoubtedly created more flexibility in the workplace and given more options for workers. While that flexibility is great, I personally enjoy being in the office and interacting with colleagues as much as possible. 

How do you think the industry can better recruit and retain young professionals? 

It starts with making young professionals aware of all the different opportunities available in the space and then providing foundational support for them to succeed early in their careers. Finding ways to ensure young employees have access to experienced individuals to guide them is huge. I’ve been fortunate to have a great support system early in my career, and I think it’s something that is critical for everyone.

Sarah Kirwen
Senior Channel Marketing Manager, Wholesale E-Commerce, Oatey Co.What is your role in the PHCP industry? 

I create and develop the e-commerce and digital strategy for Oatey Co.’s wholesale channels. This includes working to provide best-in-class content to our partners, developing and executing digital merchandising and marketing campaigns, and gaining new and incremental product placements with our distribution partners. 

Why did you enter a career in the industry? 

In 2016, I was looking for a career move and saw Oatey had a channel manager posting. My background was in consumer products and I had the skillset for the role, but plumbing was totally new for me. After meeting the people at Oatey and recognizing the way the company cared for its associates, I knew it was a place I wanted to work. 

Are you affiliated with any industry groups or organizations?

I am affiliated with ASA’s Women in Industry. I am also a member of Oatey’s Sustainability Group, The Planeteers, and am the community engagement chair of Oatey’s Women’s Resource Network.

What are some of your career highlights? 

Highlights include developing our robust product launch kits and spearheading our KBIS 2022 presence. My role is new to Oatey and is also a huge highlight for me, as I have the opportunity to lead in a dynamic space that I am passionate about. 

What are your thoughts on mentorship? 

I have many informal mentors across the industry and the Cleveland business community. They play a critical role in giving me advice and helping me see things from a different angle so I can broaden my perspectives. I also consider myself a mentor. Every day I come to work, I try to present myself in a way that others feel they can come to me with questions or to ask advice. 

Has the COVID-19 pandemic changed your workplace expectations? 

Working in a hybrid environment is something I have come to value. I also became a mom in February 2020, leaving work in what was “normal” and returning from maternity leave in a fully remote environment. Learning to navigate both parenthood and a new way of working was incredibly challenging, but it taught me a lot about who I am and what drives me. 

How do you think the industry can better recruit and retain young professionals? 

It is important to be open-minded to all types of backgrounds and educational experiences. I spent five years developing greeting cards before coming to Oatey. I was given an opportunity, and I have found my home here!

Leeanne Rose
New Construction Project Coordinator — Assistant to the President, Nebrasky Plumbing, Heating & Cooling

What is your role in the PHCP industry? 

I handle all correspondence between Nebrasky and the builders, project managers, building inspectors, foreman and suppliers. I also assist with bidding new projects, ordering equipment, providing our foreman the information needed for projects, and more. Because I am also the assistant to the president, I handle any new projects he is interested in researching.

Why did you enter a career in the industry? 

PHCP is something I wasn’t anticipating getting into, but I ended up enjoying it and thriving in it. It’s a field that is constantly growing and changing, and I enjoy a good challenge. I was originally hired as an office administrator; the more I learned about the business, the more I wanted to take on. 

What are some of your career highlights? 

One highlight would be the implementation of a cabin and road-facing dashcam system in all our vehicles. The goal was to create a safer environment for our employees while on the road. The system allowed us to monitor and improve their driving habits while providing a more accurate way to track their routes. 

What are your thoughts on mentorship? 

The company president, Paul Nebrasky, has become my mentor. What I appreciate the most about Paul is that he values employees who vocalize their opinions and offer solutions to issues. This trait has given me an opportunity to improve my confidence, as well as my decision-making and critical-thinking skills. 

Has the COVID-19 pandemic changed your workplace expectations? 

We worked from home during the lockdown, and I honestly did not like it. I enjoy being a part of a team in an office or jobsite setting. 

How do you think the industry can better recruit and retain young professionals? 

I believe employee retention has to do with potential growth and a positive work environment. Nebrasky is one of the only companies I know that has hired an in-house specialist exclusively responsible for fostering a culture to retain skilled, experienced technicians. We hold monthly barbecues, give awards to employees, and have fun with basketball tournaments! It’s the simple things that can make a massive difference in morale. 

Caitlin Skaggs
Digital & E-Commerce Manager, Wiseway Supply

What is your role in the PHCP industry? 

My role is to manage Wiseway’s online presence. My focus areas are search engine optimization, digital marketing, website product data, and more. My responsibility is to make sure our customers’ needs are met digitally.

Why did you enter a career in the industry? 

