Ohio PHC Contractor, 2013 #3 by Blue Water Publishers, LLC

The Ohio PHC Contractor is the official publication of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors of Ohio 20040 Carolyn Avenue Rocky River, OH 44116 800-686-PHCC Fax: 216-393-0095 www.phccohio.org / www.facebook.com/phccohio

generated at BeQRious.com

s Visit PHCC online!

Advertisers Index

Volume 2013 Issue 3

Boyd Lofgren & Company

Bradford White

Champion Pumps

Delany Products

FastEst, Inc.

Federated Insurance

Liberty Pumps

Quality Service Contractors

R. L. Deppmann Robertson Heating Supply

9 2, 3

Saniflo 19 Slant Fin

SureSeal 5 T&S Brass Taco

23 16, 17

A Message From the President, Rob Fetz 6 Legally Speaking: “Supersizing” Today’s Labor Disputes 8 Keeping Score: Health Care Reform Myth vs. Facts 10 PHCC Membership Application 29 PHCC of Ohio 2013 - 2014 Officers and Board 30

Features: Ten Tips You Can Do to Expose Unlicensed Work 14 Government Needs to Pay More Attention to the Phrase “Public Policy” 18 ACCA/PHCC Ohio PAC 20

Test Gauge & Backflow Supply, Inc.

Save the Date - 2014 ACCA/PHCC Ohio Convention & Expo 21

Turbonics

PHCC Ohio Local Chapter News 22

Welker McKee

PHCC Ohio Benefits Guide 24

Ohio PHC Contractor is a news magazine produced by the Ohio Association of PlumbingHeating-Cooling Contractors. Articles published in this magazine are the views and opinions of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the Ohio Association of PlumbingHeating-Cooling Contractors. Publication in Ohio PHC Contractor should not be construed as an endorsement by the Association. Ohio PHC Contractor is the official magazine of the PHCC of Ohio and is published quarterly. News items from Ohio PHCC members are accepted. For information on advertising, contact: Jim Aitkins, Blue Water Publishers phone: 360.805.6474 • fax: 360.805.6475 jima@bluewaterpublishers.com 4

Departments:

OHIO PHC CONTRACTOR • Volume 2013, Issue 3

In Memoriam Our sympathy goes out to the family of Ralph Reeb, age 51, who passed away August 29th, 2013. Ralph was a 1981 St. Francis De Sales graduate and a 1985 Capital University Graduate. He was a State of Ohio Plumbing Chief, head of the Ohio’s Backflow Program and an instructor for plumbing apprentices, a Walnut Township Zoning Administrator, a member of the OAPI, PHCC and the APHC. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved being with his friends and family. He will be greatly missed. Memorials can be made in Ralph’s name to the Baltimore Food Pantry, 1760 West Market Street, Baltimore, OH 43105.

Departments

From the President Rob Fetz

lready, summer is ending and fall is beginning. Unfortunately, summer ended sadly as PHCC unexpectedly lost a friend, Ralph Reeb, Chief Plumbing Official for the OCILB (see page 4). Ralph would listen to PHCC and PHCC would listen to him on code and backflow issues to help improve the plumbing industry in Ohio. Our prayers will be with his family as he will be missed by all of us. As we move on, I would like to recognize the support PHCC receives from all of our associate members. Associate members advertise in this magazine, participate in our convention and expo, attend and provide CEU classes at our meetings and many of them provide PHCC member benefits. As a member, I make an effort to do as much

business as possible with associate members and use the member benefits available to help our business stay successful and profitable. As an organization, I do not know how PHCC could make it without the support and participation of our associate members. As members, I hope all of you support our associate members and use their products and services as much as possible. Without them, it would be very tough to survive as an organization. When you cross paths with an associate member, thank them for supporting PHCC. Until next time, have a safe and profitable fall and winter season.

Too Busy To Protect Your Business? Even the best businesses can have claims. Contact your local Federated representative to learn more about risk management resources, like a distracted driving program, designed to help keep your business on the right road. Visit www.federatedinsurance.com to find a representative near you. Federated Mutual Insurance Company • Federated Service Insurance Company* • Federated Life Insurance Company Owatonna, Minnesota 55060 • Phone: (507) 455-5200 • www.federatedinsurance.com *Not licensed in the states of NH, NJ, RI, and VT.

