The Fix

In this episode of The Fix podcast, Brent McCartney and Pat Ciarleglio from Connecticut Technical Education and Career System (CTECS) discuss how their institution offers a range of technical high school career paths. They highlight their unique blend of academic and trade education, tailored to industry needs with a focus on experiential learning. The pair also touch on CTECS's apprenticeship pro...

Chris Price, president of the Indiana Construction Roundtable Foundation , joins us to talk about their efforts to foster the next generation of trades industry leaders. Price discusses both K-12 and adult programs, striving to create opportunities and training for individuals with a focus on overcoming hurdles such as poverty and criminal backgrounds. With their tech-forward approach, including V...

Lori Tschol, co-founder of Women in Plumbing and Piping (WIPP) and owner of Eagle Pipe Heating and Air, joins us to share her unconventional journey into the trades and the proactive measures WIPP is taking to champion women. Tschol also discusses the critical roles of mentorship, networking, education, and recognition in showcasing the invaluable contributions of women in the plumbing and piping...

In the latest episode of The Fix, Katie Poehling-Seymour , President and CEO of First Supply , delves into her story of success within the wholesale distribution sector. She discusses First Supply's longevity and the issues and prospects within the trades industry. The episode also explores her commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and advocating for women in the trades, along with the importance...

Angela Collins , Chief Learning Officer at PHCC Educational Foundation , narrates her journey into the trades and shares insights about the growth of PHCC Academy. Angela touches on the mission, vision and key initiatives of the PHCC Educational Foundation and their innovative approach with industry partners.

Oatey Ambassadors Evan Berns ( @re.plumb ) and Shay Lorette ( @that.plumber.dude ) share their experiences in the plumbing industry and as influencers within the trade community. The pair touched on the significance of developing regular content that resonates with their values and aligning with like-minded brands. They discussed the importance of advocating for trade careers to the younger genera...

Keith Williams, the CEO of Skill Stadium, discusses his innovative platform that links job seekers and employers in the skilled trades industry. The platform leverages video technology to enable users to present their skills and abilities in a unique manner. Williams' ambition is not only to transform the industry through Skill Stadium, but also to dispel stereotypes and promote these trades as re...

This week on The Fix we are joined by our friends and partners Joe Herkowski and Steve Stickler from Herkowski Stickler and Associates (HSA). They talk about the challenges faced by the plumbing industry, succession planning, shortage of skilled labor in trades, career advantages of pursuing trades, diversity, community efforts, and building strong relationships in the industry. Follow HSA on Link...

Angela Coldwel l, founder of Honour the Work , joins us to share her inspiring journey of promoting and supporting skilled trades in Canada, the importance of exposing children to diverse career paths, and overcoming misconceptions and stereotypes surrounding the trades. Follow Honour the Work on Instagram , Facebook , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn .

This week on The Fix, we were joined by Bruce Pilbeam and Thomas Ponting from Winsupply. We covered a range of topics from Winsupply's role in the plumbing industry, the changes and constants in the industry over the years, the transition from vendor to customer perspective, and Winsupply's support for addressing shortages in the trades.

The Fix podcast welcomes Kristen Fallon, co-founder of Let's Build Construction Camp for Girls, which aims to empower young women in the AECM (Architecture, Engineering, Construction, Manufacturing) industries. Kristen shares how her background in construction led her to create the camp, which offers hands-on experiences, technical education, and confidence-building, as well as the camp's impact o...

In this podcast episode, Spencer Brown, the Director of Sales for Pfister Faucets, joins Katherine and Doug to discuss the American Plumber Stories initiative. The conversation focuses on supporting and inspiring tradespeople, particularly those in the plumbing industry. The goal is to break down stereotypes, showcase diverse stories of plumbers, encourage the younger generation to consider trades...

Katherine and Doug interview Jennifer Green, Director of Competition for Skills Ontario. Jennifer, who became a Red Seal Industrial Mechanic millwright at 21, is the Director of Competitions at Skills Ontario, an organization that encourages youth to explore and pursue careers in the skilled trades and technologies. In 2021 she completed an Appointment with the Government of Ontario's Ministry of...

