P-H-C Contractor Magazine - Fall 2014

Page 1

Volume 9, Number 3 • Fall 2014

The official publication of the PHCC Wisconsin Association and Master Plumbers/Heating & Cooling Contractors of Wisconsin

Ductless Market Growing

with New Product Developments

INSIDE: The Other Side of Job Costing

How Vehicle Maintenance Has Changed

Plumbing Products Showcase


COUNT ON US 1,350 locations. All 50 states. 300 showrooms. 19,000 associates. 60 years in business. With Ferguson, you get so much more than plumbing supplies. You get a long and distinguished history of dependable service, a coast-to-coast network of resources, and the benefit of dedicated professionals who deliver so much more than what goes onto the truck.

WATER HEATERS FAUCETS FIXTURES REPAIR PARTS Appleton (920) 830-8000

Wausau (715) 675-3384

Wisconsin Rapids (715) 421-5300

Downtown Milwaukee (414) 289-0612

Green Bay (920) 497-3313

Eau Claire (715) 835-5151

West Allis (414) 327-8400

McFarland (608) 838-3181

Sheboygan (920) 457-5013

LaCrosse (608) 788-3700

FERGUSON.COM Nobody expects more from us than we do ® ©2014 Ferguson Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved.



contents // Fall 2014 Features 10 Ductless In Wisconsin 14 The Other Side of Job Costing 16 Keep Rolling How Vehicle Maintenance Has Changed Over The Years

10

2014/15 BOARD OF DIRECTORS PHCC WISCONSIN ASSOCIATION Master Plumbers/Heating & Cooling Contractors of Wisconsin

18 Plumbing Product Showcase

Reports 6 President’s Letter PHCC – We’re In It For You 7 Executive Director’s Report Reflecting On The Here And Now

PHCC Wisconsin Association P.O. Box 833 Germantown, WI 53022 888-782-6815 • Fax: 888-287-4116 mail@phcc-wi.org

8 Zone Director’s Report Your PHCC: Working For You

Inside President Keith Schedler (District #5) Don’s Plumbing Service, Inc. 1003 Clifton Street Tomah, WI 54660 608-372-4219 • Fax: 608-372-2303 keithschedler@centurytel.net

WC Rates Present Mixed News For P-H-C Contractors Don’t Miss Out On Coupon Savings Geothermal Licensing In Memoriam: Bob Schlicht Changes In Continuing Education Credits Congrats Carol DeYoung Code Books Soon To Be Available Only From PHCC Legislators Consider Personal Property Tax Changes Reimbursement For Your Apprenticeship Program Tailgate Time in Madison New Location for Hot Water Products United P&H Names Richard Chojnacki Hold The Date!

22 2015 PHCC-WI Auxiliary Scholarship 26 Advertiser Index/Calendar Of Events 28 Membership

By The Numbers Best Yet Offer

30 Wisconsin Code Book & POWTS

Cover image courtesy of ThinkStock Photos

24 Pipeline News

Vice President Greg Jones (District #4) Dave Jones Plumbing & Heating, Inc. 2225 Kilgust Road Madison, WI 53713 608-222-8490 • Fax: 608-222-8503 gjones@davejonesplumbing.com Secretary/Treasurer Carol De Young (District #10) Countryside Plumbing & Heating, Inc. 321 Wisconsin Drive New Richmond, WI 54017-2614 715-246-2660 • Fax: 715-246-2676 carol@countrysideph.com Immediate Past President Dan Callies (District #1) Oak Creek Plumbing 640 E. Ryan Road Oak Creek, WI 53154-4540 414-762-4060 • Fax: 414-762-3444 danc@oakcreekplumbing.com Directors Dale Arndt (District #4) Arndt & Son Plumbing P.O. Box 70 Brooklyn, WI 53521 608-455-6392 • Fax: 608-455-2113 arndtplumbing@frontier.com Larry Bayer (District #1) Bayer Plumbing 2295 Continental Drive West Bend, WI 53095 262-335-0300 • Fax: 262-335-4180 bayerplumbing@yahoo.com

The Wisconsin P-H-C Contractor is published four times a year for the Wisconsin Association of Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors

Senior Editor Jeff Beiriger Advertising and Editorial Office:

Ron Sonntag Public Relations 9406 N. 107th Street Milwaukee, WI 53224 p | 800.969.0200 f | 414.354.5317 www.rspr.com

Master Plumbers/Heating & Cooling Contractors of Wisconsin

Advertising Inquiries: Patty Johnson, Ron Sonntag Public Relations, (800) 969-0200, ext. 103, E-mail: patty@rspr.com. Editorial Submissions: Cynthia Marsh, Ron Sonntag Public Relations, (800) 969-0200, ext. 104, E-mail: cynthia@rspr.com.

4 / The Wisconsin P-H-C Contractor / Fall 2014

Jim Eberhardt (District #2) Eberhardt Plumbing & Heating, Inc. 400 Wisconsin Street, PO Box 98 Adell, WI 53001 920-994-9203 • Fax: 920-994-2346 jnhardt@excel.net

Jeffrey Kuhn (District #1) S&K Pump & Plumbing, Inc. 20880 W. Enterprise Avenue Brookfield, WI 53045 262-782-7190 • Fax: 262-782-9642 jeff@snkpump.com Steve Schneider (District #3) Tweet/Garot Mechanical 2545 Larsen Road, PO Box 11767 Green Bay, WI 54307-1767 920-498-7656 • Fax: 920-498-8130 Steve.Schneider@tweet-garot.com Cal Watters (District #6) Watters Plumbing 1303 Midway Road, PO Box 118 Menasha, WI 54952 920-733-8125 • Fax: 920-733-2713 cwatters@wattersplumbing.net Industry Partner Reps Mike Daniels Auer Steel 5440 Highway 169 N Minneapolis, MN 55428 763-971-2910 • Fax: 763-971-2920 mike.daniels@auersteel.com Scott Madsen Burton–Anderson & Associates 1803 S. 124th Street New Berlin, WI 53151 262-782-2870 • Fax: 262-782-6441 scott@burton-anderson.com Rob Spence Rundle-Spence 2800 Industrial Drive Madison, WI 53713 608-222-0636 • Fax 608-222-4164 robs@rundle-spence.com PHCC National Zone Director Jeffrey Kuhn (District #1) S&K Pump & Plumbing, Inc. 20880 W. Enterprise Avenue Brookfield, WI 53045 262-782-7190 • Fax: 262-782-9642 jeff@snkpump.com

Master Plumbers/Heating & Cooling Director Contractors ofExecutive Wisconsin Jeffrey J. Beiriger, CAE

Fred Gardner (District #9) Badger State Plumbing 2507 Fortune Drive Eau Claire, WI 54703-3898 715-874-7777 • Fax: 715-874-7778 fred@badgerstateinc.com

P.O. Box 833 Germantown, WI 53022 414-331-2059 • Fax: 888-287-4116 jeff@assocmgmtservices.com



