TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1
4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Plumbing and HVAC Contest Orientation
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2
7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
HVAC Apprentice Contest – Day 1
Sponsored by Milwaukee Tool and Rheem
7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Plumbing Apprentice Contest – Day 1
Sponsored by A.O. Smith; Bradford White Corp.; Copper Development Assn.; Delta Faucet Co.; Milwaukee Tool; Oatey; Rheem; Viega LLC.; Zoeller Pump Co.
8:00 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.
Connected Data: It’s a Valuable Business Tool!
Brian White and Chris Day
Sure, connected systems often lead to satisfied homeowners. However, today’s HVAC and water heating systems also can deliver valuable data that help contractors and distributors streamline their businesses to increase revenue and efficiency. This leading manufacturer will leave you with tactics on how to leverage this incredible tool for your business — from using remote data for diagnosis and training to increasing efficiency on service calls, and much more!
8:00 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.
Creating an Innovation Culture
Tauhira Hoossainy
How has the world changed since you entered the workforce? How has the culture of your company changed? With multiple generations co-existing in the workplace today, we have an unprecedented opportunity to leverage their diverse perspectives to drive innovation. By fostering this legacy through a culture of creativity, productivity and efficiency, you will create a resilient innovation culture that is able to weather economic uncertainties and elevate your business to its highest potential.
9:30 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
How to Keep Your Techs ‘Tech Savvy’ and Improve Your Bottom Line
Bo DeAngelo
Technology is moving at the speed of light these days — and the plumbing and mechanical industries are embracing it and learning new methods daily. To maximize your bottom line, you must keep your techs informed on the latest and greatest technology out there. This valuable session on training will leave you with tips on how to keep your techs sharp, ensure their confidence, and ultimately increase your customers’ satisfaction.
9:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
“What’s it Worth?” What You Need to Know to Value and Sell Your Business
Eric Woodruff and Jason Thompson
Set your personal feelings aside! This session takes an objective look into different methods to accurately value your business to prepare for the sale or transfer to the next generation. What will make it more attractive to a potential buyer? What should you consider when it comes to transferring your business to the next generation in your family? Wherever you are in your business’ lifecycle, come learn from the experts! UAC Showcase Seminar
11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Make Your Inventory Work For You!
Michael Souders
Your inventory is one of the largest expenses and cash outlays in your company, yet the majority of service contractors have no idea what they have in inventory or how to manage it. Don’t miss this priceless session, where you’ll learn best practices in using technology to not only gain control of your inventory but to use that control to increase your billable hours, reduce the temptation of theft, and build a fast and easy-to-follow repeatable process in controlling inventory.
11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Issues Facing 2nd and 3rd Generation Business Owners
Charles “Chip” Greene, Matt Erickson, Brian Rich and Dave Frame
One of the most difficult processes a family business goes through is transitioning from one generation to another. While each generation has their own ideas of how to bring the business forward, make it more profitable, improve processes or change the pecking order — change may be difficult to enact, especially in a business steeped in family tradition. In this interactive session you will hear from contractors who have taken over a business and remained successful and profitable despite the challenges they have faced and learn how they did it. You will have the chance to discuss your own issues and share successes. If you have taken over a family business or are just thinking about it, this is a can’t-miss session for you.
1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
The Single Most Important Piece of Business Advice
Erica Leonor
Customers need you. They are not an interruption to your job, they are the reason you have a job. So why do your CSRs dread answering the phone? Why are your technicians bothered when asked to visit “those” customers? Why are owners frustrated when their employees don’t go the extra mile?
If you often find yourself just going through the motions at work, getting sucked into the monotony of your job, chances are your employees are doing the same. It is easy to get caught up in the routine aspects of what you do — booking calls by default, indifferently closing sales or eagerly chasing money. Let’s start elevating your business expectations to exceed customer expectations with a set of 8 simple mental reconditioning techniques. These principles will teach you how to naturally go beyond selling a service or product.
2:45 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.
Safeguard Your Business from Employee Theft
Amy Hart and Ruth King
Every business owner faces the unfortunate risk of employee theft or fraud. Don’t miss this priceless session from one of our “rockstar” presenters (and award-winning business owners) that could save your company! Leave knowing how to identify employee theft in your organization, what you can do to safeguard your business to begin with and how the legal process works if you ever become a victim.
2:45 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.
To Dig or not to Dig: The Trenchless Decision Simplified
David Huff and John Rafferty
Whether you own, lease or subcontract trenchless service (or if you are considering any of these options for a project), the first step is a reliable cost-benefit analysis to determine the best method to use. Join us for a simplified lesson on the availability, local acceptance, pricing and practicality of various rehabilitation methods for commercial and residential utilities.
Together, we’ll develop a decision-making formula to process these variables to help streamline the bidding process.
