TESTIMONIALS & TRADE PRESS

CHILDREN’S BOOK SERIES PROMOTING THE SKILLED TRADES LAUNCHES

Associated Press

Off the Cuff [PODCAST]

PHCPPros.com (Steve Smith)

Appetite for Construction [PODCAST]. 

Mechanical-hub.com (John Mesenbrink and Tim Ward)

“Great message! This book is well written, and my son just won’t put it down! The trades are so important for kids to learn about!"

Nicole (Pennsylvania)

“A well-executed book, and a great idea for a continuing series.  Funny and memorable characters.  We are looking forward to the next book.” 

Jesse T. (Pennsylvania)

  “It is very inspiring to see a colleague create a series focused on the importance of skilled trades in our industry, especially when it is raising awareness among children – some of whom could grow up to be future leaders at Watts.”

Khamsi (Ontario)

“A fun read that gently introduces our kids to the trades.”

Tom P. (New Jersey)

“Bravo!  There are heroes in all occupations. The Water Came to a Stop reminds us of all how important are our skilled workforce.”

Kevin R. (Pennsylvania)

“Gomer Gopher and Flo Fish showed our son that plumbers are superheroes too!  He is now their #1 fan.”

Jake U. (South Carolina)

  “Next Up Trades and its first book, The Water Came to a Stop, is a niche I didn't know we needed but I am so grateful that it’s created. Not only does it celebrate the skills required of our tradespeople (both interpersonal and job-specific) but also the entrepreneurial spirit that is so critical to success. The book highlights the importance of these professions in our day-to-day lives; more importantly this series emphasizes the integrity of those who keep our homes and businesses afloat.”

Riki J. (Pennsylvania)

Children’s Book Series Promoting the Skilled Trades Launches. 

PHCPPros.com (Ruth Mitchell)

Plumbing Industry Pro Writes Kids Books to Promote Skilled Trades. 

HPAC Magazine

Children's Book Series Promoting the Skilled Trades Launched. 

Contractor Magazine

  Children's Book Series Promoting the Skilled Trades Launches. Heatinghelp.com (Erin Holohan) 

A WORD FROM THE AUTHOR

I am a participant in the amazing HVACR and plumbing industry. For over 10 years I have been in our industry and am employed by a major plumbing manufacturer. Just a few years ago, I started feeling compelled to consider ways to address the workforce development issues our industry faces. Because as we know, in a time of an emergency, skilled tradespeople are important to solve our problems through quality installation and maintenance. But without a steady and reliable stream of work talent becoming available, contractors will continue to face dire business growth prospects and our homes will be left uncomfortable for longer periods of time.

These myriad challenges facing skilled labor inspired me to create the concept of the NEXT UP TRADES children’s book series because I want the plumbing, HVACR and electrical industries to continue their success, despite these challenges. It is my hope that this series will teach young children, aged 4 to 8, that skilled trades are noble, necessary, and appreciated when completed. I believe our industry can better celebrate problem solving, acknowledge how technicians help others, and in turn, develop a positive perception of the skilled trades at a younger age. Children’s education and entertainment materials, fostered and championed by their guardians, is an excellent way to do that and start conversations with curious children.

My personal mission statement drove me to create the NEXT UP TRADES series. I want the plumbing, HVACR and electrical trades to grow and it starts by changing the perception of the skilled technician.

ABOUT RYAN KISCADEN

Ryan Kiscaden is an HVACR and plumbing marketer employed by a major plumbing manufacturer. Ryan holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in business administration and an MBA from Elizabethtown College. He lives outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with his wife and two young sons. In 2020, he self-published a book available on Amazon.com. His experiences include working for an HVACR and plumbing wholesaler, running a non-profit focused on recycling thermostats and major plumbing equipment and plumbing category manufacturers. More information on his professional background is available on LinkedIn.

Ryan’s personal mission statement is to engage life with an introspective, decent, listen-first mentality which keeps the mind open and allows hearts to feel experiences that will enrich families and beliefs. This personal mission statement drove him to create the NEXT UP TRADES children’s book series because the plumbing, HVAC and electrical industries workforce must grow, and it starts with changing the perceptions associated with the typical skilled technician.

MORE ON THE PLUMBING INDUSTRY

   To discover more on the extraordinary PLUMBING industry, you can always reach out via the "Contact Me" section below or visit these websites:

SkillsUSA (https://www.skillsusa.org/) 

Plumbing, Heating and Cooling Contractors Association (https://www.phccweb.org/)

American Society of Plumbing Engineers (https://www.aspe.org/)

Explore the Trades (https://explorethetrades.org/new-to-the-trades/)

Plumbing Manufacturers Institute (Ripple Effect (safeplumbing.org)   

World Plumbing Council (https://www.worldplumbing.org/)