President’s Letter

KEITH SCHEDLER

// PHCC – We’re In It For You to make good things happen and “What’s in it for me?” That simple question is the we work to keep bad things from foundation of just about everything we do. I realize happening. that some of you might find that thought disagreeable. But do members and You might argue that you are outwardly focused and nonmembers value advocacy? interested only in serving other people. And that’s great. I’d like to think the answer But if serving other people makes you feel good, aren’t is yes, and for many it would be. you still getting something out of that relationship? But for many, the idea of getting So I think it’s perfectly fine for people to ask, “What’s involved in government and in it for me?” politics and a maze of regulations Serving on a Board of Directors of this association is a turnoff, not a turn-on. They or any other group, we usually talk about a “value want things to work out, but proposition.” A value proposition is really a reworking they’re not necessarily willing to of the “What’s in it for me?” question to commit their financial resources “What’s in it for them?” What do they – We’re comfortable with you asking the or time resources to the cause. the members and the nonmembers – want question “What’s in it for me?” because the They figure things will just come from us? out the way they will and that What makes associations exceptional answer – at least from the PHCC perspective one more voice really doesn’t is that in answering the question “What’s – is PLENTY! And if you think we have a lot to matter all that much. I think it in it for them?” we’re really coming back does, but I may not be able to to the question of “What’s in it for me?” offer, I encourage you to look long and hard convince them otherwise. Your Board of Directors at PHCC-WI isn’t at PHCC National. So we look for other ways to made up of people with a profit motive. create value. We offer discounts We want PHCC-WI to be successful because on seminars. We offer discounts on code books. We offer that’s good for us too. members resources to help them with tax issues, legal Ask a member of the Board of Directors about the issues, and insurance matters. We make ourselves available association and they’ll tell you all about the many things to answer questions. We provide communications. We we are doing. Most will point to advocacy as one of their refer customers and help customers make better, more top reasons for supporting the association. We work hard informed decisions about hiring professionals to do their work. We work to create an interest in our trades through outreach and apprenticeship. And still, that may not be enough. 7150 143rd Ave NW So most recently, we’ve been talking about up-leveling Ramsey, MN 55303 the nature and quality of our training and there will W140 N5086 Lilly Rd be more on that in the months ahead. We’re increasing Menomonee Falls, WI 53051 our partnerships with our Associate Members to offer discounts on products and services. Last month, we sent soderholmrep.com 800.328.9858 out our first batch of “member-only” coupons and there are real-money savings to be had. We also partnered with Grandy & Associates on a $300 savings on one of their topshelf seminars for contractors. We’re comfortable with you asking the question “What’s in it for me?” because the answer – at least from the PHCC perspective – is PLENTY! And if you think we have a lot to offer, I encourage you to look long and hard at PHCC National. They’re doing every bit as good a job at making sure there’s something in it for you too. Each of you may be looking for a different answer to the “What’s in it for me?” question. And that’s OK by us. We’ll keep working hard to earn and retain your membership because we really want this association, our members, and this industry to prosper. That’s what’s in it for us!

Market Influence. Customer Value. 6 / The Wisconsin P-H-C Contractor / Fall 2014

Sincerely, Keith Schedler Keith Schedler is President of Don’s Plumbing Service in Tomah. He can be reached at (608) 372-4219 or keithschedler@centurytel.net.


JEFF BEIRIGER

As I travel the state, I have the opportunity to talk with a lot of people. Frankly, that’s one of the favorite parts of my work. More and more it seems, conversations are harkening back to the “good old days.” But if the “good old days” were back in the 1990s, it seems to me I remember people back then talking about “the good old days” too. How can that be? Maybe it’s just that we all just yearn for things to be different than they are. The dreamers want the future and the nostalgic want the past. But what I know for certain is that all we have is the here and now. Friends, some day in the future, these are “the good old days.” So let me make an observation or two about the here and now... As a group, I think all of you are smarter than ever. You have to be. Just think about the amount of government regulation you deal with, the changes in insurance requirements, the nature of your contracts and relationships with your customers, and the pace of change in products and materials we work with. Frankly, we are living at a time where it is becoming more important than ever before to draw a distinction between the professional and the dabbler, between the person who is IN the business and the people who need to get out. I heard an expression once that described our new competition as “the articulate incompetent.” Put up a website and post a few pictures and you’re in business. But is that all it really takes? Our customers are demanding more than ever. They need

our services, but the bar has been raised. There was a day that our industry might be judged solely by whether the water ran when the faucet was turned on, whether the toilets flushed, or whether the heating or air conditioning worked. That’s the minimum expectation now. Our customers want to save energy. Our customers want to be environmentally responsible. Our customers want flexibility. Our customers don’t just want to meet code requirements but want to do so in a way that is responsive to the people occupying the space. Our customers want to anticipate the next change. And yes, they want to save money. So while the world may see our industry as a commodity, it is, in fact, becoming increasingly complex. Today, just as it was in the past, our members are differentiating themselves. They are rising to the challenge. They are, always have been, and always will be, the best. At PHCC-WI, we are attracting the best and brightest contractors, we are training the brightest mechanics, and we are promoting the increased value of professionalism in our industry. Maybe that’s not what everyone wants from us, but it’s what our members demand and what our industry needs. Jeff Beiriger PHCC-WI Executive Director

w w w. t s b ra ss.com 8 0 0 . 4 76.4103

LEAD-FREE. WORRY-FREE. HASSLE-FREE.

With new national lead-free legislation, there’s been a lot of talk about making the switch. Here’s the truth: T&S was the first fixture, faucet and fitting manufacturer to convert its entire line to lead-free alloys back in 2010. So when you purchase a T&S faucet, the peace of mind that comes with lead-free compliance is built right in. No worries. No hassle. Visit tsbrass.com/literature to download a free brochure about our lead-free products, or contact your local T&S rep for more information.

T&S plumbing products represented in Wisconsin by: East - Process & Mechanical Systems, Inc. - 262-691-9991 • West - Hamel Associates, Inc. - 952-835-5570 TSB-615 2014 Lead-Free PHCC Pubs.indd 16

1/28/14\ 12:28 Fall 2014 \ The Wisconsin P-H-C Contractor 7 PM

Executive Director’s Report

Reflecting on the Here and Now \\


Zone Director’s Report

JEFF KUHN

// Your PHCC: Working For You Fellow contractors, Are you allowing your PHCC to work for you? There are so many ways to help yourself and let the PHCC help you at the same time. All you will need to do is to check the website and simply review the list of seemingly endless possibilities. Here are just a few things that we are working on for you. • Addressing the “Skills Gap:” Recognizing the “skills gap” is creating urgent challenges for p-h-c businesses and PHCC is taking many steps to make sure you have qualified employees in the future. In Washington, the association is supporting important legislation on Capitol Hill that addresses workforce innovation, opportunities, and the development of academic and career technical skills among secondary and postsecondary education students. PHCC also is involved with the HVAC-R Workforce Development Foundation, which supports projects, programs and partnerships that support the recruitment of the next generation of skilled workers. And, a special PHCC task force will begin work soon on workforce development planning to attract qualified workers to our industry. • Protecting Your Interests: This spring alone, PHCC was “at the table” on important topics like the future of refrigerants, boiler efficiencies, sustainable codes, and tax regulations. PHCC is working hard to make sure you don’t get blindsided by new or confusing regulations. • Social Media Assistance: To help you better utilize social media to reach customers, PHCC has begun providing

ready-made social media posts that you can post on Facebook and Twitter. Through a partnership with MarketHardware, you also receive tips on how to use social media effectively, as well as a complimentary marketing webinar. If you aren’t receiving these regular email communications, let us know at membership@phccweb.org. • Contractor Marketing Kit: Through PHCC’s new brand awareness campaign, you have access to several easy-to-use marketing tools to promote your business and your alliance with PHCC. Check out all of your options in the “Samples & Templates” section of www.phccweb.org (“Contractor Marketing Kit – New Items” on dropdown menu). Contact communications@naphcc.org for any assistance. I invite you to know what PHCC members know: “Best People. Best Practices.” Jeff Kuhn - PHCC-NA Zone 3 Director Jeff Kuhn is President of S&K Pump & Plumbing, Inc., in Brookfield. He can be reached at (262) 782-7190 or jeff@snkpump.com.

