Jason Pritchard, PriCor Technologies, along with co-founder Wiley Cortez have been providing professional and reliable sewer repair and drain services across King County, Washington. PRICOR’s team specializes in trenchless sewer repair, hydro jetting and CIPP lining with a different spin on how it goes to market.

We wanted to find out more about Pritchard, who will become president of the PHCC at CONNECT 2025, Oct. 27–30, in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

PHCPPros: First tell us about your life in the trades, and, in particular, your business, PriCor Technologies.

Pritchard: My life in the trades is not unlike many of the stories I’ve heard. To say I took the long road into the trades is an understatement. I graduated from high school and tried to go to college. It just wasn’t a fit for me. I bounced around in various jobs after that. From working with a mason to driving a forklift to selling furniture.

It turned out to be a major benefit that I ended up being the worst furniture salesman in the history of the world! It was this that led to a friend telling me about a civil dirt works contractor who was looking for people. I was fortunate enough to get on board and received a world-class education in dirt works. I also discovered that working in the trades was where I belonged. The ability to actually see the progress of hard work at the end of each day was perfect for me. 

This education and the discovered love of solving problems with my hands and brain led to the creation of PriCor. PriCor is the “Contractor’s Contractor” for sewer repair and replacement in the Seattle market. We are strictly business-to-business and provide small to midsized shops the opportunity to expand their service offering to their customers to include sewer repair without adding personnel or buying expensive equipment. We invite our contractor partners to think of our people and equipment as if it’s an extension of their own business. 

PriCor is the leader in the trenchless market in Seattle. In our 11 years in business we have replaced over 100 miles of underground drain lines via cure in place pipe. We pride ourselves in our unique problem solving skills and our ability to tackle even the most difficult of projects. 

PHCPPros: What are the top issues facing plumbing and HVAC contractors right now, and how is PHCC taking a leadership role to address those challenges?

Pritchard: The top issue is change … changing regulations, changing technologies, changing legislation, a changing economy. That is why advocating on issues that impact our members and educating our members on the results of this change is so important right now. 

Just this year, we’ve been actively engaged on Congressional decisions on tax reform, fuel choice, state-level licensing reform, and more. Our regulatory team has advised our member contractors on refrigerant shortages and increased surcharges.

Our Business Intelligence Team has kept members up to date on topics like trade negotiations, construction trends, supply chain disruptions, price increases and appliance regulation updates. In light of increased federal immigration enforcement, we’ve advised our contractors on steps to ensure their Department of Labor Form I-9s are updated.

Finally, the PHCC Academy has added EPA Section 608 and Low GWP Refrigerant Safety (A2L) certification prep courses.

Of course, all our big events, including our annual CONNECT conference and Catalyst, hosted by our Quality Service Contractors group, have focused on new technologies, particularly artificial intelligence and energy-efficient and water-saving innovations. We firmly believe we are equipping our plumbing and HVACR contractor members with strategies for growth, innovation and industry leadership at every level.

PHCPPros: Recently, we joined you during the PHCC Legislative Conference. What role do you see the association playing in advocating for industry interests in D.C.?

Pritchard: PHCC plays a powerful and multidimensional role in advocating for our industry – something we saw firsthand at the 2025 Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C., where more than 100 PHCC members, chapter leaders and stakeholders lobbied Congress in person on issues ranging from workforce development and energy policy to consumer choice and tax reform.

This year, we witnessed a tangible outcome right away – the House’s passage of H.R. 1 (“Big Beautiful Bill”) the morning after the conference, which included PHCC-supported tax policies such as permanent Section 199A pass-through deductions, higher estate tax exemptions and extended bonus depreciation. As PHCC Vice President of Legislative Affairs Mark Valentini said, “These legislative wins are a reminder of the power of grassroots advocacy and the strong presence PHCC can bring to Capitol Hill.”

PHCC is the industry’s gateway to influence and impact Washington. We mobilize grassroots contractors, train and prepare them to speak strategically, align with allied organizations, and deliver tangible legislative outcomes. Whether it’s tax policy, workforce initiatives, or energy choices, PHCC ensures our industry’s voice is heard and produces results lawmakers can’t ignore. That extends down the state level as well.

We acknowledge that national efforts matter, but local action is key. PHCC state chapters play a critical role in influencing state policies that directly affect contractors, and we are so proud of the many successes – particularly in the areas of licensing, workforce, and fuel choice – accomplished by our chapter partners.

PHCPPros: What priorities do you have for yourself during your tenure as president of PHCC?

