Oatey Technical Experts Erin Bullock and Matt Valore join Co-Host Doug and answer questions submitted by YOU! Covering everything from favorite products and best application tips to sharing hilarious jobsite stories, pet peeves and everything in between. Whether you’re thinking about going into the trades, are a seasoned pro or an ever-curious DIYer, this episode has something every skill level and age can take away.Guests:Erin Bullock, Product Manager, Oatey Co.Matt Valore, Manager, Tile and Flooring SalesProducts Mentioned:Stain-Free Plumber’s PuttySta Put Plumber’s PuttyPurple PrimerLiquiLock Water Absorbing CrystalsUniversal DWV Pipe HangerSafe-Flo Plumbing Wire SolderNo. 5 Solder Paste FluxQuestions or Feedback: [email protected]

If you’re a trades pro in the Ohio area, you’ve likely worked with licensure legend Carol Ross and the top-notch organization she leads – the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB). However, if you’re not familiar with Carol, we guarantee you can learn a little something from her during this episode. She’s a seasoned and passionate leader who continues to serve as strong voice in the trades community, continuously advocating for superior safety, regulation and education among commercial contractors. Carol is known for her dedication to helping others and setting them up for success in the trade they love. In this episode, she provides an insightful outlook on the commercial contracting industry, the value of obtaining a license (and exactly how to do it!)Connect with Carol:[email protected] Resources:Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board Website  Questions or Feedback: [email protected]

This episode of The Fix features Polaris Career Center, a leader in career-technical training located right in Oatey’s backyard in Middleburg Heights, Ohio. The public vocational school offers a variety of real-world application programs (HVAC, welding, cosmetology – just to name a few) for middle and high school students in conjunction with multiple school districts in Greater Cleveland and higher education institutions throughout Ohio. Polaris also offers adult education programs with custom training opportunities for businesses. Polaris High School Guidance Counselor Ned Barnett and College/Career Coordinator Jamie Bollinger give us an overview of the school’s mission, robust program offerings, as well as what students and parents can gain from this type of hands-on learning experience. You’ll learn more about how trade schools like Polaris are preparing students for a career they’ll love, while accelerating their skills to new heights early on.   Connect with Our Guests:Ned Barnett, [email protected] Bollinger, [email protected] Resources:·       Polaris Career Center WebsitePolaris Career Center Facebook & InstagramQuestions or Feedback: [email protected]

Learn about the value professional associations bring to the trades and how they propel our workers forward with higher salaries, better benefits, job security and more. Rocco Fana Jr., who oversees Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors (PHCC) of Ohio, breaks down what these types of organizations are all about and just how convenient it is to become a member, often leading to life-long friendships, camaraderie and support with other like-minded, passionate individuals. Connect with Rocco:[email protected] Resources:Ohio PHCC Website & FacebookQuestions or Feedback:[email protected]

How do you know if a career in the trades is really for you, your child or student? This can often be an overwhelming task for many individuals to navigate in today’s world of endless career options – many of which focus on obtaining a college degree. This episode helps guide those considering a career in plumbing or another trade through the eyes of seasoned tradesman and educator Jason Shank, who serves as the Training Director at Plumbers Union Local 55 Cleveland and President of ASSE International. He breaks down the everyday realities of working in the plumbing field, including apprenticeship training, on-the-job expectations and the types of traits/skills it takes to be successful in this type of career. Connect with Jason:[email protected] Resources:ASSE InternationalPlumbers Union Local 55 J.A.T.C. (Joint Apprentice Training Center)The Cleveland Building Trades CouncilMax S. Hayes High School and Vocational ProgramsCuyahoga Community College Pre-Apprentice Training ProgramQuestions or Feedback: [email protected]

We welcome Doreen Cannon, an influential tradeswoman, leader, mentor and advocate who continues to trailblaze the construction industry for generations of women to come. Some of her many accolades include becoming the first female president of Plumbers Union Local 55 Cleveland and co-founding the Cleveland Tradeswomen Committee. Throughout the episode, Doreen provides ideas on how to effectively recruit women into the trades and empower them once they’ve entered the male-dominated field to cultivate safe, inclusive jobsite cultures. She dives into thoughtful strategies women can employ to combat common misconceptions, foster career growth and meet their full potential. Connect with Doreen:[email protected] Resources:Plumbers Union Local 55Cleveland Building and Construction Trades CouncilCleveland Tradeswomen Facebook & InstagramQuestions or Feedback: [email protected]