| When you sell a house in Wisconsin or Illinois, are your required to disclose if it is haunted? | | | | |
From Last Month:
Question: Acorns that begin falling in early autumn grow on which trees?
Answer: Oak trees
| | Able Distributing: 66 Years Strong and Still Growing | | |
Some partnerships are built on a handshake. At Able Distributing, many were built over a parts counter: a contractor needing an answer fast, an Able pro who had it, and decades of coming back. Since 1960, that's been the Able way, and it's still how we run our business today.
From Wausau to Oconomowoc (and We're Still Growing)
Able's Wisconsin story started in the north territory 1966 with our Wausau branch. Appleton followed in 1993. Our southeastern Wisconsin territory started in 2002, adding multiple locations including West Allis, Kenosha, West Bend, Pewaukee, and Madison. Our newest chapter opened in November 2025 with a brand-new location in Oconomowoc, bringing Able to the heart of Lake Country. Today, eight locations (Appleton, Kenosha, Madison, Oconomowoc, Pewaukee, Wausau, West Allis and West Bend) serve residential, commercial, industrial and showroom customers across Wisconsin and into Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Wherever the job is, there's an Able nearby.
Big Backing, Local Heart
In 2005, Able joined the Hajoca family, the nation's largest privately held wholesale supplier of plumbing, heating and industrial supplies, with roots back to 1858. That gives our customers the reach and buying power of more than 400 locations nationwide. But we never stopped being Able. Our decisions, relationships, and people are still local. We like to say it's "the buying power of a big company, with the flexibility of a small one."
Shelves Worth Bragging About
From the rough-in to the finishing touch, Able carries the names the trades trust: Kohler, Delta, Moen, Rheem, Viega, Sioux Chief, Milwaukee, Charlotte Pipe, InSinkErator, and more. For high-end projects, we also carry design-forward lines like Kallista, California Faucets, and Native Trails.
Where Clients Fall in Love
Our showrooms in Appleton, Wausau, Oconomowoc, and West Allis give contractors and their clients a place to see, touch and compare before anything is ordered. Able Kitchen & Bath, our luxury showroom brand, now has two homes: our flagship in West Allis and our newest in Oconomowoc. It's where a homeowner's "I'm not sure" becomes "That one," which means fewer surprises, fewer returns, and happier clients.
Open After the Counter Closes
Job sites don't keep banker's hours, so neither do we. Contractors can order after hours and get next day delivery through SupplyWeb or the SupplyZone mobile app, pay bills online and apply for credit without stopping by. When you come in, a familiar face will be behind the counter.
What Drives Us
Our mission is simple: "We are Able to succeed by always focusing on the requirements for our customers' success." That means hiring great people, being a true partner, and delivering superior service with integrity. Our customers' wins are our wins.
The Next Chapter
Sixty-six years in, we're still doing what got us here: showing up, learning and sharing our knowledge, sharing what we know and treating every customer like a partner. With a brand-new location open and more growth ahead, we're proud to serve Wisconsin's trades and look forward to many more years of keeping things flowing.
| | Able Distributing Key Contacts | | Bill Halliburton
Area Manager | | Ben Bergesen
Showroom Director & Residential Business Development | | Bobby Schmeling
Sales Manager | | Josh Kerslake
Madison PCM | | |
Erin Guler
Supply Chain Director
| | |
Erika Miller
Business Development
| | PMSMCA 2026 Sporting Clays Outing | | |
Thank you for joining us on September 24 for PMSMCA's Sporting Clays Event at Milford Hills in Johnson Creek. This year's head count totaled 123 shooters. We were fortunate to enjoy a mild-weather day of sporting clays, games, awards, food, and fun!
A special thank you to our generous event sponsors: Able Distributing, DeWalt, Ferguson, First Business Bank, Herkowski Stickler & Associates, Hydro-Flo Products, Inc., Milwaukee Tool, Milwaukee Valve Company, LLC, Nelson Insulation Company, Porter Pipe & Supply, Rundle-Spence Co., Soderholm & Associates, United Mechanical, Inc., and Vyron Corporation.