OHIO PHC CONTRACTOR • Volume 2013, Issue 3

Volume 2013, Issue 3 • OHIO PHC CONTRACTOR

Departments

Legally Speaking

Bob Dunlevey Dunlevey, Mahan & Furry

“SUPERSIZING” TODAY’S LABOR DISPUTES

ecently the fast food industry has fallen victim to employee “job actions” – strikes and picketing. These employees want their hourly wages dramatically increased from approximately $7.50 per hour to $15.00 per hour without assuming any additional duties and responsibilities or increasing their skills. Is this a return to the labor movement of yesteryears? Is this the boost the “living wage” and “income equality” movements need in order to have Washington increase the federal minimum wage from the current $7.25 per hour, last raised in 2009? Could this recent labor unrest be the prelude to significant employee unrest in other sectors? Behind this new movement is the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) which is one of the largest and aggressive labor organizations in the U.S. It is the fastest growing U.S. union with over 2.1 million members, collecting approximately $299 million in dues and spending over $183 million in political action and organizing activities each year. The union has sponsored organizing meetings, trained movement leaders and funded these recent labor activities. Why? - Because it is in the business of representing workers and it can gather many more dues paying members and gain more political clout at a time when union representation in the private sector is at an all time low. More than just fast food employers should be concerned about what is now happening in New York, Detroit, Chicago, Indianapolis and other cities across the United States. This may be the resurgence of our historic labor movement of the early 20th Century. Employers certainly need to be very proactive now to keep their workforces union free and their wage structures consistent with market realities. These demands of the fast food workers easily could be heard in your workplace tomorrow. And, remember, non-union employees are protected by the National Labor Relations Act when they engage in concerted action. But, employers have certain rights to replace striking workers as well. Already, employers are concerned because the Obama National Labor Relations Board has been making pro-union rulings which dramatically enhance employees’ abilities to

OHIO PHC CONTRACTOR • Volume 2013, Issue 3

organize their workplace – permitting employees to use social media and company intranet systems to badmouth management and encourage organizing activities among fellow workers, allowing small groups within a company to form a union and striking down traditional employer practices which bolster management’s rights to effectively operate their businesses. In addition, employers are concerned that in the near future wages and benefits will be regulated to even a greater extent than now. While some discount the impact of this current fast food employee initiative, many recognize that this country has dramatically changed in recent years and no societal change is beyond the realm of reality any longer. While President Obama has called for an increase in minimum wage to $9.00 per hour, and on MLK Day stated that “inequality has increased” and “upward mobility has become harder because of wage disparities,” many business leaders and economists have identified forces which have kept entry level wage rates relatively low – global competition, uneducated and unskilled labor force entrants, and deteriorating work ethic. But, President Obama has stated that the U.S. needs a strong middle class and unionization will recreate this middle class. Others, however, do not agree about the need for unionization and look to the history of the labor movement. In the 1960s and 70s, the UAW secured unrealistic wages, benefits and working conditions for many unskilled and semiskilled workers in the auto industry. The result was that foreign competition entered the marketplace and substantially ended U.S. manufacturers’ market dominance. In the U.S. private sector, supply and demand still dictate what a “reasonable” wage rate should be. Tragically, good paying technical, skilled jobs exist and yet go unfilled today because America’s workers are not prepared to take those positions. To artificially raise wages to merely subscribe to some unarticulated element of “fairness” may further jeopardize our country’s economic world status. Economists at Cornell and American universities have estimated that the proposed minimum wage hike would eliminate at least 467,000 jobs and would not reduce poverty. A prior study in the American Economic Review reported that 90% of the surveyed economists believed that the minimum wage increases unemployment for low skilled workers. What

would happen to the unskilled teenagers 16-19 years old already experiencing an unemployment rate as high as 37.8% in some segments? These workers may very well be the first to be let go or not to be hired if a minimum wage increase or the fair wage movement advances. In these uncertain times, employers must subscribe to highly effective human resource strategies, ensuring dignity, respect and fairness in the workplace, and create a union-free philosophy among their workforces to counter the current labor movement. A union aversion program customarily includes • assessing the threat and origin; • assessing company wages, benefits, policies and practices, and the competitiveness of same; • assessing managerial/ supervisory staff – abilities/ people skills/campaign abilities; • establishing a union aversion team; • educating managers/supervisors; • educating employees; • enhancing company-wide general communications; and • monitoring the status. For further information regarding union aversion programs, contact Bob Dunlevey, Board Certified Labor and Employment Law Specialist, at Dunlevey, Mahan & Furry (937) 223-6003.

NEW FROM

BBUPD

DUPLEX ALTERNATING BACKUP SYSTEM

Alternates Pumps Each Cycle Double Pump Protection Double Switch Protection Diagnostic System With Alarm CHAMPION PUMP COMPANY, INC • P.O. BOX 528, ASHLAND, OH 44805 • 800-659-4491

