Next Gen All Star: Nicholas Hipp

By Nicole Krawcke, Natalie Forster, Editorial Director

Nicholas Hipp

AGE: 35

COMPANY: CASE ENGINEERING

TITLE: MANAGER OF PLUMBING ENGINEERING

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

NH: I have been in the industry for 15 years

What drew you into the industry?

NH: Fell into it. Graduated from school in 2008, found Case Engineering was looking for a designer of plumbing systems and I was like, 'Hey I find poop oddly hilarious, so this could be neat.' Been loving it ever since.

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

NH: In my current position, the most rewarding aspect of working in the industry is seeing our team of plumbing designers learning, advancing and succeeding in their careers. The more I can teach them does not mean the less I have to do. It means the more they can do to allow me the opportunity to learn more and repeat the learning cycle.

Serving on the local chapter board of ASPE and helping the local plumbing engineering community thrive has also been extremely rewarding.

Also seeing team members leave for different opportunities and knowing they are going to be great. I know this is strange… knowing that I helped them learn a new way of doing design or helping them build their confidence and their personal value [is rewarding]. When they leave my tutelage I know that they are going to be great at what they do.

What motivates you every day?

NH: A number of things. First and foremost, it’s my drive to provide a kick-butt life for my wife, Angela, and son, Leland. Secondly, it’s getting to work with the great team of plumbing designers we have here at Case Engineering. And third is knowing that every time I walk into the doors here at Case Engineering, I am going to see a different project every day, with new challenges, new design methods and it will never be a slow day.

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

NH: That these systems do get designed first. They don’t just get built. Poop doesn’t always flow downhill. When you get hot water at a fixture right away the design and installation of the hot water system is pretty dang good.

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

NH: Getting the opportunity to lead and grow the plumbing team here at Case Engineering. And getting the opportunity to serve as the Region 5 Director for ASPE as well as serve as the St. Louis Chapter president for four years.

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

NH: I have a butt cheek tattoo.

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

Nicholas has served as the manager of plumbing engineering at Case Engineering, overseeing 12 people since 2016. While I can't speak in detail about his role at work, it is admirable that the company has a dedicated plumbing deparment and that Nicholas was able to step into the position around the age of 30.

In addition to his role at work, Nicholas has served on the ASPE St. Louis Chapter Board of Directors since 2014 and was chapter president from 2019-2023. Nicholas also served on the ASPE National Board of Directors from 2020-2022 as the AYP (ASPE Young Professional) Liaison, and in 2022, was elected as Region 5 Director on the National Board.

Nicholas has a natural leadership ability and has worked to encourage involvement in ASPE. While serving as AYP liaison he continuously worked increase communication amongst the young professional and address the challenges faced in the profession today. He is continuing the efforts in his role as Region Director with enthusiastic backing and support from his chapters.

With his passion for the industry and ASPE, I expect that he will remain actively involved serving on boards and participating on committees throughout his career.” — Brianne Hall, senior mechanical engineer, Fishbeck

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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.

Natalie Forster is the Editorial Director of Plumbing & Mechanical and Supply House Times. Prior to joining BNP Media in 2020, she was an editor and digital content director for Southern Trade Publications, a publishing company with titles focused on the PHCP trades and the real estate industry. Natalie holds a bachelor’s degree in communication studies from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.