Jessica Bannister (a.k.a. HVACJess) is a Level 3 HVAC Apprentice at her family’s company, Cam Cool Refrigeration Inc. in Vancouver, as well as the current president of Women in HVAC/R Canada. Tune in to learn about her experience as a third-generation HVAC contractor, how she works to bring more awareness to women in the trades, and more! Follow her journey further on Instagram at @HVACJess and on YouTube at “The HVAC Diaries."
Dec 13, 2022•29 min•Season 2Ep. 2
We're kicking off a new season of the Behind the Wall podcast by interviewing our new host, Max Rohr! Max is the education and industry engagement manager with Caleffi North America. He began his manufacturing career at the Caleffi headquarters in Italy. Since then, he worked for several HVAC/P industry companies in the manufacturers' rep and wholesale distribution channels before returning to Caleffi in 2020. Tune in to learn about his childhood growing up with parents Ellen and Bob 'Hot Rod' R...
Nov 10, 2022•26 min•Season 2Ep. 1
Mary Jean Anderson is the heart and soul of Anderson Plumbing, Heating & Air. Founded in 1978, the company is currently ranked among the Top 1% of plumbing, heating and air conditioning businesses in the country. Tune in as she and Host Ellen Rohr discuss how Mary Jean got her start in the industry, how she and her family have navigated the company's growth, and how she continues to help bring other women into the industry! Learn more about Anderson Plumbing, Heating & Air and read the c...
Jan 18, 2022•42 min•Season 1Ep. 21
Host Ellen Rohr interviews Alexis Aranda, owner & CFO of Pure Plumbing, a family plumbing business that currently has two locations in Las Vegas and Dallas. Discover how she began a career in the plumbing industry and the lessons she's learned along the way, where she finds her ambition, her advice for working with a spouse, and how she plans to continue to grow her plumbing empire!
Nov 28, 2021•48 min•Season 1Ep. 20
Originally from Dublin, Ireland, Alan O'Neill started his journey in the home services industry more than 40 years ago as an apprentice plumber. Now the CEO and Founder of Abacus Plumbing and the Regional CEO-Central for Wrench Group, Alan shares his advice for navigating the industry and discusses the mentors he’s had throughout his life, how he has become a successful leader, the lessons he’s learned as he’s grown his empire — and what’s in store for the future!
Sep 02, 2021•49 min•Season 1Ep. 19
Kenny Chapman launched The Blue Collar Success Group to fill what he recognized as a gap in the industry — to offer expert technician training and assist owners and leaders in creating businesses that serve their lives. Kenny entered the in-home service industry in 1994 when he bought a truck and plumbing company in western Colorado doing only $1,000 per month in revenue. Pager and “brick phone” in hand, he scaled the company in only a few years to the point of creating personal income and freed...
Jul 01, 2021•44 min•Season 1Ep. 18
Host Ellen Rohr goes behind the wall with Chloe Davis, CMO of Express Plumbing, Heating & Air! While in high school, Chloe started working at her father's plumbing company as a CSR taking customer calls and booking jobs. Today, she has been proudly working at Express for four years as head of the marketing department — all while attending college for two bachelor's degrees in entrepreneurship and marketing. Learn about her path to the skilled trades, the ways she maintains her strong work et...
May 21, 2021•41 min•Season 1Ep. 17
Since 1999, Brad and Sarah Casebier have owned and operated home service company Radiant Plumbing & Air Conditioning, offering plumbing, drains, heating, and air conditioning services to residents of Austin, Texas. Tune in to learn how the husband and wife team started working together, what continues to drive them as leaders, and the ways they’ve successfully grown their business over the years (which closed out 2020 at $34 million in net revenue!)
May 07, 2021•40 min•Season 1Ep. 16
Mark Matteson discusses the lessons he’s learned throughout his career — from air conditioning and refrigeration technician to best-selling author and international speaker. Tune in to discover what motivates him to help others grow and learn, why he takes a personal approach to his work, his advice for setting and achieving goals, and more!
Apr 16, 2021•44 min•Season 1Ep. 15
Ellen Rohr and Chris Hunter discuss his journey through the skilled trades — from HVAC technician to business owner to his current role at ServiceTitan. Discover what moments and decisions changed his life forever, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and how he's sharing strategies and insights to help home service companies succeed through his book, "It's Go Time."
