Now 37, Briggs has spent 11 years in the industry — six working for a wholesaler and five as a manufacturer's representative. He even stepped away for a few years before ultimately finding his way back.

“It felt like I was coming home,” he said.

Today, Briggs works in Commercial Sales for Rich-Tomkins Co., where helping contractors and engineers solve problems is one of the most rewarding parts of his job.

“Plumbing and HVAC are trades that can easily be taken for granted until you have an emergency,” Briggs said. “Whether you're a homeowner with a leaking water heater or a facility with a much larger issue, it's rewarding knowing I can help our contractors and engineers find solutions to their problems.”

That problem-solving also keeps the work interesting. Briggs learned early in his career that no two days in PHCP-PVF are alike, and he embraces the new challenges and opportunities that come with that unpredictability.

He also wishes more people understood just how many professionals are involved in delivering the plumbing and HVAC systems they rely on every day.

“Engineers, manufacturers, representatives, distributors, and skilled tradespeople all played a part in getting that piece of equipment there so they can have running water and comfort in their homes,” Briggs said. “There are more pieces of the puzzle than the average person will ever see.”

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Rather than pointing to one career milestone as his proudest, Briggs values the trust he's built along the way.

“What I'm most proud of is when someone reaches out to me because they trust I will get them the right answer or solve their problem,” he said. “I don't take that for granted.”

While being named a Top 40 Under 40 honoree marks an important professional milestone, Briggs is preparing for an even bigger one: He and his wife are expecting their first child, a baby girl.

“I'm also preparing for an even more important role at home,” Briggs said, “being a dad.”