I wouldn’t say I decided to enter this industry; it just sort of happened. I applied for a sales position at our Northern Kentucky showroom and didn’t get the job. When another position became available, Wiseway reached out to me, the young woman with only some customer service experience. A couple of years in, I began managing the showroom. After the pandemic slowed, I expressed my desire for a different challenge. That’s how my digital journey started!

What are some of your career highlights? 

Serving on our local Building Industry Association as associate vice president is a highlight. Although I’ve been involved with the BIA of Northern Kentucky for years, having the opportunity to expand my connections within a different role in the industry has been invaluable. Recently, our digital marketing efforts have been recognized by several of our key suppliers — empowering me to continue to grow our business digitally.

What are your thoughts on mentorship? 

I have an obvious mentor in our owner, John Cain, but also many others in the industry through our buying groups such as IMARK and Luxury Products Group. John has mentioned that he owes a lot of his success to the relationships built in this industry, so I’d like to mirror that sentiment.

Has the COVID-19 pandemic changed your workplace expectations? 

The pandemic made distributors painfully aware of their digital presence. I can’t say that I’m thankful for a global pandemic, but I’m glad this position was created because of it!

How do you think the industry can better recruit and retain young professionals? 

I strongly believe our industry needs to get in front of young students. I’m thankful that my involvement with the Building Industry Association has allowed me to speak to students and introduce them to roles in the distribution industry. I wish more of these opportunities had been afforded to me when I was in school.

Maddie Suvak
Engagement Marketing Manager (RIDGID & Greenlee) at Emerson Commercial & Residential Solutions

What is your role in the PHCP industry? 

It is my job to manage all integrated marketing activities for RIDGID and Greenlee, such as public relations, social media, content planning, events, and more. Whether it is through a product demonstration at a trade show or crafting a press release, it is my job to engage our end-users and connect them to our brands. 

Why did you decide to enter a career in the industry? 

I entered the industry in February 2021 when I joined Oatey as its social media community specialist. I didn’t go out of my way to find a position in the PHCP industry, but I am so thankful that it is where I am now. 

What are some of your career highlights? 

During my time at Oatey, I created the company’s Social Media Ambassador Program, a partnership with influential plumbing professionals and brand loyalists. Through that program, I developed countless relationships with industry end-users, something that I get to continue in my current role. It is the greatest highlight so far — the relationships I get to develop with our hardworking end-users. 

What are your thoughts on mentorship? 

The biggest mentor in my life is my father, Jack Suvak. I have also had a handful of great mentors in the industry: Amanda Keiber, Sarah Kirwen, Becky Brotherton and Laura Wolverton are a few. Each individual has helped me in different ways — from acclimating me to the industry and updating me on trends to navigating my career path and answering countless questions.

Has the COVID-19 pandemic changed your workplace expectations? 

The pandemic taught me to be agile. I had to figure out how to effectively do my job in a different way. Strategies needed to be adjusted, marketing campaigns, trade shows, etc. So now, I always keep it in the back of my head. Just as I have learned to be agile, I also expect my workplace to be agile. 

How do you think the industry can better recruit and retain young professionals? 

I think it’s twofold. First, the industry needs to identify what the younger generation is looking for in employers. Second, the industry needs to take what they identified and actually implement it. Some things the younger generation desire include work/life balance, flexibility, career growth and continuing education opportunities.

Levi Torres, Owner, High 5 PlumbingWhat is your role in the PHCP industry? 

I am the owner of High 5 Plumbing, a family-owned and -operated plumbing company serving residents in the greater Denver metropolitan area. We are a progressive company that tries to introduce change into the plumbing industry.

Why did you enter a career in the industry? 

My dad owned a plumbing company, so since the age of 16, I’ve been heavily involved in the industry. When I graduated high school and went to college, I decided I could commit to a plumbing career that would be
rewarding. 

Are you affiliated with any industry groups or organizations?

We are affiliated with Blue Collar Success Group, a training program to help contractors and technicians create great customer experiences.

What are some of your career highlights? 

One of my biggest highlights has been starting High 5 and seeing it grow. It’s been cool to see 30-plus people able to support their families and accomplish their goals based on the things the company is doing. 

What are your thoughts on mentorship? 

I have two great mentors from Blue Collar Success Group who have helped me be successful in the plumbing industry: Kenny Chapman and Chris Crew. I also consider myself a mentor. I feel like I can help anyone who is running a plumbing company who hasn’t reached the size of High 5 work through some of the difficult lessons I had to learn.

Has the COVID-19 pandemic changed your workplace expectations? 

