Rugged https://www.phcppros.com/rss en-us You Get What You Give: Susan Jacobs-Marshalsea’s Commitment to Community Susan Jacobs-Marshalsea’s decision to enter the plumbing trade was easy. Representing the fifth generation of Master Plumbers, she was determined to carry on the tradition of Jacobs Plumbing, “A Family of Master Plumbers Since 1895!” But coming up in the late 1970s and early ’80s meant proving she belonged. Susan Jacobs-Marshalsea’s decision to enter the plumbing trade was easy. Representing the fifth generation of Master Plumbers, she was determined to carry on the tradition of Jacobs Plumbing, “A Family of Master Plumbers Since 1895!” But coming up in the late 1970s and early ’80s meant proving she belonged.

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/24337 Mon, 02 Nov 2026 06:19:17 -0500 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/24337-you-get-what-you-give-susan-jacobs-marshalseas-commitment-to-community Main Image of Sue.jpg Preparation and Prevention: Tools That Protect the Body and Mind Prevention is already a familiar concept in the trades. You inspect equipment, identify hazards, wear the appropriate protective equipment and address problems before they become injuries or costly failures. Prevention is already a familiar concept in the trades. You inspect equipment, identify hazards, wear the appropriate protective equipment and address problems before they become injuries or costly failures.

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/24340 Mon, 02 Nov 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/24340-preparation-and-prevention-tools-that-protect-the-body-and-mind Reset.jpg Ernest D. Menold Inc. Makes Its Mark on Movember For the sixth year in a row, Philadelphia-based general sheet metal contractor Ernest D. Menold Inc. is participating in Movember as a vehicle to promote a healthy workforce. For the sixth year in a row, Philadelphia-based general sheet metal contractor Ernest D. Menold Inc. is participating in Movember as a vehicle to promote a healthy workforce.

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/24339 Mon, 02 Nov 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/24339-ernest-d-menold-inc-makes-its-mark-on-movember Check.jpg Bring Back the Trades Spotlight: Meet Maria Arcieri For Maria Arcieri, a challenge from a high school classmate was all it took to change her career path from cosmetology to automotive technology. For Maria Arcieri, a challenge from a high school classmate was all it took to change her career path from cosmetology to automotive technology.

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/24338 Mon, 02 Nov 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/24338-bring-back-the-trades-spotlight-meet-maria-arcieri Main Headshot Option 1.jpg Wrenches With Purpose: How Skill-Based Volunteering Builds Better Teams I still remember the first time I realized the tools in my truck could do more than finish a job. They could restore something. Not just a pipe. Not just a fixture. Not just a mechanical system. I still remember the first time I realized the tools in my truck could do more than finish a job. They could restore something. Not just a pipe. Not just a fixture. Not just a mechanical system. 

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/24336 Mon, 02 Nov 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/24336-wrenches-with-purpose-how-skill-based-volunteering-builds-better-teams iStock-482835669.jpg Passing His Second Chance Forward Everything Leon Garrett owned fit inside a single trash bag. He had one outfit, one backpack and a cellphone charger for a belt. Everything Leon Garrett owned fit inside a single trash bag. He had one outfit, one backpack and a cellphone charger for a belt.

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/24335 Mon, 02 Nov 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/24335-passing-his-second-chance-forward Must run (1).jpg What a Year 2026 Has Been! During a particularly heavy time in my own life, I received two pieces of advice that really helped me. One was, “Ride it out.” Don’t bury your feelings, as that will just prolong your situation. During a particularly heavy time in my own life, I received two pieces of advice that really helped me. One was, “Ride it out.” Don’t bury your feelings, as that will just prolong your situation. 

