FALLS CHURCH, Va. (Oct. 22, 2026) – The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association (PHCC) has selected has selected Joseph Adam, instructor and superintendent at MWM Trades Academy in Lead, South Dakota, as its 2026 HVAC Instructor of the Year. Sponsored by PHCC Strategic Partner Milwaukee Tool, the award was presented recently during PHCC CONNECT 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Adam brings a passion for the HVAC trade and a strong commitment to helping the next generation of professionals succeed. As both an instructor and superintendent, he understands that the quality of students’ workmanship will directly affect the future of the industry. Patient and dedicated, he recognizes that students come to the trade with different backgrounds and levels of experience and works to help each one develop the skills and confidence needed to become a successful professional.

Known for keeping his classes engaging and practical, Adam goes beyond explaining how something works to showing students how it applies in the field. He incorporates real-world examples and openly shares mistakes he has made or encountered on the job, walking students through the troubleshooting process used to identify and correct them. One student noted that Adam “never runs short of energy” when teaching and consistently works to make the learning environment fun and engaging.

Adam also has played a key role in developing an HVAC teaching lab that gives students valuable hands-on experience. He has utilized the service department to acquire retired equipment and repurposed units that can be intentionally failed or require repairs. This gives students an opportunity to troubleshoot actual equipment in a controlled environment. He also developed a demonstration wall featuring a complete wiring harness from a high-efficiency furnace, allowing students to trace voltage paths, understand system operation, and see how components work together.

To keep students involved in the learning process, Adam has found creative ways to make even quizzes interactive. He has transformed them into a game show format, using friendly competition and humor to encourage participation and maintain students’ attention. His approach reflects his belief that technical training can be both challenging and enjoyable.

Adam is equally focused on preparing students to become leaders in the industry. He takes pride in helping new workers build their knowledge and confidence and hopes to see his students eventually step into leadership roles as instructors, superintendents, or other industry leaders. He believes experienced professionals have a responsibility to invest their time and knowledge in those coming into the trade.

He also holds students to a high standard of quality workmanship and professionalism. His philosophy is summed up in a phrase he frequently uses: “quality over quantity.” Adam teaches students to take the time to understand a process and complete the work correctly the first time rather than rushing through a job and creating problems later. By bringing real-world challenges into the classroom, he helps students develop not only technical skills but also the troubleshooting, critical-thinking, and attention-to-detail skills needed to succeed in the field.

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About PHCC
The PHCC—National Association, formed in 1883, provides legislative advocacy, education, and training to approximately 3,500 plumbing and HVACR businesses and 65,000 technicians. Members of PHCC have access to a wide variety of services designed to increase their professionalism, grow their business, and improve profitability. For more information about PHCC, visit phccweb.org.

About Milwaukee Tool
For over 100 years, Milwaukee Tool has led the industry with innovative solutions that redefine performance, productivity, and safety for professional trades. Fueled by an unwavering commitment to its users, Milwaukee Tool pioneers breakthrough technologies, products, and services that empower tradespeople to excel in their work and return home safely each day. Milwaukee is dedicated to delivering a steady stream of advanced, trade-specific solutions from its global research, design, and development facilities located across southeast Wisconsin. Milwaukee^® is a subsidiary of Techtronic Industries Co. Ltd. (TTI), a world leader in cordless technology. For more information about Milwaukee Tool, visit milwaukeetool.com.