“Becoming a member of PHCC has opened up many doors for me and my career. As a 28-year-old plumber, I have been able to establish connections and learn from plumbers and manufacturer representatives across the state that have been in this field since before I was born. The knowledge they are willing to pass down is priceless.”

Tom Sheahan, Mattox Plumbing, West Allis, Wis. • PHCC-Wisconsin Secretary/Treasurer

“Being a PHCC-Wisconsin member to me means helping support the industry at all levels. The association has great membership events for continuing education, trade partners, and networking. PHCC-Wisconsin also plays a crucial role in regulation, apprenticeships, and recruitment for the future. If you haven’t become a member please do so; as with any industry, we need the support from all.”

Andy Wagner, Dave Jones LLC, Madison, Wis. • PHCC-Wisconsin Board Member

“We at Test Gauge enjoy being a part of the PHCC. Great to make new connections with new contacts. PHCC Wisconsin Contractor does a wonderful job advertising for us.”

Tina Thorson, Wisconsin • Test Gauge, Inc. WI Market Manager

“As president of Oak Creek Plumbing, I'm proud to be a member of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC) of Wisconsin. Our membership isn't just a title; it's an investment in our team's growth and success. PHCC provides invaluable resources, educational opportunities, and industry expertise that empower us to deliver top-notch service to our clients.

"Being part of PHCC fosters a sense of community among professionals, suppliers, and experts, facilitating support, collaboration, and knowledge sharing. Additionally, PHCC's advocacy efforts shape our industry's regulatory landscape, ensuring a fair environment for business growth and innovation.

"Our membership underscores our commitment to excellence, continuous improvement, and industry advancement. It's an honor to be part of such a reputable association, and we're excited to leverage its resources, support, and advocacy to elevate Oak Creek Plumbing's standards of service and professionalism.”

Dan Callies, Oak Creek Plumbing, Oak Creek, Wis. • PHCC-National President-Elect

“My husband Jim and I started Countryside Plumbing & Heating, Inc. in New Richmond, Wisconsin in 1982. The company is currently run by our sons, and they continue to do residential and light commercial plumbing and HVAC; new construction; retrofits; and service.

"Shortly after we began our company, we talked with several neighboring contractors and were convinced that being a member of the PHCC-Wisconsin was a necessary part of our business plan. We were too busy and had little (or no) knowledge of the how the state legislative office controlled our licensing, codes, and general business practices, and we felt very comfortable following the advice offered by PHCC-Wisconsin to stay abreast of any changes.

"Along with our membership, code classes, and best practices learning sessions, we always looked forward to the annual conventions to meet other contractors across the state and network with them. We always came home with the same feeling that other contractors were facing the same problems as we were, and we all shared ideas of how to work around those problems and become stronger. Even though we may be competitors at the bidding table, when we recognized someone as a fellow PHCC-Wisconsin member, we knew they were just trying to succeed like us and put food on the dinner table for our families. They used the same work practices, supported the same code requirements, and upheld the same skill level as us. In the end, we all just wanted the same success and fairness to our customers. We didn’t always see that with the less knowledgeable contractors. They often didn’t follow the same work ethic, or they tried to work around the codes or other rules, unlike our 'brotherhood' within PHCC-Wisconsin.

"After many years of attending events and conventions, I was asked to represent the many women business owners and employees in the industry, and I became a member of the PHCC-Wisconsin Board of Directors. Although it was intimidating at first, I quickly became comfortable that the men at the table shared the same goals as me, and I was always treated with respect and appreciation. I think I brought something a little different to the group as we were all beginning to learn about our changing world with things like web sites, emails, social media, GPS, and other computer-related changes in our workplaces, as well as reaching out to our local high schools to encourage our young people to consider the trades because of the shortage we all faced in the workforce. Even though I never carried a toolbox, my leadership challenges were no different than anyone else’s. I was humbled and proud to represent PHCC-Wisconsin as president in 2017-2019, the same time as PHCC-National held their convention in Milwaukee. Even though I was introduced as Karl by the national president—was that an assumption or just an ordinary blunder?—we all had a good laugh and, once again, continued to learn and network with the other contractors in the room from across the country.

"Whether you take advantage of the legislative updates, code classes, legal services, scholarship or apprenticeship opportunities, or just want a fellowship with some of the best in the industry, PHCC-Wisconsin membership should be a very important tool in everyone’s toolbox.”

Carol De Young, New Richmond, Wis. • Former PHCC-Wisconsin President, Member, Women‘s Auxiliary Member