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/24334 Mon, 02 Nov 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/24334-what-a-year-2026-has-been iStock-2211902300.jpg Men’s Health: Building a Culture of Support In the trades, strength, reliability and hard work are valued traits. But mental health is just as important as physical health. Work demands, family responsibilities, financial pressures and everyday stress can all affect mental well-being. In the trades, strength, reliability and hard work are valued traits. But mental health is just as important as physical health. Work demands, family responsibilities, financial pressures and everyday stress can all affect mental well-being.

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/23979 Tue, 01 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/23979-mens-health-building-a-culture-of-support 1_Recognizing.jpg Q&A with Krissa Rouse, MA, LCPC: Understanding Schizophrenia and Psychosis Schizophrenia affects more than 3 million adults in the United States, yet many people don’t know what schizophrenia or psychosis looks like — or what to do when they notice changes in someone they care about. Schizophrenia affects more than 3 million adults in the United States, yet many people don’t know what schizophrenia or psychosis looks like — or what to do when they notice changes in someone they care about.

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/23978 Tue, 01 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/23978-q-and-a-understanding-schizophrenia-and-psychosis Rouse.jpg More Than a Paycheck: What the Next Generation Actually Wants from the Trades In the trades, most owners learn a simple lesson early: Good work gets rewarded with more work. You start out in the field. You solve problems. Customers trust you. In the trades, most owners learn a simple lesson early: Good work gets rewarded with more work. You start out in the field. You solve problems. Customers trust you.

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/23976 Tue, 01 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/23976-more-than-a-paycheck-what-the-next-generation-actually-wants-from-the-trades iStock-2225642673.jpg The Four Agreements: A Blueprint for Safety on the Jobsite Upon entering my office at work, you’ll see a placard with the following succinct statements: Be impeccable with your word. Don’t take anything personally. Don’t make assumptions. Always do your best. Upon entering my office at work, you’ll see a placard with the following succinct statements: Be impeccable with your word. Don’t take anything personally. Don’t make assumptions. Always do your best.

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/23975 Tue, 01 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/23975-the-four-agreements-a-blueprint-for-safety-on-the-jobsite iStock-2199351006_1.jpg Stronger Skills. Stronger Teams. Stronger Trades. People working in the plumbing and water industries solve problems every day, often under pressure. They are called when something fails, when a customer needs answers or when a job has to be completed safely. People working in the plumbing and water industries solve problems every day, often under pressure. They are called when something fails, when a customer needs answers or when a job has to be completed safely. 

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/23974 Tue, 01 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/23974-stronger-skills-stronger-teams-stronger-trades Rugged article Aug_B (2).jpg Turning the Page: A Flyer and a Fresh Start After surviving heroin addiction and an abusive relationship, Alayna Chavez was looking for a way to start over. Then, she saw a flyer for trade school. After surviving heroin addiction and an abusive relationship, Alayna Chavez was looking for a way to start over. Then, she saw a flyer for trade school.

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/23973 Tue, 01 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/23973-turning-the-page-a-flyer-and-a-fresh-start PXL_20251011_185425735.MP Alayna chavez.jpg Connecting, Overcoming, and Staying RUGGED Get an inside look at the latest RUGGED Mind and Body initiatives, featuring an inspiring cover story on Mary-Anne Bowcott, a recap of the record-breaking Philadelphia Road Show, and expert advice on building a healthier, safer workforce. Get an inside look at the latest RUGGED Mind and Body initiatives, featuring an inspiring cover story on Mary-Anne Bowcott, a recap of the record-breaking Philadelphia Road Show, and expert advice on building a healthier, safer workforce.

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/23484 Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/23484-connecting-overcoming-and-staying-rugged iStock-2159561949.jpg RUGGED Mind and Body Hosts Fourth Road Show The fourth and largest RUGGED Mind and Body Road Show in Pennsylvania brought Philadelphia-area tradespeople together for an evening of food, golf, and essential strategies for tackling workplace stress and burnout. The fourth and largest RUGGED Mind and Body Road Show in Pennsylvania brought Philadelphia-area tradespeople together for an evening of food, golf, and essential strategies for tackling workplace stress and burnout.

