Watts offers world-class professional
training at Missouri facility

Kolyn Marshall of Watts Radiant leads a group in a discussion of the above-the-floor application of a Sub-Ray panel system.

Springfield, Mo. -- It’s a well kept secret, but shouldn’t be. Apparently, few people know about the superb hydronics and radiant heat training opportunities offered by Watts Radiant. But all that will change soon. They’ve revved-up the training schedule for 2007, expecting to train hundreds of contractors and reps in their new training facility in Springfield next year.

At a recent training session there, contracting professionals Dave Yates, president of York, Pa.-based F.W. Behler Inc., and Dan Foley, president of Alexandria, Va.-based Foley Mechanical Inc. and former president of the Radiant Panel Association, were among the trainers at Watts Radiant’s new “Hand-On House” training facility. The new space is a 2,000-square-foot, two-story area developed specifically for live training and instructional video production. The Hands-On House exists within the manufacturer’s new, 143,000-sq.-ft. manufacturing and office facility.

“It’s a world-class training center, with floor, ceiling and wall spaces set up specifically for hands-on radiant heat installations in all types of configuration, both with hydronic and electric radiant heat,” said Yates.

Mike Chiles, Watts Radiant general manager, commented: “Our new facility is the culmination of several years’ effort. It took years of planning to make it exactly what we need to meet and exceed customer needs, and to grow the business. The training facility will soon serve its full potential.”

Added Watts Radiant engineer and trainer, Kolyn Marshall: “We offer a unique training session, geared towards the novice radiant installer as well as a seasoned professional. Class schedules cover everything from radiant basics to product details to applications and installations. Some of the more compelling advantages are the many hands-on stations that give students a chance to install all of the major products in a wide range of applications, including Onix staple-up, Radiantpex underfloor, SubRay above-floor, and HeatWeave electric mat, among other types.”

According to Marshall, they believe that gaining technical insights are important, but that there’s so much more to fully understanding and developing a passion for “all things radiant.” This would include how to quickly assess what an engineer, architect or homeowner needs or wants, how to add to and enhance the basic need, and how to design and sell a radiant system. Students are also exposed to various sales and design strategies, including how to promote their own expertise as radiant professionals.

“One of the benefits of the training sessions is the participant’s exposure to a wide range of markets and ideas,” said Rich McNally, northeast regional sales manager for Watts Radiant. “Students bring their own experiences to the class where we encourage participation, which helps everyone involved.”

According to Foley, “What I especially like about the training at Watts Radiant is the encouragement for participants to improve their overall knowledge of everything in the industry. Students learn new techniques and applications, a wealth of information about to size and design systems, and all within the context of truly enjoyable, informal training that ultimately enhances the overall professionalism of the trade.”

Watts’ Marshall noted: “The participation of Dave Yates and Dan Foley adds depth and value to what we do. They offer valuable perspective, based on years of experience in the field and passion for the craft.”

McNally added: “We work hard to be sure that a Watts Radiant training session is more than a mix of parts and pieces, tools and fittings. It’s about people. Not just the installer, but also the customer who is able to go home at the end of the day and relax in warmth and comfort as winter dishes out its worst. Radiant heat provides uncompromised comfort, but only when it’s installed by those who put their best effort forward. We offer the education, skill and insights to those who want to become the best at what they do, and for that work to reward them profitably.”

Most training sessions wrap up with a detailed overview of the RadiantWorks Professional software used to design radiant heating, floor warming and snowmelt systems. Students have the opportunity to apply what they’ve learned over the previous days in real-world situations.

Eight training sessions are set to take place during the first half of next year. These classes will be held during the weeks of:

• March 6
• March 20
• April 3
• April 17
• May 1
• May 15
• June 5
• June 19.

In the spring, Watts Radiant will schedule seminars for the third and fourth quarters. Marshall recommends that anyone interested in join-ing a seminar should contact their local Watts Radiant wholesaler or representative.