On the road again

By BOB ‘hot rod’ ROHR

Knowledge is power. Knowledge of your trade is an ongoing quest. Knowledge offers you and your team security in these uncertain times. Staying informed and up to speed on new products and procedures is paramount to surviving in slow times. Often slow times offer more opportunity for training for you and your team.

Traveling to manufacturers’ training facilities, while being fun and very informative, can be very expensive. Travel expenses are rising. One airline actually put in two separate rate increases in one week. Also, fuel prices continue to impact travel by vehicle options. Add to that the time spent not working -- while traveling and training -- and you just might talk yourself out of the training you know you really need.

It’s expensive for manufacturers to offer in-house training, too. They incur the same problems with downtime, and they bear the burden of furnishing lodging, meals and educational materials.

Another option exists that may help keep the education flowing: Several manufacturers, reps, wholesalers and even some contractors are taking the training to the customer.

Vans and trailers are becoming more popular as a way to reach groups of trainees. Training can be made available pretty much at any convenient location. Many reps and wholesalers have meeting rooms to facilitate training indoors when the “traveling” show stops in town. I have presented training outside in parking lots from time to time. Trade show floors, outdoor fairs and exhibits are also common venues.

The ability to travel with actual product and working displays is a huge plus in my mind. Contractors and installers are hands-on type of folk. They like to hold and examine the components to assure quality and observe the features. It is much easier to do this in person than via a brochure of technical manual. Actually, some engineers and system designers seldom get to see and hold the components before they are installed on the job. A traveling van or trailer can open a new world of options for training and product introduction.

Working displays are not uncommon on or in traveling vans. By now most of the hydronic and steam community knows of Weil McLain’s working steam display -- with the clear tubing -- so that you can watch the steam at work. Without a doubt this rig has helped thousands “see” how steam travels in pipes. The old saying “a picture is worth a thousand words” really holds true in the case of this live demo trailer. Look for the crowds at some of the outdoor trade shows. That’s where you will find the steam demo amazing the crowds.

Viega has been traveling with their colorful van for several years now. I believe it is now on its second or third remodel and upgrade. And, I have seen this van on the trade show floor with a group of hydronic and plumbing aficionados gathered around. It is really an eye catcher and tends to magnetize people in its direction.

Look for well-equipped traveling shows from Lochinvar, too. Premier rep firm Emerson Swan has a well equipped and well received traveling trailer. And, I’m in the process of tricking out a van for Caleffi. Picture “Pimp My Ride” with solar panels and hydronic systems.  

Richard, aka der Heatmeister, is a heating contractor from Colorado. He has an incredible traveling, hydronic display trailer. It has several operating boilers and displays radiant floor, panel rads and towel warmers for prospective customers. It also has connections to allow it to be used as a temporary heat source. I consider this rig to be among one of the best for giving potential customers a hands-on touch and feel experience. Richard uses the trailer to train his team on proper installation and hydronic concepts. And, he teaches his customer how these systems work so that they can make better, educated decisions when they select a system for their home. That’s a win-win-win for a mobile demonstration.

Some people learn by watching. Some folks can learn by reading. Most of us, we need to put our hands on tools and our tools on pipes. Bring on the mobile classroom and let’s figure out how to make people and spaces warm and comfortable.

Bob “Hot Rod” Rohr has been knee-deep in plumbing, heating and solar work since he was a kid. He has learned a lot of simple ways to install, repair and update hydronic systems. Check out his new, downloadable “Cool Tips from Hot Rod” at www.showmeradiant.com.