2024 Next Gen All Star: James Courtney

Top 20 Under 40 Plumbing Professional

By Nicole Krawcke

Image courtesy of James Courtney

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

JC: I’ve been in the PHCP-PVF industry for 10 years, all spent with Rheem Manufacturing.

What drew you into the industry?

JC: To be honest, I was just looking for a job in the Atlanta area for personal reasons. It turns out, I couldn’t have asked for a better industry to be a part of and grow my career with. Looking back, what I enjoy about working in this industry is how important our products are in our everyday lives. Everyone needs hot water, and we provide many solutions to meet their needs.

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

JC: The most rewarding aspect of my job is having the opportunity to meet and work beside so many amazing people. I know people who have been in this industry in many different roles, including sales teams, engineers, factory employees and plumbers for a very long time (some 40+ years)! The stories they’ve shared and the opportunities this industry has given them personally and professionally is a testament to how great this industry is.

What motivates you every day?

JC: The work we do directly impacts people’s lives. We are always engaging directly with our plumbers, distributors, and end users in the field regarding our products, reminding us of that impact. Knowing that our products deliver a basic need for every household is what drives my motivation to exceed their expectations.

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

JC: One of the most amazing things about this industry is seeing and feeling the passion from everyone involved. From manufacturer to distributor to plumber to end user, there is a strong sense of pride in the work we all do.

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

JC: Being in product development, I’ve had the opportunity to see a product idea move from conception to design to production to distribution and into people’s homes (including my own). That process always starts and ends with our plumbers who are the lifeblood of this industry. We listen to their guidance and feedback every day so we can produce products that make their lives easier and our end user’s lives more comfortable.

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

JC: I am an extremely competitive person. Most people may not guess that as I have a somewhat calm and even-keeled demeanor most of the time. I can usually isolate the competitiveness to the tennis court or basketball court and haven’t let it come out against my kids… yet (ages 5, 3 and 1).

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

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“James has held several key positions at Rheem Manufacturing, each showcasing his ability to lead and innovate. Currently, as the director of product management for U.S. Residential Water Heating, he spearheads the product roadmap strategy, ensuring the successful execution of new product introductions. His leadership extends to optimizing product launches, which has significantly enhanced customer satisfaction and Rheem’s overall success. In his time with Rheem, James has been instrumental in launching over 30 product families.

“ James and his team maintain a strong connection with plumbers, which is critical to their success. They engage regularly to understand what would plumbers like to see in Rheem products and gathering hands-on feedback. Plumbers also help install field test units before commercialization, ensuring real-world reliability. Each year, James's team communicates with 1000’s of plumbers, that help drive the product roadmap with their perspective at the forefront.

“James plays a major role with his teams in developing innovative products that address critical industry needs. Maximus High-Efficiency Gas Water Heater was developed under James’ leadership during the challenging period of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite extended lead times and supplier constraints, James guided his team to overcome these barriers, ensuring the product’s successful launch. The Triton High-Efficiency Commercial Gas Water Heater line was developed with James’ involvement. His contributions helped Triton win the AHR Innovation Award in 2024.

“James has also contributed to the development of a patent for Rheem’s patented and cutting-edge leak detection technology, called LeakGuard and LeakSense, which was initially developed for the Gladiator and Smart Electric platforms. James’ role as project product manager and now leader in these developments showcases his ability to drive technological advancements and maintain Rheem’s competitive edge.

“James’ influence extends beyond Rheem. He actively participates in industry events and contributes to shaping industry standards. He is heavily involved in government affairs, working with organizations such as the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA) and the Advanced Water Heating Initiative (AWHI) to drive heat pump adoption and develop new HPWH regulations. His work with these organizations demonstrates his commitment to advancing the industry for both consumers and businesses.

“James leads a robust product strategy team, mentoring and guiding members of all levels. His approach to leadership is inclusive, encouraging team members to take ownership of their projects and contribute to the company’s overall success. Additionally, James is a mentor within Rheem’s Wave Program, helping to nurture the next generation of industry leaders.” — Chris Day, vice president, global water product strategy, marketing & training, Rheem

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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.