Click here to view the event photo album on Facebook.
| | Making an Impact for Make-A-Wish Wisconsin | | Left to right: Sherry Steward (PMSMCA), Jordyn Dutkiewicz
(Make-A-Wish Wisconsin), and Jonathan Kowalski (PMSMCA) | | |
Thanks to the generosity of our members at the 2026 PMSMCA Annual Charity Golf Outing, the Alliance was able to make awards to four charitable partners again this year.
Included in that group again this year is Make-A-Wish Wisconsin. Upon presentation of the check to Make-A-Wish they shared that our level of support will allow them to grant a wish for one of their children!
As the Alliance learns more about the Wish we will share those updates with you.
In addition to Make-A-Wish, the event supported these partners:
Nation of Patriots
Ronald McDonal House - Eastern Wisconsin
Royal Family Kids (RFK)
| | To assist us in serving our members in more effective and worthwhile ways, we ask that you complete this poll. Thank you for your feedback! | | Are you interested in going to additional social events with other members? | | | | Does Your Website Work as Hard As You Do?
Unlocking the Potential of Your Digital Presence | | Thursday, October 22 | 12 Noon-1:00 pm | Online via Teams | | |
Grab your lunch and join us on Thursday, October 22 for a webinar covering the benefits of upgrading your website. PMSMCA's web design partner, Starkmedia, will demonstrate how upgrading a website is an investment, not an expense.
We'll also hear first-hand from PMSMCA staff members about why PMSMCA decided to upgrade its website, how they navigated the website redesign experience, and the outcome of the completed project.
| |
Who Should Attend This Webinar?
- Sales and Operations Staff
- Department Heads/Managers
- Business Owners
Key Learnings:
- SEO (Search Engine Optimization)
- Google and AI Searches
- Speed, Security, and Accessibility
- Website and Marketing Integration
Essential Takeaways:
- Your website is more than a brochure
- First impressions build credibility
- Your past work helps a future customer picture you
- handling their project
- And so much more!
| Registration closes on October 20.
A Microsoft Teams link will be emailed to all registrants for virtual participation. |
| |
PMSMCA Women's Group Partners with EmpowHER
Strength, Confidence & Self-Defense
Thursday, October 29 • SheWolf MKE • 3610 Pierce St, Milwaukee
| |
Unleash your strength and join us for an introduction
to boxing and self-defense workshop hosted at the only
| | |
LIMITED SPACE REMAINS. SIGN-UP TODAY.
What to Expect from the SheWolf Self-Defense + Boxing Class:
- Build Situational Awareness
- Strengthen Self-Awareness
- Practice Simple, Effective Self-Defense Skills
- Get an Introduction to Boxing
- Leave Feeling More Confident and Empowered
Event Schedule:
4:00 pm: Doors Open
4:30 pm: Workshop Starts
5:45-6:30 pm: Networking & Light Refreshments
Cost: $25/person*
*Includes class and light refreshments.
| | |
Thursday, October 29 | SheWolf MKE
3610 W. Pierce Street, Milwaukee, WI 53215
| | |
About Our Host:
Donna Gallardo is the visionary founder of SheWolfMKE, Milwaukee’s first women-centered boxing and fitness gym. It is designed to empower women and youth through movement, mentorship, and community. A former 10-year amateur boxer, Donna broke barriers in a male-dominated sport and now channels that same grit and determination into creating spaces where women can reclaim their strength and voice—both physically and mentally.
| | |
PMSMCA Holiday Party • Friday, December 4, 2026
Italian Community Center • 631 E. Chicago Street • Milwaukee, WI
| | |
Join PMSMCA for An Old-Fashioned Holiday Celebration
Event Overview:
The evening begins with a cozy cocktail hour and hors d'oeuvres, followed by an upscale seated dinner, a brief awards program, and live dancing. There will also be formal portraits as well as a themed photo booth. Each couple will receive a special gift to take home that evening.
Dress Code: Holiday Formal
Cost: $90/person
Donations:
This year, we are collecting LEGOS! Lego sets for all ages are welcome. Please bring a new, unwrapped donation to the holiday party registration table the evening of the event.
Sponorships and Questions:
If you have any questions or would like to sponsor this event, please contact Sherry Steward.
|
| | |
In case you missed it, PMSMCA’s Summer Appreciation Visits came to a close at the end of September with a final stop at Major Mechanical’s new location in New Berlin! 🎉
Major Mechanical has experienced tremendous growth over the past few years, and we’re proud to be alongside them as they continue building their team, office, and shop. Congratulations to the entire Major Mechanical team on this exciting new chapter! We’re looking forward to seeing all that’s ahead and are here to support you however we can.
