IMARK Plumbing Supplier News

T&S Brass Announces Key Leadership Changes

T&S Brass and Bronze Works recently announced significant changes to its leadership team. Claude Theisen has assumed the role of chairman and CEO after 50 years with the organization. His dedication and visionary leadership over the years has helped guide the organization to achieve a solid presence on the world stage, making T&S a globally recognized commercial plumbing brand.

Eva-Marie Fox steps into the position of president and chief operating officer, bringing a wealth of experience to direct day-to-day operations. With more than 30 years of dedicated service at T&S Brass, Fox has transitioned through various roles and responsibilities, including vice president of marketing. Actively engaged in the manufacturing industry, she currently serves as president-elect for the North American Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers (NAFEM).

Ken Gallagher, a seasoned veteran with T&S Brass since 2000, has expanded his role to become the global vice president of sales and marketing.

Furthermore, Zachary Theisen, who has been with the company for more than 12 years, has assumed the role of vice president of plumbing sales, solidifying his dedication and proven track record leading the plumbing sales team to success.

The transition at T&S Brass marks a significant milestone in the company’s trajectory. With a blend of experience and fresh perspectives, the new leadership team is poised to steer the company through its next phase of growth and innovation, further solidifying T&S Brass’s position as a leader in the foodservice and commercial plumbing products industries.

For more information, visit tsbrass.com.

Bradford White Donates Water Heaters to Families in Need

Eight low-income Philadelphia families are receiving new energy efficient water heaters, thanks to a donation from Bradford White Corp.

The donation, during Random Acts of Kindness Week, stems from Bradford White’s signature charitable giving initiative, Industry Forward®. Eight 40-gallon water heaters were provided to very deserving families who have contacted Philadelphia’s Energy Coordinating Agency (ECA) Heater Hotline. ECA is an Industry Forward® partner that has a strong history with Bradford White.

Rich-Tomkins, a manufacturer’s representative for the company, helped coordinate the product delivery and ECA’s trained staff helped identify families most in need.

“At Bradford White, giving back to our communities and providing help to those in need, is part of our mission and core values as a company,” said Rebecca Owens, senior manager of communications for Bradford White. “By providing water heaters to several families in need during Random Acts of Kindness Week we hope to inspire others to show kindness and give back as well so we work together to make a positive impact on people’s lives. We are truly grateful to partner with ECA and provide essential hot water to families who have been without for far too long.”

ECA’s Heater Hotline team receives numerous calls each week from low-income families who have no hot water because water heater replacement is not covered under other low-income programs. Such calls often come from senior citizen homeowners or families who resort to the dangerous practice of heating water on a range for bathing and household cleaning.

The Philadelphia Emergency Water Heater Fund, created by ECA in 2022, has already used its allotted funding for the year and Bradford White stepped up to assist when it heard of the need.

Bradford White has partnered with ECA on several recent projects, including a $50,000 Industry Forward® grant to help ECA launch a pilot internship program for young people and emerging workers from Philadelphia’s disadvantaged communities to receive training on heat pump water heater installation and maintenance.

For more information, visit bradfordwhitecorporation.com/giving/.

Oatey Co. Continues to Grow ‘The Fix’ Podcast and Initiative

More than two years since the launch of its industry-leading podcast “The Fix,” Oatey Co. is continuing to advance the conversation around the skilled trades through an exciting lineup of podcast guests in 2024. “The Fix,” which aims to shed light on the significance of the skilled trades, elevates the voices of many thought leaders and influential organizations that share a commitment to educating, inspiring and empowering the next generation of trade professionals.

Already this year, “The Fix” co-hosts Katherine Lehtinen and Doug Buchan have been joined in conversation by several compelling guests. Lori Tschol, co-founder of Women in Plumbing and Piping (WiPP) and owner of Eagle Pipe Heating and Air, joined “The Fix” in January to share her unconventional journey into the trades and the proactive measures WiPP is taking to champion women. Earlier this month, Scott Caron, master electrician and co-host of “This Old House,” discussed his journey to becoming a master electrician and highlighted the pivotal role of trust, perseverance and a supportive network in the trades.

Raising the bar for dynamic and community-oriented podcasting, Oatey also hosted its first live podcast show in January at the WWETT trade show in Indianapolis. Chris Price, president of the Indiana Construction Roundtable Foundation, chatted with Katherine Lehtinen and special guest co-host Danielle “Twig” Browne (@thelittlestplumber) about his organization’s efforts to foster the next generation of trades industry leaders, including K-12 and adult programs, plus creating opportunities for those who are overcoming hurdles like poverty and criminal backgrounds.

Listeners can look forward to a full slate of additional guests and topics in the coming year, including conversations with representatives of Women in Manufacturing, Explore the Trades and the Treasure Coast Builders Association.

New this year, listeners and followers can support “The Fix” initiative by purchasing Oatey-branded gear at oateyswag.com–each order helps fund donations and partnerships that champion the next generation of skilled trade professionals.

For the latest episode updates and more information, visit oatey.com/podcasts.

Liberty Pumps Digital Content – Grand Anar by Anarus

Liberty Pumps announced its new digital content platform, Anarus, in August 2023. The company is happy to see many of its customers take advantage of this tool to access its data and assets.

Liberty Pumps now has Commercial Series Sewage Pumps. The digital content data and assets for these new pumps is now available in Anarus.

Those who already have an account will see a new category for these pumps, “Commercial Series.” Those who do not have an account yet, can request one at: https://live.anarus.com/createuserrequest?ref=00071.

This platform allows the download of data by pump category or all categories at once. Each model will have downloadable links for the digital assets.

Kim Odle is the Liberty Pumps contact for digital content. If requested, Kim can still provide a digital content Excel file that contains the downloadable links for the assets. The physical asset files are also available upon request.

