It is with great pride that the publishers of PHCPPros introduce PROS REPS RUGGED MIND AND BODY magazine. For 35 years, the mission of PHCPPros has been to report, educate and promote all aspects of the plumbing, heating, and PVF industries. We have built strong friendships and relationships with engineers, distributors, contractors, reps and manufacturers over this time —  leading to a deep and caring commitment to the PHCP industry.

Throughout the past couple of years, there has been a slow, emerging effort to bring awareness to the rampant mental health crisis tradespeople are experiencing. The PHCP channel relies on all stakeholders and if the end-user — the contractor and/or tradesperson — struggles, we all struggle. Historically, tradespeople have had the reputation of being tough folks who don’t need help. However, no matter how strong an individual is, he or she still may need support, and it’s important to note that seeking aid or resources does not make someone ‘weak.’ In fact, we think taking the steps to care for your mind and body makes you more RUGGED than ever. 

So, why did we start giving more thought to this specific issue? In 2023, PHCPPros started PROS REPS, a rep firm for ambassadors/influencers in the PHCP industry. This has personally been one of the most rewarding parts of my career with PHCPPros. Most of us see ambassadors/influencers for quick snippets at a time online. One probably does not give much thought to them past what their opinions are on particular products or best practices. However, we have formed relationships with our reps and gotten to know them on a personal level. We are grateful to so many of them for their candor on their struggles with mental illness, addiction, wellness and veterans’ issues.

The PHCPPros staff met in the summer of 2024 and we discussed the struggles of our tradespeople with mental health. It was an amazing brainstorming meeting. Members of the PHCPPros staff began to share struggles of mental health that they or someone in their family experienced. It was a very meaningful experience, and I was so grateful that we had created a space in which they were comfortable sharing. From this meeting, the PRO REPS RUGGED MIND AND BODY initiative was born.

We will be showcasing some of our PROS in each issue of RUGGED. This inaugural issue features Antonio Delacerda. Antonio is an AMAZING person who has struggled and persevered. His life and work are inspiring, and I am so grateful to him for opening up and sharing his story. 

The mission of PROS REPS RUGGED MIND AND BODY: Promoting Mental Health and Wellness for the Trades is to create, educate and advocate to help all tradespeople lead healthier lives with an overall equal work/life balance. We could not have gotten this initiative off the ground without the generosity and support of our inaugural sponsors. I would like to thank Cintas and Watts including Bradley and AERCO for their Vanguard sponsorships. I would like to thank Legend Valve, MGI/Whitehall and U.S. Boiler for their Guardian sponsorships.

After reading, RUGGED, it is my sincere wish that you were inspired by something you read or you were able to offer a resource to someone you know who is struggling. 

Thank you and stay RUGGED!