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Digital Advertising and Outreach: Trends and Technology to Drive Results
Brandon Stepanek, Byron Hoffberg, Scott McConnell
This session will offer an overview of current digital tools and trends that will drive revenue and profits for A. O. Smith partners. Presenters will review what tools are available, how to approach and use them, and what you should prioritize for your local partners. Attendees will learn how to use digital advertising with direct mail to drive better results and how to track and analyze results.
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Knowledge is Power: Plumbing and HVAC Codes Update
Chuck White
One thing in life that is certain is change — and in the p-h-c business, that change happens in the code world every three years. The major model codes from both ICC and IAPMO are preparing to release their 2021 editions. This session will prepare you for what to expect; we’ll clarify what’s confusing and highlight significant changes that are coming in the IPC, IMC, UPC, NSPC and UMC.
5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
First Timers Get Together
Informal networking event, where you’ll start making valuable contacts and get a glimpse of what’s planned for the week.
5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
CONNECT 2019 Opening Reception
Included with full registration.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3
8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
HVAC Apprentice Contest – Day 2
Sponsored by Milwaukee Tool and Rheem
8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Plumbing Apprentice Contest – Day 2
Sponsored by A.O. Smith; Bradford White Corp.; Copper Development Assn.; Delta Faucet Co.; Milwaukee Tool; Oatey; Rheem; Viega LLC.; Zoeller Pump Co.
8:45 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Keynote Speaker: Talking Tech in a Non-Tech World
Richard Trethewey
For more than 40 years, Richard Trethewey has been teaching America about the thing they know little about — the mysterious world of plumbing and heating. Now he’s sharing his unique (and funny) insights with his fellow professionals at PHCC CONNECT 2019.
As the plumbing and heating expert from the Emmy Award-winning home improvement show “This Old House” and its spin-offs, Trethewey will reveal his tricks for “talking tech” in what many consider a “non-tech world,” share why he calls himself a “certified PHCC brat” (growing up in a fourth-generation family business), and explain how he landed on “This Old House” at the age of 23 after his dad (a long-time PHCC supporter) relinquished the role. (“He got so nervous, it nearly killed him,” Trethewey says.)
Don’t miss this fun and fast-moving session from one of our own!
Sponsored by Viega
2:15 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.
Legionella: It’s More Than Just a Bacteria
Brian Yelton
Knowledge is power — which is exactly what you’ll have after this session on Legionella and how it affects plumbing systems. As contractors, you must know the risks — and opportunities — surrounding this hot topic. The presenter — well-known for his CEU classes on this subject for PHCC of Illinois — will cover all the codes and standards that relate to the treatment of Legionella. Plus, he’ll work through treatment methods, including designing hot water systems. UAC Showcase Seminar
2:15 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.
Preparing for the Refrigerants of the Future: Regulations and Innovations
Charles Allgood and Jamey Hale
Global, national and local regulations are changing the landscape of the refrigerants — such as R-22 and R-410A — currently used by the HVACR industry. During this session, you’ll gain a thorough overview of the regulations and the refrigerant phase-down timing, be able to prepare your employees and your customers for the changes coming down the pike, and be ahead of the curve on the new generation of refrigerants being introduced to the HVACR market.
2:15 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.
Screening, Hiring and Retaining the Best Employees
Laramie Sandquist
A company’s hiring and employee retention practices communicate a lot about its culture. All contractors agree that bringing qualified applicants into their business is one of their primary challenges, and today’s competitive employment market can make it even harder to land top talent.
Come discover ways to find quality applicants in your industry, to establish strong and consistent hiring practices, and to reinforce the value of continuous recruiting and employee retention to distinguish you as an “employer of choice.”
2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Mind Bending Show
An interactive event where you actively participate in the surprises and adventures of a comedy mind reading show. Everyone takes part in a series of mind-bending adventures: a psychological thriller that blurs the lines between fantasy and reality. All spouses/guests invited.
Sponsored by the PHCC—National Auxiliary
3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Internet of Things - Learning about IoT: Is Your Home Services Business as Smart as Smart Devices?
Travis Carter and Josh Smith
The Internet of Things (IoT) has profound implications on the way you run your home services business. Apps or home automation systems will recommend contractors to homeowners in need of services. Those recommendations may be based on customer reviews and ratings or contractors who pay the app for preferred placement. Undoubtedly, the IoT will impact home services businesses in ways you haven’t considered. Some of the change will be disruptive to your business if you aren’t prepared.
Your company’s success will heavily depend on your ability to adapt to this changing world. Scorpion’s R andB sensation Travis Carter and podcast host Josh Smith use song and dance to show you what your portfolio of online strategies with the Internet of Things should look like to help you succeed in 2020 and beyond.
