July PHC News Cover Story Extra with Auer Steel's Jon Hirsch Artwork

PHCPPros: Off the Cuff

Throughout every month, our editors are holding conversations with plumbing, heating, cooling and piping leaders on current events, business, leadership, challenges, celebrations and more. The views and opinions expressed in these conversations are those of the guests, and do not necessarily represent a position of PHCPPros.

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PHCPPros: Off the Cuff

July PHC News Cover Story Extra with Auer Steel's Jon Hirsch

July 15, 2025 • PHCPPros • Season 5 • Episode 5

In this month's cover story extra, Editor Steve Smith sits down with Jon Hirsch, director of business development for Auer Steel & Heating Supply Co. — a family-owned HVAC wholesaler based in Milwaukee. Hirsch and his team routinely visit local high schools to talk to the students about working in the skilled trades, and in 2023, Auer opened its own 5,400-square-foot Technical Training Center to train both aspiring and existing techs.

Tune in as the duo discuss why Auer Steel was inspired to get high school students to pursue careers in the skilled trades, how perceptions of the skilled trades have evolved over the years, what teaching methods the company uses to keep students interested, and more. Plus — we dive further into this month's cover story and learn more about the company's work with trade skills program ACE Academy and contractor Air Tech Heating.