D O T H E J O B R I G H T W I T H WAT E R - R I G H T® You’re working hard to make a name for yourself among water pros. Your customers expect quality water — free of undesirable minerals and unwanted contaminants. And you expect a treatment solution that is dependable and long-lasting. Don’t risk your reputation on water treatment products that don’t last! Is your Water-Right?

A Single System Used to Treat Well Water in a Single Pass

A Single System Used to Treat Municipal Water

Sanitizer Plus Series® water treatment systems combine patented self-chlorinating technology with advanced electronics to perform like four units in one!

Impression Series® RC water conditioners deliver clear, soft, odor-free water, and the tank design eliminates the need for two systems by combining two medias into one tank. The activated carbon removes chlorine while the high capacity resin softens the water.

• Removes hardness, iron and manganese • Self-sanitizing system

• Removes hardness

• Perfect for well water

• Removes chlorine and associated odors

• Raises low pH levels

• Softens household water using minimal salt and water

• Reduces iron and sulfur bacteria • Reduces unpleasant tastes and odors

• Unique “mid-plate” design eliminates the ed for two tanks need

800.777.1426 | water-right.com

8 / The Wisconsin P-H-C Contractor / Fall 2014


Tailgate Schedule:

Join us for a tailgate party with featured vendor:

October 11th Illinois

Let our DJ, free food and beverages kick off your game day!

October 25th

Don’t miss the best tailgate on Regent Street.

November 15th

Time: Two hours prior to kickoff Address: Budget Bicycle Center 930 Regent Street (On the corner of Regent & Brooks Street)

All are welcome!

Maryland

FOOD BEVERAGES

Nebraska

November 29th Minnesota

DJ

Time: two hours prior to kickoff

Like Us @ Facebook.com/1supply

Follow Us @ Twitter.com/First_Supply


Ductless Market Growing

with New Product Developments

D

uctless cooling systems have historically been utilized most widely in Europe and Asia Pacific, where they are typically the preferred cooling systems for most commercial applications. In the North American market, ducted unitary systems are far more prevalent, and ductless cooling systems were nearly nonexistent in the market until the early 2000s. They have been gaining in market share in North America since that time, and are projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of more than 14 percent between 2013 and 2020. 10 / The Wisconsin P-H-C Contractor / Fall 2014

“Ductless systems have several advantages over ducted systems,” says Bob Gohn, Senior Research Director with Navigant Research. “They are more efficient, avoiding duct-related losses that in some cases can account for up to a 30 percent loss in system efficiency. Ductless systems may also be easier to install into older buildings, especially where sufficient space for the installation of ductwork may not be available without significant modifications to the building.”

Ductless Is Viable in the Upper Midwest “Ductless zoning systems are definitely a viable option in the upper Midwest. Low-ambient heating technology has significantly improved over the last few years, allowing ductless heat pumps to function in low-ambient outdoor temperatures,” said Mike Smith, Senior Marketing Manager, Residential Products, Mitsubishi Electric U.S. Cooling & Heating Division. “This capability is significant for two reasons: it means


Technological Advancements

According to the Upper Midwest Sales Team at Carrier, the climate of the Upper Midwest has traditionally presented ductless manufacturers with some unique challenges, mostly with regard to heating. Typical winters are characterized by long spells of cold weather that challenged a heat pump’s ability to satisfy comfort. However, new technology has allowed for not only greater efficiency during those periods, but a greater heat output as well.

Ductless zoning systems are definitely a viable option in the upper Midwest.

that ductless zoning technology is a viable solution for residences across the country even in the coldest climates where heat pumps were not previously considered the best option. Also, hyper-heating technology frequently eliminates the need for supplemental heating, making the ductless zoning system the only system needed for total comfort control. This saves installation time, and improves energy efficiency without relying on fossil fuels.” Ductless technology is moving forward to include low-ambient temperature options, even in Canada, according to Nick Shin, Portfolio Manager for Trane Ductless. “We have products that can go to -4 degrees and our VRF industrial products can go down even lower,” he said. But he cautioned that in the coldest days a backup is needed. “If the temperature is at -20 degrees, you won’t be able to pull heat from the environment, so backup is needed. But for most of the winter, traditional ductless products, are very efficient for heat,” he said.

The Carrier team noted that because of the potential for severely cold weather, a ductless system should never be used as the sole source of heat for a residential application in the upper Midwest. “Ductless manufacturers have made tremendous strides with regards to greater efficiencies and low-ambient operation. The industry continues to push the limits of conventional HVAC thinking. Many of the systems that will be marketed in the current year will be able to interface with Smart Home technology. Viewing the current temperature in your home, and even controlling that temperature remotely,

will be as simple as activating an app on your smart phone. These advancements are closer than many consumers realize,” said Carrier.

Energy Efficiency

“Ductless definitely has its advantages when it comes to energy efficiency,” Shin said. “In a traditional duct system, heat or air has to run through all the ducts before it gets to a room. It takes a lot of energy pushing it through 40 or 50 feet of duct work. In the ductless system, the heating exchanger and fan coil are in one package, so the only thing conducting from the outdoor compressor to the indoors is refrigerant line. All that inefficiency is gone, plus with variable speed, the unit is 30 to 40 percent more efficient. “SEER ratings also contribute to efficiency. Our newest residential product, available this fall, has a 27 SEER rating, 14.5 EER, and 10.0 HSPF. They are also Energy Star Qualified, with an operating range of cooling down to 0 degrees F and heating down to -4 degrees F. Shin noted that compared to radiant electric heaters, pumps are four times more efficient than traditional electric heaters, using onefourth the electricity in most cases. “As a general rule of thumb, if it gets super cold outside, you lose efficiency, but in 20 or 30 degree days you could easily be more efficient than the traditional residential electric heater.” “Energy efficiency continues to play a major role in all HVAC >> Continued on Page 12

Fall 2014 \ The Wisconsin P-H-C Contractor \ 11


Ductless systems can cool and heat the addition while reducing the load on the existing HVAC system in the rest of the home. >> Continued from Page 11 product development,” Smith said. “Ductless manufacturers continue to set the standard for energy efficiency and flexible home comfort. As the importance of energy efficiency and environmental impact continue to trend upward in the residential building market, builders and contractors will turn to ductless zoning systems for cooling and heating solutions to meet their efficiency needs.” Mitsubishi is currently showcasing its new H2i MSZ-FH model, released this year. It has achieved a SEER rating of 30.5. That model also features industry exclusive 3D heat imaging technology through the new i-see Sensor™ 3D indoor unit (or air handler). The sensor measures the location of humans in the room, delivering conditioned air to the space around the occupants. This means more comfort and control with minimal energy expended conditioning unoccupied spaces,” Smith said.

Variable Speed Inverter Technology

Variable speed inverter technology has been used in many applications for some time and it is also making inroads in ductless. Variable speed units operate efficiently because their outputs vary according to the conditions of the home, rather than running at full or a single reduced capacity. The

12 / The Wisconsin P-H-C Contractor / Fall 2014

compressor continually modulates and adjusts to the most efficient speed – up to 35 percent more efficient than a conventional single-speed compressor.