Jan 28, 2021•40 min•Season 1Ep. 14
Evelyn Pacheco is an Army veteran who became Nevada’s first black female union plumber nearly 20 years ago. Find out what impact joining the military had on her life, why she entered the skilled trades, and how she continues to prepare other women in Nevada for successful careers in high-skilled trade occupations!
Dec 22, 2020•34 min•Season 1Ep. 13
Cheryl discusses how she began her career and the lessons she’s learned along the way. Discover how she combines her love of tech and the trades, as well as how she has staked her claim in the two heavily male-dominated industries! Cheryl McRae is the Director of Vertical Marketing and Producer of The Sharpest Tool™ podcast. She spearheads Scorpion's strategy for educating home services businesses about digital marketing and connecting them to solutions for acquiring new customers. Cheryl brings...
Dec 09, 2020•40 min•Season 1Ep. 12
Host Ellen Rohr interviews Michael Werner, CEO and founder of HomeX. They discuss why Michael entered our industry, his experiences working with family, advice for businesses looking to grow, and the motivation behind HomeX, a home services platform combining world-class technology and next generation service operations. Michael also shares how his life changed when he was diagnosed with lymphoma, as well as his commitment to making a positive difference for others.
Nov 25, 2020•46 min•Season 1Ep. 11
Jay Egg was fascinated when his wife, Kristy Egg, explained that epidemiological studies can be thought of for requiring seat belts in cars, and for the banning of lawn darts. He was even more fascinated to learn about Legionnaires Disease and Pontiac Fever, and why HVAC systems can be such a breeding ground for them. Ellen Rohr interviews the duo to discuss their ongoing work with IAPMO's Legionella Task Group, what the focus of their efforts has been during the COVID-19 pandemic and the progre...
Nov 06, 2020•36 min•Season 1Ep. 10
Erin Holohan Haskell, president of HeatingHelp.com, shares her experiences growing up in the industry and working with family, as well as how she works to strengthen our industry through education, community and mentorship.
Oct 17, 2020•24 min•Season 1Ep. 9
Host Ellen Rohr interviews Josh Kelly, CEO of Clover Marketing, a marketing consulting business for contractors. Tune in to hear their vulnerable discussion on life as a serial entrepreneur, working for a family business, and finding love, as well as how Josh went from working 80-hour weeks to establishing his ideal work-life balance and staying in touch with what matters.
Sep 28, 2020•37 min•Season 1Ep. 8
Host Ellen Rohr interviews Sean McCormack, PHC News columnist and owner of BMC Plumbing and Heating Inc. They discuss what it's like to take over a family business, how Sean balances work and family, and why he decided to start writing about his life as a plumber.
Sep 04, 2020•32 min•Season 1Ep. 7
Ellen interviews Dennis Hamon, co-owner of Zoom Drain Seattle and Gene Johnson Plumbing and Heating. Tune in to learn about Dennis' unique career path (he's perhaps the world's only plumbing mortician) as well as how he's helping young people get the most out of their apprenticeships.
Jul 28, 2020•33 min•Season 1Ep. 6
Ellen Rohr interviews Dan Foley, the president and owner of Foley Mechanical. Listen to find out how this industry icon got his start and what lessons he's learned throughout his 30-year career.
Jul 17, 2020•30 min•Season 1Ep. 5
Laura Kelly is the head of sales and marketing at RevuKangaroo and partner at Clover Marketing and Consulting, a full service marketing firm that specializes in the home services industry. At only 24 years old, Laura has consulted one-on-one with billion-dollar businesses and CEOs, toured the country with a venture capitalist investment group, and run more than 30 events across the nation. Tune in as she and Host Ellen Rohr discuss Laura's journey from Ireland to the United States, how she got h...
Jul 09, 2020•33 min•Season 1Ep. 4
Michael Bleier is the president and owner of Able Distributors. Listen for a lively conversation on the joys and challenges of combining business with family and how his company stays relevant in the age of the instant supply house.
May 08, 2020•49 min•Season 1Ep. 3
Pamela Belyn is the owner of Men in Sewers and ZOOM Drain Chicago. Find out how Belyn went from law books and contracts to owning a successful drain/sewer-cleaning business!
May 08, 2020•48 min•Season 1Ep. 2
Stephen Minnich has nearly 40 years of experience in the heating industry, primarily installing and servicing hydronic systems. He most recently operated Minnich Mechanical Design, based in the Chicago suburb of Elk Grove Village. Stephen is a proud family man with an unwavering sense of honor who commits to doing the right things the right way. Buckle up for a candid and vulnerable conversation!
May 08, 2020•41 min•Season 1Ep. 1
