PHCPPros: Stories From the Mechanical Room With Dan Foley and Steve Smith

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Latest episode

May 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Tune in every month as PHC News Editor Steve Smith and Foley Mechanical President Dan Foley sit down with plumbing and heating industry all-stars to hear their most exciting stories, discover important lessons learned, and find out what they see shaping the future of the PHCP market!

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18 recent

May 5, 2026Episode 141 min

The 7 Powers Every Contractor Needs to Grow with Al Levi

In this episode, Al Levi shares how he transformed a chaotic family business into a scalable operation using systems, structure, and smarter hiring. From manuals and training to mindset shifts, he breaks down what it really takes to grow a contracting business.A must-listen for anyone looking to work on their business—not just in it.Thank you to Podium for sponsoring this episode.When you're out on jobs all day — under a sink, in a crawlspace or driving between calls — you know you're missing calls and texts. Half the time, those job opportunities come in after 5 p.m. If you're not getting back to folks in a couple of minutes, they're already calling the next plumber on Google. That's why more plumbing companies are using Podium. It keeps all your calls, texts and leads in one place. Their AI employee jumps in right away, answering customers, texting them back and even booking the job while you're still out in the field. If you want to see how it works, visit podium.com/phcppros, mention the podcast, and get one month for free.

October 28, 2025Episode 541 min

Bob "Hot Rod" Rohr on Plumbing, Radiant Heat, and a Lifetime in the Trades

In our latest episode, Dan and Steve are joined by industry icon Bob "Hot Rod" Rohr!Tune in as the trio discuss some of Hot Rod's most memorable moments and projects in the PHCP industry and how he got his start, being ahead of the curve on bronze sweat flanges, other innovations he's worked on and what he's currently tinkering with in his workshop, the state of solar thermal technology, the No. 1 question Hot Rod receives about radiant systems, and more! 🚗 Episode Fun Fact: Before his plumbing career, a 17-year-old Hot Rod worked in the American Thrill Show, traveling the U.S. performing stunt shows and assisting with car jumps

August 28, 2025Episode 439 min

All Things Private Equity with Matt Michel

In our latest episode, Dan and Steve are joined by Matt Michel! Michel is the founder and past Chairman, CEO, and president of Service Nation Inc., which operates the Service Roundtable (the world’s largest business alliance for service contractors), the Service Nation Alliance best practices group, the Retail Contractor Coalition branding alliance, the Service World Expo.Tune in as the trio discuss Matt's journey through the industry and all things private equity — including how independent contractors can stay competitive. Plus, find out what Matt thinks are the top five mistakes contractors make and how to avoid them! About Matt: Matt sold Service Nation to EverCommerce in 2017 and stepped down from his leadership position in January 2023. Previously, he founded the Aire Serv franchise system, HVAC’s oldest continually operating residential franchise network.Deemed “The Contractor’s Advocate” and “The Contractor’s Northstar” by various industry publications, Matt is a serial entrepreneur and an internationally acclaimed motivational and informational speaker. He has spoken about marketing, branding, culture, sales, pricing, leadership, strategic planning, goal setting, entrepreneurship, business exit strategies, and industry outlooks from Istanbul to Australia and many places in-between.Today, Matt is a writer, speaker, and rancher. He is the author of "Never Lose a Customer," "The Power of Positive Pricing," "Social Media for Service Contractors," "Uplift," the bestselling "Contractor Stories," and is researching a book on the emotional side of selling a business.Thank you to A. O. Smith for sponsoring this episode. To learn more about the company's Cyclone FLEX water heater, visit Hotwater.com/cycloneflex.

May 21, 2025Episode 333 min

The Power of Relationships with The Joyce Agency's Skipper Joyce

In our latest episode, Dan and Steve are joined by Skipper Joyce, founder of The Joyce Agency! Skipper established the manufacturer's representative agency in 1982. Today, the company covers the plumbing and mechanical markets of Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, West Virginia and Washington D.C. Tune in as the trio discuss how Skipper established his business, the ways it has evolved, and the secret to its success; how Skipper helped Dan get his start in the industry; working with family; adapting to technological advancements, and more! Thank you to Mitsubishi Electric for sponsoring this episode. SMART MULTI® by Mitsubishi Electric is a lineup of heat pumps designed to provide heating and cooling solutions for residential and light commercial applications. This upgraded line of outdoor units has enhanced efficiencies, improved heating ranges, and a diverse set of capabilities for single- and multi-zone needs. With an ENERGY STAR® certification, SMART MULTI provides 100% heating performance down to 5° F with guaranteed heating down to -13° F.For more information, visit https://www.mitsubishicomfort.com/products/smart-multi

