Ep. 524 - Daniel Quinonez – Leading Change in a 140-Year-Old Industry & Future-Proofing The Trades

Second in Command: The Chief Behind the Chief with Cameron Herold

In this episode of the Second in Command Podcast, guest host Sivana Brewer sits down with Daniel Quinonez, Chief Operating Officer of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC) — one of the oldest trade associations in the United States, founded nearly 140 years ago.

Daniel shares how this long-standing organization is transforming to meet the modern era while honoring its heritage. From training apprentices who go on to run multimillion-dollar companies, to integrating AI and new tech tools into the trades, the PHCC is proving that innovation and tradition can coexist.

He also opens up about leadership lessons from his own journey, from mopping floors at his father’s bar to leading a national $30M organization, and how his personal mantra, “Be nice,” has shaped his management style, his culture, and his success.

If you lead a legacy business, manage a growing team, or want to understand how blue-collar industries are embracing technology, this episode offers both inspiration and strategy.

Timestamped Highlights

[00:01:00] – The PHCC’s 140-year history and why plumbing is a pillar of public health.

[00:02:40] – How the industry came together to standardize clean water systems in the 1920s.

[00:03:44] – What PHCC offers its members today: education, licensing, and community.

[00:05:08] – From one truck to $10M: stories of self-made contractors in the trades.

[00:06:14] – Why nearly every successful owner started as a hands-on apprentice.

[00:08:00] – How AI is transforming the trades and why it’s an ally, not a threat.

[00:09:34] – Changing perceptions: convincing parents that the trades are a smart career path.

[00:10:39] – The rise of entrepreneurship and financial freedom in plumbing and HVAC.

[00:11:42] – Daniel’s own career path from government and lobbying to COO.

[00:13:57] – Becoming the first COO in PHCC’s 140-year history.

[00:15:25] – Helping a century-old organization modernize its operations and systems.

[00:17:03] – Growing membership and education as PHCC’s two strategic pillars.

[00:18:55] – The PHCC Online Academy: 15,000 students and counting.

[00:21:00] – The challenge of evolving legacy culture and systems in long-standing institutions.

[00:22:30] – Why more contractors are creating COO roles for succession planning.

[00:25:17] – Family businesses, private equity, and the changing face of ownership.

[00:27:56] – Daniel’s leadership mantra: “Be nice.”

[00:33:38] – Balancing kindness with accountability and setting measurable goals.

[00:35:00] – Building buy-in and bringing staff along during organizational change.

[00:39:00] – Teaching business finance and leadership to new COOs in the trades.

[00:43:36] – Daniel’s excitement for PHCC Connect 2024 and the next generation of apprentices.

Resources & Mentions

• PHCC – Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association
• PHCC Academy – Online education and apprenticeship training
• Quality Service Contractors (PHCC Program) – Business coaching for contractors
• Federated Insurance – PHCC partner for business succession planning
• SkillsUSA & WorldSkills Competitions – Annual events supporting young tradespeople

About the Guest

Daniel Quinonez is the Chief Operating Officer of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC), the oldest construction trade association in America. He leads strategy, membership growth, and education for the organization, which supports over 3,000 contractors employing more than 80,000 workers nationwide.

With a background in public affairs, government relations, and nonprofit leadership, Daniel has helped PHCC modernize its systems, scale its online academy, and launch initiatives to prepare the next generation of skilled professionals. His leadership mantra — “Be nice” — reflects his belief that success is built on integrity, accountability, and respect at every level of the organization.

🔗 LinkedIn

About the Co-Host

Sivana Brewer is a Fractional COO for Remote Teams and former COO at Closers.io, where she helped scale the company to multiple eight figures and built over 500+ sales teams in just 2.5 years. She specializes in leadership development, remote operations, and systems that empower teams to grow sustainably.

🔗 Connect with Sivana on LinkedIn

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