Volume 2013, Issue 3 • OHIO PHC CONTRACTOR

Departments

Keeping Score

Michael Bohinc. CPA

HEALTH CARE REFORM MYTHS VS. FACTS

ecently, the Department of the Treasury announced that certain provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), commonly known as “Obamacare,” were being deferred for one year. These provisions will now take effect in 2015 rather than 2014. The provisions delayed until 2015 relate to penalties for “large employers,” those employers who employ, on average, at least 50 full-time employees during the year. Full-time employees are those who work 30 or more hours per week. (IRC Sec. 4980H) This specific provision is why you’ve heard discussion that many large employees (like fast-food restaurants and retail stores) are considering cutting back their employees’ hours to get under that 30 hour per week threshold. The provisions assess potentially significant penalties to those large employers that fail to provide employees with what “Obamacare” calls minimum essential health insurance coverage. The Treasury says that the postponement will help the government accomplish two goals: “First, it will allow us to consider ways to simplify the new reporting requirements consistent with the law. Second, it will provide time to adapt health coverage and reporting systems while employers are moving toward making health coverage affordable and accessible for their employees.” This legislation (PPACA of 2010) is very broad in scope. There’s a lot of information out there and not all of it is accurate. Here are a few myths that have been reported. Myth: All small businesses have to provide insurance to their employees. Fact: If you are a small business owner (meaning you employ fewer than 50 full-time equivalent employees), you are not required to provide health insurance to your employees. The “insurance mandate” applies only to large employers having at least 50 full-time employees. On the other hand, if you’re a small employer and you do offer health insurance coverage to your employees, you may be

OHIO PHC CONTRACTOR • Volume 2013, Issue 3

eligible for a tax credit. The credit is available to employers that have 25 or fewer full-time equivalent employees with annual wages averaging less than $50,000 per employee, and that pay at least 50% of the health plan costs. Myth: You’ll have to give up your current health insurance. Fact: If you have health insurance through your employer, or you have private insurance, you’ll most likely be able to keep your present coverage. In fact, plans in existence on March 23, 2010, that haven’t changed significantly are considered “grandfathered,” meaning that those plans are treated as qualifying health insurance. But even if your plan is grandfathered, you’ll benefit from some of the provisions of the health-care law. For instance, all plans, including grandfathered plans, must allow coverage for adult dependents to age 26 and remove any lifetime dollar cost limits. Moreover, your insurance can’t be cancelled if you become sick, and your plan cannot refuse to insure you if you have a pre-existing medical condition. Myth: The health-care law cuts basic Medicare benefits and services. Fact : Just the opposite is true. The ACA mandates that no guaranteed Medicare benefits are cut. In fact, the ACA expands Medicare benefits to include a free annual wellness assessment. Many important preventive screenings and vaccines are now offered free of charge, including screenings for colorectal cancer, cholesterol, and diabetes; mammograms, flu and pneumonia vaccines; and counseling for smoking cessation and nutrition therapy. The ACA also attempts to slow the increasing cost of Medicare premiums and ensure that Medicare will not run out of funds. If you’re a participant in the Medicare Part D (prescription drug) plan, the ACA attempts to close the “donut hole” in which plan beneficiaries pay full price for prescription drugs after exceeding a gap in the annual coverage. The ACA

Volume 2013, Issue 3 • OHIO PHC CONTRACTOR

provides a $250 rebate and offers a variety of discounts and federal subsidies through 2020, at which time participants will pay no more than 25% out of pocket for most prescriptions. Myth: Individuals have to pay taxes on their health benefits. Fact: Nothing in the health-care law requires individuals to pay income taxes on their health-care benefits. Starting in 2018, an excise tax is assessed to insurers of high-cost, employersponsored health plans with aggregate expenses exceeding $10,200 for individual coverage and $27,500 for family coverage. The tax does not apply to insured plan participants. Other taxes that are part of the ACA include: • A tax of 10% on the amount paid for indoor tanning services • A 20% tax (increased from 10%) on distributions from a health savings account or an Archer medical savings account that are not used for qualified medical expenses • An increase in the Medicare Part A tax rate on wages by 0.9% (from 1.45% to 2.35%) on high-income individuals • An excise tax of 2.3% on the sale of certain medical devices • A tax on large employers (more than 50 full-time equivalent employees) that do not offer affordable health insurance to employees, and • A tax on individuals who do not have qualifying health insurance (many exceptions apply) Due to the complexity of the law, there are a number of devious people out there trying to scam others based on the uncertainty of some of the law’s provisions. To protect yourself, never buy insurance without checking with your state insurance department to be sure the seller is licensed and the policy is legitimate. Don’t give out your personal information to anyone you don’t know. There is a lot of information and misinformation out there on health care reform. Recently, a friend and fellow contractor highly recommended the book “Obamacare Explained” by Ronald Haines for a “plain English” explanation of the law. It’s been added to my reading list. You may want to add it to your list too! Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to ensure that the material in this handout is accurate. However, we make no representations or warranties with respect to the accuracy or completeness of the content included. You should consult with a professional to discuss your specific situation. Some material in the article is provided and copyrighted through Forefield, Inc. and the AICPA. 12

