Utility Room Legends shares unfiltered stories from the professionals who keep plumbing, waterworks, fire protection, HVAC, and irrigation running strong. This podcast brings you the insights, laughs, and lessons from the legends who live it every day.
Ron Smith — Communication Builds Better Leaders (and Better Infrastructure)
Communication is one of the most overlooked skills in the water and wastewater industry—and according to Ron Smith, it's the foundation of great leadership. In this episode of Utility Room Legends, John sits down with Ron Smith, Vice President of Distribution & Networks at Vortex Companies, to discuss leadership, innovation, trenchless technology, and the future of America's aging infrastructure. From building stronger teams to solving complex challenges through communication and educatio...
7 May 2026
Antonio Flori – What Keeps Our Water Systems From Failing?
Antonio Flori, Corrosion Engineering Manager at Denver Water, joins Utility Room Legends for a fascinating conversation on the hidden side of water infrastructure. From starting as a teenage intern to leading corrosion strategy for one of the nation’s most respected utilities, Antonio shares his journey through the industry and what it takes to keep critical systems reliable for generations. We discuss aging infrastructure, water loss, corrosion prevention, material selection, rapid populat...
9 Apr 2026
Dave Donahue – Building Solutions, Not Just Products
In this episode, we sit down with Dave Donahue, Waterworks Market Manager at Fernco, to talk about the evolution of one of the most recognized names in the industry—and why it still matters today. Dave walks us through the history of Fernco, from its beginnings with a master plumber hand-making “donuts” in Detroit to becoming a global leader in flexible couplings. We get into what sets great manufacturers apart, why solving real problems in the field is everything, and how innovation actually...
19 Feb 2026
Traver Hunter – Big Sky, Bigger Territory
From junior college baseball to scratch golf pro to 20 years in the waterworks trenches, Traver Hunter’s path into the industry is anything but ordinary. Based in Lewistown, Montana — “the snow hole,” as locals call it — Traver covers a territory where everything is two and a half hours away and cell service is optional. He shares how persistence (not polish) landed him his first big opportunity, what makes rural markets unique, and why relationships still carry weight in Big Sky Country. We ...
5 Feb 2026
Adam Newman – The Quiet Anchor: 22 Years of Steady Hands
We finally get the ever-steady Adam "Newman" into the Legends Chair. Starting as a 20-year-old part-time driver at RepMasters, he grinded through warehouse chaos—unloading brittle pipe in dirt yards and snow—to become the rock-solid voice on the other end of the phone for over two decades. Newman opens up (in his trademark low-key way) about company growth from Commerce City days to COVID madness, handling every kind of customer call, learning boilers on the fly, and why consistency beats fla...
22 Jan 2026
Ron Hatt – 23 Years, Zero Shortcuts
Before GPS. Before AI. Before “just Google it.” Ron Hatt talks about learning this business by doing the work, making mistakes, and sticking around long enough to get it right. This one is full of road stories, hard lessons, and the stuff you don’t learn from training manuals.
13 Nov 2025
Josh Baile – Building Stronger Teams in the Water Industry
Few people have seen the water industry from as many angles as Josh Baile. Through decades of experience in operations, management, and consulting, Josh has seen what separates good teams from great ones. He shares candid insights about leadership, accountability, and how investing in people builds stronger communities — inside and outside the plant.
30 Oct 2025
Bralan Spencer – The Next Generation of Water Infrastructure
At just 28, Bralan Spencer represents the new wave of water infrastructure professionals — driven, grounded, and eager to learn. Growing up around the industry gave him perspective, but earning his place has been all about effort and integrity. In this episode, Bralan shares what it’s like learning from veterans like Brock Spencer and Ron Hatt, building his career at RepMasters, and finding purpose in an industry that keeps communities running.
16 Oct 2025
Mayor Mike Coffman – Tackling Growth, Water, and Homelessness in Aurora
Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman joins the Utility Room Legends Podcast for a conversation on leadership, growth, and service. From innovative water programs to a bold new approach to homelessness, Mayor Coffman shares how Aurora is setting an example for cities across the country.