Pritchard: PHCC does an incredible job in so many ways to provide our members with robust resources and member benefits. I’d like to be a bullhorn about the things the national organization has to offer and allow members to really feel the impact of having PHCC behind their businesses, their employees and their families. I would also like to hear from members about what other piece of value PHCC can bring to them. What new initiatives and resources can we get to work on to enable our members to have a greater competitive advantage in the marketplace? What can we do to further separate our members from the pack and make sure they are the “Contractors of Choice” with consumers and those looking to get into the trades?

PHCPPros: What have you done in the past year to get ready for the new role?

Pritchard: It’s been a huge adjustment to prepare for this role. It’s been great to have served on the board and the executive committee under some of the best, most inspiring leaders in the industry. I have spent a lot of time just talking to those who held the position before me and trying to learn what went well and what didn’t. What would they have done differently if they had to do it over again? 

Additionally I have been having conversations with members around the country to get a sense of what is needed from me and the PHCC as a whole.

PHCPPros: What is the one thing you are looking forward to most as president of PHCC?

Pritchard: Continuing the dialogue with our members and industry partners. I look forward to the collaboration we’ve seen. I look forward to inspiring the next generation to follow their hearts and to move courageously into a trade and career that has done so much for so many. 

PHCPPros: Where do the greatest business opportunities lie for PHCC members over the next 3-5 years, and how is PHCC going to help them take advantage of those opportunities?

Pritchard: The next few years are going to present opportunities for contracting businesses to grow through technology adoption, market expansion and service diversification.

These growth opportunities include energy-efficient and sustainable systems to attract eco-conscious customers and qualify for government-backed projects, smart home and IoT-integrated solutions, subscription-based maintenance plans, aging infrastructure and positioning businesses for retrofitting older HVAC and plumbing systems, workforce training programs, ways to expand into adjacent services, such as indoor air quality solutions, duct cleaning, or geothermal heating, and, of course, AI solutions to increase operational efficiencies.

At every level, PHCC is helping our member contractors position their businesses for long-term success in these areas, from educating them through our monthly publications, including our Insta-Intel reports, and constantly updating our education and training courses to incorporate new techniques and technologies, to giving attendees hands-on experiences at education events such as CONNECT and collaborating with our PHCC corporate partners, which play a crucial role in supporting PHCC members by providing timely resources, expertise and opportunities.

PHCPPros: What is the No. 1 reason plumbing and HVAC contractors should attend PHCC’s CONNECT 2025, Oct. 27-30 in Grand Rapids, Michigan?

Pritchard: Well, if I had to pick one, I would say the networking. Every year, contractors say the real connections they make are what they value most and this year’s schedule is packed with opportunities to meet, share ideas and grow.

From the Michigan-themed Campfire CONNECT welcome reception to the unforgettable closing party at the Grand Rapids Public Museum (complete with retro games and music history), attendees will leave with new friends, fresh ideas, and lasting partnerships. And beyond networking, this year’s CONNECT will deliver serious education, including two dynamic keynoters (top generational expert Ryan Jenkins and our popular “bowtie economist” Elliot Eisenberg), 20-plus targeted sessions and interactive Learning Labs right on the Product & Technology Showcase floor.

PHCPPros: If a plumbing and heating professional was still on the fence about joining PHCC, what would you tell them to get them to join the association?

Pritchard: Joining PHCC means you don’t have to go it alone. You gain a powerful network of professionals who understand your challenges; you have access to the latest training and industry trends to keep your team sharp; and you have a strong national voice advocating for your business on Capitol Hill.

I hear it all the time: the members who are the most involved in PHCC say it was the best decision for their business and their personal career. In fact, member Chris West from Arkansas recently said it best: “Joining PHCC was a game-changer for me. It is awesome to be able to pick up the phone and know that someone knows 80 ways to do something that I do not. You cannot put a price on that. My business has tripled since I joined PHCC.”

PHCPPros: Finally, with your industry experience, what is one piece of advice you would like to pass along to the younger members of this industry?

Pritchard: Never stop learning. This industry is constantly changing with new technologies, new regulations, new codes and evolving practices. Be open to adapting to change and making sure you’re ahead of the curve so you will stand out as the leader in your marketplace.

Secondly, be proud of your work. This profession offers a rewarding, respected, stable career with endless opportunities if you’re willing to put in the effort. Work with integrity, and build strong relationships with your clients, suppliers, and other contractors.

Finally, give back. You will find that many people – especially within this incredible PHCC family – will support you along your journey. Be willing to pay it forward both within your community and right here within PHCC.

I’ve been a member of PHCC since 2010, and I relish each opportunity to lead and mentor as well as to serve and give back to an industry that has given me so much. It’s that spirit of service – and the desire to help shape the future of our industry – that inspired me to take on greater leadership roles. And now I’m honored and excited to step into the role of PHCC—national president and ready to give back on an even greater scale.