OHIO PHC CONTRACTOR • Volume 2013, Issue 3

U.S. Treasury Department Circular 230 Disclosure: To ensure compliance with requirements imposed by the IRS, we inform you that, unless expressly stated otherwise, any U.S. federal tax advice contained in this communication (including any attachments) is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of (i) avoiding penalties under the Internal Revenue Code or (ii) promoting, marketing or recommending to another party any transaction or matter addressed herein. This handout is not intended to be comprehensive in nature and competent professional tax advice should be sought in determining the issues that impact your specific situation. Michael A. Bohinc is a certified public accountant in Cleveland, OH. He is an instructor for the National PHCC Educational Foundation. He is also a Consult & Coach Partner for the Service Roundtable and currently serves as the Interim Director for the Service Nation Alliance – Plumbing Group. Michael is a recipient of the Servant Leader Award. The award, rarely presented, recognizes outstanding individuals who lead through service to their industry and the people in their industry. He is the youngest to ever receive this honor. He has 25 years’ experience working on business management issues in the plumbingheating-cooling industry. He can be reached at: 440/ 708-2583, e-mail mbohinc@keepingscorecpa.com

Volume 2013, Issue 3 • OHIO PHC CONTRACTOR

10 Tips You Can Do To

Expose

Unlicensed Work

By Joe Crisara

SHED LIGHT ON DISHONESTY

I want to start by saying that I am against government interference in the contracting industry as much as anyone. It is certainly hard enough to profitably operate an hvac service contracting business without another partner who is guaranteed their profit before the contractor owner has to pay all of the bills associated with each job to reveal if there even IS a profit. However, one of the places where local government and some dishonest people in the trades makes a mockery of the statutes and laws, is in the area of licensing and permits. The reason for licensing and permits is to protect the public against unsafe work being performed. There is also an element of consumer protection. Local government has registered and tested licensed professionals to protect against unsavory characters that are posing as legitimate service contractors. All of the honest contractors I know voluntarily follow the requirements to be licensed or registered if the community requires it. These same contractors comply with permits and inspection requirements as well. Even though it increases the cost of doing business and the prices the consumer pays for this service. I KNOW IT’S HARDER TO DO IT THE RIGHT WAY With the economy the way it is, unlicensed and un-permitted work is at an all-time high. Many could argue that those who skirt the laws and codes are honest people just trying to make a buck for their family. My question is, what about the families of legitimate licensed contractors who follow the rules? Is their family less important? 14

OHIO PHC CONTRACTOR • Volume 2013, Issue 3

Without the added costs of licensing, permits, inspections, insurance, payroll taxes and other expenses needed to operate in the light of day, the prices of those who work in the dark shadows avoiding these laws charge less than half the amount of a legitimate contractor. LESSONS WILL BE LEARNED Thankfully, most homeowners, in the long run, learn their lesson by receiving shoddy work that needs to be fixed or redone by a real contractor. However, real contractors should not have to wait to feed their families while these lessons are learned. I understand, this licensing and permit process is a great burden to the average contractor who complies with these laws in good faith. This raises the question… What can the licensed or registered service contractor do about the fringe side-jobber or dishonest contractor who works in the shadows and does not follow the process? You know, the people who willfully skirt the local ordinances requiring permits, inspections and in some cases licensing? The ones who seem to consistently “forget” to get a permit over and over again. Following this process protects consumers as well as increases the quality standards of the work that the hvac, plumbing and electrical industry provides to consumers. When asked, most contractors will say there is nothing you can do about it. DO NOTHING & YOU’RE PART OF THE PROBLEM I would like to offer some ideas to all of the honest contractors who follow the correct licensing and permit process. The people who have worked hard in some cases for generations to build their name and reputation on doing things BETTER than local government asks them to. You who have scratched and clawed in a day-to-day struggle to make ends meet only to have some “hack” avoid the local laws and ordinances that you follow each and every day and then lowball a price to do the work without permit or inspection. YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE IF YOU TAKE ACTION Remember that the squeaky wheel gets the grease. I have personally seen contractors I know make a difference in towns and villages who have sleepy or just downright dishonest inspectors, by getting serious about this issue. You may not think it is worth the time to take action. I know time is money, but I want you to think of how much time you spend on estimates competing with these lowball losers who don’t follow the rules and then get the job anyway. On top of that, think of how much time you spend complaining about how potential customers will “learn their lesson” by going with the unfair competitor. OKAY, WHAT CAN I DO? Here are some of the techniques that I recommend honest contractors do about this problem… 1. Do It Legal - Get a lawyer to write a letter on your behalf about the specific contractor and the specific address of the

