In an effort to connect and inspire tradespeople and members of the PHCP (plumbing, heating, cooling and piping) community, PROS REPS RUGGED Mind and Body was thrilled to host its first-ever Road Show on Thursday, May 1 at the General Plumbing Supply location in Piscataway, New Jersey.  

Motivational Seminar and Press Tool Giveaway 

The event kicked off with a motivational seminar led by Hugh Hornsby, The Wholesaler magazine’s 2024 Person of the Year and vice president of sales at EVERFLOW. Throughout his presentation, Hornsby shared his deeply personal journey battling cancer and personal strife, as well as how his experiences inspired him to face his fears and perform stand-up comedy.  

Hornsby stressed the importance of “taking care of you,” and at several points, directly engaged several attendees in conversation. These individuals shared some of the stressors they were experiencing as tradespeople, as well as hopes and dreams they had for the future. Hornsby also gave each attendee motivational literature and a blank notebook, encouraging them to use journaling as a way to process thoughts and and take control of their lives.  

“It really was an inspiring seminar — and such an important topic!” said attendee Lianna Faber, an engineer for the Empire State Building.  

PROS REPS Ambassador Lianna Faber with speaker Hugh Hornsby before his seminar.  

The seminar ended with a RIDGID RP 251 Press Tool giveaway, which was generously donated by the company. Trevor Cuffy of Raritan, New Jersey, was randomly selected as the raffle winner. A newcomer to the trades, Cuffy said he was very excited to own his first press tool and put it to good use.  

Building Community  

Throughout the rest of the evening, attendees were able to enjoy free food and drinks while connecting with one another. Wanting to keep things nutritious and delicious, PROS REPS RUGGED worked with local caterer In Thyme to serve guests robust chicken and salmon bowls from a food truck, which were filled with ingredients such as edamame, sweet potatoes, rice, and avocado. 

Attendees were also able to see the latest and greatest and grab swag from PROS REPS RUGGED sponsors. U.S. Boiler Company brought its mobile training trailer, while Cintas, Watts Water Technologies, Legend Valve and Morris Group International offered attendees free hats, shirts, resources and more. Cintas also graciously outfitted each PROS REPS RUGGED social media ambassador with custom Carhartt Rugged Flex shirts and Cintas ComfortFlex Pro work pants, which were worn by Faber, George DeJesus (@georgetheplumber), Matt Fleming (@allstarplumbinginc) and Michael Flynn (@flynnstone1). 

U.S. Boiler showcases its mobile training truck to attendees. 

PROS REPS Ambassador George DeJesus (@georgetheplumber) with reps from Venco Sales and Edwards Platt & Deely, as well as the Watts Water Technologies team and PHCPPros Principal Cate Brown.

And although it was slightly too windy to put the event’s pickleball net to use, each attendee got to walk away with a RUGGED Recreation Pack — a reusable drawstring bag filled with pickleball paddles and balls, sunscreen and chapstick, and frisbees.  

"We wanted attendees to be able to bring something home from the event that would inspire them to spend time with family and friends and get moving as the weather begins to warm up,” said PHCPPros Principal Cate Brown. "We also hoped this event would help foster lifelong connections between tradespeople and fellow members of the PHCP community, and from the conversations I was able to have with certain attendees, I really feel we achieved that.”  

One such attendee, Esther Maskal, co-founder of M&E Plumbing & HVAC Solutions, felt similarly.  

“There are moments in life that remind you why you chose the path you’re on — and this event was one of them,” said Maskal in a social media post. “My husband and I, newbies in the HVAC and plumbing industry, walked into the PROS REPS RUGGED Mind and Body event feeling a little out of place. We were surrounded by seasoned professionals, industry leaders, and people who have spent decades perfecting their craft. But within minutes, we realized something powerful — this wasn’t just an event, it was a community. 

“It’s moments like these — connecting with genuine, hardworking professionals — that reinforce our commitment to M&E Plumbing & HVAC Solutions and our mission to grow, learn, and build something truly impactful.” 

Attendees Esther and Michael Maskal of M&E Plumbing & HVAC Solutions.

PROS REPS RUGGED would like to thank the people of New Jersey and surrounding areas for joining us for this event. The first of many to be held around the country, the next PROS REPS RUGGED Road Show will take place in Chicago during late summer or early fall. Stay tuned for more details!