Next Gen All Star: Ryan Kiscaden

By Nicole Krawcke

Ryan Kiscaden

AGE: 38

COMPANY: WATTS WATER TECHNOLOGIES

TITLE: MANAGER OF SALES ENABLEMENT

How long have you been in the PHCP-PVF industry?

RK: 16 years

What drew you into the industry?

RK: My closest and best friends are blue-collar workers. [I had] familiarity with construction materials and an HVAC/plumbing wholesaler position right out of college.

What is the most rewarding aspect of working in the industry?

RK: My favorite part is knowing the overarching good we provide to others. With plumbing, this industry solves problems while providing comfort, safety, and solutions.

What motivates you every day?

RK: My team, and the department I work for, interactions with our sales teams/manufacturers’ reps, and marketing-related projects.

What is one thing you wish more people knew/understood about the PHCP-PVF industry?

RK: The necessity of our industry. What we do up and down the vertical serves a greater good for society. Other occupations tend to be valued more when we should better acknowledge the solutions our industry provides.

What has been the proudest moment in your career so far?

RK: When I’ve thought about the totality of it, it is hard to pick just one. If I had to, I’m most proud of the children’s book that I wrote regarding the plumbing trade. Its goal is to raise awareness that plumbing contractors should be acknowledged for how their work is noble, necessary and appreciated when completed.

What is one thing most people don’t know about you?

RK: After spending time with my family, most people find it surprising that I’m a drummer. I’ve been playing for decades, I’ve recorded music and have performed lots of times. Music is a large part of my life.

Why he was chosen as a Next Gen All Star Top 20 Under 40 winner:

“Although his contributions to the plumbing industry are innumerous, Ryan recently wrote a children's book promoting the plumbing industry called ‘The Water Came to a Stop.’ This is the first book in the ‘NEXT UP TRADES’ series. The plumbing industry needs more plumbers, specifically women and minorities. The book provides plumbing word associations throughout, and the last page concludes with a word and image association lesson which assists in increasing children’s retention of vocabulary.

“Just a few years ago, he started to feel compelled to consider ways to address the workforce development issues our industry faces. Because, as we know, in a time of an emergency, skilled tradespeople are important to solve our problems through quality installation and maintenance. But without a steady and reliable stream of work talent becoming available, contractors will continue to face dire business growth prospects and our homes will be left uncomfortable for longer periods of time.

“These myriad challenges facing skilled labor inspired him to create the concept of the children’s book series because of wanting the plumbing, HVACR and electrical industries to continue their success, despite these challenges. I believe our industry can better celebrate problem solving, acknowledge how technicians help others, and, in turn, develop a positive perception of the skilled trades at a younger age. Children’s education and entertainment materials, fostered and championed by their guardians, is an excellent way to do that and start conversations with curious children.

“Ryan’s personal mission statement is to engage life with an introspective, decent, listen-first mentality which keeps the mind open and allows hearts to feel experiences that will enrich families and beliefs. This personal mission statement drove him to create the ‘NEXT UP TRADES’ children’s book series because the plumbing, HVAC and electrical industries workforce must grow, and it starts with changing the perceptions associated with the typical skilled technician.” — Chris Long

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Nicole Krawcke is the former Chief Editor of Plumbing & Mechanical and PM Engineer magazines. She covered the HVAC and plumbing industries for BNP Media. She has more than 15 years of writing and editing experience and holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Michigan State University.