Continuing its efforts to help tradespeople and members of the PHCP (plumbing, heating, cooling and piping) community connect, unwind and learn, RUGGED Mind and Body, a PHCPPros initiative, was thrilled to host its fourth and largest Road Show yet at the Topgolf location in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, on May 7.

The event once again kicked off with a work-life balance seminar led by Nate Agentis, RUGGED magazine columnist and founder of Hope for the Trades. Throughout his presentation, Agentis explored the principles of proactivity and taught attendees how to apply them in practical ways specific to the industry — with the ultimate goal being to find peace and take back control of their professional and personal lives. 

“It was awesome talking to Nate and getting his perspective about how to prevent burnout and deal with work-life balance while running a service company,” said attendee Frank Simon, manager, Christian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing and Electrical of Southampton, Pennsylvania. 

The seminar ended with a raffle from RUGGED’s giveaway sponsor, RIDGID. Christina Brown of Airmaster Heating and Cooling Specialists in Philadelphia was randomly selected as the winner of a RIDGID RP 251 press tool, which was generously donated by the company. 

Letting Loose

Throughout the rest of the night, attendees were able to enjoy a protein-packed dinner of chicken and steak fajitas while connecting with one another over free rounds of golf.

“[I enjoyed] listening to other tradesmen sitting down, letting loose and talking about their workplace stressors — and how we all are going through something similar,” said attendee Ryan Rymsza, manufacturing tech, Well Manager LLC of Hopewell, New Jersey. 

Other attendees echoed Rymsza’s sentiments. 

“It is useful to be reminded that this is an industry-wide problem, and we all deal with it,” said Joe Michalski, construction manager, Dwight City Group of Upper Darby Township, Pennsylvania. “Attaching some of the day-to-day issues — such as sleep problems — to work-related stress shows that continuing on as-is means there is no finish line or breakthrough point where it will go away.”

Building Community 

A main highlight of the night for the PHCPPros team was speaking to several individuals who had already attended one of RUGGED’s previous Road Shows in the Northeast. 

“I believe this illustrates that these events are really resonating with people,” said PHCPPros Principal Cate Brown. “One of our main goals through our Road Shows is to help tradespeople build their community, and the fact that there are attendees who keep coming back to further strengthen their support network is just so fantastic to witness.”

Thomas Van Pelt, director of operations / COO, Well Manager LLC, was one such return attendee.

“It is a great resource for mental health in the trades,” said Van Pelt. “I’m looking forward to the next one!” 

Another second-time attendee, Adam Diehl, plumber, Integrity Mechanical, felt the event was informative and “made you think.”

“Work is not everything, and you definitely need to make time for others — especially yourself,” Diehl said. 

The event was made possible with the help of RUGGED sponsors Cintas, Watts Water Technologies, AERCO International, Bradley Co., Charlotte Pipe and Foundry, F.W. Webb Co., Legend Valve, Liberty Pumps, Matco-Norca and U.S. Boiler Co. Many offered attendees free merch to take home as well, alongside RUGGED shirts and RUGGED the Rhino plushies.

RUGGED Mind and Body would like to thank the people of Pennsylvania and surrounding areas for joining us for this event, as well as our sponsors for their continued support and for helping to spread the word to their customers. 

The next RUGGED Road Show will take place in Milwaukee this fall — stay tuned for more details!