PLUMBING

52

phc September 2021 www.phcppros.com

Tyler Petersen Virtual Design and Construction Manager Bassett Mechanical

How did you enter a career in the PHCP industry? I entered the PHCP industry after graduating from the welding and metal fabrication program at Northeast Technical College. While I was in high school, I worked summers at a cold storage facility, sometimes helping the maintenance staff around ammonia refrigeration equipment. I was interested in learning more about the pipe trades and how those systems worked. I was also very interested in fabrication and welding, which motivated me to pursue a Steamfitter Apprenticeship. What have been some of your career highlights so far? After graduating the Steamfitter Apprenticeship program, I had the opportunity to work on pressure vessels, skid packages and pipe spools in the shop, as well as the installation of hydronics, steam, and refrigeration projects in the field. I started running work as a field foreman, and later transitioned roles and became the general foreman of pressure vessel and pipe fabrication. As our company grew, we continued to enhance technology, which included elevating our 3D design software, pipe spooling software, and CNC equipment. In 2019, I took on a new opportunity of leading our virtual design and construction efforts and developed processes to execute our work utilizing 3D design software, laser scanning, robotic total station, and spooling. What are your thoughts on mentorship? The best thing about the apprenticeship is you learn from the journeyman and foreman at the jobsites, as well as in school. I have also had great managers throughout my career that challenged me with new opportunities and taught me different aspects of the business. I do consider myself a mentor and have always felt an obligation to share as much of the knowledge I have gained throughout my career with others. What professional challenges did you experience during the COVID- 19 pandemic? The biggest challenge was taking over a new team and leading a company-wide initiative without having everyone physically accessible for in-person collaborative meetings. Our company did our best to manage taking care of our customers while adhering to the best safety guidelines possible. How do you think the industry can better recruit and retain young professionals in a post-COVID-19 world? From what I have experienced, I would say that being flexible with working remotely is the biggest factor for many people. Young people, especially those with children, have experienced challenges outside of their control during these times and are looking for flexibility to take care of their families while still being able to perform their work duties. What does it mean to you to receive this honor? I am grateful for the opportunities and encouragement I have received throughout my career to take on new challenges and different roles. It's nice to be acknowledged for the effort you put into your career.

Stephanie Radel, CPD, GPD Manager, Construction Services, Uponor North America

How did you enter a career in the PHCP industry? After exploring architecture, I realized I was more drawn to the PHCP industry. The intricacies of PHCP systems have a large impact on quality of life, and I personally find it fascinating to bring functionality of a building to life. The industry is a good combination of challenging, rewarding, and new opportunities. I started with Uponor in 2008, and I have not looked back! What have been some of your career highlights so far? My highlights are in the relationships I have built and the ability to lead a remarkable team that is making a difference in the quality of construction as well as the construction process. What are your thoughts on mentorship? I have many people within Uponor, the industry, and my personal life that I know I can trust and reach out to when needed. Mentorship is not always a large undertaking or task - it can be performed in short bursts or continuous conversation where you inspire, challenge someone's thinking, or coach them through a process for deeper understanding and reflection. What professional challenges did you experience during the COVID- 19 pandemic? I was on the final stretch of my tenure of president for the Minnesota Chapter of ASPE when COVID-19 hit. We were finishing the year with monthly in-person technical sessions set and a full regional conference scheduled and planned. All of a sudden, things changed, and we needed to pivot quickly. The team approached the situations with agility, strategy, and swift decision making that lead to successful hosting of virtual events. How do you think the industry can better recruit and retain young professionals in a post-COVID-19 world? The industry must find ways to engage and inspire young professionals. We need to build trust in our industry culture that fosters innovation, continuous learning, and collaboration. What does it mean to you to receive this honor? I am grateful and thankful to receive this honor. I am passionate about water quality, the environment, efficiencies, and people leadership. I hope to make a positive impact with my career, and this recognition is confirmation that I am going down the right path.

Juan Pablo R. Trejo Plumbing Technician Blue Planet Plumbing

How did you enter a career in the PHCP industry? One day, we were in need of

Petersen Radel