Roger Wakefield sits down with guest Tony Bertolino—an experienced plumber from Virginia and former state president of the PHCC (Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association). Together, they discuss how organizations like PHCC shape the future of plumbing and benefit tradespeople at every stage of their career. From protecting licenses through political advocacy to delivering first-rate training and offering business growth opportunities, professional organizations are essential to the plumbing industry.
Below, we’ll explore three crucial reasons why plumbing professionals should consider joining a professional organization like PHCC. You’ll see how these groups fight for important legislative issues, develop the next generation of talent, and create a support system for business owners who need guidance and networking to thrive.
The Value of Professional Organizations in Plumbing
Before diving into the three primary benefits, it’s worth understanding why the plumbing industry needs professional organizations in the first place. Plumbing is deeply regulated—plumbers must hold valid licenses, follow strict codes, and meet safety standards that protect public health. Additionally, the industry faces countless external pressures, from changing environmental policies to shifts in consumer technology and energy usage.
A professional organization acts as a unifying force. Its members include seasoned pros, up-and-coming apprentices, educators, and business owners. By aligning under one umbrella, the industry gains a collective voice. Whether you’re a single-truck contractor or manage a large plumbing crew, organizations like PHCC can help you keep up with legislative changes, connect with experts for business best practices, and secure top-notch training for your workforce.
Reason #1: Advocacy & Protecting Plumbing Licenses
Perhaps the most visible role professional organizations play is advocating on behalf of plumbers at local, state, and even national levels. Many tradespeople don’t realize how easily their licenses—or even the entire licensing framework—can be jeopardized by political decisions. Plumbing might not seem political at first glance, but laws around water and gas lines, building codes, and licensure requirements are constantly subject to legislative review.
Guarding the Right to Practice
As Tony Bertolino notes, a plumber’s license is granted by the state. It isn’t automatically permanent. If policymakers decide to deregulate or weaken licensing requirements, it could jeopardize an entire trade. Plumbers might lose the ability to pull permits or face an influx of underqualified workers, eroding wages and public trust.
In Texas, for example, Roger points out that state-level decisions nearly dissolved the plumbing license framework. If not for proactive lobbying from plumbers, the license might have been revoked or significantly diminished, negatively impacting professionals and public safety alike. When these crises arise, organizations like PHCC mobilize members to speak at hearings, engage with lawmakers, and raise awareness among the public.
Fighting for or Against Legislation
Certain legislation directly affects how plumbers provide services. For instance, the debate over natural gas usage versus electrification can substantially impact those who specialize in gas lines. Groups like PHCC keep plumbers informed of impending policy changes and organize collective responses. This can range from writing letters and making phone calls to more involved actions such as testifying before legislative committees.
Why Advocacy Matters to Individual Plumbers
Advocacy isn’t only about defending the trade from extinction; it’s also about ensuring fair regulations, competitive markets, and consistent standards. By participating in these efforts, a plumber safeguards their livelihood and helps maintain a professional environment that values skill, knowledge, and safety. Without strong advocacy, you could end up dealing with unqualified competition, complicated red tape, or unsustainable regulations that make running a successful business much harder.
Reason #2: Education & Training for Career Growth
Professional organizations like PHCC excel at providing structured training that covers both technical skills and leadership development. Apprenticeship programs, continuing education courses, and leadership workshops are integral to shaping a well-rounded professional.
Apprenticeship Programs
For newcomers, an apprenticeship is often the gateway to a fulfilling plumbing career. In some states (like Texas), certain apprenticeship programs enable you to qualify for your journeyman or master plumber license sooner. Formalized apprenticeship programs ensure you’re not just trained on the job, but receive a structured curriculum covering essential topics:
- Plumbing codes and regulations
- Safety and personal protective equipment
- Specialized systems (gas lines, water treatment, HVAC integration)
- Customer service and communication
Organizations like PHCC often partner with local schools, community colleges, or training centers, making it more accessible for interested students or transitioning professionals to join. The result? A workforce that’s better prepared to handle modern challenges, from energy-efficient fixtures to advanced leak detection technology.
