
By Joe Cornetta
The call came from the editor of Solutions magazine – “It’s time to write your final column as PHCC—National President. Can you highlight technology/innovation in the plumbing industry? Please try to stay on topic.” (I guess I veered outside the lane in past articles.)
So, technology/innovation in the plumbing industry … huh … I think that started when dad purchased automatic transmissions in our work trucks. It was the best innovation you could ask for … but I would have needed a hip replacement if I had been working that clutch pedal for the last 40 years.
Somehow, though, I think my PHCC editor wanted more, and I knew I needed to reach out to the experts. Where better to find the latest in technology but with PHCC’s industry partners?
Among Our Generous Partners …
Richard Simons, a senior vice president at Bradford White, answered the call. Rich was excited about Bradford White’s innovations in high-efficiency gas, electric, heat pump, and space heating products. “Rich, that’s awesome,” I replied, “and I love Bradford White’s commitment to the contractors. Can I use my pipe wrench on all those products?” Rich reminded me that workmanship was not included in the warranty.
Rheem Manufacturing Company has become one of PHCC’s strongest HVAC allies, and Randy Roberts is the best. “What’s new at Rheem?” I asked. “Heat pumps are approaching 50% of the total market, and Rheem continues to be a leader in air and water heat pump technology,” he said. “We’re helping contractors provide consumers with the ultimate in home comfort.”
Thanks, Randy. I’m comfortable swinging wrenches as a plumber, but I know our thousands of HVAC contractors will appreciate that.
Scott Teson represents Milwaukee Tool, which has gone above and beyond to innovate the plumbing world. Battery storage, he said, is amazing. “We power drain cleaning equipment, pipe threaders, lighting, and dozens of hand tools for hours with our battery technology.”
“Hey, Scott,” I replied, “batteries are exciting, but how about Milwaukee’s Cheater Pipe Wrench? That’s what I call innovation.”
My space in this column only allows me to share a sampling of our many valued industry partners. Their commitment to our industry and to PHCC is amazing, and I join all PHCC staff and our members in thanking them for their generous support.
Dad’s Input
What article would be complete without the perspective of my dad, Chick Cornetta, 91 years young and full of energy. When I met up with him, he glanced at his watch – “It’s 5:30 p.m., you only worked half a day?”
“Dad,” I asked, “what’s the greatest innovation in your 70 years in the industry?”
“The pipe wrench,” he quipped. “It requires hands-on manpower to operate. No software program, phone app, artificial intelligence, or charging station … just your built-in torque wrench,” he added, pointing to his forearm.
A Year With My Wrench
This past year has been amazing. It began at CONNECT 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio, where RIDGID Tools presented me with a 100-year anniversary pipe wrench (see photo). At my swearing-in ceremony, I thanked my beautiful wife, Lillian, for her support and pledged I would be a better president than my friend Hunter Botto.
Our PHCC Legislative Conference in May was the largest in years. SkillsUSA renewed my faith that young people want to work with their hands … so much so that I volunteered to assist next year. Our streamlined PHCC CONNECT 2024 conference will breathe new life into the greatest networking and education convention in the industry.
It was a privilege working with Don Powers and our PHCC—National Executive Committee. Next year, Dan Callies, Jason Pritchard, and Tyler Arndt will lead our Chief Executive Officer, Cindy Sheridan, with fresh ideas.
And thanks to all of you who showed faith in me to better this wonderful association. I’ve absolutely enjoyed my time as your president, especially writing articles for Solutions magazine. I’ve even nicknamed myself the “Ernest Hemingway of Elmont.” I wish my eighth-grade English teacher could see the fruits of her labor.
It’s time to say goodbye as your president, but I have my pipe wrench … and a whole lot more.
PHCC—National Association President Joe Cornetta is co-owner of Cornetta Bros., Inc., a third-generation plumbing and heating business in Elmont, New York.