Every offering of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors — National Association (PHCC) Educational Foundation’s popular Essentials of Project Management class seems to develop a theme. For the most recent class, conducted March 19-22 at the Viega Seminar Center in Broomfield, Colorado, that theme centered on “disruptions” in the industry.
Leading the class of 23 attendees through highly interactive discussions was Kirk Alter, Purdue University professor emeritus. Attendees examined several examples of what happens when everyday construction disruptions cause delays or extra costs. Planning remains the best way to head off these disruptions.
“For every dollar you spend in pre-construction planning, you will recover an additional four to six dollars in productivity,” Alter explained. “That time before the job starts represents your best opportunity to make the project successful.”
Proper planning helps to ensure that crews arrive on the job site on day one with all the tools, materials and information they need.
“During the COVID supply chain disruptions, some companies took the opportunity to hike their materials pricing for contractors far beyond what their input costs would merit. Watch for the same with tariffs — you will be getting notices about price increases from your suppliers,” warned Alter. “Your job as a project manager and leader in your company is to know how to find the real input costs and negotiate on those price increases to protect your company.”
The class also discussed artificial intelligence and its impact on energy demands for the country.
“A project manager’s job is to ask good questions and manage with numbers,” said Alter. “If you know that we are not going to have enough energy available to run all the data centers required for A.I., what should you be doing right now? Find those opportunities to build what is going to be in demand so that you and your company are in good shape, regardless of whatever disruptions we may see to the economy.”
Viega has provided classrooms and logistical support for this PHCC program since 2016 at its Broomfield, Colorado, and Nashua, New Hampshire, seminar center locations.
"Viega was delighted to host PHCC's project management class, providing space for industry thought leaders to share their knowledge with contractors from across the country,” says Michele Passaretti, manager of associations and events for Viega. “We pride ourselves on our commitment to training and education, and opening our doors to this group is just one of the ways we can give back to our community while supporting continued education for the industry."
There will be a two-day Creating Super Foremen workshop at the Viega Seminar Center in Broomfield on May 2-3, with Kirk Alter again providing instruction. Visit phccfoundation.org/essentials for more information.
About PHCC Educational Foundation
The PHCC Educational Foundation, a partnership of contractors, manufacturers, and wholesalers, was founded in 1987 to serve the plumbing-heating-cooling industry by preparing contractors and their employees to meet the challenges of a constantly changing marketplace. Information on the foundation’s training and educational programs can be found at phccfoundation.org.