The pandemic hasn’t changed my expectations at all. I’m a firm believer in community, and I think it does a lot for a person’s mindset and culture to be with a team. Working remotely is something we could do if we had to, but I truly believe the community and togetherness High 5 brings is why people want to be with us.

How do you think the industry can better recruit and retain young professionals? 

The plumbing stereotype is not attractive. Growing up, a kid doesn’t want to become a plumber. So, the biggest thing is you must make plumbing attractive. Be on social media so the younger crowd can see the cool aspects of plumbing.

Ryan Westlund
Senior Program Manager, Radiant Heating and Cooling, REHAU 

What is your role in the PHCP industry? 

As the program lead for REHAU’s radiant heating and cooling business, I wear a lot of different hats. First and foremost, I am a fervent proselytizer for hydronic radiant systems and work to make sure different levels of the industry are aware of what radiant systems can allow them to do. 

Why did you decide to enter a career in the industry? 

I fell into the hydronics industry somewhat backward. I had a passion for sustainability and a strong background in heat transfer and machine design. I wanted to get into a career maximizing the impact on our energy footprint, and reducing consumption within the built environment was one of the largest segments with tremendous opportunity.

Are you affiliated with any industry groups or organizations?

I recently culminated 10 years of volunteering for ASHRAE’s National Capital Chapter as chapter president for the 2021-2022 year. Additionally, I am currently vice chair of ASHRAE’s Technical Committee (TC) 6.5 Radiant Heating and Cooling, in addition to serving as the handbook chair. 

What are some of your career highlights? 

Although I am very proud of the hundreds of projects I have been able to help design or consult on, it is probably the recognition from my peers that makes me most proud. Fellow industry experts on the technical committees of ASHRAE have trusted me to take on increasing roles on TC 6.5 Radiant Systems. 

What are your thoughts on mentorship? 

I have a great mentor who helps me keep an objective view of my work and career. He actually is not in the PHCP industry. I find this allows me to get challenged on topics that may be brushed over by industry insiders.

Has the COVID-19 pandemic changed your workplace expectations? 

I have a newfound appreciation for the home office! At the beginning of the pandemic, I was wrapping up a months-long project of building my office desk. After converting three salvaged desks, plumbing parts, a driveshaft coupling and some camera parts into a work of art, I have been extremely comfortable working from home. 

How do you think the industry can better recruit and retain young professionals? 

I truly believe that if more students understood the interconnected nature of how our HVAC systems drive a huge portion of our country’s energy habits, they would share the passion that my colleagues and I have for effecting change. There are endless possibilities for what we can transform the future into.

Chris Winnie, PE, CPD
Plumbing Engineer, SmithGroup

What is your role in the PHCP industry? 

I am a plumbing engineer specializing in the science and technology, health-care and higher education markets. At SmithGroup, I put an emphasis on high-performance and energy-conscious designs, working in tandem with other disciplines. I also teach plumbing engineering design at the Illinois Institute of Technology.

Why did you decide to enter a career in the industry? 

After exiting high school, I wanted to choose a career direction to guide where I would apply to college. It was purely by chance that while I was working as a lifeguard, a coworker suggested I become a mechanical engineer during a conversation about my interests and future. I applied to the Milwaukee School of Engineering the next day and was accepted.

Are you affiliated with any industry groups or organizations?

I’m the vice president of legislative for the American Society of Plumbing Engineers’ Chicago Chapter Board and am on track to be the Chicago Chapter president. 

What are some of your career highlights? 

My highlights occur when I have that “Aha!” moment. On one project, in particular, a coworker rotated out of the industry, and I was given the plumbing engineer representative role. I learned and designed the gas and vacuum systems while navigating the nuances of an existing building, in addition to the base plumbing systems. Staying on throughout construction was an opportunity I will forever be grateful for.

What are your thoughts on mentorship? 

My mentors are my coworkers and leaders at SmithGroup. I can ask my boss, Nancy Kohout, or other senior engineers anything and get a judgment-free response. I also consider myself a mentor. In the bountiful opportunities I’ve had to train junior staff and teach engineering to my students, I am presented with a podium to which I have been growing into. 

Has the COVID-19 pandemic changed your workplace expectations? 

My expectations have changed. When the pandemic hit, my wife and I gained more flexibility in our schedules and got used to working odd hours when the kids were home. I found comfort in starting my working day at 4 or 5 a.m. However, I don’t see the physical office going away — there is tremendous value in having meetings in person. 

How do you think the industry can better recruit and retain young professionals? 

I think the industry can recruit more effectively if we can better illustrate what we do on a daily level and what we work toward rather than (only) teaching theoretical concepts and sharing the final results of a project.