home. Ask if you can purchase these in bulk. How much effort does it take to change the name and address of the complaint? One attorney said he would send out 10 letters for $175. 2. Ask For Enforcement - State the law or ordinance that is being violated by the contractor and homeowner not being in compliance with licensing or permit laws. Remember, YOU are paying taxes. Hold them accountable to give you what you are already paying for. Enforcement! 3. State the Consequences – In the letter, state the unfair business practice this presents, the loss of jobs and the potential danger to the community from these noninspected jobs. Let them know that if a fire, flood or carbon monoxide incident occurs at this address, that you will be front and center that you reported this activity months before it happened. 4. Demand Action – Demand the contractor be fined, penalized and even banned from doing business for not following the permit/inspection process. In some states and cities, it is a crime to do business without a license or permit. If this is not the case, write your councilman and start a movement to make such a law. 5. Get Names – Walk into the building department and hand the letter, personally, to a supervisor or inspector. Most importantly, GET THEIR NAME and write it down in front of that person. Tell them to update you with the progress as a public citizen as to what action has been taken. Provide all contact information so they can keep you in the loop. Tell them you will not forget to follow up with a superior if you do not hear back. 6. Kick It Upstairs – Let the building department know that you are sending this letter to the mayor’s office and village or city board members. This makes all parties responsible and culpable should a horror story happen to a homeowner who purchases from an unlicensed contractor. 7. Accountability – Advise all interested and influential branches of local government that legal action will be taken against the city if nothing is done about this issue. They will be held accountable, as public servants and personally, as a member of the community. 8. Make a Deadline – Create a deadline as to when you expect to be updated about this situation. Follow through by escalating the report to higher ups in government and also the media. 9. Use the Media – I know that politicians, inspectors and the media are not very popular with service contractors. Volume 2013, Issue 3 • OHIO PHC CONTRACTOR

The brand of the free. And the home of the 6+1 Promotion.

Buy any combination of six 3-Speed 00 Circulators and Zone Sentry® Zone Valves, then take home your choice of one Taco 4900 Air Separator or Taco Low Water Cutoff – free!

A circ that’s built for the job. The rugged 3-Speed 00 Circulators are specifically designed to provide dial-in precision to meet the exacting requirements of any hydronic heating system.

www.taco-hvac.com 16

OHIO PHC CONTRACTOR • Volume 2013, Issue 3

There’s no better Zone Valve. The Zone Sentry leads the industry in energy efficiency, flow capacity (Cv), shutoff pressure rating, diagnostic capability and the number of valves (12) that can be used on a standard 40VA transformer.

A great deal, a great deal FREE! The 6+1 Promotion runs August 15 to October 30, 2013, so visit a participating wholesaler and stock up! Keep your customers comfortable all year long with Taco. It’s the American way!

However, use them to further the greater good. Local television stations absolutely LOVE to do stings on illegal contractor activity. Witness ACCA member, Bobby Ring, from Myer & Depew in New Jersey, who was the “consultant” to NBC’s Dateline in a recent sting. 10. Turn Over the Rock – Also, send the letter to the offending contractor, (If you can find them) and let them know that they may be a party to the eventual lawsuit. Turn over all rocks and let the maggots squirm in the light of day. Let them know that trouble is coming and that everyone has been informed. DON’T GIVE UP AT FIRST RESISTANCE Get permission from your lawyer to send this same letter to other cities and towns where you find license and permit violations. With the only change to the letter being the address of the home and the contractor or person in violation. You must keep doing this for each time you lose a job where no permit was pulled. Obviously, this will rock the apple cart, but you must stand firm on principle. CREATE AN ALLIANCE OF HONESTY Also, attend local contractor meetings, such as ACCA and PHCC, and let your fellow honest contractors know about this process so they can do the same thing. You will probably never take legal action, but the threat of this is too big to ignore. Especially if multiple people in the local city or village know that each other knows about the situation but does nothing to stop it. CALL THE PRESS Finally, send a copy of this letter about this situation to the local media with a letter from you talking about how unlicensed contractors are a danger to our community. Ask them to run a story about this to create awareness. Tell them that you are available as an expert on

this subject to be interviewed for the story. This is great PR for your company as well. YOU CAN DO A LOT I completely disagree with those who say we can do nothing about this. As you can see by the above, there is a lot you can do. Remember that if you want a fair playing field you sometimes have to fight for it! When it cost “Cheap Charlie” contractors money, they will take the path of least resistance and start to follow the codes and laws to keep our families safe. I also completely disagree with those claiming that government is “too lazy” or that this is “government interference” in this situation. It is a matter of fairness and a service we are already paying for with our taxes. Shame on us for not demanding that we get the enforcement of these laws that we have paid for with our hard earned taxes. Remember, “We the People” ARE the government, and as citizens, we are the boss of the building department and the mayor’s office. Hold them accountable and the laziness and uneven enforcement will stop. VIDEO- Unlicensed Contractors Arrested: www.contractorselling.com/snip/120. htm Joe Crisara, CEO of ContractorSelling. com is America’s Service Sales Coach. Joe has a style that has you feeling like he is a member of your family or someone you met before. His down-toearth, direct and impassioned approach combines 31 years of contracting experience with strong expertise in sales best practices. Thus, anticipate hearing the thunderous ring of truth from Joe, who stands apart from the traditional methods as he helps contractors achieve revenues 3-5 times greater than the average salesperson