3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Point/Counterpoint. Utility Competition: Unfair or a New Line of Business?
Francis McGonegal, Michael McGraw, David W. Feddon and Kevin Tindall
Many utilities have created service companies that provide products and services that complement their core business but can directly compete with plumbing, heating and cooling contractors. This can’t-miss session — presented point/counterpoint style — will explore both sides of this new reality. Come hear from contractors as they debate the pros and cons of utilities’ new business lines.
3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Why Does Price Win 66% of the Time?
Steve Kiernan
Prepare to take a deep dive into your company’s brand and positioning in your market. Discover why price wins jobs 66% of the time, and why using the same differentiator as your competitors does not work. We’ll explore what is truly different about your business and how you can leverage that to grow. We’ll end with actionable ways to start changing your marketing to stand out as a premier contractor in your industry and gain more customers!
5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Union-Affiliated Contractors (UAC) Networking Event
This event is a must-attend for anyone interested in the success of the signatory sector of the industry. UAC guests can expect to build relationships with some of their industry’s key leaders.
Additional Fee. Pre-registration Required.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4
7:30 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.
Workforce Breakfast: Women, Workforce, Wisdom
Cathy Stegemoller, Laura Ciriello-Benedict, Brenda Dant and Beth Rovazzini
Start your day off right with this powerful panel of female p-h-c business owners! Discover how they have succeeded in a male dominated industry as business leaders and role models for women entering the workforce, and learn their strategies for recruiting and retaining women in the skilled trades. Plus, tune in as they address the challenges of creating a work environment that crosses generations and navigates the perceived bias of women and men working together.
Panelist:
Laura Ciriello-Benedict from Ciriello Plumbing, Beech Grove, IN
Beth Rovazzini from B & W Plumbing and Heating, Indianapolis, IN
Cathy Stegemoller from Steg Plumbing, Indianapolis, IN
Sponsored by PHCC Education Foundation and PHCC National Auxiliary
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
PHCC National Auxiliary
All spouses/guests invited.
Sponsored by SPA Massages
10:45 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
Keynote Speaker: Managing in an Uncertain Economy
Connar Lokar
Consumers drove the economy to where it is today; where are they heading tomorrow? In this can’t miss session, well-respected economist Connor Lokar is back to share the trends that will drive your future through 2020 and beyond. Specializing in economic analysis and forecasting for both short- and long-term strategic business planning — primarily in the construction industry — Lokar of ITR Economics™ will supply you with a methodology that your company can use to take advantage of today’s economic environment.
Using rate-of-change calculations, you can learn where you are in the business cycle, identify key leading indicators that will steer your critical business decisions, and apply strategic objectives to prepare you for the future!
Sponsored by Kohler
12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
2019 Awards Luncheon
Sponsored by InSinkErator
2:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.
Government Regulations: How It Impacts HVAC and Plumbing Contractors
Chuck White, Mark Valentini and Karen Meyers
You hear that new regulations are on the horizon — but do you understand them? Do you know how they’ll impact you? Are you prepared to take the necessary action? Join us as we cover all the proposed and potential regulations affecting HVAC and plumbing contractors, including new efficiency and refrigerant requirements. We’ll also discuss how changes in local and state regulations are impacting everyone in the channel — and how you can get your voice heard!
2:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.
Strategy Matters: Build It. Execute It. Measure It!
Kirk Alter
Most construction firms are opportunistic and don’t really have a strategy. “Our strategy is to sell and install $X millions of work at Y% profit.” That’s not strategy! Our industry is full of bid peddlers — and bid shoppers — and that’s not strategy either. Come and learn how the rest of the business world successfully crafts and executes strategy. Walk away with tools to genuinely put you on the path to achieving your business and financial goals.
2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
PHCC National Auxiliary Spouses/Guests Event: Rhythm! Discovery Center
Rhythm! Discovery Center is the world’s foremost interactive percussion museum, providing innovative programs; interactive, standards-based educational exhibits, and artist performances. This venue will be exclusive to PHCC. Light refreshments provided.
3:30 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.
“Why Should I Work for You?” The Myth of Our Industry’s Manpower and Talent Shortage
Kirk Alter
Think about it — it’s possible that you wouldn’t work for you! Non-transparent owners, unclear succession paths, no place for advancement, no opportunity to get a share of the ownership someday — why would I invest my time with you? What opportunities are you providing? Come and learn why people aren’t flocking to your firm and how to fix that. Be prepared. Your systems, culture and old way of thinking may be the problem, and you’re going to have to work hard to change!
4:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
PHCC Installation and Closing Event
This year’s Installation and Closing Reception will be held at the Indy Speedway. Included with registration. Additional tickets may be purchased.
Sponsored by Federated Insurance; Ride Along Sponsored by NIBCO