2 Oct 2025
Kevin Froneman – A Journey Across Continents and Careers
For more than 20 years, Kevin Froneman has worked in the actuation space — first in South Africa, then in the U.S., where he now calls Houston home. In this episode, Kevin talks about starting with no technical background, learning the industry from scratch, and why service and problem-solving are critical to success. Along the way, he reflects on family life, cultural shifts, and the lessons that continue to shape his career.
18 Sept 2025
Ep. 06: Phil Argersinger – From Service to CEO
From Army MP to CEO, Phil Argersinger’s path to the helm of Flex-Hose wasn’t a straight line — it was built on grit, humility, and a deep respect for the trades. Over four decades, he’s turned Flex-Hose into a leader in expansion joints and piping systems with patents registered around the world. In this episode, Phil opens up about lessons from the field, the value of apprenticeship and mentorship, and why passion and integrity drive every successful career. It’s a story of building somethin...
4 Sept 2025
Ep. 05: George Sigelakis – Reinventing the Fire Hydrant
George Sigelakis didn’t come from engineering or manufacturing — he came from the firehouse. As a New York City firefighter, he saw firsthand how outdated hydrants failed when lives were on the line. That frustration sparked an idea that grew into the Spartan Hydrant, the first major redesign in over a century. In this episode, George shares his journey from late night sketches to a patented, American-made innovation now protecting communities across the country. It’s a story of resilience, h...
21 Aug 2025
Ep. 04: Chris Keffer – Legacy, Integrity, and the EBAA Iron Way
Chris Keffer isn’t just part of a family business — he’s a steward of a legacy. In this conversation, Chris shares the origins of EBAA Iron, the innovation behind the Mega-Lug, and the responsibility of carrying forward the vision started by his grandfather, Earl Bradley. From navigating Washington, D.C. politics to addressing the challenges of domestic manufacturing, Chris offers insight into the values that have kept EBAA strong: integrity, hard work, and a relentless commitment to doing th...
20 Aug 2025
Bo Skjellerup — Tariffs, Foundries, and Fighting for What Matters
Bo Skjellerup brings nearly two decades of boots-on-the-ground experience in water infrastructure, from international sales to domestic manufacturing. He’s seen firsthand what happens when you stop investing in your own backyard—and he’s not afraid to say what others won’t. In this episode, host Jon Davis sits down with Bo to talk about the real cost of relying on imports, the struggles for U.S. foundries, and why innovation can’t happen without integrity. They cover shifting standards, suppl...
7 Aug 2025
Ep. 03: Bo Skjellerup — Tariffs, Foundries, and Fighting for What Matters
Bo Skjellerup brings nearly two decades of boots-on-the-ground experience in water infrastructure, from international sales to domestic manufacturing. He’s seen firsthand what happens when you stop investing in your own backyard—and he’s not afraid to say what others won’t. In this episode, host Jon Davis sits down with Bo to talk about the real cost of relying on imports, the slow death of U.S. foundries, and why innovation can’t happen without integrity. They cover shifting standards, suppl...
24 Jul 2025
Ep. 02: Brent Richards – How You Lead Is What You Leave
Brent Richards has spent four decades in the water industry, and in this episode, he brings the kind of wisdom you only get from experience — and from showing up every day with equal parts hustle, heart, and high standards. Host Jon Davis sits down with his mentor and boss to talk about the roots of RepMasters, what legacy really means, and why water isn’t just a job — it’s a calling. They dive into industry shifts, leadership through COVID, and the constant balancing act between faith, fami...
10 Jul 2025
Ep. 01: Mike Uthe — Legacy, Leaks, and Electrifying Lessons
From near-electrocution to national conferences, Mike Uthe has seen it all. In our very first full episode, Mike joins host Jon Davis to talk about his journey from the oil fields to water infrastructure. They dive into the history of Mueller, why innovation matters, and what makes the water industry so special. Plus: a salute to water legends, and a wild story involving 480 volts and an Allen wrench that might explain Mike’s superpowers.
10 Jul 2025
Welcome to Utility Room Legends
Join host Jon Davis as we dive into the world of water infrastructure — not just the systems and specs, but the everyday heroes behind them. From contractors and engineers to factory workers and CEOs, this podcast celebrates the folks who make water move — quietly, skillfully, and passionately. Let’s get legendary. 💧
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