Volume 2013, Issue 3 • OHIO PHC CONTRACTOR

Government Needs To Pay More Attention To the Phrase

“Public Policy” Notice it’s not “government” policy – it’s “public” policy… for the good of the public! By Mark Riso, Director of Government Relations

he toughest dynamics in the development of sound public policy are when good intentions meet with what’s possible…when our hearts confront our minds…when our hopes confront our limitations. We live in a democracy… we all seem comfortable with that. But...what if you’re in the minority (to clarify, minority has no racial or political or financial bend-we’re talking about issues). We live in the greatest nation (the greatest democracy) on earth however, the real flaw in a democracy is that the “minority” has no voice. We can all be in the minority at one time or another and at any time – even the most “powerful” people in the US have found themselves in the minority on an issue. However, when one finds themself in the minority, it somehow still doesn’t eliminate their belief that they’re right. Winston Churchill once said, “Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.” What Churchill really meant (in my opinion) is that there are no perfect ways to govern and we must always continue to do our best. We do this by partnering. In this case, Congress as well as regulatory agencies must partner with industry to strike a delicate balance for sound public policy (not something that is practiced too often). As such, we must always strive to strike a balance between good intentions and what is possible. My father taught me that the first priority of the “majority” is to make sure that the “minority” is ok. We must always make sure that the policies and agenda of those in “power” don’t overrun the rights and the interests of those who are not in “power.” This is important because again, we all find ourselves in the minority at one time or another. For all those who say that it doesn’t matter – “majority” rules…remember, you will soon have to comply with a sweeping health care law that may very well harm small business…which was put in place by a “majority” of Congress and the President. Humbling, no doubt. By now you’ve heard, read, and probably watched an overwhelming amount of information as it relates to the new health care law. Some of it has already gone into place with the most onerous provisions to go into effect January 1, 2014

OHIO PHC CONTRACTOR • Volume 2013, Issue 3

(though the Administration has announced that it will delay for one year, the imposition of penalties to large employers for not offering health insurance to their employees). In essence, the goals of the new law are simple…health care for all, quality health care for all, and affordable health care for all. I don’t know of anyone who would want to oppose any of these objectives. However, as we said, the best of intentions. The US House of Representatives Small Business Committee recently held a hearing on health care reform implementation. The focus of the hearing (of which PHCC testified and offered expert testimony), was to gather information as to how small business will be impacted regarding the new health care laws. Both the House and Senate have begun actions to understand, analyze and even attempt to repeal certain provisions they deem as dangerous to small business (among others). PHCC’s Vice President Kevin Tindall offered PHCC’s testimony, arguing that small business is beginning to experience increased costs to insurance premiums for employers and employees in the p-h-c industry. The testimony also strongly stated that there are many “unknowns” coming down the road for small business and that a business budget cannot responsibly address “unknowns” in order to be profitable. Rising costs and policy based on the “unknown” are powerful arguments against any initiative. If Congress is truly sincere in its attempts to create jobs, then why would it pursue policy that challenges a business with its ability to create jobs by raising its costs to do business? My point is that well intended ideas, goals, and objectives are what we should all have in our hearts and we should always continue to pursue in order to improve the quality of life for everyone. However, in order to achieve it, we must strive to understand the ramifications of their actions. Congress has an opportunity to re-evaluate the new health care law…some of it is good – some of it bad. As Congress reviews the impact to small business as the law goes into effect – we will be keeping a close eye on who is helping us, and who is not, on Capitol Hill.

The next generation of gray water pumps Three inlets to accommodate a sink, washer and dishwasher

Compact and smaller than similar products

Pre-assembled and easy to install

Powerful and economical with a modern style

SANIVITE®

Pumping distance of up to 14' vertically and/or 140' horizontally*

2-YEAR

*SANISWIFT®

WARRANTY

1-800-571-8191 www.saniflo.com

Quiet operation and easy installation

Development

THE QSC ADVANTAGE

‘‘ I have made more progress in the growth,

professionalism and internal communications of my company in the last 10 years as a QSC member than the previous 28 years before that. I only have QSC and everyone associated

‘‘

with it to thank.

Roger Fouche Schaal Heating & Cooling Des Moines, IA

Our members say it best! Quality Service Contractors (QSC) is an elite professional association that assists plumbing and HVACR service and repair contractors. We help each member reach their potential in our increasingly demanding industry. As a member, you benefit from business management services and state-of-the-art training to enhance your image and enable you to better serve the needs of your clients.

SAVE OVER $950 Join QSC now, get 15 months for the price of 12 Offer ends December 31, 2013. For more information call (800) 533-7694 or e-mail wallace@naphcc.org Volume 2013, Issue 3 • OHIO PHC CONTRACTOR

ACCA/PHCC Ohio PAC

Contributors Cathrine Adams Mike Aerni Frank Alexander Roy Anderson Kevin Austin Lynne Black Herman Bohinc George Brockman Barb Burg Larry Cook PHCC Dayton Eric Detmer Al DiLauro Jim Ellia

Paul Episcopo Rocco Fana Rob Fetz Roger Gundlach Kris Guzik Jim Haberek Steve Hetzel Gary Jackson Gary Jacob Ben Jansen Steve Jerome David Keister Karen Kerlin John Kerlin

Ohio PAC 892 is your Political Action Committee. ACCA and PHCC Ohio members unite to support the best qualified, probusiness candidates at the state level. Your contribution will have a multiple impact when added to the contributions of other ACCA and PHCC Ohio members. With so much of your time spent on your livelihood, you alone can’t influence elected officials. Our PAC is strength in numbers the more members who support it, the stronger our clout in the political process.

