Why he’s PM’s Plumber of the Month: Szabo Jr. is a licensed plumber and electrician, a CCCDI (RPZ Inspector) and has plans to obtain his HVAC licensing next.

Maloney Plumbing was founded by William “Duke” Maloney and his wife, Mary Maloney, in May 1964 after the couple gave up farming in Idaho to move to Phoenix.

Just over 10 years ago, when I graduated from college with my shiny new journalism degree in hand, never in a million years did I think I would be writing about the skilled trades — first HVAC, now plumbing.

When Tony Herman started Leak Geeks Plumbing in Fort Worth, Texas, 18 years ago, not including leak detection and repair services was never an option.

The other day, my husband and I ventured over to our local hardware store to purchase a Big Green Egg grill and smoker. You see, it was a deal between the two of us: Last year, I got my bucket list Italian vacation and this year, he gets his smoker.

For MCAA’s new President Brian Helm, technology is not just a passion, but a way of life. Helm is the president of Freeport, Illinois-based Mechanical Inc., part of the Helm Group of companies, which operates in the healthcare, industrial, education, aquatic, water/wastewater treatment, government, high rise, energy and mission critical sectors.

When Lenny Siers retired from active military duty in 1995, he decided to open his own residential home services company in Niceville, Florida. Siers’ background was heavy in air conditioning and heating and he saw an opportunity; however he had no experience as a businessman.

The inaugural event is scheduled for April 30-May 2, in Rosemont, Illinois, and will showcase the latest design and building processes, products and emerging technologies.

Four years ago, I attended my first AHR Expo in Chicago. And no matter how many times my colleagues warned me to bring my walking shoes, I was blown away by the sheer size of the event. I put in my daily 10,000 steps — and then some — walking back and forth between the halls learning about ductless mini-splits, cooling towers, boilers, water heaters and more.