Paige Knowles,
Plumber Paige, a Skilled Trades Advocate 

What is your role in the PHCP industry? 

I am a speaker and skilled trades advocate who is very active on social media under the username @plumber_paige. I am also an author, having written the book “Plumber Paige — Let’s Replace a Shower Head.” Additionally, while I attend community college for construction management, I speak at schools and am a camp leader and ambassador with Let’s Build Construction Camp for girls.

Why did you enter a career in the industry? 

Growing up, I helped my parents renovate their investment properties. I imagined myself also owning real estate and thought it would be good to have some construction-related skills. I went to tech school and studied electrical, HVAC and plumbing — and plumbing piqued my interest most.

What are some of your career highlights? 

It’s such a wonderful thing to be able to empower and encourage everyone around me and open up kids’ and their parents’ minds to new career possibilities! Plus, how many 20-year-olds can say they have their own business, have had the opportunity to speak to thousands of students, or have written and illustrated a published book? 

What are your thoughts on mentorship? 

My mentors include Kenneth Midgett (I was in his class when PHCC recognized him as the 2019 Plumbing Instructor of the Year); my boss at the plumbing and HVAC company I’ve been able to shadow and work through a co-op; the Let’s Build Construction Camp co-founders; and my mom and dad.

I also believe I am a mentor. To anyone considering a path in the construction industry, I try to be that motivating force, pushing them to choose a career where their skill set will always be needed. 

Has the COVID-19 pandemic changed your workplace expectations?

The pandemic changed my entire career path. Although nontraditional, I was still on a set journey — graduate high school, work for a plumbing company, get my journeyman’s and master’s licenses, and start my own business. When the pandemic took away graduation, the national SkillsUSA plumbing competition, and more, I was forced to consider what I wanted to do with my life. I then decided to become what I needed when I was first considering a path in the industry: a skilled trades advocate. 

How do you think the industry can better recruit and retain young professionals? 

It is important to teach kids from a young age that a career in construction is a viable option. If we taught parents and counselors to support kids in whatever career path they choose, there would be a lot less stigma.

Paige Perti,
Journeyman Plumber, Perti Plumbing, Heating & AC Why did you enter a career in the industry? 

I entered the industry after working summers with my father at his plumbing/HVAC business, and growing to learn and respect the trade. 

Are you affiliated with any industry groups or organizations?

My company and myself are affiliated with PHCC’s Philadelphia Suburban Chapter.

What are some of your career highlights? 

One significant highlight is graduating from plumbing/HVAC school with my journeyman’s license and receiving awards showcasing my dedication to the plumbing industry. 

What are your thoughts on mentorship? 

I have a large number of mentors, including my father and all my instructors from school, who I still reach out to for advice. I also consider myself a mentor to the apprentices who work under me and the students in school — I hope I can be a role model for them. 

Has the COVID-19 pandemic changed your workplace expectations? 

The pandemic made me appreciate my trade and opened my eyes to how essential tradespeople are in today’s world. 

How do you think the industry can better recruit and retain young professionals? 

The industry can make sure today’s youth are informed about the trades and break the stigma about tradesmen being “less than” college graduates. 

Mason Whitlam
Eastern Regional Sales Manager, J.C. Whitlam Mfg. Co.What is your role in the PHCP industry? 

I ensure our customers, the wholesalers, are well-stocked and well-informed with our products so they can maintain trust with the contractors and plumbers they serve. 

Why did you enter a career in the industry? 

As a member of the Whitlam family, I have been around it my entire life. Ever since I could remember, I would travel with my dad on sales calls, help him set up for trade shows, and even help cook burgers and dogs at counter days! For me, I wanted to carry on the dream of my great-great-grandfather.

What are some of your career highlights? 

Even though it’s been a turbulent first year with all the issues across the economy, the highlight for me is the opportunity to get out on the road. Traveling with our reps and meeting with customers to learn how we can better complement their business has been very rewarding. 

What are your thoughts on mentorship? 

I have too many mentors to name. Coming into this position at a young age, I have tried to be a sponge for knowledge by taking in all the wisdom I can.

Has the COVID-19 pandemic changed your workplace expectations? 

Absolutely. I was only a year out of college when the pandemic hit, so having the option to work remotely has been around for the majority of my working career. However, I still believe there is nothing like the comradery and effectiveness of being in the office.

How do you think the industry can better recruit and retain young professionals? 

As part of the younger generation, I understand how important social media is. I have begun to expand our company’s presence on all social platforms because I believe it is a tool that has been underused in this industry.

Responses have been edited for brevity and clarity.