Applications for Ductless

According to Carrier, ductless systems fit in those “sweet spots” where a room or area of the home is either too hot or too cold. They are ideal for three/ four season rooms where there might be a lot of glass, or not enough room to put in ductwork and a drop ceiling. Empty-nesters tend to spend most of their time in their bedrooms and their Family Rooms. A multi-zone ductless system allows them to condition those rooms only, without having to cool or heat their entire home when it isn’t necessary. Smith added that ductless zoning systems are both whole-home, partial and single-room solutions. “When a family finishes an attic or basement or builds a sunroom for example, the new rooms are often added on to the existing home’s square footage without addressing the HVAC system. This means that the system must heat and cool more space than it was designed to handle. This creates hot and cold spots throughout the home. A better solution is to create a new zone,” he said.

Profit Potential for Contractors

According to a recent report from Navigant Research, annual revenue from ductless cooling systems will grow from $3.9 billion in 2013 to more than $9 billion by 2020, representing nearly 30 percent of total energy efficient HVAC systems revenue in that year. “The application for ductless is very broad, which is why the market is growing about 20 percent a year. If you are a contractor in the HVAC world, you want to get into a growing industry,” Shin said, noting that the Midwest is not as strong yet as the East or West Coast markets. “The Midwest is a little slower to catch up, but I think it is a great market and it will grow. Trane is fully engaged in this business.” According to Carrier, only about seven percent of the American ductless market has been penetrated. “Contractors that have not embraced this technology are leaving the fastest growing segment of the HVAC industry to their competitors. Ductless systems are far easier to install than traditional systems, with certain types of system configurations allowing for two or three installations in one day as opposed to traditional systems which may take up to one day to install one system. And when you take into consideration the annual energy cost, the argument


for ductless becomes even more compelling. Give the customers what they want…….and more, and more consumers are choosing ductless systems to meet their personalized comfort needs.” Meanwhile Mitsubishi has launched its Ductless on Every Job campaign last fall. “The campaign helped contractors assess how ductless systems can be a solution on almost every sales call. We established a rebate program as an added incentive to join in on the movement. We also provide marketing and sales tools and have an In-home Selling Seminar Program that helps contractors increase the effectiveness of their selling strategies. The Ductless on Every Job campaign has been a successful program with more than 2,000 contractors registering,” Smith said. “We believe that offering ductless zoning solutions to homeowners is a smart move to help contractors grow their businesses. Contractors will get an edge on the competition by offering Mitsubishi Electric systems as a solution that will meet homeowners’ needs. Another plus is the time frame to install ductless. “A major benefit of ductless zoning systems to both contractors and homeowners is installation time. A qualified HVAC contractor can usually install the systems in less than a day. Installation requires less labor and fewer materials than unitary systems and ductless zoning systems provide greater design flexibility to maximize space. Less time and labor means contractors will have time to take on more jobs and be more profitable,” Smith said. q

Fall 2014 \ The Wisconsin P-H-C Contractor \ 13


The Other side of job costing By Bill Kinnard I often get asked about job costing. Do I really need to do that? Is it really that important? The answer to these questions is YES and YES! It’s that simple. I hope I wasn’t unclear about that. If you are not job costing, you really don’t know if you make money on a job or not. You may have gone through the bid with a fine tooth comb and know that you accounted for everything but if you’re not job costing, you really don’t know how the job ended up. That could be the end of this post. I could stop here and not say any more about this subject but you might still have a major issue. Recently I worked with a contractor who had some major profitability issues in his company. He was working long hours and still was just barely squeaking by. He had plenty of work and the guys were all busy but he was still struggling to pay his bills and make payroll. As we talked about this issue, he quickly blamed this on the overtime the guys were putting in and the higher wages he had to pay. He was looking at hiring more staff to cut out the OT. After working with him for a few days, it quickly became evident that he had an unbillable time issue in his company. When asked about this, his response was “No I don’t! I have heard you talk about this in the past and my guys have to charge all their time to a job. If they don’t, they don’t get paid.” My immediate thought was “Great - This will be easy to prove.” When I asked him about whether he was job costing, he indicated that

14 / The Wisconsin P-H-C Contractor / Fall 2014

he was and proceeded to show me how he tracked every material cost incurred on every job and then compared this to the proposal that he originally created. Feeling satisfied about the job his office staff was doing, he expectedly looked at me for my next resolution suggestion for solving his profitability issues.

Focus on Everything That’s Important The big piece that was missing in this puzzle was time. As a contractor, you make some profit on material but your big commodity is the billable hours. You need to track your billable hours and compare them to your proposals. In this case, when we did this, we found jobs that had 45 man hours in the proposal, but typically had somewhere around 80 man hours charged to the job. That’s 35 non-billable hours. As we looked at more jobs, this pattern was prevalent.

Don’t Confuse Billable Hours and Chargeable Hours Just because time is charged to a job does not mean it’s billable. This is a common mistake. Billable hours really have nothing to do with the time that the techs are working on a job. Instead, it’s the hours that we are billing the customer for. These should be the same but all too often, we create a proposal, get the job, do the work and think all is OK. You must track the hours on a job and make sure that it agrees with your proposals. If it doesn’t, you’re not making money. When it comes to job costing, track both materials and time. Remember that your commodity is the billable hour so guard those jealously. Don’t let them get away from you. It can make the difference between a profitable job and a job going south. q

About the author: Bill Kinnard has 29 years experience in HVAC Sales, Service Management, Sales Management and Customer Service. He has a real passion for teaching contractors to better understand their businesses and help their employees become superior performers. Bill is the president and owner of Grandy & Associates, an industry leader in business training with a mission of teaching contractors how to run profitable businesses. He has presented programs for QSC, NAED, IMARK, PHCC, CLCA, Carrier, International Comfort Products, Eaton Corporation, plus distributors and manufacturers across the country.



Keep Rollin

How Vehicle Maintenance Has Changed Over The Years

By Eric Wagers

A truck is arguably the most important tool for any contractor. Between providing transportation to and from job sites and hauling tools and supplies, you depend on your work vehicle in order to do your job. Getting the most out of your vehicle, however, takes understanding the aspects and time intervals of proper preventive maintenance. Regardless of the make or model of your vehicle, preventive maintenance is an important factor in the vehicle’s performance and longevity. Safety, convenience, and cost can each be sacrificed when proper preventive maintenance is not performed. Over the past several decades, automotive technology has changed and advanced, and necessary preventive maintenance practices have changed as a result. Not only have maintenance practices changed, but the suggested intervals between maintenance have changed as well. Understanding modern preventive maintenance can both extend the longevity of your work vehicle and help you avoid spending money on unnecessary maintenance.

16 / The Wisconsin P-H-C Contractor / Fall 2014


The Myth of the 3,000-Mile Interval

Advances in automotive technology have allowed engines to run smoothly for longer without maintenance, but many vehicle owners still believe the 3,000-mile interval between oil changes to be necessary. “The majority of automakers today call for oil changes at either 7,500 or 10,000 miles,” said Phillip Reed, Senior Consumer Advice Editor at third-party automotive website Edmunds.com. “Yet the automotive service industry, while fully aware of the technological advances, continues to preach the 3,000-mile gospel as a way to keep the service bays busy.” While many contractors drive their vehicle more miles over a short period than the average driver, the 3,000-mile interval is still unnecessary, according to Reed and guidelines from the Environmental Protection Agency. Having your vehicle’s oil changed every 3,000 miles will not cause it to underperform, but the best practice to avoid wasting money on unnecessary oil changes is to consult the owner’s manual of your vehicle for the suggested interval.

