PHCC Foundation’s 'Creating Super Foremen' Workshop Focuses on Leadership Beyond the Tools

FALLS CHURCH, VA — The most skilled installer on a jobsite is not always the most effective foreman—and that distinction was at the center of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association (PHCC) Educational Foundation’s annual Creating Super Foremen workshop, held May 1–2 at Milwaukee Tool’s headquarters in Brookfield, Wisconsin.

The intensive two-day leadership program brought together 24 plumbing and HVAC field leaders from across the country to rethink what effective jobsite leadership really looks like. Rather than focusing strictly on technical ability, the workshop emphasized communication, planning, mentorship and servant leadership strategies designed to improve productivity and crew performance.

Effective Foremen Remove Obstacles Instead of Solving Every Problem Themselves

Purdue University Professor Emeritus Kirk Alter led the workshop and challenged attendees to rethink the instinct that often earns tradespeople a promotion in the first place—jumping in and solving problems personally.

“Most foremen want to solve problems by leading the way with their tools in their hand and end up doing the work themselves,” said Alter. “Your job as a foreman is actually to be like a shepherd and lead from the back of the pack, spending time teaching your field crews, and making sure that they have all the resources, materials, tools and information they need to work as efficiently as they possibly can.”

That “shepherd” mindset became a recurring theme throughout the workshop’s focus on servant leadership, which defines leadership as removing obstacles so crews can perform at a higher level. Rather than acting as the jobsite “hero,” attendees explored how successful foremen ask better questions, prepare more thoroughly and focus on helping crews work more efficiently.

Workshop Focuses on Productivity, Communication and Team Development

The workshop translated leadership concepts into practical field management skills contractors can apply immediately on jobsites.

Participants worked through productivity tracking methods designed to help foremen identify project issues through measurable data instead of relying solely on intuition. The class also explored communication challenges between office staff and field crews, encouraging attendees to see themselves as part of the management team rather than simply senior field labor.

Sessions also addressed mentorship, emotional intelligence and workforce development—reinforcing that strong foremen build teams capable of solving problems independently rather than constantly relying on direct intervention.

Attendees discussed how stronger communication and planning can reduce jobsite inefficiencies, improve morale and help crews stay productive under increasingly demanding schedules.

Milwaukee Tool Hosts Annual Leadership Development Program

Milwaukee Tool sponsored and hosted the training at its Brookfield, Wisconsin headquarters as part of the company’s ongoing commitment to workforce development and trades education.

“We believe that investing in the people who work in the trades is just as important as investing in the tools they use,” said Ron Shanaver, Milwaukee Tool National Account Manager. “Hosting the PHCC Foremen Workshop is a natural extension of that commitment, and we are honored to be part of developing the next generation of field leaders.”

The PHCC Educational Foundation conducts the Creating Super Foremen workshop and its Essentials of Project Management program annually, while also partnering with PHCC state chapters to offer one-day versions of the training throughout the year.

To learn more, visit the PHCC Educational Foundation web site at phccfoundation.org.