PHCPPros: Stories From the Mechanical Room With Dan Foley and Steve Smith

In this episode, Al Levi shares how he transformed a chaotic family business into a scalable operation using systems, structure, and smarter hiring. From manuals and training to mindset shifts, he breaks down what it really takes to grow a contracting business. A must-listen for anyone looking to work on their business—not just in it. Thank you to Podium for sponsoring this episode. When you'...

In our latest episode, Dan and Steve are joined by industry icon Bob "Hot Rod" Rohr! Tune in as the trio discuss some of Hot Rod's most memorable moments and projects in the PHCP industry and how he got his start, being ahead of the curve on bronze sweat flanges, other innovations he's worked on and what he's currently tinkering with in his workshop, the state of solar the...

In our latest episode, Dan and Steve are joined by Matt Michel! Michel is the founder and past Chairman, CEO, and president of Service Nation Inc., which operates the Service Roundtable (the world’s largest business alliance for service contractors), the Service Nation Alliance best practices group, the Retail Contractor Coalition branding alliance, the Service World Expo. Tune in as the trio disc...

In our latest episode, Dan and Steve are joined by Skipper Joyce, founder of The Joyce Agency !  Skipper established the manufacturer's representative agency in 1982. Today, the company covers the plumbing and mechanical markets of Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, West Virginia and Washington D.C. Tune in as the trio discuss how Skipper established his business, the ways it has evolved, and the...

Alan Mercurio is better known throughout the HVAC world as “Your friend in the industry.” He is the founder of www.oiltechtalk.com and has more than 30 years of industry experience in various roles including service technician, equipment sales, service manager, author, consultant, educator, trainer, and proctor. Recently retired, Alan most recently worked as Pennsylvania Petroleum Association Tech...

In our latest episode, Dan and Steve interview Greg Jannone, owner of William Jannone & Sons in Branchburg, New Jersey! Tune in as the trio discuss the following:  Greg's company and how it implements large plumbing & heating design-build projects from start to finish How Greg has become both a successful businessman and tradesman Greg's experience with the Radiant Professionals...

In this month's episode, Dan and Steve are joined by Sila Services' Eddie McFarlane! With the company since May 2023, Eddie was recently promoted from VP of Learning, Development & Engagement to Chief Learning & Development Officer. Tune in to learn how Eddie has applied his decades of HVAC industry experience to build Sila University, a comprehensive approach to professional and...

This month, Dan and Steve are joined by ACCA President and CEO Barton James! Tune in as the trio discuss what ACCA is doing to help contractors on Capitol Hill and improve workforce development efforts  — as well as the latest regulations and the importance of trade associations in general. Plus, get a preview of ACCA 2024, an annual education and networking event for HVACR contractors taking plac...

Dan and Steve kick off their first episode of 2024 with Richard Trethewey of " This Old House!" The trio discuss how Richard has been an integral part of the "This Old House" team since the home improvement show’s debut in 1979 and Dan's recent behind-the-scenes visit to the set. Plus —  why Richard became a licensed master and journeyman plumber; how he helped popularize...

In our latest episode, Steve and Dan are joined by MrPEX Systems President Jan Andersson! Tune in as the trio discuss how Jan has journeyed through the radiant industry since his start in 1988, the beginnings of PEX and when it became more accepted in the industry, the unique rooftop snowmelt project Dan and Jan previously collaborated on, and more! Learn more about MrPEX at https://mrpexsystems.c...

This month, Dan and Steve are joined by Robert O’Brien, the director of education for the National Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA)! Tune in as the trio discuss Robert's journey through the industry, his role at NORA and the mission of the organization, the difference between biofuels and fossil fuels, the renewable energy transition, NORA's  partnership with SUNY Morrisville, and more!...

In this month's episode, Dan and Steve sit down with Larry Drake! The trio discuss how Larry entered the industry after working in aviation, his 15-year tenure as executive director of the Radiant Panel Association, the  “simple” design philosophy he swears by, the RadPad radiant floor heating system sizing tool and other innovations Larry has created, and more!  Thank you to MrPEX Systems fo...

In this month’s episode, Steve and Dan interview Steve “wheels” Wieland, the Mid-Atlantic Sales Manager for NTI Boilers! Steve has been teaching contractors and engineers how to install and repair hydronic heating, radiant heat and snowmelt systems since 1985, and he is a registered master plumber, past wholesaler and a former manufacturers' rep.  Tune in as the trio discuss boiler maintenanc...

In this month's episode, Dan and Steve interview John Siegenthaler, P.E.! Tune in as the trio discuss the evolution of hydronics from the 1980s to the present, the "brotherhood" of the old RPA days and kicking off the hydronics wave in the '90s, why it's a great time to enter the hydronics industry now, and more!  John is a consulting engineer and principal of Appropriate...

This month, Dan and Steve are joined by John Barba, North American Director of Training for Taco Comfort Solutions! Tune in to hear the story of how Dan "won" John for a day, as well as John's early days as a trainer, his No. 1 advice for contractors and students, the latest developments at Taco, and more! About John: John has been in the heating industry most of his life, growing u...

In this month's episode, Dan and Steve sit down with their old friend Ingrid Mattsson, Director - Brand & Corporate Social Responsibility for Uponor. Tune in to hear the trio discuss Ingrid's early days with Uponor in the '90s when it still went under the name Wirsbo, as well as her favorite industry memories and friends, her experience receiving the Carlson-Holohan Award of Exc...

In this month's episode, Steve and Dan sit down with Brian Stack, president of Stack Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric ! Brian grew up in the family business working weekends and summers as a kid before starting at the company full time in 1993. Discover how the business has grown from three to 68 employees, and why it eventually expanded its initial focus on hydronic systems to also...

Gary Hayden, P.E. is a mechanical engineer who has been involved in forensic engineering for the past eight years. With more than 100 cases under his belt, tune in to learn about some of his most memorable investigations!  Gary is also a Class A mechanical contractor. His engineering career spans over 40 years and also involved working with manufacturers. Gary was the first engineer behind the dev...