Welcome back to Fitter Talk! Your host, Curtis Ohlde, returns from a short sabbatical as he embarks on his new role as the HVAC Training Coordinator for Pipefitters Local 533 Training Center. In today’s episode, Curtis is joined by Craig for a special Breaktime news segment where they catch up on summer highlights, the start of the school year, and the important topic of Suicide Awareness.

This week’s guest is Jason Cornett, Refrigeration Technical Manager at Henderson Engineers Inc. in Lenexa, Kansas. Jason dives into his background and offers insights into Henderson Engineers before exploring the growing trend of CO2 in commercial refrigeration, including installation practices and material considerations. He also discusses the use of propane in commercial refrigeration systems.

This episode is packed with technical information that we hope you find enlightening! To wrap things up, Jason shares details about an upcoming disc golf tournament hosted by Henderson. Interested participants can reach out to him via email at jason.cornett@hendersonengineers.com.

Fitter Talk is a production of Cow Town Productions, L.L.C. For inquiries, contact us at CowTownProductionsKC@outlook.com. Enjoy the show!

Join host Curtis Ohlde in this episode of Fitter Talk as he sits down with Angela White, a key figure at Holmberg Mechanical based in the Seattle, Washington Area. As a signatory contractor with UA Local 32, Holmberg Mechanical boasts a rich history in the mechanical industry. Angela shares her personal journey within the company, highlighting her various roles and experiences before and during her tenure. She also sheds light on her husband Jeff's remarkable progression from plumbing apprentice with Local 32 to becoming the owner and CEO of Holmberg Mechanical.

As September approaches, Holmberg Mechanical gears up to celebrate an impressive milestone - 75 years in the mechanical industry. Angela delves into the company's achievements, including notable awards, and offers insights into the diverse industries Holmberg serves. Moreover, Angela discusses her recent completion of the UA2172 Advanced Peer Support and Suicide Awareness Program, making Holmberg the first contractor to undertake the initiative with UA. She shares why the company deemed it essential to undergo such training and how they are implementing the VitalCog program to benefit Holmberg employees.

Tune in for a fascinating conversation that encapsulates the legacy, values, and forward-thinking approach of Holmberg Mechanical.

For more information about Holmberg Mechanical, https://holmbergco.com/.

Fitter Talk is a production of Cow Town Productions and may be reached at CowTownProductionsKC@outlook.com.

In this episode of Fitter Talk we go back to "Tech Talk" as host Curtis Ohlde sits down with Victaulic Rep, Nathan Noland. Nathan share a little about his background before coming to his current role with Victaulic. Victalulic was first started in London in 1919 as Victory Pipe Joint Company as part of the war effort. Then in 1924 came to North America. Nathan shares the various industries as well as materials that Victaulic is involved in. Nathan also shares that there is a different between manufactures of groove piping as well as with the couplings and gaskets used. Then goes over some of the newer products and updates to the product line then finishes with the importance of proper training.

Nathan shares his contact information mobile- 816.520.7742 or nathan.noland@victaulic.com. You may also find out more about Victaulic at https://www.victaulic.com.

Fitter Talk is a production of Cow Town Productions L.L.C. and may be reached at CowTownProductionsKC@outlook.com.

For this Episode of Fitter Talk, host Curtis Ohlde sits down with co-instructor Craig Hickson to go over current events. A regular interview will not be part of this episode due to some scheduling conflicts but be sure to look for those as they will likely drop weekly until caught back up on regular schedule. Noted in Breaktime from episode 1, Jack Hicklin was in the hospital but in the intro, announced that he passed on Friday April 26th.

Curtis also shared in breaktime that the Strong Hands to Stronger Minds Foundation website should be getting launched anytime. Be on the look out for it, for resources and awareness.

Fitter Talk is a production of Cow Town Productions, L.L.C. and may be reached at CowTownProductions@outlook.com

In this episode of Fitter Talk, host Curtis Ohlde sits down once again in his home away from home (Holiday Inn Express) to talk with Steve Parsons a member of UA Pipefitter Local 537 in Boston, Massachusetts. Steve starts out sharing about Cathy Merkel the 35+ years Registrar for the International Training Fund. Tuesday of this week, Cathy sent out her final email to all who are involved with the ITF. Steve then shares his background as a 2nd generation Pipefitter and then talks about his 44+ years as a member of Local 537. Steve shares about the types of jobs he's worked on over the years, challenges, changes then talks about his time as a Training Instructor for the Local since 2000. From his local and getting CCO Trained in 2010, Steve shared his involvement with teaching rigging during ITP as well as regionally for the UA5011 class. Steve then goes over the History of 537 going back to 1911, challenges of working in Boston and the types of different Industries 537 works in. In addition, Steve shares about 537's new Training Facility and the challenges of building a Training Facility in Boston.

Fitter Talk is a production of Cow Town Productions L.L.C. and may be reached at CowTownProductionsKC@outlook.com.

In this episode of Fitter Talk, unfortunately coming out two weeks later than planned. Host Curtis Ohlde once again sits down with Craig for catching up on some current events along with Backflow Classes that Craig will have coming up. Then kicks off an new series on Why to use Union Labor with lead Engineer at KU Med Center, Jeff Gilliland. Jeff gives a little introduction to his background and duties along with clarifying the difference between KU Med Center and the KU Hospital. Jeff then shares how contractors are selected along with their On-Call Contractors and even with Kansas being Right To Work State, it's Union Contractors who are the most competitive in getting awarded contracts. Jeff also shares what he feels are some of the advantages to using Union Labor specifically Pipefitters and Plumbers.

In this episode of Fitter Talk, host Curtis Ohlde sits back down with the One & Only, Pat O'Hara. Didn't realize while recording but we have a fan hummin in the background, so please bare with until we can re-edit and see about isolating to remove. Pat shares current events coming up with the local then some of his takeaways from the Construction Working Minds Summit. Curtis shares some of his as well and as they both look to take what was learned to help improve the Peer Support Program for Local 533. In addition the Construction Working Minds Summit, Curtis had the opportunity to attend the Military Wellness Program hosted by Lineman Local 53 and a pre-conference session on Peer Allies. The program the UA has put together with Dr. Sally for the UA 2171 and UA 2172 classes, Curtis would suggest anyone interested and available to take.

Curtis then had the opportunity to sit down with Ben Bradshaw, Business Manager for UA Local 100 in the lobby of the conference for Ben to share about LU 100's history and work. Then Ben shares about LU 100 get involved with Mental Health Awareness and support. For more information about UA Local 100; https://ualocal100.org/.

Fitter Talk is a production of Cow Town Productions L.L.C. and may be reached at CowTownProductionsKC@outlook.com.

In this episode of Fitter Talk, host Curtis Ohlde is joined by Tresa Reece with LU 50 and Carrie Crosby of LU 23 to talk about the two of them recently attending the Tradeswomen Build Nations Conference December 1-3, 2023. We catch up with Tresa who was on the podcast with her husband Frank in Episode 2. Then get introduced to Carrie as she shares her story about getting in the trade then giving us some history of LU 23 in Rockford, IL.

Tresa and Carrie share their past years involvement with the conference and what it has allowed them to do locally. In addition they share their takeaways from speakers, workshops and the parade. Next year the conference will be in New Orleans and it advised to get registered asap. The conference is hosted by the North American Trade Union which they both shared information about NABTU.

For more information about the Conference check out the following websites as well as groups on facebook.
https://nabtu.org/twbn/
https://www2.nabtu.org/forms/meeting/Microsite/2023TWBN

Fitter Talk is a production of Cow Town Productions L.L.C. and may be reached at CowTownProducitonsKC@outlook.com.