Utility Room Legends

Communication is one of the most overlooked skills in the water and wastewater industry—and according to Ron Smith, it's the foundation of great leadership. In this episode of Utility Room Legends, John sits down with Ron Smith, Vice President of Distribution & Networks at Vortex Companies, to discuss leadership, innovation, trenchless technology, and the future of America's aging in...

Antonio Flori, Corrosion Engineering Manager at Denver Water, joins Utility Room Legends for a fascinating conversation on the hidden side of water infrastructure. From starting as a teenage intern to leading corrosion strategy for one of the nation’s most respected utilities, Antonio shares his journey through the industry and what it takes to keep critical systems reliable for generations. We di...

In this episode, we sit down with Dave Donahue, Waterworks Market Manager at Fernco, to talk about the evolution of one of the most recognized names in the industry—and why it still matters today. Dave walks us through the history of Fernco, from its beginnings with a master plumber hand-making “donuts” in Detroit to becoming a global leader in flexible couplings. We get into what sets great manuf...

From junior college baseball to scratch golf pro to 20 years in the waterworks trenches, Traver Hunter’s path into the industry is anything but ordinary. Based in Lewistown, Montana — “the snow hole,” as locals call it — Traver covers a territory where everything is two and a half hours away and cell service is optional. He shares how persistence (not polish) landed him his first big opportunity,...

We finally get the ever-steady Adam "Newman" into the Legends Chair. Starting as a 20-year-old part-time driver at RepMasters, he grinded through warehouse chaos—unloading brittle pipe in dirt yards and snow—to become the rock-solid voice on the other end of the phone for over two decades. Newman opens up (in his trademark low-key way) about company growth from Commerce City days to COVI...

Before GPS. Before AI. Before “just Google it.” Ron Hatt talks about learning this business by doing the work, making mistakes, and sticking around long enough to get it right. This one is full of road stories, hard lessons, and the stuff you don’t learn from training manuals. 

Few people have seen the water industry from as many angles as Josh Baile. Through decades of experience in operations, management, and consulting, Josh has seen what separates good teams from great ones. He shares candid insights about leadership, accountability, and how investing in people builds stronger communities — inside and outside the plant.

At just 28, Bralan Spencer represents the new wave of water infrastructure professionals — driven, grounded, and eager to learn. Growing up around the industry gave him perspective, but earning his place has been all about effort and integrity. In this episode, Bralan shares what it’s like learning from veterans like Brock Spencer and Ron Hatt, building his career at RepMasters, and finding purpos...

Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman joins the Utility Room Legends Podcast for a conversation on leadership, growth, and service. From innovative water programs to a bold new approach to homelessness, Mayor Coffman shares how Aurora is setting an example for cities across the country.

For more than 20 years, Kevin Froneman has worked in the actuation space — first in South Africa, then in the U.S., where he now calls Houston home. In this episode, Kevin talks about starting with no technical background, learning the industry from scratch, and why service and problem-solving are critical to success. Along the way, he reflects on family life, cultural shifts, and the lessons that...

From Army MP to CEO, Phil Argersinger’s path to the helm of Flex-Hose wasn’t a straight line — it was built on grit, humility, and a deep respect for the trades. Over four decades, he’s turned Flex-Hose into a leader in expansion joints and piping systems with patents registered around the world. In this episode, Phil opens up about lessons from the field, the value of apprenticeship and mentorshi...

George Sigelakis didn’t come from engineering or manufacturing — he came from the firehouse. As a New York City firefighter, he saw firsthand how outdated hydrants failed when lives were on the line. That frustration sparked an idea that grew into the Spartan Hydrant, the first major redesign in over a century. In this episode, George shares his journey from late night sketches to a patented, Amer...

Chris Keffer isn’t just part of a family business — he’s a steward of a legacy. In this conversation, Chris shares the origins of EBAA Iron, the innovation behind the Mega-Lug, and the responsibility of carrying forward the vision started by his grandfather, Earl Bradley. From navigating Washington, D.C. politics to addressing the challenges of domestic manufacturing, Chris offers insight into the...

Bo Skjellerup brings nearly two decades of boots-on-the-ground experience in water infrastructure, from international sales to domestic manufacturing. He’s seen firsthand what happens when you stop investing in your own backyard—and he’s not afraid to say what others won’t. In this episode, host Jon Davis sits down with Bo to talk about the real cost of relying on imports, the struggles for U.S. f...

Brent Richards has spent four decades in the water industry, and in this episode, he brings the kind of wisdom you only get from experience — and from showing up every day with equal parts hustle, heart, and high standards. Host Jon Davis sits down with his mentor and boss to talk about the roots of RepMasters, what legacy really means, and why water isn’t just a job — it’s a calling. They dive in...

From near-electrocution to national conferences, Mike Uthe has seen it all. In our very first full episode, Mike joins host Jon Davis to talk about his journey from the oil fields to water infrastructure. They dive into the history of Mueller, why innovation matters, and what makes the water industry so special. Plus: a salute to water legends, and a wild story involving 480 volts and an Allen wre...

Join host Jon Davis as we dive into the world of water infrastructure — not just the systems and specs, but the everyday heroes behind them. From contractors and engineers to factory workers and CEOs, this podcast celebrates the folks who make water move — quietly, skillfully, and passionately. Let’s get legendary. 💧