In an effort to help tradespeople and members of the PHCP (plumbing, heating, cooling and piping) community connect, unwind and learn, RUGGED Mind and Body was thrilled to host its second- and third-ever Road Shows this September and November at two Topgolf locations in the Chicago and Boston areas. The September event was co-hosted with Porter Pipe & Supply, and the November event with F.W. Webb Co.
Work-Life Balance Seminar and Press Tool Giveaway
Both events kicked off with a work-life balance seminar led by Nate Agentis, Plumbing CEO and Business Development Resources (BDR). Throughout his presentation, "How to Grow Your Trades Business Without Burning Out,” Agentis shared his personal experiences with burnout and took an honest look at the toll the PHCP industry can take on us. He encouraged attendees to discuss what it looks like to change that tide, have peace again and take back control of their lives by using the principles of proactivity and applying them in practical ways.
“I really enjoyed hearing from Nate about the troubles he had in his life and how he made them better,” said attendee TJ Connolly, owner, Emerald Plumbing.
Each seminar ended with a RIDGID RP 251 Press Tool giveaway, which was generously donated by the company. Brad Goble of Palatine, Illinois, and Carmelo Scuderi, excavation manager at Roto-Rooter Plumbing and Drain Service in Stoughton, Massachusetts, were randomly selected as the raffle winners.
Investing Time in Yourself
Throughout the rest of the evenings, attendees were able to enjoy protein-packed dinners of chicken and steak fajitas while connecting with one another over free rounds of golf.
“It was nice meeting new people and talking about mental health,” said Bobby Lewis, plumber, B&A Plumbing.
The events were made possible with the help of RUGGED sponsors Cintas, Watts Water Technologies, F.W. Webb Co., Legend Valve, Morris Group International and U.S. Boiler Co., with many offering attendees free hats, shirts, resources and other merch. Additionally, at the November event, industry friend Bring Back the Trades donated branded swag bags. RUGGED had recently sponsored a $2,500 scholarship during the organization's Skills Expo at the nearby Gillette Stadium, and the RUGGED team was thrilled CEO and Founder Steve Turner and his wife, Board Member Shari Turner, could attend the Road Show as well.
Cintas also graciously outfitted RUGGED social media ambassador and attendee Alan Carlson (@alan_carlson) with custom Carhartt Rugged Flex shirts and Cintas ComfortFlex Pro work pants. Additionally, during the November event the company hosted special giveaways at the “Cintas Bay,” where participants could try to win their own Carhartt Rugged Flex shirt by driving a ball through the Topgolf field goal posts.
A favorite from our very first event, each attendee also got to walk away with a RUGGED Recreation Pack — a reusable drawstring bag filled with pickleball paddles and balls, sunscreen and chapstick and frisbees.
“Encouraging tradespeople to get out, unwind and get active — whether with our Recreation Pack, by swinging a golf club, or picking up another new activity — is always top of mind when we host our Road Show events,” said PHCPPros Principal Cate Brown. "It’s been absolutely great to see each event draw more attendees than the previous one, and we are excited to see how our Road Shows continue to grow.
“Fostering community and hosting fun evenings where tradespeople can gather, connect and potentially take home a new piece of wisdom that will improve their lives is what this is all about for us.”
At least one such tradesperson, Abel Villagomez, owner, NEXGEN Plumbing & Drain, left the Road Show with a new perspective.
“Attending the RUGGED event was a powerful reminder of how important it is to invest time into developing myself — not just for business growth, but personal growth as well,” said Villagomez. “I realized how much I’ve been focused on production without giving enough time to my own mind. Taking that step back and refocusing is what fuels better performance in both life and work.”
RUGGED Mind and Body would like to thank the people of Illinois, Massachusetts, and surrounding areas for joining us for these events, as well as co-hosts Porter Pipe & Supply and F.W. Webb Co. for helping to spread the word to their customers. The next RUGGED Road Shows will be announced in 2026 — stay tuned for more details!