Leadership and Professional Development
Education doesn’t stop once you have your license. PHCC and similar groups offer continuous professional development for every level. For instance, Tony mentions a “Future Leaders” program in Virginia, where employees receive leadership training at no extra charge (provided their employer is a PHCC member). Beyond basic plumbing skills, these programs help participants cultivate:
- Effective communication
- Personnel management
- Strategic thinking for expanding a business
- Team-building and conflict resolution
Such training produces not only better plumbers but also stronger team leaders, mentors, and potentially future business owners. These programs help the trade maintain a steady pipeline of qualified, dynamic leaders who can adapt to ongoing shifts in technology and marketplace demands.
Why This Matters for the Plumbing Industry
Modern plumbing isn’t just about unclogging drains. Plumbers must grasp complex systems, from tankless water heaters to digital controls that monitor water usage. Ongoing education ensures the industry remains nimble and capable of embracing new technologies. When customers hire a plumber affiliated with a professional organization, they’re more likely to get someone who’s fully up to date on best practices, safety standards, and emerging solutions.
Reason #3: Business Support & Networking
Beyond technical skills and advocacy, professional organizations provide robust support for business owners or those looking to grow into leadership roles. Owning a plumbing company is a very different endeavor from simply working as a plumber. You must juggle finances, marketing, customer relations, staff management, and more.
QSC (Quality Service Contractors)
An important part of PHCC, QSC is effectively a best-practice group for plumbing, heating, and cooling contractors. Members gain access to:
- Business coaches and mentors who’ve built successful service companies.
- Peer-to-peer networking events where owners discuss challenges, share successes, and brainstorm solutions.
- Templates, guidelines, and proven processes for everything from billing systems to marketing campaigns.
Roger Wakefield references how best-practice groups help you see what you don’t know. Many plumbers launch a business without formal training in accounting, HR, or strategic planning. By meeting with peers who’ve conquered these hurdles, you avoid pitfalls and accelerate your growth trajectory.
Why Networking Counts
When tradespeople connect regularly, they foster a community that lifts the entire industry. A plumber might discover innovative equipment from a colleague’s recommendation. Another might learn how to structure employee benefits to improve retention. The relationships built at conferences, workshops, and local chapter meetings create a support system far more valuable than trying to figure everything out alone.
Networking also helps set consistent standards. When a region’s leading plumbers meet routinely, they can collectively address issues such as pricing fairness, staff training, or new technologies. This unity bolsters public trust—people see that local plumbers abide by a cohesive set of ethical and professional guidelines.
Growth Beyond Plumbing Know-How
Plumbers who master the trade sometimes struggle when they take on management responsibilities. That’s where leadership training, best-practice groups, and QSC membership can fill the knowledge gap. Gaining the skill to navigate employee disputes, expand operational capacity, or implement advanced scheduling systems can mean the difference between a stable small business and a flourishing enterprise.
How to Get Involved with an Organization Like PHCC
Getting started is simple. Tony recommends visiting the PHCC website (phccweb.org) to find a local chapter in your area. Whether you’re an apprentice, experienced plumber, or established business owner, there’s a membership tier and resource waiting for you. By reaching out, you’ll get:
- Local Chapter Guidance: Discover networking events, continuing education classes, and local legislative initiatives.
- National-Level Reach: Access conferences and gatherings where you can meet people from across the country.
- Mentorship Opportunities: Connect with seasoned professionals who can provide tips on everything from code compliance to marketing strategies.
Final Thoughts: Elevating the Trade Together
The plumbing industry thrives when its practitioners band together to address common challenges. Advocacy ensures the profession remains respected and well-regulated. Education fosters a capable, future-ready workforce. Business support and networking give individuals the tools they need to not only excel in their craft but to grow financially and personally.
If you’re a plumber—regardless of experience level—consider the long-term benefits of professional membership. You’ll gain access to knowledge, camaraderie, and the influence that comes with being part of a unified voice. As Roger and Tony highlight, organizations like PHCC do more than just talk: they actively shape the policies, training programs, and business practices that keep plumbing at the forefront of skilled trades.
In an industry founded on public safety and infrastructure, standing alone can leave you vulnerable to sudden regulatory changes or unforeseen market shifts. Joining a respected association brings the community together, ensuring everyone benefits from consistent standards, robust training, and the security that comes from collective advocacy. From licensing protection to leadership development, professional organizations remain a cornerstone of the plumbing world—driving success for both individual tradespeople and the industry as a whole.
