Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors of Virginia

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VirginiaNS EARN NATIONAL HONORS AT PHCC CONNECT 2021

James Lindsey, Sr. named plumbing contractor of the year

Recognized as a symbol of excellence in the plumbing industry, the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association’s (PHCC’s) Plumbing Contractor of the Year award was presented this year to James Lindsey of Lindsey Brothers, Inc., Virginia Beach. The award is sponsored by Delta Faucet Company since 1985.

“Tradesmen throughout Hampton Roads, Virginia, talk about the helpfulness and generosity demonstrated by Lindsey, such as loaning equipment to his competitors,” according to local PHCC members. “Many of these individuals got their start at Lindsey Brothers and now own their own companies or work for larger businesses, and they often still refer customers to Lindsey Brothers.”

Contributing to Lindsey Brothers’ stellar reputation is “PHAT” – Professional, Honest, Accountable, Teachable – an acronym for how the company does business and measures its performance. Taking customer feedback very seriously, the company encourages online reviews and contacts every customer to get reviews on the job that was performed and the staff who performed the work. This “Happy Calls” program involves posting good comments in the office while immediately addressing any concerns.

“When you have been in business 55 years, you’ve seen some changes,” Lindsey – who has been a plumber for 74 of his 91 years – has said. In that time, the company has gone from capturing everything on paper to more effectively managing systems like accounting and scheduling electronically.

In 2016, Lindsey Brothers launched a community program – “Handle the Business” – which introduces 15- to 20-year-olds to career opportunities that don’t require a college education. The program is credited with getting an under-served demographic gainfully employed in the trades.

Striving to make a positive difference in its community and in the lives of its customers, Lindsey Brothers also has supported other local organizations, including Virginia Beach CASA, the NAACP, Norfolk State University, WPCE’s “Let’s Make it Difficult for Children to Fail,” and a variety of neighborhood youth groups.

In 2016, the Virginia Beach Department of Economic Development recognized Lindsey Brothers – then celebrating its 50th anniversary – as one of the oldest African-American plumbing and heating companies in the United States.

Tony bertolino selected top plumbing instructor by phcc

Recognized for his outstanding leadership and dedication to his students at Norfolk Technical Center in Virginia, Anthony Bertolino was named PHCC 2021 Plumbing Instructor of the Year, sponsored by Milwaukee Tool.

“The instructors in the p-h-c field play a crucial role in developing tomorrow’s workers,” said 2020-2021 PHCC President Hunter Botto during the award presentation. “We are fortunate to have high-caliber men and women who devote their time – both on and off the clock – to prepare students for rewarding careers in our industry.”

Bertolino is “an exceptional teacher and role model for his students,” added Botto. In addition to running Bertolino Plumbing & Heating in Virginia Beach, Virginia, with his brother, he teaches all four years of plumbing apprenticeship at Norfolk Technical Center. He has dramatically improved both the retention rate for each class and the number of students, and his program is one of the largest in Virginia.

Ironically, Bertolino did not originally plan to become a plumber but rather study business in college and become a floor trader in New York City. After his father, a licensed plumbing contractor, explained the expenses involved with that plan, however, Bertolino considered plumbing. He enrolled in an apprenticeship program, earned his journeyman’s license, and – less than two years later – received his masters’ licenses.

This is one of the first stories Bertolino shares with his students. “I tell them that I have no student debt; I own my own business, and I really enjoy what I do,” he said. “I also tell them how much I have learned and that this is the career I chose.”

As an instructor, Bertolino’s effectiveness is more than charisma and straight talk, however. He incorporates the Montessori method of education that is based on self-directed activity, hands-on learning, and collaborative play. He engages students by sharing examples of his own on-the-job challenges and encourages them to discuss their work experiences to help advance the entire class.

“Tony’s students know that he expects them to apply their classroom knowledge to the day-to-day work and that licensure is the mark of professionalism,” Botto said during the award presentation. “He reminds them of the importance of plumbing to the health and safety of the nation.”

Bertolino’s connection with his students doesn’t end when their apprenticeships are completed; he stays in touch with many of them for years and keeps a collection of stories about the good things they have done in the trade.

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Calling all apprentices

The 2022 Plumbing Apprentice Contest offers third and fourth year plumbing apprentices a truly unique opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in a practical, hands-on event that is fun and exciting for everyone involved. This year’s event will take place in April in Northern Virginia.

The apprentices will be required to rough-in a half bathroom on a pre-built module and the materials will be provided. Contestants will be given a layout, specification sheets, and the needed materials to compete in the contest. Contestants will not have to drill any holes, and will have approximately seven (7) hours to complete the contest. First, second and third place plaques are awarded for being the best, not for finishing first; we are looking for quality not quantity. Contestants must provide their own hand tools, and a tool list is attached for your convenience.

First and second place winners have a chance to attend the national Plumbing-Heating-Cooling-Contractors Association competition in Indianapolis, IN, Oct. 2-4, 2019 Expenses may be offset for winners from member businesses.

Past winners:

2005 Kevin James, Cameron Plumbing

2006 Tom Carpino, Evan Hibbs Plumbing

2007 Richard Jernigan, Kane Plumbing

2008 Thomas Keys, Jr., Clover Contracting, Inc.

2009 William Lloyd, Gainesville Plumbing

2010 Rusty Wamsley, Woodbridge Plumbing, Inc.

2011 Daniel Day, Phoenix Plumbing

2012 Justin Duke, D. E. Kirby

2013 Jose Noe Hernandez, D.F. Williams Plumbing

2014 Nathan Boggs, S.D. Boggs Plumbing

2015 Jared Beninati, Evan Hibbs Plumbing

2016 Daniel Huppert, Unlimited Plumbing and Piping

2017 Ryan Johnson, Presidential Plumbing

2018 Daniel Judd, David Judd Plumbing

2019 Tyler Paul, Bion inc.

2020 Covid

2021 Ryan Swindell, Atomic Plumbing

2022 Anthony Graham, BION, inc.

PHCCVA chapter Golf Events Bring fun and work together

The Hampton Roads and Northern Virginia Chapters each gather once a year to bring contractors, suppliers and customers together onthe golf course for a day of fun. This year both the Hampton Roads and the NOVA event will take place in the Fall.

Both events feature a shotgun start followed by a full barbecue dinner in the clubhouse Complete information will be available here when dates are set.

The annual events benefit the state and local apprenticeship program, underwriting the annual Plumbing Apprentice Competition.

The Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors of Virginia (PHCC Va) is a chartered affiliate of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors National Association (PHCC). PHCC VA members cover the entire range of plumbing and HVAC contractors in Virginia, from small companies to large contractors, with a wide range of services covering both residential and commercial projects. Our members are reputable contractors who agree to abide by our Code of Ethics in their business practices.

PHCC VA Mission and Vision

The mission of the Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors of Virginia (PHCC Va) is to provide networking, information, education, and training to its statewide membership as well as tracking legislation and providing a forum for problem solving.The vision of PHCC VA is to provide a growing membership with the resources, education, and public recognition they need to expand their businesses in the most professional and profitable manner.

Officers and Directors

PHCC is governed by its Executive Committee and Committee Chairs. Members may contact PHCC leadership members at any time.

Membership Benefits

Being a chartered affilitate of the PHCC National Association, PHCC members enjoy a wide variety of member benefits on the national, state, and local level which helps provide the resources they need to expand their business. If you or your firm is interested in becoming a member, visit the Members page where you can download a membership application.

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