In this episode of The Fix, we're joined by Oatey Ambassadors Germaine Nelson and Rob Broccolo to talk about all things family and work-life balance, or lack thereof. They each share some of the struggles that come with having active families, running successful plumbing businesses, and how they take time for themselves.

We're joined by Oatey Ambassadors Colin Luttrell and Nick Parlet during Ambassador Fest to talk about how social media and plumbing go hand-in-hand in helping to learn new things, develop friendships and grow your business. Follow Nick on Instagram , TikTok , Facebook , YouTube Follow Colin on Instagram , TikTok , Facebook

In this episode of The Fix, we're joined by Oatey Ambassadors Twig and Ty to discuss mental health and some of the unique challenges and perspectives that come with working in the trades. They each talk about some personal challenges they have faced regarding mental health, as well as ways they have given and received support from the trades community.  Resources are available if you or someo...

Roger Wakefield is an American plumber and business owner from Dallas, Texas, a master plumber with over 40 years of plumbing experience. He is a teacher, trades advocate, podcaster and social media influencer. Roger sits down with Doug and Katherine about his 40+ years in the plumbing industry and how he transformed his business (and career) with social media.      Guest: Roger Wak...

Paige Knowles, skilled trades advocate, public speaker, and children's book author (Plumber Paige - Let's Fix a Running Toilet, Plumber Paige - Let's Replace a Shower Head), joins us to talk about how she began her career as a plumbing and heating student at her local high school and her path to becoming an entrepreneur and trades influencer for the next generation of young girls.   Gues...

Episode Overview:   Join us in this episode as we dive into the world of residential service and repair and learn from the experts about how they've made a name for themselves in the plumbing industry and how Alex Gouin and Josh Hopkins work with local schools to promote plumbing as a successful path for young students looking to get into the trade.  Guests:    Alex Gouin – Oatey Am...

Episode Overview:   As the Workforce Development Leader for the Home Builders Association of Greater Des Moines, and the co-founder of Iowa Skilled Trades, Brandon plays an integral and active role in ensuring that the next generation has opportunities to learn the valuable skills that are needed to help bridge the skills gap.  We talk about their upcoming annual Build My Future event which i...

The Fix – Season 3, Episode 3   Title: Breaking Barriers: Empowering Young Girls to Pursue the Trades  Episode Overview:   Mollie Elkman is the President and Owner of Group Two, a leading new home marketing partner for builders, and the author of The House That She Built, a book that educates young readers about the people and skills that go into building a home.  She joins us...

Episode Overview:   Keith Laschinger, Executive Director of Cleveland Builds and Tim Linville, Co-Chair of Cleveland Builds and CEO of the Construction Employers Association, join us to discuss the Union Construction Readiness Program that has placed 50 individuals into the trades since 2021. They also discuss advocacy initiatives and how to educate the next generation and their influencers a...

Ethan Karp, the CEO of Manufacturing Advocacy and Growth Network (MAGNET), joins us to discuss the challenges facing the manufacturing industry in the US and how to improve diversity, incorporate new technologies, encourage innovation, and provide better leadership. We dive into the importance of workforce development and working collaboratively as a community of manufacturers to improve and susta...

Plumbers Trey Young ( @iplumbit ) and Germaine Nelson ( @capitolmech ) are in the studio wrapping up Ambassador Mini-Series, and we had so much fun with these two. Between their hilarious banter and combined 25+ years of experience, you don't want to miss this episode. Related Resources: To learn more about the Oatey Ambassador program, visit our  website . Questions or Feedback: thefix@oatey...

In part 2 of our Oatey Ambassador Mini-Series, our hosts welcome Omar Harris ( @omartheplumber ) and Rob Broccolo ( @prodrains ), who are visiting Cleveland as a part of Ambassador Fest 2022. Omar is a journeyman plumber currently based out of Miami, Florida, specializing in the residential field. He began working in the plumbing trade to support his growing family, and his passion has continued t...