A HUGE thank you to our 2026 Presenting Sponsor, Milwaukee Tool for their continued support which make these visits possible!
This year, PMC/SMACCA completed seven Summer Appreciation Visits in a month and a half, connecting with our contractor members and the hardworking tradespeople who keep our industry moving forward.
We couldn’t do it without our incredible industry partners!
A special shoutout to Total Tool Supply, Inc./NEFCO and Porter Pipe & Supply for coming along for the ride and stepping up as co-sponsors throughout this year’s visits. 👏
The opportunities to engage with our contractor members and industry partners onsite, in the field, and face-to-face are priceless. These visits give us the chance to listen, learn, gain valuable insight, spark new initiatives, and most importantly, strengthen the relationships that make our industry stronger.
Cheers to all of our contractor members, industry partners, sponsors, and everyone who helped make this year’s Summer Appreciation Visits such a success! Until next year! 😊☀️
| | |
Announcing Plumbers Local 75 Fall
Continuing Education + Certification Courses
Please note: these courses are for current Plumbers Local 75 members (please sign-up through the Members Only section of the website or via the buttons below), or current UA members (please contact Paul Hanus for registration). Registration is required – no walk-ins please, as courses may be adjusted based on registered enrollment.
For Questions, Please Contact:
Gina Linde: 414-359-1318, ext. 7 or gina@75ace.org
Paul Hanus: 414-359-1318, ext. 3 or phanus@75ace.org
| | SAVE 15% THIS MONTH WITH CODE SM1026 | | |
For a limited time, save 15% on HVAC Duct Construction Standards - Metal & Flexible when you use promo code SM1026 at checkout. Offer valid through October 31, 2026.
ABOUT THIS STANDARD:
Building on a history of duct construction standards nearly 100 years old, the flagship SMACNA HVAC Duct Construction Standard – Metal & Flexible 4th edition represents the state of the art in the sheet metal duct fabrication and installation requirements. Significant changes for the 4th edition include: flat oval tables for positive/negative pressure applications; spray and aerosolized duct sealants; non-fiberglass duct liner applications; added information on spiral duct fittings; updates to duct hanger requirements; flexible duct hanger spacing and support bracing.
Use Promo Code SM1026 at Checkout and SAVE 15%.
| | |
PMC/MCAA Members - MCAA National recently announced changes to its bylaws and member hourly contribution rates. A previously approved increase to the national industry fund will NOT be applied in 2027.
The hours thresholds at which contributions will be capped and collected have also been modified.
For full details on these Bylaw updates from MCAA you can view the document HERE.
| | |
The extension ("new") agreements to the CBA's for Local 18, 75 and 601 are now digitally available. Each of these three contracts run for a total of three years: effective June 1, 2026 and expiring May 31, 2029.
You can access the CBA's and overview sheet below:
| | |
At the time of this Nuts & Bolts, the Local 601 CBA had not been printed. Once completed, it will be shared with all members.
Please contact Jonathan Kowalski with any questions.
| | Dates continue to roll in for popular high school career fairs.
Block your calendars and register now! | | |
PMSMCA kicked off October with a mechanical trades workshop with three Tech-Ed classes at Greenfield High School—and the school spirit was in full force during Homecoming Week! Students explored what it means to be a mechanical contractor, learned about career pathways within the industry, as well as registered apprenticeship opportunities, available resources, and ways they can gain valuable hands-on experience while still in high school.
| | |
Let's make sure our industry is well represented - we look forward to seeing you there!
If you have any questions about an upcoming high school career fair, want to receive the full list of career fairs happening in your area, or would like to know more about how to get involved in workforce development initiatives, please email tara@pmsmca.com.
| | |
SAVE THE DATE FOR THESE EXCITING PMSMCA EVENTS:
Thursday, October 22
Webinar: Does Your Website Work as Hard as You Do?
Thursday, October 29
PMSMCA and EmpowHER Self-Defense Workshop
Friday, December 4
PMSMCA Holiday Party at the Italian Community Center
| | | | |
