Join RL Deppmann for a full-day seminar covering key topics, including hydronic system design and pumping strategies, glycol in hydronic HVAC systems, and more. Led by industry experts, this event offers practical insights, hands-on demos, and networking opportunities.
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Agenda
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM
Breakfast
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
The Great Debate: Primary-Secondary vs. Variable Primary
Effective hydronic system design involves more than connecting pumps, boilers, and piping. This session explores how piping arrangements, pumping strategies, pressure control, expansion, and air management work together to influence system efficiency, reliability, and performance. Attendees will learn about common design challenges and the decisions that help ensure successful system operation.
9:30 AM - 9:45 AM
Break
9:45 AM - 10:45 AM
Glycol 101: What Changes When You Add Glycol?
Adding glycol to a hydronic system does more than provide freeze protection, it changes how the entire system performs. In this fast-paced, practical session, we’ll break down what engineers and contractors need to know when designing, selecting, and working with glycol-based HVAC systems.
10:45 AM - 11:00 AM
Break
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Small Boilers, Big Decisions: Designing for Performance
This session explores the design and installation of small commercial boiler systems, focusing on how equipment selection and system design influence overall performance. Topics include piping and pumping strategies, boiler sizing and turndown, and differences in control capabilities across manufacturers. The session also examines venting requirements, including layout, allowable vent lengths, and practical approaches to common design and installation challenges.
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Lunch with a Twist: B&G Pump Teardown and Maintenance
Join Brad Notter and one of our skilled service technicians for a hands-on lunch demonstration as they disassemble a Bell & Gossett pump, sharing practical maintenance tips, and demonstrating how to replace key components.
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Better Water Solutions
Explore EasyWater by Watts water treatment options for domestic water, cooling tower, and closed-loop systems. This session examines how these technologies can reduce or, in suitable applications, eliminate chemical use while improving energy efficiency, reducing equipment maintenance, and minimizing environmental impact.
2:00 PM - 2:15 PM
Break
2:15 PM - 3:15 PM
Beyond Dual Fuel: Designing Resilient Healthcare Domestic Hot Water Systems
Evolving DOE efficiency requirements for commercial water heaters are prompting a fresh look at healthcare domestic hot water design, where natural gas/No. 2 fuel oil dual-fuel water heaters have traditionally supported continuity of operation. This session examines the implications of these requirements, key considerations when transitioning from non-condensing to condensing equipment, and alternative strategies for maintaining reliable hot water service. Topics include indirect heating from dual-fuel boiler plants, propane backup for compatible condensing equipment, hybrid gas/electric systems, and CO2 heat pump water heating. Attendees will gain practical insights into evaluating these options and balancing efficiency, reliability, and operational needs.
3:15 PM - 3:30 PM
Break
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Tight Spaces, Smart Solutions: Navigating Mechanical Retrofits
Retrofitting existing buildings requires practical solutions to complex engineering challenges. This one-hour session explores mechanical-room layout, equipment replacement, system integration, and the importance of verifying existing field conditions. Topics include hydraulic analysis, pump requirements, vent sizing, and applicable code requirements. Attendees will learn strategies for addressing limited space, structural obstructions, and existing system deficiencies, including when packaged equipment solutions can provide a practical alternative to conventional designs.
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Speakers
Chip Bidigare
Outside Sales Representative
Chip is a graduate of Lawrence Technological University with a degree in Electrical Engineering and has an Associate degree in Electrical Power Technology from Ferris. He joined R.L. Deppmann in 1990 as a sales engineer. Chip spent 23 years as a sales engineer, Director of Wholesalers and Director of Distribution before leaving for 10 years to work at Comfort Engineering Solutions and Merlo Energy. Chip is excited to be back and working in the Water Solutions Group in water quality.
Mark Fine
Outside Sales Representative
Mark has worked at the R.L. Deppmann Company since 2001. He graduated from Lawrence Technological University with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. He takes pride in his work and values the close ties with his customers.
Ryan Groves
Outside Sales Representative
Ryan graduated from Michigan Technological University in 2018 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Mechanical Engineering. His previous experience is in MEP design for commercial buildings.
Brad Notter
Education Leader
After receiving his BSEE from Saginaw Valley State University in 1996, Brad started working for Deppmann. During his career here, he has held various positions in the company over the last 27 years. He took over the Startup and Warranty Manager position in 2017.
ALEX OVERWEG
VP Marketing & Glycol Division Leader
Alex is a graduate of the University of Michigan Stephen M. Ross School of Business. She joined R.L. Deppmann in 2019, bringing a strong background in marketing, ecommerce, and corporate strategy. After working extensively on the sales, marketing, and growth strategy for Deppmann's glycol division, Alex assumed oversite of the group in 2025.
Nick Tabar
Outside Sales Representative
Nick graduated from Gannon University in Erie, PA with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering in 2016. He holds his Professional Engineering license in the State of Ohio and is a Certified Plumbing Designer with ASPE. He is also the Young Professionals chair with the Cleveland chapters of ASPE and NOSHE.
Nick Tafelski
Outside Sales Representative
Nick graduated from Michigan State University in 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering. Post-graduation, he gained valuable management experience as a facility operations manager. Nick is thrilled to join the R.L Deppmann team, eager to expand his knowledge within the industry.
Kyle Wefing
VP Sales
Kyle oversees Outside Sales and is the Engineering Manager and for R.L. Deppmann. He started with the Company in 2017 as a Sales Engineer and has been in the HVAC industry for over 15 years. One of his accomplishment was earning the Hydraulics Institute Pump Systems Assessment Professional certification in 2019.
Jason Winslow
Outside Sales Representative
Jason graduated from Ferris State University in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in HVAC/R Engineering. He brings with him 4 years of experience in the HVAC/R wholesale industry.