Dan Callies – PHCC’s New President Outlines His Plans
Dan Callies answered a few questions from Southern PHC Magazine to look ahead to his leadership term that begins this year.
The new president of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC) is Dan Callies, moving into the position from his role as presidentelect of PHCC — National Association Board of Directors. The association has led the promotion, education and training of the industry for 141 years. Callies’ company, Oak Creek Plumbing Inc., is located in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. He answered a few questions from Southern PHC Magazine to look ahead to his leadership term that begins this year.
Q: Can you tell us about your background and how you got involved in the industry and PHCC?
A: My journey in the plumbing industry began at a young age, inspired by my parents who started our family business in 1972. I helped out in the field during summers and weekends, learning the ropes from my father. After high school, I decided to join the family business full-time, beginning my plumbing apprenticeship. Over the years, I gained extensive hands-on experience, working on a wide range of projects from residential installations to commercial systems.
My involvement with PHCC started from a desire to contribute to the industry beyond my daily work, leading me to attend PHCC events, participate in training sessions, and network with other professionals. This involvement grew into leadership roles within the organization, allowing me to make significant contributions to PHCC’s mission.
Q: How has your experience prepared you for this role?
A: My extensive experience in the industry has thoroughly prepared me for this leadership role. Working on diverse projects has given me a broad perspective on the challenges and opportunities within our field.
My dedication to continuous learning and professional growth has equipped me with the knowledge and skills needed to stay updated with the latest advancements and best practices. Additionally, my journey within PHCC, from attending events and being part of QSC (Quality Service Contractors) to taking on leadership positions, has provided me with a deep understanding of the organization’s operations and goals, making me well-prepared to lead PHCC effectively.
Q: How has the industry changed during your career? And, what are the biggest challenges?
A: During my career, the industry has seen significant changes, particularly with the adoption of new technologies and increased regulatory requirements. Customer expectations have also evolved, demanding higher standards and more innovative solutions.
The biggest challenges we face include keeping up with those technological advancements, navigating economic fluctuations, and addressing the skilled labor shortage. These challenges require adaptability, innovation, and proactive approaches to ensure we maintain a high standard of service.
Q: Technology is changing almost every aspect of the trades. What guidance would you offer to business leaders trying to adjust to the pace of change?
A: To business leaders trying to adjust to the pace of change, I offer the following guidance:
Embrace continuous learning: Stay informed about the latest technological advancements and invest in training programs for your team.
Be open to innovation: Foster a culture of innovation within your organization, where new ideas and approaches are encouraged and tested.
Leverage technology: Utilize technology to improve operational efficiencies, enhance customer service and streamline processes.
Collaborate and network: Engage with industry peers and associations to share knowledge, learn from others, and stay informed about industry trends.
Q: Tell us about yourself. What are your other interests?
A: Outside of my professional life, I have several interests that keep me balanced and fulfilled. I enjoy traveling in our RV to different areas in the state and to Disney in Florida, staying at their campgrounds. I also play the drums for the Praise Band at my church, which is a meaningful and enjoyable activity for me.
I am a meat and potatoes kind of person, so I love dining at steak joints. Family is very important to me, and I am fortunate to have my wife and business partner, Denise, and our wonderful children, Samantha and Joey.
Q: What is something surprising about you that most people wouldn’t know?
A: Something surprising about me that most people wouldn’t know is that I don’t like scary movies. They scare me silly! Despite handling the challenges of the plumbing industry with ease, horror films are something I just can’t handle.
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