You didn’t get into this trade to talk politics. You came in to build, fix, and solve problems. But like it or not, government decisions are shaping your jobs, your workforce, and your future.
Dan Callies, President of the PHCC National Association, summed it up clearly when he said, “If we’re not at the table, we’re on the menu.” For commercial plumbing and HVAC contractors, silence leaves the door wide open to decisions made without them.
Regulations Don’t Wait for You to Weigh In
Every day, federal and state agencies are deciding how licensing works, what energy codes say, and where workforce funding goes. These decisions hit close to home because they directly affect how you do business.
As Callies puts it, “If we don’t speak up, we’ll be stuck living with decisions made by people who think ‘sweating pipe’ means being nervous.”
This is where the PHCC steps in. Their advocacy team works behind the scenes in Capitol Hill meetings and state regulatory hearings, making sure contractors are heard before decisions are made. But the real power comes when that voice includes input from contractors on the ground.
Lawmakers Are Listening When Contractors Show Up
At this year’s PHCC Legislative Conference, contractors from around the country sat face-to-face with lawmakers. They shared stories about hiring struggles, energy efficiency work, training needs, and the impact of outdated codes.
“They listened,” Callies said. “We weren’t just talking points; we were taxpayers, employers, problem-solvers.”
Contractors made it clear that their work is essential to public health, energy goals, and workforce development. Try pushing green building initiatives without the people who know how to install tankless water heaters, heat pumps, and complex piping systems. It doesn’t work.
You Don’t Need to Be a Political Junkie
Most contractors aren’t watching C-SPAN or memorizing bill numbers. You’re managing crews, juggling schedules, and trying to track down that delivery that was supposed to arrive two days ago. That’s normal. But that doesn’t mean you can afford to ignore what’s happening in government.
Callies says you don’t need to relocate to D.C. to make a difference. You just need to stay aware. “Support PHCC’s advocacy team. Attend a local event. Share your story.”
Even a five-minute conversation with a local official can leave a mark. “Explain to a state senator why your apprentices aren’t learning to install plumbing systems on TikTok,” Callies suggests.
Contractors Are Stepping Into Leadership
Some PHCC members are going further. They’re running for office. They’re joining advisory boards. They’re helping write code updates. They’re proving that real-world experience belongs in leadership conversations.
Callies isn’t saying every contractor needs to run for office. But he is making a case for stepping up. “You’ve got more influence than you think, and PHCC is here to help you use it.”
The Work You Do Deserves Protection
Contractors keep water flowing, air clean, and buildings safe. That work matters, and it’s worth defending. “Plumbing protects the nation. Advocacy protects the industry,” Callies said.
From small operations to large teams, every contractor’s voice counts. Stay engaged. Stay informed. And make sure decisions are made with you, not for you.
