About PHCPPros: Stories From the Mechanical Room With Dan Foley and Steve Smith
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!
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 miss...
28 Oct 2025
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...
28 Aug 2025
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...
21 May 2025
The Power of Relationships with The Joyce Agency's Skipper Joyce
Skipper Joyce of The Joyce Agency discusses establishing his business in 1982 and the power of relationships with hosts Dan Foley and Steve Smith in an interview.
17 Apr 2025
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...
6 Mar 2025
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, ra...
18 Jul 2024
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!
11 Mar 2024
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!
18 Jan 2024
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 (https://rstthermal.com/); electrification trends, and more!
Thank you to MrPEX Systems for sponsoring this episode! Learn more about the company at https://mrpexsystems.com/ (https://mrpexsystems.com/)
31 Oct 2023
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/ (https://mrpexsystems.com/).
1 Aug 2023
A Renewable Future ft. NORA's Robert O’Brien
This month, Dan and Steve are joined by Robert O’Brien, the director of education for the National Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA)! Tune in as the trio discuss Robert's journey through the industry, his role at NORA and the mission of the organization, the difference between biofuels and fossil fuels, the renewable energy transition, NORA's partnership with SUNY Morrisville, and more!
About Robert: O’Brien is responsible for NORA’s education and training initiatives, including NORA’s Bronze, Silver and Gold technician certifications and continuing education. His impressive resume includes in-field experience as an oilheat technician and service manager, owner and principal of Technical Heating LLC, Mt. Sinai, New York, and instructor for Oilheat Comfort Corp.
29 Jun 2023
Keeping It Simple with Larry Drake
In this month's episode, Dan and Steve sit down with Larry Drake! The trio discuss how Larry entered the industry after working in aviation, his 15-year tenure as executive director of the Radiant Panel Association, the “simple” design philosophy he swears by, the RadPad radiant floor heating system sizing tool and other innovations Larry has created, and more!
Thank you to MrPEX Systems for sponsoring this episode! Learn more about the company at https://mrpexsystems.com/ (https://mrpexsystems.com/)
23 May 2023
Boilers and Brews with Steve "wheels" Wieland
In this month’s episode, Steve and Dan interview Steve “wheels” Wieland, the Mid-Atlantic Sales Manager for NTI Boilers! Steve has been teaching contractors and engineers how to install and repair hydronic heating, radiant heat and snowmelt systems since 1985, and he is a registered master plumber, past wholesaler and a former manufacturers' rep.
Tune in as the trio discuss boiler maintenance and technology, what the future looks like for the boiler industry, the labor shortage, Steve's passion for skiing and homebrewing, and more!
Thank you to NTI Boilers for sponsoring this episode! Learn more about the company at https://ntiboilers.com/ (https://ntiboilers.com/).
30 Mar 2023
"Craftsmanship is Not a Thing of the Past" ft. John Siegenthaler, P.E.
In this month's episode, Dan and Steve interview John Siegenthaler, P.E.! Tune in as the trio discuss the evolution of hydronics from the 1980s to the present, the "brotherhood" of the old RPA days and kicking off the hydronics wave in the '90s, why it's a great time to enter the hydronics industry now, and more!
John is a consulting engineer and principal of Appropriate Designs, in Holland Patent, New York. In partnership with HeatSpring, he has developed several online courses that provide in-depth design-level training in modern hydronic systems, air-to-water heat pumps and biomass boiler systems.
Thank you to Cintas for sponsoring this episode! To tackle tough jobs, you need tough workwear, like the new Cintas ComfortFlex Pro line of pants and shirts. Learn more at cintas.com/PHCNews (https://cintas.com/phcnews)
12 Jan 2023
The Math Never Lies ft. Taco Comfort Solutions' John Barba
This month, Dan and Steve are joined by John Barba, North American Director of Training for Taco Comfort Solutions! Tune in to hear the story of how Dan "won" John for a day, as well as John's early days as a trainer, his No. 1 advice for contractors and students, the latest developments at Taco, and more!
About John: John has been in the heating industry most of his life, growing up in his family’s plumbing and heating business outside of Boston. Since 1995, he has trained over 125,000 contractors in person and online on the fine art and subtle science of hydronic heating design and installation. John is the 2012-2014 winner of the Carlson-Holohan Industry Award of Excellence and was named the Industry’s Best Instructor & Trainer in 2015 by AHRI.
Thank you to Cintas for sponsoring this episode! To tackle tough jobs, you need tough workwear, like the new Cintas ComfortFlex Pro line of pants and shirts. Learn more at cintas.com/PHCNews (https://cintas.com/phcnews)
29 Sept 2022
"It's a Salt-of-the-Earth Industry" ft. Uponor's Ingrid Mattsson
In this month's episode, Dan and Steve sit down with their old friend Ingrid Mattsson, Director - Brand & Corporate Social Responsibility for Uponor. Tune in to hear the trio discuss Ingrid's early days with Uponor in the '90s when it still went under the name Wirsbo, as well as her favorite industry memories and friends, her experience receiving the Carlson-Holohan Award of Excellence in 2018, her passion for radiant and sustainability, and more!
31 Aug 2022
Growing the Family Business ft. Brian Stack
In this month's episode, Steve and Dan sit down with Brian Stack, president of Stack Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric (https://stackheating.com/)! Brian grew up in the family business working weekends and summers as a kid before starting at the company full time in 1993. Discover how the business has grown from three to 68 employees, and why it eventually expanded its initial focus on hydronic systems to also add forced air, electrical and plumbing services. Plus — the trio discuss radiant vs. forced air, A2L refrigerants and Brian's experience with ACCA, including his role as board chair 2021-22 for ACCA National.
To learn more about this episode's sponsor, U.S. Boiler Company, visit www.usboiler.net (https://www.usboiler.net/).
28 Jul 2022
Forensic Engineering and Failures in the Field ft. Gary Hayden, P.E.
Gary Hayden, P.E. is a mechanical engineer who has been involved in forensic engineering for the past eight years. With more than 100 cases under his belt, tune in to learn about some of his most memorable investigations!
Gary is also a Class A mechanical contractor. His engineering career spans over 40 years and also involved working with manufacturers. Gary was the first engineer behind the development of the REHAU plumbing and heating systems, and he did the same work at Burnham Boilers as well.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
180,141
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 42 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
28
Social presence
0
YouTube
82
Engagement
60
Contact PHCPPros: Stories From the Mechanical Room With Dan Foley and Steve Smith
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of PHCPPros: Stories From the Mechanical Room With Dan Foley and Steve Smith?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