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/23483 Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/23483-rugged-mind-and-body-hosts-fourth-road-show IMG_1483.jpg Lead With Purpose: Three Habits of Healthy Trades Leaders Stop running a trade business and start carrying it—discover three essential habits healthy leaders use to build systems, delegate effectively, and transition out of constant emergency mode.

Stop running a trade business and start carrying it—discover three essential habits healthy leaders use to build systems, delegate effectively, and transition out of constant emergency mode.

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/23480 Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/23480-lead-with-purpose-three-habits-of-healthy-trades-leaders iStock-1009803562.jpg Total Worker Health in the HVAC and Plumbing Industry: Building a Safer, Stronger Workforce By adopting a Total Worker Health approach, HVAC and plumbing companies can protect their teams from unique trade hazards while gaining a competitive edge in recruiting and retaining top talent. http://www.phcppros.com/articles/23479 Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/23479-total-worker-health-in-the-hvac-and-plumbing-industry-building-a-safer-stronger-workforce iStock-2242120788.jpg A Lasting Impact After overcoming a turbulent past marked by abuse, addiction, and poverty, tradeswoman Mary-Anne Bowcott is using her successful plumbing career to give back to global communities in need through The Impact Project. After overcoming a turbulent past marked by abuse, addiction, and poverty, tradeswoman Mary-Anne Bowcott is using her successful plumbing career to give back to global communities in need through The Impact Project.

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/23478 Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/23478-a-lasting-impact 07c4c788--2x scale.jpg Stress, Isolation and the Trades: Why Support Networks Matter Discover how trades professionals can combat the unique pressures of isolation and burnout by building intentional support networks that act as "preventive maintenance" for their mental well-being. Discover how trades professionals can combat the unique pressures of isolation and burnout by building intentional support networks that act as "preventive maintenance" for their mental well-being.

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/23159 Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/23159-stress-isolation-and-the-trades-why-support-networks-matter 1.jpg Keeping the System Running: How Chiropractic Care Can Benefit Tradespeople Explore how chiropractic care mirrors the precision of the skilled trades to help workers restore their "human machine," reduce chronic pain, and protect their most valuable tool—their bodies. Explore how chiropractic care mirrors the precision of the skilled trades to help workers restore their "human machine," reduce chronic pain, and protect their most valuable tool—their bodies.

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/23157 Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/23157-keeping-the-system-running-how-chiropractic-care-can-benefit-tradespeople iStock-1173641312.jpg Mental and Physical Fortitude: The Power of Exercise and Meditation Meet Valerie A. Stakes, RUGGED’s new columnist, as she shares her powerful journey of using endurance training and meditation to build the mental and physical resilience needed to navigate a life-changing cancer diagnosis. Meet Valerie A. Stakes, RUGGED’s new columnist, as she shares her powerful journey of using endurance training and meditation to build the mental and physical resilience needed to navigate a life-changing cancer diagnosis.

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/23156 Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/23156-mental-and-physical-fortitude-the-power-of-exercise-and-meditation RUGGED_Stakes.jpg The Cost of Carrying It All: Why Leaders in the Trades Must Stop Suffering in Silence Discover how trades leaders can overcome the hidden mental and operational costs of "carrying it all" by implementing five practical strategies to build a more sustainable, sharp, and connected professional life. Discover how trades leaders can overcome the hidden mental and operational costs of "carrying it all" by implementing five practical strategies to build a more sustainable, sharp, and connected professional life.

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/23155 Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/23155-the-cost-of-carrying-it-all-why-leaders-in-the-trades-must-stop-suffering-in-silence iStock-1292750991.jpg Rising From the Ashes Follow the harrowing yet hopeful journey of Shaun Carlyon as he battles childhood trauma, the physical and mental tolls of firefighting, and a life-threatening addiction to rebuild his life and launch a mission to help other tradespeople find their voice. Follow the harrowing yet hopeful journey of Shaun Carlyon as he battles childhood trauma, the physical and mental tolls of firefighting, and a life-threatening addiction to rebuild his life and launch a mission to help other tradespeople find their voice.