Outdated Practices

Maintenance

In addition to overall improvements in automotive technology, the development of electronic ignition and fuel injection technology both significantly reduced the amount and frequency of preventive maintenance. Just a few decades ago, a yearly “tune-up” was a recommended maintenance practice. This involved inspection of a vehicle’s ignition components, the carburetor

and various belts. Today, almost none of those inspections are necessary. Modern electric ignition systems are not subject to the same wear that older, mechanical ignition systems were. Likewise, in the early 1990s, the carburetor was completely replaced by fuel injection, which does not require regular adjustment. Finally, individual belts for the air conditioner, alternator, power steering pump, and other engine components are no longer standard in vehicles. Instead, a single belt called a serpentine belt is used. While regular inspection for wear is important, a yearly inspection of belts, as was standard in the past, is no longer necessary.

Maintenance Has Changed, But It Remains Important

Automotive technology has come a long way over the past several decades. Preventive maintenance has changed as a result, but the importance of proper maintenance has not diminished. That is also not to say that everything is different today than in the past. Many aspects of vehicles remain similar today to how they were constructed 40 or 50 years ago. Maintenance practices such as tire rotation, wheel alignment, fluid replacement, and suspension alignment remain important to keep a vehicle rolling. One of the best pieces of advice for any vehicle owner, but especially a professional who depends on their vehicle to conduct business, is to find an experienced automotive mechanic or garage that is familiar with your vehicle make and model. Vehicle components and maintenance practices have changed, but what will likely never change is the importance of preventive maintenance in ensuring safe vehicle performance and cost-effective vehicle ownership. q

WHY BUY PAYNE FROM AUER STEEL... DELIVERY via Auer Truck! (Delivery days depend on your location).

www.auersteel.com

We’ve got it when you want it — we’ve invested heavily in our INVENTORY to serve you better. Payne means DEPENDABLE QUALITY your customers can count on. Auer Steel has a fully staffed TECHNICAL SUPPORT department to answer all of your Payne service or installation questions. Twin Cities Neenah

Sheboygan Waukesha Madison Milwaukee Racine

Payne equipment has a standard 10 YEAR PARTS WARRANTY available. EXTENDED WARRANTY plans are available. Payne offers a variety of CONSUMER FINANCING plans through GE Capitol.

Milwaukee • Twin Cities • Neenah • Madison

Fall 2014 \ The Wisconsin P-H-C Contractor \ 17


PLUMBING PRODUCT SHOWCASE A.O. Smith Adds Space-Aware Tankless Water Heater A.O. Smith introduces a new compact condensing tankless water heater for residential, measuring at less than two cubic feet and scoring .93 Energy Factor (EF). Available in natural gas or propane, the 120K Condensing Tankless Water Heater processes a maximum of 120,000 BTUs an hour and is offered in two models: indoor, ATl-140H; and outdoor, ATO-140H. It operates on a half-inch gas line, features accessible temperature controls and vents with PVC. All these features reduce installation costs and simplify the installation process. A.O. Smith. www.hotwater.com

New Tank Designs for American Standard HETs Two new decorative styles were added to American Standard’s Champion PRO line of toilets. The new tank designs, dubbed Portsmouth and Retrospect, are intended to complement traditional bath decors. The two designs each belong to a corresponding collection of bath fixtures to make coordinating bath designs simple to achieve. Both new styles are available in standard height (15 inches) elongated models and in Right Height (16.5 inches) elongated and round front versions. The new toilets also feature the high performance technology of the Champion PRO line of toilets. These features include a 2-3/8 inch siphonic trapway and 4-inch diameter flush valve. Each of the new toilets has a 12-inch rough-in configuration. AMERICAN STANDARD. www.americanstandard-us.com

Elkay Vandal-Resistant Bottle Filling Station Elkay Commercial Products has enhanced its Vandal-Resistant series to include a new durable EZH2O bottle filling station option. The range of tamper-free features on the new model paired with tempered glass, stainless steel push-button and recessed spout make it the ideal solution for plumbing contractors and engineers in need of a sturdy, yet environmentally sound drinking water solution for their customers. Available for use in both indoor and outdoor environments, the durable engineering makes it ideal for high-traffic areas, including educational facilities and recreational areas. Elkay. www.elkayusa.com

Kohler Touchless Flushing A new technology from Kohler Co. allows users to flush the toilet without physical contact through use of a sensor instead of a traditional flush lever. The Kohler Touchless sensor utilizes emerging sensing technology, which projects an electromagnetic field. The sensor detects the user in the projected field and then flushes the toilet. Kohler claims that this technology is more accurate and reliable than traditional beam-based sensors, which use a beam of light that triggers actuation when broken. The new Touchless sensor runs on four AA alkaline batteries expected to last six to twelve months on average, depending on use. The technology is available in the Kohler Cimarron toilet and an easyto-install, retro-fit kit designed to work with almost any single-flush toilet with a canister or flapper type flush. KOHLER. www.us.kohler.com

New Mansfield WaterSense™ Urinal Mansfield Plumbing Products announces its new 401HE Adam Urinal. The new high-efficiency model uses 50 percent less water than the current federal standard for commercial urinals and carries the same price point and performance as Mansfield’s original Adam Urinal. Using only .5 gallon per flush, the new WaterSense™ certified 401HE also features an external trapway, making it ideal for replacing less-efficient, external-trapway urinals. Mansfield Plumbing Products. www.mansfieldplumbing.com >> Continued on Page 20

18 / The Wisconsin P-H-C Contractor / Fall 2014



Moen Sensor-Operated Faucets >> Continued from Page 18

Moen Commercial recently added two new designs to its M•Power™ line of sensor-operated faucets. The hands-free, ADA-compliant faucets, designed for high-traffic commercial spaces, feature modern and transitional styles. The M•Power™ sensor technology uses standard AA batteries (with a battery life of up to six years) to start and stop the flow of water, leading to water savings when compared to manual faucets. The heavy-duty, all-metal construction of the faucets includes vandal-resistant features and a chrome finish. The above-deck faucets allow for easy installation and maintenance thanks to a two-piece design with convenient access to the battery pack and faucet mechanics. The new models also come with a fiveyear warranty. MOEN COMMERCIAL. www.pro.moen.com

SJE-Rhombus New Products Improve Panel Installations SJE-Rhombus introduces a new panel mounting post and three accessory kits designed to improve control panel installations for contractors. The panel mounting post can accommodate control panel enclosures with a minimum depth of 6 inches and overall dimensions of 14 x 12 x 6 inches. It includes four stainless steel mounting bolts with gaskets and a drilling template to assist in positioning the connection for the control panel and post. A removable access door on the front provides easy access to wiring. The post can be mounted directly into the ground, over a 4 x 4 inch post or conduit. The riser mounting kit secures the panel mounting post to the tank riser. It includes a 2-inch thumb assembly, 2 x 6-inch PVC pipe, connect hardware and conduit. The simplex and duplex installation kits provide a weatherproof wire installation for simplex and duplex control panels. SJE-Rhombus. www.sjerhombus.com

