McLaughlin has spent about six and a half years in the industry and serves as Product Manager, Tankless Gas and Hydronic Systems for Rheem Manufacturing Company.

He was initially drawn to the variety of products and the opportunity to work in a category that affects virtually everyone.

“Regardless of where you live, hot water is something people depend on every day,” he said.

For McLaughlin, however, the people have become the most rewarding part of the industry. Spending time with plumbing contractors gives him firsthand insight into installation challenges, service issues and opportunities for product improvement.

“Some of the most rewarding moments are when feedback from a contractor directly influences a product enhancement,” he said.

That problem-solving mentality keeps McLaughlin motivated. He approaches customer feedback, market trends and technical challenges as opportunities to improve, believing there's always a better way to design products and create value.

His proudest example is helping lead the revitalization of Rheem's tankless water heater portfolio, particularly the launch of the Rheem IKONIC platform.

“Seeing a product move from an idea to something that positively impacts customers every day is incredibly fulfilling,” McLaughlin said.

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Long before water heating became his focus, McLaughlin spent a year working with a very different kind of hot – hot dogs!

After college, he traveled to more than 26 states driving the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile as one of the company's “Hotdoggers.”

The experience taught him how to connect with people, listen and build relationships — skills he continues to use today.

“Plus,” he said, “it's usually a fun answer when people ask about my first job after college.”