When I got into this trade, I figured I’d be working with pipe wrenches, not politicians. But here I am, telling you that what we do in the halls of Congress is just as critical as what we do in basements and crawlspaces.

Why? Because if we’re not at the table, we’re on the menu. And I don’t know about you, but I prefer eating to being eaten, especially when I’ve already skipped lunch for the third time this week.

Advocacy Isn’t Optional Anymore

Every day, government agencies and elected officials are making decisions that directly affect how you run your business – whether it’s workforce funding, licensing rules, energy codes, or how you train the next generation. If we don’t speak up, we’ll be stuck living with decisions made by people who think “sweating pipe” means being nervous.

PHCC gives us a powerful voice – on Capitol Hill, in statehouses, and in regulatory meetings that most contractors never even know are happening. But our voice is strongest when it includes your story, your experience, and your boots-on-the-ground knowledge.

What We Did in D.C. (and Why It Matters)

At this year’s Legislative Conference, we hit the ground running. Contractors from across the country showed up, suited up (yes, some of us even ironed our shirts), and talked to lawmakers about the real-world impact of their decisions.

And guess what? They listened.

We weren’t just talking points; we were taxpayers, employers, problem-solvers. We made sure they understood that plumbing and HVAC contractors are essential to public health, energy efficiency, and workforce development. Because let’s face it: you can’t have a green future if nobody knows how to install a tankless water heater.

You Don’t Have to Be a “Politics Person”

I know what you’re thinking: “I’ve got crews to manage, jobs to finish, and a parts delivery that’s been ‘almost there’ for three hours. I don’t have time for politics.”

Totally fair. But here’s the thing – the people making the rules have all the time in the world to affect your business. That’s why we advocate. So you can focus on running your company, knowing someone’s watching your back.

You don’t have to move to D.C. or memorize bill numbers. Just stay plugged in. Support PHCC’s advocacy team. Attend a local event. Share your story.

Even five minutes can make a difference, especially if you use those five minutes to explain to a state senator why your apprentices aren’t learning to install plumbing systems on TikTok.

Real Contractors, Real Impact

Some of our members have taken their advocacy even further – running for local office, joining advisory boards, or helping shape state code updates. And whether they win elections or just win influence, they’re making a difference for all of us.

You don’t have to go that far (unless you want to – we’ll back you up), but their involvement shows what’s possible when contractors step into leadership roles. You’ve got more influence than you think … and PHCC is here to help you use it.

Plumbing Protects the Nation. Advocacy Protects the Industry.

Our work literally keeps the water flowing, the air clean, and the buildings safe. That’s something to be proud of. But it’s also something worth protecting.

So as your president, I’m asking you to get involved. Be aware. Be vocal. Be the contractor who doesn’t just fix problems but helps prevent them in the first place.

Because at the end of the day, policy affects everything from your bottom line to your apprentices’ future. Let’s make sure those decisions are made with us, not about us.

Thanks for all you do … and thanks for letting PHCC be your voice, your shield, and your megaphone.

PHCC—National Association President Dan Callies is owner of Oak Creek Plumbing & Remodeling, a second-generation, family-owned and operated company in Oak Creek, Wisconsin.