Stay Curious (Because Standing Still Is Not an Option)

Dan Callies, President's Corner, Oak Creek
January 16, 2025
By Dan Callies, PHCC—National Association President

I’ve been around long enough to know one thing: if you’re in the plumbing and HVAC industry, you’ve got to be ready for just about anything. One minute you’re installing a water heater like you’ve done a thousand times before, and the next you’re facing a challenge so unique that you think, “Well, I haven’t seen that before!”

Running a business? Now that’s an entirely different level of “unexpected.” Every day brings its own set of challenges, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s that you’ve got to stay on your toes.

Adapting to Change: The New Normal
When I first got into this business, I thought I’d have everything figured out after a few years. Turns out, the only thing that’s predictable in this industry is that things are always changing. New technology, shifting customer expectations, and evolving regulations – it’s a constant cycle of adaptation. And if you’re not keeping up, you’re falling behind.

What keeps me grounded (and a little bit sane) is a mindset I’ve come to value: stay curious. It’s not just a catchy phrase; it’s a strategy that’s helped me grow both personally and professionally. From learning the ins and outs of the latest smart plumbing systems to figuring out new processes to improve efficiency, staying curious keeps you on your game.

At Oak Creek Plumbing, we’ve faced our fair share of challenges, but the key has always been to learn and adapt. Whether it’s through improving our workflows or training our team on new techniques, the willingness to grow is what keeps us ahead.

Business Management: It’s a Balancing Act
Business management is a lot like trying to balance on a rolling pipe – it’s tricky, and if you’re not careful, you’ll end up on your back looking at the ceiling. Between managing cash flow, keeping clients happy, and making sure you’ve got the right people in the right places, it’s a constant juggling act. And don’t even get me started on the labor shortage. Finding skilled talent these days? It’s like hunting for a unicorn.

But here’s the silver lining – you don’t have to do it alone. That’s where PHCC comes in. Whether you need educational programs, networking opportunities, or advocacy, PHCC has resources to help keep your business moving forward. If you’re facing a challenge, chances are someone else in this organization has already been there and found a way through it.

And let’s be honest, business management isn’t always glamorous. How many times have you had to explain to a client why their remodel is taking longer than expected? They don’t always see the behind-the-scenes delays – the supply chain hiccups, the material shortages, or the parking situation at job sites (or lack thereof). But as business owners, we manage those daily headaches so our customers don’t have to.

Investing in Your People: The Secret Sauce
One thing I’ve learned is that the key to a successful business isn’t just having the right tools or the latest technology; it’s having the right people. Building a strong company culture, where employees feel valued and motivated, is one of the best investments you can make.

At Oak Creek Plumbing, we’ve worked hard to create an environment where people actually like coming to work. It’s not rocket science … when you treat your team well, they’ll treat your customers well. And happy customers lead to repeat business. Funny how that works.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Business Management
So, what’s next? Well, as much as I’d love to have a crystal ball, the truth is none of us knows exactly what the future holds for our industry. But what I do know is that business management is going to keep evolving, and we need to keep evolving with it.

That’s where PHCC will continue to play a big role. From offering education on the latest technology to advocating for contractors at the state and national levels, PHCC has your back. And as your National president, my goal is to help you stay engaged, stay curious, and keep learning. Because in this business, if you’re not learning, you’re standing still … and standing still is not an option.

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.

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