94/Plumbing Engineer July 2019

that is not offered in other places such as formal educa- tion. They also have a desire to know how design meets application through hands-on experiences. Second, in order to fully embrace younger professionals, the industry must adapt to the way young professionals communicate within the industry and with each other. WHITNEY MITCHELL General Manager, Pipe Wrench Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, Inc. In her role as the general manager, Whitney Mitchell is gaining leadership training at a multimillion-dollar com- pany with 2019 revenue projected at over $10 million. As one of the youngest women to hold the executive position in a male-dominated industry, she is a representative for millennial and women of opportunities in PHCP. Pipe Wrench Plumbing, Heating and Cooling, Inc. was origi- nally founded in 1998 by Mitchell's father. She started working at the company in 2006 at age 18 years old. She would work six days per week in customer service, accounting management, and human resources. Mitchell continued into accounting management and eventually transitioned into office management, service manage- ment, and finally to her current role as general manager where she oversees all aspects of operations. Mitchel is also active in the community as a member of the Board of Directors of the Better Business Bureau of East Tennessee and as a member of the local chamber of commerce. She additionally volunteers with Second Harvest, Habitat for Humanity, and Big Brothers Big Sisters. What can the PHCP industry do better in recruiting young professionals and fostering a work environment to meet their needs? A key strategy for recruiting more young professionals would be to educate them that working in this industry offers a viable career option with retirement plans, health- care benefits, and paid vacation. Plus, there are many opportunities for professional growth and career advance- ment. Flexibility with work schedules and a family- friendly work culture are other key benefits in fostering a work environment for young people, especially for those with children. BRYCE MOORE Financial Planning and Analysis Manager, Hirsch Pipe & Supply Co., Inc. An experienced analyst, Bryce Moore enjoys numbers and working with large financial data sets. In his current role as manager of Financial Planning and Analysis at Hirsch Pipe & Supply, Moore creates and manages depart- mental budgets and forecasts for 27 cost centers. Using financial models, he evaluates strategic options, including business acquisitions, sourcing decisions and operational changes. Moore's previous professional roles with Hirsch included Product Marketing and Finance Analytics and serving as a Financial Analyst. Prior to Hirsch, Moore was the accountant at Flightline Products LLC. He is currently pursuing his MBA with a focus on Entrepreneurship at California State University, Northridge. He earned a bach- elor of science in Mathematical Science from University of California, Santa Barbara and an associate's degree in Accounting from Santa Monica College. What can the PHCP industry do better in recruiting young professionals and fostering a work environment to meet their needs? Participating in college or high school job fairs while having clear advancement paths would be helpful. If prospective employees can see a sustainable future with an employer, the job becomes much more attractive. If all they can visualize is an entry-level position, they are likely to select another industry. DAN NEW Vice President of Administration, Mid-City Supply Co., Inc. Dan New's history with Mid-City Supply dates back to his high school days when he worked in the warehouse. After graduating from college, he explored opportuni-

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