Uponor PEX to CPVC Adapter Fittings for Commercial Piping Systems Uponor launched six ProPEX® Lead-free (LF) Brass CPVC Adapter Fittings for transitioning from CPVC to PEX in commercial plumbing and hydronic distribution piping systems. The fittings are available in 1¼-, 1½-, and 2-inch sizes, and are offered in a spigot and a socket adapter. All feature the ASTM F1960 ProPEX expansion system for connecting to PEX piping. The ProPEX end of the fitting is manufactured with lead-free brass and is tested and listed to NSF 61 and NSF 372 to meet lead-free requirements. The CPVC end of the fitting is designed to transition from copper tube size (CTS) pipe and fittings and is listed to the ASTM D2846 standard for CPVC fittings. UPONOR. www.uponor-usa.com

20 / The Wisconsin P-H-C Contractor / Fall 2014


Solutions Made Easy The global leader in plumbing, heating and pipe joining systems

Viega is the global leader in press pipe fitting technology for industrial, commercial and residential projects. A true innovator among imitators, Viega manufactures and distributes the world’s best plumbing, heating and pipe joining system solutions.

for complete product details visit us today at www.goodinco.com

Minneapolis

St. Paul

Duluth

Detroit Lakes St. Cloud

Brainerd

Sioux Falls

Fargo

Rochester

Eau Claire

Omaha

Wausau

Milwaukee

Madison

Green Bay

(612) 588-7811 (651) 489-8831 (218) 727-6670 (218) 847-9211 (320) 259-6086 (218) 828-4242 (605) 332-3444 (701) 298-3210 (507) 529-1284 (715) 830-1800 (402) 331-6813 (715) 675-2513 (262) 781-1770 (608) 663-0331 (920) 884-9494


2015 Master Plumbers/Heating & Cooling Contractors of Wisconsin

PHCC-WI AUXILIARY SCHOLARSHIP

Sponsored by the Auxiliary of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors - Wisconsin Association Master Plumbers/Heating Cooling Contractors Association of Wisconsin • The applicant must be enrolled or planning to enroll in a P-H-C related apprenticeship program or technical college program, or is attending a school of higher education seeking a degree in a P-H-C related field such as engineering, business, etc. • Scholarship funds will be used to partially cover schooling fees (registration, tuition and books, etc.), preferably at a 2-year or 4-year degree school. • The education facility must be an accredited school registered with the State of Wisconsin. If the school is not located in Wisconsin, the school must be accredited as an institution of higher learning in the state in which it is located. • The award will be based on quality of the applicant. • The award will be presented at the PHCC Five-State Convention in Brooklyn Center, MN. If unable to attend, the winner will be mailed the award. • The applicant must enclose a reference letter written by the sponsoring PHCC-WI/MPHCCA contractor member signing his/her application. • If the applicant is unable to continue in school, the award check shall be returned to the PHCC-WI Auxiliary Scholarship Fund. • The Scholarship Committee will have the final decision in awarding scholarships. • NO APPLICATION WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER FRIDAY, JANUARY 2, 2015 • The applicant must use the application form attached to this sheet. Applicants can also request a scholarship application by calling PHCC-WI/MPHCCA at (888) 782-6815 or contacting the office (Jane Wucherer) at jane@ assocmgmtservices.com. • The amount of this scholarship is limited to a maximum of $500.00 per award. Applicants may reapply each year for consideration.

All applications should be mailed/e-mailed to:

22 / The Wisconsin P-H-C Contractor / Fall 2014

PHCC/MPHCC of Wisconsin P.O. Box 833 Germantown, WI 53022 E-Mail: mail@phcc-wi.org FAX: (888) 287-4116


2015 Master Plumbers/Heating & Cooling Contractors of Wisconsin

PHCC-WI AUXILIARY SCHOLARSHIP

Name:___________________________________________________________________________________________ Address:_________________________________________________________________________________________ City:_________________________________________ State & Zip Code:____________________________________ Telephone Number: ( )_______________________ E-Mail:_____________________________________________ Name of school you are attending (will attend) and major/course of study: ____________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ High School(s)/College(s) attended and years of graduation/anticipated graduation: _____________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________

********************** Instructions for Applying for Scholarship Read scholarship rules. Fill out application completely. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Send one (1) copy of each of the following: A. The scholarship application, B. Transcripts for last two years of study, C. An essay regarding your career plans and your interest in the P-H-C industry, D. A reference letter from your sponsoring PHCC-WI/MPHCCA member, E. Verification of attendance/acceptance by the school you are attending in 2015. 4. Deadline for scholarship applications is Friday, January 2, 2015. 5. Mail/fax/e-mail to: PHCC/MPHCC of Wisconsin P.O. Box 833 Germantown, WI 53022 E-Mail: mail@phcc-wi.org FAX: (888) 287-4116

1. 2. 3.

**********************

I hereby certify that the above information is true and accurate. Applicant Signature:________________________________________ Date:______________

**********************

PHCC-WI/MPHCCA Sponsoring Member:_____________________________________________ Sponsor Signature:_________________________________________ Date:_______________

Fall 2014 \ The Wisconsin P-H-C Contractor \ 23


Member News

// WC RATES PRESENT MIXED NEWS FOR P-H-C CONTRACTORS For all policies renewing after October 1, rates for worker’s compensation insurance for plumbing will go down 3.02 percent, from $5.79 to $5.60 per $100 of payroll. For HVAC workers, the news is not as good. HVAC rates will be going up from $6.82 to $7.36 per $100 of payroll, an increase of 7.92 percent. Overall, construction trades will be increasing by 3.7 percent; the rates across all industries in Wisconsin increased by 3.19 percent. The actual rate of increase for each contractor/employer will vary based on their own experience, but the “manual rates” provide a general indication of the direction and magnitude of change you might expect. To address costs in the system, State’s Worker’s

Compensation Advisory Council proposed, among other changes, including benefit increases, and the creation of a medical fee schedule. Not surprisingly, the business community had mixed feelings about benefit increases, especially those dealing with the continuation of health care coverage. While the council worked to resolve the benefit-related concerns, medical providers fought the proposed fee schedule that would have paid medical providers a rate 10 percent more than negotiated group health insurance rates. The rates paid to medical providers under the current system can be three or four times as much as is paid under group health. An astounding 2,868 hours was spent lobbying the bill that Assembly and Senate Committees never voted on. The issue will almost certainly reemerge in the 2015-2016 legislative session.

DON’T MISS OUT ON COUPON SAVINGS

To better serve you, our Milwaukee location has moved to a newly remodeled facility, almost SIX TIMES the size! HUGE selection of inventory BIGGER training room, will-call area and parts counter COMPLIMENTARY beverages & snacks We are busy at work setting up the most comprehensive and welcoming Live-Fire Demonstration Lab in the industry!

Hot Water Products, Inc. 7500 N. 81st Street Milwaukee, WI 53223 1-877-377-0011 www.HotWaterProducts.com 24 / The Wisconsin P-H-C Contractor / Fall 2014

PHCC members now have a new benefit to enhance their membership – the Members Only Discount Program. Thanks to our Industry Partners and advertisers, we are able to offer members savings on their purchases. The coupons are not available to nonmembers and are good for 90 to 120 days. Check out this issue’s advertisers who are offering discounts on pages 9, 15, and 24. Coupons are live on the PHCC-WI website under Member Services.