OHIO PHC CONTRACTOR • Volume 2013, Issue 3

Brad Kirkwood Mike Kolp Greg McAfee Doug McIntire Brian Nieman Frank Niesen III PHCC Northeast Ohio PHCC Ohio Board ACCA Ohio Board David Paley Bob Palmer Deborah Ratcliff Keith Raymond Jeff Reed

Ed Reid Dennis Schlekie David Specht Brian Stack Mark Swepston Tom Tanner John Todd Jason Trimbach Don Van Horn Chuck White Dana Williams

Ohio PHCC_CHS_7x4.583_1013_Layout 1 9/18/13 4:37 PM Page 1

There’s a new player on the board. Make the right move. CHS Series Condensing High efficiency Stainless steel boiler • Up to 95% AFUE • Down-fired, Fire Tube heat exchanger • 8 Sizes: 85,000 to 399,000 Btuh

Call Rep-Line: 412-848-1450

www.slantfin.com Volume 2013, Issue 3 • OHIO PHC CONTRACTOR

Departments

PHCC Ohio Local Chapter NEWS There are six local chapters affiliated with PHCC Ohio: Akron/Canton, Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton, Eastern Ohio, and Northeast Ohio. PHCC Ohio and our local chapters are affiliated with the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors National Association. Together our Associations (local, state and national) form one of the nation’s largest and strongest trade organizations and they comprise the only organization working around the clock exclusively in the interest of Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors. Akron/Canton PHCC Chapter President: Tim Frecka, Frecka, Inc 330-928-9230 contact@freckaplumbing.com

PHCC Cincinnati (Master Plumbers) Chapter President: Jim Evans, Jim the Plumber 513-731-0602 jimtheplumber45212@yahoo.com

PHCC Eastern Ohio Chapter President: Doug McIntire, McIntire Plumbing 330-339-1539 mcintireplumbing@gmail.com

Executive Secretary: Mary Williams 330-958-6302 akronphcc@yahoo.com

Executive Director: Joyce Frank 513-742-2672 cmpa@cinci.rr.com

Secretary: Greg Eisenhart, Sanford Plumbing & Supply 330-386-5191 plumber@spii.net

Central Ohio PHCC Chapter President: Rodger Sweitzer, Baumann Plumbing 614-888-2411 baumanplumbing@ameritech.net

Dayton PHCC Chapter President: Mike Waker, Waker Plumbing 937-434-2678

Northeast Ohio Master PHCC Chapter President: Paul Episcopo, VIP Plumbing 216-581-5730 paulepiscopo@vipplumbing.com

Secretary/Treasurer: Mike Lauber 614-679-6252 mikelauber@aol.com

Executive Manager: Theresa Engler 937-298-2980 daytonphcc@aol.com

Executive Secretary: Debbie Tittl 440-337-4285 neomphcc@aol.com

PHCC NORTHEAST OHIO AND ACCA GREATER CLEVELAND AID ELDERLY RESIDENTS PHCC Northeast Ohio and ACCA Greater Cleveland members and technicians throughout Cuyahoga County on September 14, providing free furnace tune-ups, water audits, plumbing repairs and more services for elderly consumers who did not have financial or physical means to pay for home repairs. Their service contributed to the 10th Annual ‘Heat and Plumb the County’ service event and helped ensure that nearly 60 senior and disabled residents would have access to safe, quality plumbing and HVACR services.

OHIO PHC CONTRACTOR • Volume 2013, Issue 3

w w w.t s b ra s s.co m 8 0 0 .4 7 6 .4 1 0 3

LEAD-FREE. WORRY-FREE. HASSLE-FREE.

With new national lead-free legislation taking effect in 2014, there’s been a lot of talk about making the switch. Here’s the truth: T&S was the first fixture, faucet and fitting manufacturer to convert its entire line to lead-free alloys back in 2010. So when you purchase a T&S faucet today, you’re already lead-free compliant. No worries. No hassle.

Visit tsbrass.com/literature to download a free brochure about our lead-free products, or contact your local T&S rep for more information.