For more information, contact Odle at Kim.odle@libertypumps.com or visit libertypumps.com.

JJM Alkaline Technologies® Partners with Explore The Trades

JJM Alkaline Technologies®, a leading designer and manufacturer of condensate neutralizers, is pleased to partner with Explore The Trades as an Apprentice Level sponsor in 2024. Through this sponsorship, JJM® will support Explore The Trades’ mission to bridge the technical talent gap in the plumbing, heating, cooling and electrical industries by developing the next generation of the skilled workforce.

“At JJM®, we strive to ensure skilled, trained contractors and technicians install and maintain our industry-leading condensate neutralizers and the condensing, gas-fired heating appliances that our products service. These critical tradespeople keep our country running, but they are part of a shrinking workforce,” Kyle T. Emmons, president of JJM Alkaline Technologies® said. “That’s why we are proud to partner with Explore The Trades—we share the same commitment to empowering future trades professionals. Putting trades back in the classroom is a win-win that exposes high school students to careers in the skilled trades and enables the industry to develop its next generation workforce.”

Jobs in the trades are in high demand and offer competitive wages, attractive benefits and opportunities for advancement. With support from industry leaders like JJM®, Explore The Trades aims to raise awareness with students, educators and parents across the country about the opportunities in the plumbing, heating, cooling, and electrical industries. By providing classroom and on-demand education and career information, Explore The Trades and its partners can help build the skilled workforce of the future.

For more information, visit explorethetrades.org and jjmalkalinetech.com.

A.O. Smith Launches Adapt™ Premium Condensing Tankless Water Heater Line

A.O. Smith recently announced the launch of its Adapt™ Premium Condensing Gas Tankless Water Heaters with X3® Scale Prevention Technology. With new premium features, including an integrated recirculation pump and patented heat exchanger; enhanced installation flexibility and highly efficient performance, Adapt™ tankless meets the needs of busy contractors and homeowners alike.

This unit is the first tankless water heater designed and manufactured entirely by A.O. Smith. To enhance installation flexibility, the Adapt line offers two- and three-inch dual pipe venting, 1/2- and 3/4-inch gas line options and universal indoor/outdoor installation. A.O. Smith designed the units so they can be converted from natural gas to liquid propane in the field with an included kit. All of these features work together to provide plumbing professionals with unparalleled installation flexibility when working in the field. Plumbers now have a unit that conforms on the spot to fit their exact needs, no matter the install location, fuel type or existing venting.

The Adapt tankless water heaters also include several high-end features that are frequently requested by homeowners, such as wi-fi capability for remote monitoring and peace of mind and an integrated recirculation pump that provides instant hot water and eliminates the time homeowners typically spend waiting at their fixture for the water to heat up.

Available in 160,000-, 180,000-, and 199,000-BTU/hour units, the Adapt line of water heaters fits a variety of needs. Plus, the unit is equipped with A. O. Smith’s patented X3® Scale Prevention Technology which inhibits scale build-up and corrosion to extend the life of the unit up to three times longer. With zero lifetime descaling maintenance, the Adapt tankless water heater meets the needs of busy installers and homeowners. Units also qualify for numerous state and local rebates and are ENERGY STAR® certified.

For more information, visit hotwater.com.

Merit Brass Expands CarbonPress® Fitting Offering

Merit Brass Co. unveiled the expansion of its press offering of CarbonPress® Fittings. The latest enhancements now encompass large diameters of 2-1/2” to 4” and the FKM (Fluoroelastomer) sealing elements for industrial applications.

CarbonPress® fittings are suitable for use on steel pipes conforming to ASTM A53, A106, A135, A795 (schedule 10 to 40)

or constructed of black iron, epoxy coated or galvanized steel.

Manufactured from ASTM A420 carbon steel featuring Zn-Ni plating, CarbonPress® fittings provide excellent corrosion resistance, strength and ductility. The fittings are versatile as they are compatible with a wide range of fluids, gases and oils & lubricants making them ideal for use in applications where traditionally joined carbon steel products are specified.

The CarbonPress® fittings are efficient and easy to install. With no brazing or welding required, the press connection translates to substantial time and labor cost savings. In addition, Merit’s first to market Visual Indicator Press Ring® (VIPR®) is color-coded to the application (yellow for gas, white for industrial and green for water) and designed to further facilitate proper installation by application. Moreover, CarbonPress® fittings seamlessly integrate with standard industry fittings, making them a drop-in replacement for your existing systems where convenience and performance are key!

Merit’s comprehensive press technology offering empowers customers to effortlessly bundle products with their pipe, fittings and valves requirements. The comprehensive offering now encompasses:

• CarbonPress® HNBR, FKM, EPDM fittings 1/2” – 4”
• CopperPress® EPDM fittings 1/2” – 4” and valves 1/2” – 2”
• StainlessPress® EPDM, HNBR, FKM fittings and valves 1/2” – 2”

For more information, visit meritbrass.com.

IMARK Member Raffle Winner Revealed

To kick off the IMARK 2024 meeting in January, Barry E. Walter Sr. Co. announced it would raffle off a set of Parts Hero cornhole boards to an IMARK member.

IMARK members who placed an order with the company from January 22 through March received one raffle entry. IMARK members who signed up for the GainShare program with the company and placed an order received two raffle entries.

A random number generator picked the lucky company. Palm Beach Plumbing Parts Inc. won and will receive the set of cornhole boards from Colorado Joe’s, the company that made the boards for the raffle.

Barry E. Walter Sr. Co. had a total of 100 GainShare partners and 754 orders placed by the raffle deadline. The company had a total of 1,397 raffle entries.

For more information, visit barrywalter.com.