2007 Contracting All-Stars

Welcome to the 2nd Annual Phc News’ Contracting All-Stars. It’s that time again to recognize valuable employees and their work! In conjunction with the Major League Baseball All-Star game, every year Phc News nominates its All-Star team of employees from plumbing, heating and mechanical contracting businesses.

Selections were based on employees who exemplify excellence in work ethic, sales generation, professionalism or community service involvement.

Phc News conducted a nationwide search for those that go above and beyond for their respective employers. If you know someone that should have been included in the 2007 Contracting All-Stars and wasn’t, please send a brief description of the person and why they should be considered. Please send info to chief editor, John Mesenbrink, at editor@phcnews.com. They could be nominated in the next edition of Contracting All-Stars.

1. First Team All-Star -- Frank A. Opiela -- president,

Opiela Mechanical Inc., San Antonio, Texas.

Nominated by: Kristine Opiela

“Frank is very dedicated to his work. He cares for his employees and their safety. He goes out of his way for people, and donates to specific organizations. As owner of Opiela Mechanical Inc., Frank promises his work to be of high quality, and done correctly. Not only is he a dedicated owner and valuable employee, but he is also a dedicated father,” says Kristine Opiela.

2. First Team All-Star -- Mike Ray -- service manager,

Winters Company, Cambridge, Mass.

Nominated by: Gene Cataldo and Timothy Flynn

“He has created a new, profitable  division within the company. He taught himself how to work through others, with 20 technicians wanting to work hard for him,” says Cataldo, owner of Winters Co.

“He has made a transition from mechanic to manager. His talents as a mechanic rival his talents as a motivator, leader and businessman. Look no further for your mvp,” says Flynn.

3. First Team All-Star -- Rudy Pena -- journeyman plumber/foreman,

Brents Plumbing, Cheyenne, Wyo.

Nominated by: Brent Groesbeck

“Rudy possesses a great work ethic. He is dedicated, honest, friendly, and he is a good person,” says Brent Groesbeck.

4. First Team All-Star -- Jay Reis -- operations manager,

Reis Plumbing & Heating, Twin Falls, Idaho.

Nominated by: Ava

In 2004, at the age of 27, Reis completed his plumbing apprenticeship, and he applied previous college business courses to rapidly advance to operations manager. He is able to relate and hold the respect of elders in the field. He is an active member on the Hospital Foundation Committee, State Apprenticeship Committee and local president of the Idaho Bid Service.

5. First Team All-Star -- Chris Gray -- new construction supervisor,

Lohr Plumbing, Beaufort, S.C.

Nominated by: Brett Doran

“All duties are performed with exceptional quality. His attendance is near perfect. He is a great asset to our company,” says Doran.

6. First Team All-Star -- Darrin Brown -- servicer and installer,

Jenson Air & Heating, Cavalier, N.D.

Nominated by: John D. Jenson

“Darrin has been a dedicated employee for 14 years with our company. He works 10-30 hours of overtime per week to satisfy customers. He is kind and courteous, always putting the customer first. He works above and beyond the call of duty each day,” says Jenson.

7. First Team All-Star -- Melvin Jensen -- head foreman-remodeling division,

Wm. A. Zachow & Sons Inc., Milwaukee.

Nominated by: Randy Zachow

Jensen has great leadership and workmanship qualities. He has trained many young apprentices. He has a vast knowledge in the trade, and he keeps in communication with satisfied customers and contractors. “Mel is a true leader, and he will be sorely missed when he retires at the end of they year,” says Zachow.

8. First Team All-Star -- Harry G. Myers, Jr. -- owner,

AAA Plumbing Inc. and Henry Myers BBQ and Catering, Blytheville, Ark.

Nominated by: Angela Von Ruden

“Henry is an exceptional person. He keeps the plumbing company in control. His BBQ and catering is a hobby that he does to help with the many fundraisers in the community, and across the nation. His cooking is a non-profit hobby,” says Von Ruden.

9. First Team All-Star -- Arthur Wolf -- service technician,

Aqua Plumbing Services, Wheeling, Ill.

Nominated by: Derek McGeoch

Wolf encompasses very solid work habits. He is a very good worker who looks after the interest of his customers and his fellow workers.

10. First Team All-Star -- Jason Hancock -- service technician,

Aqua Plumbing Services, Wheeling, Ill.

Nominated by: Derek McGeoch

Jason receives countless customer satisfaction replies. He not only looks out for the company, he looks out for the best interest of the customer. “He always is willing to help his fellow employees, especially his younger brother who was recently hired as our shop person,” says McGeoch.