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/23154 Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/23154-rising-from-the-ashes 20251206_164924.jpg Hardship, Healing, and Hope for the Trades After inheriting his family plumbing business amid tragedy and growing it into a $13 million company, Nate Agentis hit burnout—and found a new calling helping tradespeople build healthier lives, not just bigger businesses. After inheriting his family plumbing business amid tragedy and growing it into a $13 million company, Nate Agentis hit burnout—and found a new calling helping tradespeople build healthier lives, not just bigger businesses.

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/22699 Wed, 31 Dec 2025 08:51:53 -0500 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/22699-hardship-healing-and-hope-for-the-trades 945A0839-open.jpg Mental Health and Wellness Podcasts for the Trades As mental health conversations gain momentum in the trades, these six podcasts are breaking stigma and offering honest stories, practical tools, and support for tradespeople who don’t want to face challenges alone. As mental health conversations gain momentum in the trades, these six podcasts are breaking stigma and offering honest stories, practical tools, and support for tradespeople who don’t want to face challenges alone.

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/22704 Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/22704-mental-health-and-wellness-podcasts-for-the-trades iStock-2173152587.jpg RUGGED Mind and Body Hosts Second and Third Road Shows RUGGED Mind and Body’s Road Show events brought tradespeople together for golf, community, and honest conversations about burnout, reinforcing the importance of investing in both personal well-being and professional growth. RUGGED Mind and Body’s Road Show events brought tradespeople together for golf, community, and honest conversations about burnout, reinforcing the importance of investing in both personal well-being and professional growth.

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/22703 Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/22703-rugged-mind-and-body-hosts-second-and-third-road-shows Event Landscape 2.jpg Let’s Talk About It: Breaking the Silence on Prostate Cancer Prostate cancer is highly survivable when caught early, yet many men—especially in the trades—delay screening, making regular checkups and open conversations a potentially lifesaving choice. Prostate cancer is highly survivable when caught early, yet many men—especially in the trades—delay screening, making regular checkups and open conversations a potentially lifesaving choice.

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/22702 Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/22702-lets-talk-about-it-breaking-the-silence-onprostate-cancer iStock-1482761888.jpg It’s All in the Preparation: One Plumber’s Approach to Family and Food Journeyman plumber Omar Harris shares how his love of cooking, family time, and simple meal prep helps him stay healthier, save time, and thrive on demanding jobsites. Journeyman plumber Omar Harris shares how his love of cooking, family time, and simple meal prep helps him stay healthier, save time, and thrive on demanding jobsites.

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/22701 Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/22701-its-all-in-the-preparation-one-plumbers-approach-to-family-and-food Photo Jun 11 2023-rsz.jpg Nutrition and Mental Health Part 4: Practical Advice for Daily Life Cutting through nutrition hype and influencer noise, this article returns to the basics—showing how everyday food choices, label reading, and balance can support not just physical health, but mental well-being too. Cutting through nutrition hype and influencer noise, this article returns to the basics—showing how everyday food choices, label reading, and balance can support not just physical health, but mental well-being too.

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/22700 Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/22700-nutrition-and-mental-health-part-4-practical-advice-for-daily-life iStock-2211334897.jpg Building Strength Where It Matters Most Fueled by real stories, growing community, and a commitment to the next generation, RUGGED continues to prove that a strong career in the trades starts with a strong mind and body. Fueled by real stories, growing community, and a commitment to the next generation, RUGGED continues to prove that a strong career in the trades starts with a strong mind and body.


]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/22698 Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/22698-building-strength-where-it-matters-most iStock-981339754.jpg Silhouette of engineer and construction team working at site over blurred background sunset pastel for industry background with Light fair.Create from multiple reference images together.