April 17, 2025Episode 249 min

From Doughnuts to HVAC with Alan Mercurio

Alan Mercurio is better known throughout the HVAC world as “Your friend in the industry.” He is the founder of www.oiltechtalk.com and has more than 30 years of industry experience in various roles including service technician, equipment sales, service manager, author, consultant, educator, trainer, and proctor. Recently retired, Alan most recently worked as Pennsylvania Petroleum Association Technical Education Center's (PPATEC) Lead Technical Trainer and Assistant Director. Tune in as Alan, Dan and Steve discuss the unique way Alan entered the industry, his passion for education and how he's adapted to new training techniques over the years, some of his favorite teaching memories, and more! Thank you to Mitsubishi Electric for sponsoring this episode. Hybrid VRF by Mitsubishi Electric is a premier system that combines VRF heat recovery efficiency with comfort modulating chilled & hot water flow for every indoor unit. In a system designed to easily embrace long-term regulatory shifts, Hybrid VRF reduces refrigerant usage outdoors and keeps indoor spaces refrigerant-free – enhancing comfort inside and out. With flexibility, faster installation, a smaller footprint, and efficient performance, learn more about Hybrid VRF and visit www.mitsubishicomfort.com/products/hybrid-vrf

March 6, 2025Episode 140 min

Finding Success as Both a Businessman and Tradesman with Greg Jannone

In our latest episode, Dan and Steve interview Greg Jannone, owner of William Jannone & Sons in Branchburg, New Jersey! Tune in as the trio discuss the following: Greg's company and how it implements large plumbing & heating design-build projects from start to finishHow Greg has become both a successful businessman and tradesmanGreg's experience with the Radiant Professionals Alliance (RPA)What Greg's future looks like in the industry as a 60-year-old tradesmanPrivate equity, radiant, controls and VRF trends And more!About Our Sponsor: Thank you to Mitsubishi Electric for sponsoring this episode! Data center cooling has come a long way from the glass-walled enclosures of the 1950s, but it is still just as crucial to control their heat and humidity to preserve data center performance. Mitsubishi Electric’s s-MEXT is a revolutionary I.T. cooling solution that cools data centers, telecommunication rooms, server rooms, battery rooms, and more. To learn more, visit: https://www.mitsubishicomfort.com/

July 18, 2024Episode 340 min

The Edge of Learning with Sila Services' Eddie McFarlane

In this month's episode, Dan and Steve are joined by Sila Services' Eddie McFarlane! With the company since May 2023, Eddie was recently promoted from VP of Learning, Development & Engagement to Chief Learning & Development Officer. Tune in to learn how Eddie has applied his decades of HVAC industry experience to build Sila University, a comprehensive approach to professional and technical skill development.Plus — the trio discuss Eddie's journey from Scotland to the U.S., his transition from the culinary industry to the trades, what's new and exciting with the ACCA Board of Directors, the surge in acquisitions of plumbing and heating companies, A2L refrigerants, electrification, and more!

March 11, 2024Episode 232 min

Championing the Health of the HVACR Industry with ACCA President and CEO Barton James

This month, Dan and Steve are joined by ACCA President and CEO Barton James! Tune in as the trio discuss what ACCA is doing to help contractors on Capitol Hill and improve workforce development efforts — as well as the latest regulations and the importance of trade associations in general. Plus, get a preview of ACCA 2024, an annual education and networking event for HVACR contractors taking place this year from March 11-14 in Orlando!

January 18, 2024Episode 137 min

Crashing the Set of "This Old House" with Richard Trethewey

Dan and Steve kick off their first episode of 2024 with Richard Trethewey of "This Old House!"The trio discuss how Richard has been an integral part of the "This Old House" team since the home improvement show’s debut in 1979 and Dan's recent behind-the-scenes visit to the set. Plus — why Richard became a licensed master and journeyman plumber; how he helped popularize radiant floor heat; the "ultimate training center" he established in Boston through his manufacturer’s representative company, RST Thermal; electrification trends, and more! Thank you to MrPEX Systems for sponsoring this episode! Learn more about the company at https://mrpexsystems.com/

October 31, 2023Episode 936 min

The Pioneers of PEX with Jan Andersson

In our latest episode, Steve and Dan are joined by MrPEX Systems President Jan Andersson! Tune in as the trio discuss how Jan has journeyed through the radiant industry since his start in 1988, the beginnings of PEX and when it became more accepted in the industry, the unique rooftop snowmelt project Dan and Jan previously collaborated on, and more! Learn more about MrPEX at https://mrpexsystems.com/.