GEOTHERMAL LICENSING Effective April 1, 2015, a license is required for the construction of vertical heat exchange drill holes. If you install geothermal systems, you’ll want to be certain that the driller(s) you use are licensed in accordance with this new regulation. The Department of Natural Resources website is the place to go for details about studying for the licensing examination, applying to take the licensing examination, and scheduling an examination for early next year.

IN MEMORIAM: BOB SCHLICHT We are sad to report the passing of Bob Schlicht (C. Schlicht Plumbing - Milwaukee). Bob passed away in August at the age of 79. For a long time and even into this year, Bob was quite active in the business and the Association. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Schlicht family.


CHANGES IN CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDTIS A recent change to the SPS 305 will allow an extra three months for trades credential holders to complete and submit their required Continuing Education (CE) credits prior to license renewal. Previously, all trades credential holders were required to complete their CE credits three months before their renewal date; under the code update, trades credential holders will be able to participate in CE courses up until their license renewal deadline. At least 30 days before their

renewal deadline, all trades credential holders will receive a Notice of Renewal reminding them to renew their license online and complete any required CE credits that have not yet been fulfilled. Trades credential holders will have until their renewal deadline to complete their required CE credits. Under the SPS 305 update, trades CE course providers are still required to submit information to the Department of Safety and Professional Services for course participants and both trades

Congratulations Carol De Young!

CE course providers and trades credential holders are required to maintain evidence of their CE completion for five years. In the event that a trades credential holder does not complete the required CE credits prior to their license renewal date, the Department will notify the credential holder by mail. A $25 late fee will also be assessed. This change went into effect Sept. 1, 2014.

CODE BOOKS SOON TO BE AVAILABLE ONLY FROM PHCC

Carol De Young, president of Countryside Plumbing & Heating Inc., was honored by the New Richmond Rotary Club as Rotarian of the Year. A 14-year-member of the Rotary, she was presented the award at the club’s annual meeting in June. De Young is secretary/treasurer of the PHCC-WI association, representing District 10, the area covering far northwestern Wisconsin. She is also active in the PHCC-WI Auxiliary.

After the first of the year, the state of Wisconsin will no longer make a code book available for sale. If you’re looking for a code book, look to the folks with the tabs. Look to PHCC-WI!

LEGISLATORS CONSIDER PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX CHANGES A Legislative Council Study Committee is looking at the possibility of doing away with the state’s personal property tax. In its simplest terms, personal property is anything that can be removed from real estate without affecting its value. Over the years, legislators have written

countless exemptions to the personal property tax, thus reducing the amount of tax revenue it generates and creating something of an inequity between those who still pay the tax and those who have been exempted. Doing away with the tax would create a hole in the state’s budget,

so it would likely require taxes to be adjusted in other areas, something that may not be politically popular (compared to granting exemptions, which is popular). Depending upon what is proposed to replace the lost tax revenue, this could be a good development for the industry.

Tailgate time in madison REIMBURSEMENT FOR YOUR APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM If you’re training apprentices – and we hope you are – you may be interested in learning more about reimbursements available to employers and employees for as much as $1,000. The reimbursements are provided through a grant program administered by the Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards. Both apprentices and sponsoring employers are notified when eligibility requirements have been met. Receipts and documentation of unreimbursed expenses will be required. For more information, go to www.wisconsinapprenticeship.org and click on the link for ACAP, the Apprenticeship Completion Award Program.

First Supply, along with featured vendor A.O. Smith, is hosting tailgates prior to every Badger game. All are welcome to attend at the corner of Regent and Brooks for free food and beverages, games and a DJ.

The Wisconsin P-H-C Contractor Magazine welcomes your information on new employees, awards, promotions, business expansions, or other events and happenings involving you or your business. Do you have comments on our editorial content? We would like to hear about that too. Send your information to Jeff Beiriger (jeff@assocmgmtservices.com) or Cynthia Marsh (Cynthia@rspr.com).

Fall 2014 \ The Wisconsin P-H-C Contractor \ 25

Member News

\\


New Location for Hot Water Products, Inc.

// Fall 2014 ADVERTISER INDEX

of their previous Teutonia Avenue location. The new facility will have a huge selection of inventory as well as a larger training room and parts counter with complimentary snacks and beverages for their customers.

17 Auer Steel www.auersteel.com

5

31 Bradford White www.bradfordwhite.com

15 Jim Murray Inc. www.jimmurrayinc.com

13 Burton-Anderson & Associates www.burton-anderson.com

13 Mid-State Supply www.mssupply.com

32 DSG/W.A. Roosevelt www.waroosevelt.com

20 Midwest Sales & Marketing www.mwsmrep.com

27 Federated Insurance www.federatedinsurance.com

3

Hydro-Flo Products, Inc. www.hydro-flo.com

Plumbing Creations Company 262-349-0744

2

Ferguson 19 Rundle-Spence www.ferguson.com www.rundle-spence.com

9

First Supply www.1supply.com

6

21 Goodin Company www.goodinco.com

7

T&S Brass www.tsbrass.com

24 Hot Water Products Inc. www.HotWaterProducts.com

8

Water-Right www.water-right.com

26 / The Wisconsin P-H-C Contractor / Fall 2014

Soderholm & Associates www.soderholmrep.com

The company is currently setting up a comprehensive HWP Live-Fire Demonstration Lab which will offer hands-on demonstration of all the latest in hydronic, water, steam, and solar heating equipment. More information coming soon.

// CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Hot Water Products, Inc. and AMS Steam Products LLC (a wholly owned-subsidiary of HWP) has moved to a newly remodeled facility, almost six times larger in size! The new address is 7500 N. 81st St., Milwaukee, just three miles west

Advertiser Index

Member News

//

2014 Oct. 8-10 Dec. 5 2015 Feb. 25-27 Sept. 30 -Oct. 2 2016 Oct. 12-14

PHCC Convention (CONNECT 2014) New Orleans PHCC Board of Directors Meeting* Kohler PHCC Five-State Conference Minneapolis PHCC Convention (CONNECT 2015) Hollywood, Fla.

PHCC Convention (CONNECT 2016) San Antonio All dates are subject to change. * Board of Directors meetings are open to all PHCC-WI members. Nonmembers should contact the PHCC-WI office for additional information about attending Board of Directors meetings.


Member News

\\ UNITED P&H NAMES RICHARD CHOJNACKI PRESIDENT AND GM United P&H has named Richard Chojnacki president and general manager. Chojnacki, former vice-president of operations and assistant general manager, now oversees administrative, information technology, inventory management, purchasing and warehouse operations. He has been with United 15 years and has extensive experience in logistics design as well as operations. Chojnacki will continue to work closely with Chip Roska, former president and general manager, who becomes chief executive officer in the transition. Roska will focus primarily on business development and will continue to oversee the company’s sales initiatives. Roska has been with the company 37 years. “Rick is well respected by our people. His ability to drive process improvement is a great asset to our company, and I expect United to thrive under his strong leadership,” Roska says.

Chip Roska

RICHARD CHOJNACKI

HOLD THE DATE! PHCC Five-State Convention February 25-27, 2015 Embassy Suites Hotel & Conference Center Brooklyn Center, Minnesota

Are You Ready for an I-9 Audit? Every employer, no matter what size, has to deal with human resource issues, regulations, and employment law changes. Contact your local marketing representative to learn how Federated Insurance can provide you with resources to help with employment law issues like harassment, discrimination, hiring and firing practices, and employment eligibility documentation. Visit www.federatedinsurance.com to find a representative near you.

