Plumbing Contractors Association of Greater Chicago (PCA)
As one of the oldest trade associations in the United States, the mission of the Plumbing Contractors Association of Greater Chicago (PCA) includes representing our members in Labor Relations and Legislation, assisting our members with education and safety training, and promoting the highest standards and ethical practices in the field of plumbing contracting.
Continuous and effective communication will enable us to accomplish our mission and enhance our role as a leader in local, regional, and national industry advancement.
Advocacy and support you can count on! The PCA will...
As one of the oldest trade associations in the United States, the mission of the Plumbing Contractors Association of Greater Chicago (PCA) includes representing our members in Labor Relations and Legislation, assisting our members with education and safety training, and promoting the highest standards and ethical practices in the field of plumbing contracting.
Continuous and effective communication will enable us to accomplish our mission and enhance our role as a leader in local, regional, and national industry advancement.
Advocacy and support you can count on! The PCA will...
- Represent members in labor relations, negotiations, and trust fund fiduciary activities.
- Keep members up-to-date on the latest trends, industry news, labor, and legislative issues that impact our members' businesses through internal publications, association functions, webinars, and a regularly updated website.
- Involve contractors through meetings to network with peers, interact with industry colleagues, discuss pertinent industry topics, and learn from cutting edge speakers and presentations.
- Offer business-oriented education and skills training to improve member competitiveness.
- Help our contractors with services, savings, information, education, and events so they can focus on running and growing their business.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
BRIAN KENNEDY
PCA President Gehrett Plumbing 
JOHN BAETHKE
Treasurer Plumbing Council Director Baethke Plumbing 
TROY DeFRANCO
PCA & Plumbing Council Director DeFranco Plumbing 
MICHAEL KERRIGAN
PCA & Plumbing Council Director FJ Kerrigan Plumbing Co. |
KELLY CASTROGIOVANNI
1st Vice President Plumbing Council Director Terry Plumbing Co. 
PAUL ALECK PCA & Plumbing Council Director Aleck Plumbing 
MATT ERICKSON
PCA & Plumbing Council Director (Plumbing Council Chairman) C.J. Erickson Plumbing Co. 
TOM MASCARI
PCA & Plumbing Council Director Mendel Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric |
RICK KUHN
2nd Vice President Plumbing Council Vice Chair RJ Kuhn Plumbing, Heating & Cooling 
DAVE ARIANO
PCA & Plumbing Council Director Ravinia Plumbing, Heating, Sewer & Electric 
MOE GIGLIO
PCA & Plumbing Council Director Calumet City Plumbing |
PCA STAFF
SJ Peters
Executive Director |
Adriana Wells
Member Services Coordinator |
PCA HISTORY
The first association of master plumbers formed in Chicago of which there is any record was in 1860, but from the best information we are able to obtain, it lasted only a short time as many of the members enlisted in the army at the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861.
There is no record of there being any attempt made to form another organization until early in February 1882, out of which the present association has grown. The first organizational meeting was held in a hall at the northwest corner of La Salle and Randolph Streets on February 24th, 1882, where the following resolution was adopted: "Whereas in consideration of furthering the interests of master plumbers and the want of closer business and social relations; the Master Plumbers of the City of Chicago, County of Cook, State of Illinois, do hereby organize and establish ourselves as an organization to be known as the Master Plumbers Organization of the City of Chicago." The history of the association in succeeding years has been marked by steady progress in the development of sanitary plumbing. In the evolution of our trade, which has undergone many changes, our members have taken a leading part. Through the educational efforts of our Local, State and National Associations, the individual standing of the master plumber has steadily improved, with the result that it can be truly said that no other trade was able to secure the same degree of protection as has been accorded to the plumbing business. If for nothing else, but the securing of recognition which they conceived to be their right as merchants to have their business protected, the present generation owes a debt of gratitude to the men whose enterprise and work brought forth such excellent results.
For the next few years following the inception of the organization, the trade in common with other lines of business suffered somewhat from the financial depression which afflicted the country in the early 1880's. Even through this period the ardor of our members was not lessened nor their vigilance relaxed in the cause of trade protection. In the meantime, the meetings of the organization had been held in various places, until 1892 when steps were taken to establish permanent quarters, and in November of that year, office and club rooms were secured at 197 E. Madison Street, which were open at all times for the use of the members.
The association at this time consisted of 160 members which was but a comparatively small percentage of those engaged in carrying on the plumbing business. Realizing that there were a large number of firms outside the association, plans were formulated for the establishment of auxiliary associations in various parts of the city, and with the cooperation of the officers and members, the numerical strength of the organization was soon increased to more than 700 members, which was at that time more than 90 percent of all the men engaged in the business. This enabled the officers of the association to establish new trade conditions under which they were able to institute many needed reforms and eliminate many encroachments which has previously aided in demoralizing the trade.
There is no record of there being any attempt made to form another organization until early in February 1882, out of which the present association has grown. The first organizational meeting was held in a hall at the northwest corner of La Salle and Randolph Streets on February 24th, 1882, where the following resolution was adopted: "Whereas in consideration of furthering the interests of master plumbers and the want of closer business and social relations; the Master Plumbers of the City of Chicago, County of Cook, State of Illinois, do hereby organize and establish ourselves as an organization to be known as the Master Plumbers Organization of the City of Chicago." The history of the association in succeeding years has been marked by steady progress in the development of sanitary plumbing. In the evolution of our trade, which has undergone many changes, our members have taken a leading part. Through the educational efforts of our Local, State and National Associations, the individual standing of the master plumber has steadily improved, with the result that it can be truly said that no other trade was able to secure the same degree of protection as has been accorded to the plumbing business. If for nothing else, but the securing of recognition which they conceived to be their right as merchants to have their business protected, the present generation owes a debt of gratitude to the men whose enterprise and work brought forth such excellent results.
For the next few years following the inception of the organization, the trade in common with other lines of business suffered somewhat from the financial depression which afflicted the country in the early 1880's. Even through this period the ardor of our members was not lessened nor their vigilance relaxed in the cause of trade protection. In the meantime, the meetings of the organization had been held in various places, until 1892 when steps were taken to establish permanent quarters, and in November of that year, office and club rooms were secured at 197 E. Madison Street, which were open at all times for the use of the members.
The association at this time consisted of 160 members which was but a comparatively small percentage of those engaged in carrying on the plumbing business. Realizing that there were a large number of firms outside the association, plans were formulated for the establishment of auxiliary associations in various parts of the city, and with the cooperation of the officers and members, the numerical strength of the organization was soon increased to more than 700 members, which was at that time more than 90 percent of all the men engaged in the business. This enabled the officers of the association to establish new trade conditions under which they were able to institute many needed reforms and eliminate many encroachments which has previously aided in demoralizing the trade.