Supply House Times Next Gen ALL-STARS

2024 Next Gen All-Star: Emerson Vogel

Top 20 Under 40 PHCP-PVF Professional

By Nicole Krawcke, Natalie Forster, Editorial Director

How long have you been in the PHCP-PVF industry?

Two years.

What drew you into the industry?

Growing up, my father owned and worked for several construction businesses, and I spent countless hours on job sites, immersed in the world of building and design. From a young age, I was fascinated by the intricate details and the sheer scale of construction projects. This early exposure instilled in me an underlying love for the industry. As I grew older, I became particularly interested in the plumbing aspect of construction, appreciating its crucial role in creating functional and sustainable buildings. The combination of hands-on experience and a passion for problem-solving naturally drew me into the plumbing industry. Today, I am proud to contribute to an industry that has been a significant part of my life from the very beginning.

What is the most rewarding aspect of working in the industry?

One of the most rewarding aspects of working in the plumbing industry is seeing people have a positive experience with our products. It’s incredibly satisfying to know that our products play a vital role in enhancing the functionality and hygiene of public restrooms. Working for a family-owned like Sloan Valve adds a sense of pride and responsibility to my role. I love being part of a team that values quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. Witnessing the impact our products have on providing a peace of mind and improving daily life for users is truly fulfilling. It's an honor to contribute to a legacy of excellence and dedication in the plumbing industry.

What motivates you every day?

Every day, I am motivated by the challenge of pushing myself to find innovative solutions in the plumbing industry. I have always prided myself on making the world a better place, and through my work at Sloan Valve, I have a tangible outlet to do so. Seeing the positive impact our products have on communities and knowing that I contribute to improving hygiene and sustainability keeps me driven and passionate about my work.

What is one thing you wish more people knew/understood about the PHCP-PVF industry?

I wish more people truly understood how innovative the PHCP-PVF is, and the crucial role it has played in society. From ensuring clean water and effective sanitation to creating efficient heating and cooling systems, the industry has been at the forefront of public health and safety advancements. The PHCP-PVF sector is constantly evolving with cutting-edge technologies and sustainable solutions that will continue to shape the future. Recognizing the importance of this industry can help us appreciate the profound impact it has on our daily lives and its potential to address future challenges.

What has been your proudest moment in your career so far?

I’m incredibly proud of spearheading the launch of Sloan’s new SloanStone Quartz sink line, a groundbreaking addition to our sink product offering. It’s a significant milestone for us, showcasing our commitment to innovation and quality.

What is one thing most people don’t know my about you?

One thing most people don’t know about me is that I am very active person in my free time. I love to go hiking on the west side of Michigan, golf, ski and play hockey. I really enjoy making the most out of my free time by being active and breaking a sweat.

Why he was chosen as a Next Gen All Star Top 20 Under 40 winner:

Emerson Vogel has always had a passion for everything that goes into the construction and building process.

It started in the form of helping his dad’s construction business and gaining an appreciation for all that goes into the process—from digging the foundation and putting up drywall to overseeing how the plumbing is installed.

Emerson still carries that passion today as a Sloan Associate Product Line Manager for Sink Systems, where he works hand-in-hand with general contractors, subcontractors, and plumbing contractors to develop a finished product.

“I always had a sense of pride and underlying love for the construction industry and everything that goes with it,” he said.

Joining Sloan just two years ago as a product management specialist, Emerson has already enjoyed a promotion to his current role where he’s helped spearhead some notable product launches.

Most recently, he supported the launch of SloanStone® Quartz sink decks that are engineered to provide the perfect blend of beauty, durability, and cost-effectiveness.

These molded decks feature a seamless, non-porous construction that makes for an extremely scratch and stain-resistant, hygienic, and easy-to-maintain surface. The sink decks have a minimum of 85% quartz per deck, more than any molded style sink in the industry. “It was a really cool experience being part of such an important Sloan product launch,” he said.

Early in his Sloan tenure, Emerson played an important role in enhancing Sloan’s Sink Configurator, an online tool that helps architects and designers develop and modify every aspect of custom sinks virtually, right from their fingertips.

“We've been able to offer much more functionality and enhancement to the Sloan Sink Configurator, especially over the last year,” he said. “We’ve added Sloan’s newest faucets and soap dispensers design, all while enhancing the interface for a great user experience. It’s been a really valuable tool for architects and designers and our sales team.”

Emerson focuses on the small details, such as enhanced ADA initiatives and sustainability efforts, which go a long way in the plumbing industry, and never ceases to take pride when he sees the products he’s helped develop in use throughout everyday life.

“One of the most rewarding parts of the job is seeing a product installed after a new product launch,” he said. “It’s fulfilling to see all the attention to detail pay off and get the product in the hands of our customers.”

– Alex Oltmanns, Pipitone Group

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Nicole Krawcke is the former Chief Editor of Plumbing & Mechanical. She joined BNP Media in 2014 and served as Web Editor and Business Management Editor of The ACHR NEWS. Prior to joining BNP, she worked at Patch.com, a hyper-local news platform focused on community journalism. She has 10 plus years of writing and editing experience and holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Michigan State University.

Natalie Forster is the director of communications for the American Supply Association (ASA), where she leads the association's public and media relations strategy, social media efforts, and member-focused online and print communications. Prior to joining ASA, she was the Editorial Director of Plumbing & Mechanical and Supply House Times. Before that, she served as an editor and digital content director for Southern Trade Publications, a publishing company focused on the PHCP trades and real estate industries. Natalie holds a bachelor's degree in communication studies from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.