Federated Mutual Insurance Company • Federated Service Insurance Company* • Federated Life Insurance Company Owatonna, Minnesota 55060 • Phone: (507) 455-5200 • www.federatedinsurance.com *Not licensed in the states of NH, NJ, RI, and VT.

© 2014 Federated Mutual Insurance Company

Fall 2014 \ The Wisconsin P-H-C Contractor \ 27


Membership

8.04.10

LAST PLUMBING ADVISORY CODE COUNCIL MEETING

1.01.11

LAST PLUMBING ADVISORY CODE COUNCIL CODE CHANGE

// By The Numbers + In a study of urban water users in Los Angeles, the Department of Water and Power found that there were significant water use differences based on lot size and, it follows, income. As lot sizes grew and income increased, water usage went up. As a result of the study, the city is now considering dual meters for homes – one for indoor use and one for outdoor use. To keep costs lower for basic needs, the city would charge higher rates for outdoor water use and use the differential to keep the costs for indoor use (considered more a “necessity” than “luxury”) down. + 08.04.2010. That’s the date of the last meeting of the Plumbing Advisory Code Council. The last code change went into effect on January 1, 2011. The Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code Council last met September 2011. The Energy Conservation Code Council last met October 2009.

// Best Yet Membership Offer PHCC-WI Association and MP/HC Contractors of Wisconsin are making our best offer yet on membership! Join today and we’ll throw in a current version of our Uniform Plumbing Code Book, complete with the binder and tabs. That’s even more value for your money and you can purchase additional code books, code updates, POWTS manuals,

design manuals , and NFPA manuals at the member rate. Better still, there are discounts available for national membership – as much as 50 percent on your first-year dues – making this our best offer ever on state or state/ national membership. Your national membership can open up the door to the national conference, webinars,

newsletters, and publications that will make your business more profitable. Make an investment in your business! Use the application you’ll find in this magazine, or call the PHCC office at (888) 782-6815.

Member Benefits PHCC/MP/HC - Wisconsin Association + Company listing on www.phcc-wi.org

+ Savings on Grandy & Associates Programs for Business

+ Coupons Offering Discounts on Products & Services

Owners/Managers

+ Legislative & Regulatory Representation

+ Networking with Other Contractors

+ Representation on Code and Licensing Councils

+ Networking with Wholesalers and Manufacturers Reps

+ Quarterly Newsletter

+ Networking with Business Partners Including Legal, Banking,

+ Discounts on Plumbing Code Books and POWTS Manuals + Discounts on NFPA 13D Manuals and Plumbing Design Manuals + Discounts on Technical Education Programs (Continuing Education) + Discounts on Business Education Programs + Discounts on Annual Convention

28 / The Wisconsin P-H-C Contractor / Fall 2014

and Accounting Professionals + Access to Federated Insurance Member Programs (Liability, WC, Health, etc.) + Retirement Planning Services + Scholarship Programs with Preferences for MemberSponsored Applicants


PHCC Wisconsin Association Master Plumbers/Heating & Cooling Contractors of Wisconsin Contractor (check one):

Master Plumbers/Heating & Cooling Contractors of Wisconsin (State Only) - $295.00 PHCC Wisconsin/National Associations (State & National) - $790.00 (Note: Master Plumbers/Heating & Cooling Contractors of Wisconsin included)

Industry Partner (Product/Service Provider): PHCC Wisconsin Association/Master Plumbers/Heating & Cooling Contractors of Wisconsin (State Only) - $295.00 Payment:

In Full

Semi-Annual* * With the semi-annual option, your credit card will

automatically be charged in two equal payments or, if you pay by check, you will be invoiced in July for the balance of your dues.

Method of Payment:

Check for $___________ enclosed MasterCard (payable to PHCC Wisconsin Association)

Visa

Name ________________________________________________________ Card Number _________________________________________________ Expiration Date _______________________________________________

Master Plumbers/Heating & Cooling Contractors of Wisconsin

Signature ____________________________________________________

Contact Information

Company __________________________________________________________________________________________ Address ____________________________________________________________________________________________ City, State, Zip ______________________________________________________________________________________ Phone _____________________________________________________________________________________________ Fax ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Contact Person ______________________________________________________________________________________ Email* _____________________________________________________________________________________________ Website ____________________________________________________________________________________________ * If you would like additional contacts to receive email communication from PHCC/MP/HC, please let us know.

Return this form and payment to: PHCC Wisconsin Association, P.O. Box 833, Germantown, WI 53022 Toll Free: 888-782-6815 • Toll Free Fax: 888-287-4116 • www.phcc-wi.org

Fall 2014 \ The Wisconsin P-H-C Contractor \ 29

Membership

Membership Application


Recent Updates Have Been

WISCONSIN PLUMBING CODE BOOK & POWTS COMPONENT MANUALS

Made To The State Code!

Is Your Code Book Up-To-Date? Order A New Book Today! Master Plumbers/Heating & Cooling Contractors of Wisconsin

CODE BOOK contains: • over 350 pages of statutes & rules complete • three ring binder • full 8.5” x 11” pages • tabbed sections for easy reference.

POWTS Component Manuals contain: • all 12 POWTS component manuals • three ring binder • full 8.5” x 11” pages • tabbed sections for easy reference.

Sponsored by: PHCC-Wisconsin Association & Master Plumbers/Heating & Cooling Contractors of Wisconsin Call (888) 782-6815 for details regarding the code book or answers to your code book questions. Prices include Shipping & Handling: _____MEMBER

CODE BOOK ONLY

$47.95 EACH ____________

_____MEMBER

CODE BOOK WITH 1 YEAR UPDATE SERVICE

$83.95 EACH ____________

_____MEMBER

1 YEAR UPDATE SERVICE

$37.00 EACH ____________

_____MEMBER

POWTS COMPONENT MANUALS

$57.75 EACH ____________

_____MEMBER

NFPA 13D FIRE PROTECTION CODE

$55.00 EACH ____________

_____MEMBER

DESIGN MANUAL

_____NON-MEMBER

CODE BOOK ONLY

_____NON-MEMBER

CODE BOOK WITH 1 YEAR UPDATE SERVICE

_____NON-MEMBER

1 YEAR UPDATE SERVICE

$50.95 EACH ____________

_____NON-MEMBER

POWTS COMPONENT MANUALS

$73.35 EACH ____________

_____NON-MEMBER

NFPA 13D FIRE PROTECTION CODE

$60.00 EACH ____________

_____NON-MEMBER

DESIGN MANUAL

$120.00 EACH ____________ $82.75 EACH ____________ $123.95 EACH ____________

$140.00 EACH ____________

SUBTOTAL ____________

5.6% Sales Tax ____________

TOTAL ____________

NAME _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ COMPANY NAME ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ADDRESS ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ CITY / STATE / ZIP ______________________________________________________________________________________________ PHONE _____________________________________________ EMAIL __________________________________________________ Check enclosed in the amount of $___________________ Payable to “PHCC Wisconsin” Charge: _________ MasterCard _________ Visa _________ American Express _________ Discover Credit Card # _______________________________________Expiration Date ___________ CVC# _________ Name on Card ______________________________________Signature ______________________________________________ Call in your order to (888) 782-6815 ~ Fax to (888) 287-4116 Mail your order to PHCC Wisconsin P.O. Box 833 - Germantown, WI 53022-0833




Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.