T&S plumbing products represented in Ohio by: Midwest Spec - 800-755-7732

Volume 2013, Issue 3 • OHIO PHC CONTRACTOR

OHIO PHC CONTRACTOR • Volume 2013, Issue 3

Volume 2013, Issue 3 • OHIO PHC CONTRACTOR

OHIO PHC CONTRACTOR • Volume 2013, Issue 3

Volume 2013, Issue 3 • OHIO PHC CONTRACTOR

OHIO PHC CONTRACTOR • Volume 2013, Issue 3

Top Reasons to Join PHCC ADVOCACY Powerful representation to defend you against excessive regulations in your community

EXPERT ADVISORS Access to PHCC’s legal, financial, legislative, regulatory and technical specialists

NETWORKING Build relationships with fellow professionals, suppliers and customers

MEMBER DISCOUNTS Significant discounts on workers comp, vehicles, license bonds and Speedway fuel

INFORMATION The latest need-to-know industry information

3-in-1 MEMBERSHIP One price gets you Local, State and National level membership

EDUCATION PHCC is the leading provider of technical and business training for contracting business owners, managers, and other personnel

Without PHCC You Stand Alone! Join over 3,000 independent PHC Contractors to put PHCC Power in your Business! Volume 2013, Issue 3 • OHIO PHC CONTRACTOR

Departments

PHCC of Ohio 2013 - 2014 Officers & Board

PHCC of Ohio

20040 Carolyn Ave Rocky River, OH 44116 800-686-PHCC [7422] Fax: 216-393-0095 www.phccohio.org www.facebook.com/phccohio

Officers President Rob Fetz Fetz Plumbing-Heating & A/C 937-652-1136 Fax: 937-652-0015 PO Box 516 Urbana, OH 43078 rfetz@ctcn.net

President-Elect Jim Haberek Haberek Plumbing & Heating 216-433-7774 Fax: 216-433-7776 5330 Smith Road Brookpark, OH 44142 office@haberek.com Vice President Ronald Schmitt Joe Schmitt & Sons Plumbing & Heating 937-836-3086 Fax: 937-832-1827 500 Atla Ave; PO Box 237 Englewood, OH 45322 schmitt.ronald@gmail.com Treasurer Greg Eisenhart Sanford Plumbing & Supply 330-386-5191 Fax: 330-386-5470 1725 Pennsylvania Ave East Liverpool, OH 43920 plumber@spii.net

Staff

Rocco Fana, Jr. Executive Director

Debbie Tittl Executive Assistant

Mary Williams Executive Assistant

OHIO PHC CONTRACTOR â&#x20AC;˘ Volume 2013, Issue 3

Past Presidents Advisory Committee Greg Faustina The Plumbing Source 216-365-0600 Fax: 216-365-0166 5042 Corbin Bedford Heights, OH 44128 greg@plumbingsource.net

Bruce Stebbins Stebbins Plumbing & Heating 937-859-4534 Fax: 937-859-5441 621 E Dixie Drive West Carrollton, OH 45449 stebplumb@gmail.com

Dennis Schlekie Approved Plumbing 440-526-2905 Fax: 440-526-7698 770 Ken Mar Industrial Pkwy Broadview Heights, OH 44147 Dennis@approvedplumbing.com

Trustees Zone 2 Mike Kiminas Dayton Mechanical Systems 937-254-3235 Fax: 937-254-4295 4401 Springfield St Dayton, OH 45431 mkiminas@msdinc.net

Zone 6 Paul Episcopo VIP Plumbing, Inc. 216-581-5731 Fax: 216-581-5730 20600 Miles Parkway Warrensville Heights, OH 44128 paul@vipplumbing.com

Zone 3 Brian Nieman Nieman Plumbing, Inc. 513-851-5588 Fax: 513-851-9104 2030 Stapleton Ct Cincinnati, OH 45240 brian@niemanplumbing.com

Zone 7 Rick Seifert D & A Plumbing & Heating 330-449-8733 Fax: 330-499-8747 11197 Cleveland Ave NW Uniontown, OH 44685 ricks@crowngroupohio.com

Zone 5 Rodger Sweitzer Baumann Plumbing 614-888-2411 Fax: 614-262-4958 22 Westerville Square Westerville, OH 43081 baumannplumbing@ ameritech.net

Introducing Bradford White Rewards™, an exclusive incentive program for the professional installer that rewards you for purchasing Bradford White Commercial Water Heaters. Become a Rewards Member today and you’ll start earning points redeemable for an almost endless choice of great rewards. Gift cards, electronics, sporting goods, vacation packages, and so much more – Your choices are practically endless! Membership is free and the program is simple and easy to use. Sign up today at www.bradfordwhiterewards.com

JOIN NOW!

Scan QR Code M A D E

I N

A M E R I C A

To Find A Wholesaler Call

800.523.2931

Built to be the Best

™

...You decide!

SIMPLEX SYSTEM

Stop the jamming associated with solids-handling sewage pumps and move over to the new ProVoreTM 1 hp. residential grinder - now available in compact simplex or duplex packages!

ProVoreTM residential grinders feature: • Powerful 1 hp. motor • Patented V-Slice® cutter technology – easily shreds feminine products and other tough debris known to jam standard sewage pumps • No special wiring - runs on standard 115V or 230V, 20 amp circuitry • 2 discharge ll

DUPLEX SYSTEM US Patent # 7,159,806 and Patent Pending

Patented V-Slice® Cutter Technology

8 0 0 . 5 4 3 . 2 5 5 0 libertypumps.com 7 0 0 0 A p p l e Tr e e Av e . • B e r g e n , N e w Yo r k 14 416