Building Connections at the Viega Ohio Seminar Center

Every Viega training session, every fitting and every classroom starts with someone who truly cares about doing things the right way. At our new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Mantua, Ohio, a tradesman-turned-trainer brings humor, honesty and heart to every class. Meet David Coblentz, Jr. (DJ), Lead Technical Trainer at the Viega Mantua Seminar Center.

We talked with DJ about his path into the trade, how he found Viega and what drives him today as he builds a learning environment where pros can sharpen their skills and find inspiration.

From Farm Life to the Trades

Q: To start, could you tell us a little about your background?

I grew up on a farm in the middle of nowhere in Hartville, Ohio. My family has Amish roots, so farming has always been in the blood. It sounds romantic, but it mostly meant working from the time you could lift something heavy and never really stopping.

I went to Walsh University and studied communications and English with a focus on marketing. I thought I’d do something creative in business, but I learned fast that a traditional corporate job wasn’t for me. After school, I tried sales and different jobs, then decided to apprentice with a plumber. I figured, if nothing else, I’d learn something useful.

What started as a short-term plan turned into something I loved. I worked for a small crew where everyone did everything. I went from hauling materials to soldering and threading, learning traditional methods and solving problems every day. That challenge hooked me.

Q: What made you leave the field?

Honestly, the hours. I loved the work but I was putting in 75 or 80 hours a week. It paid well, but when my daughter was born, my wife said, “You can’t keep doing this.” She was right. I didn’t want to miss my kid growing up.

I switched into wholesale distribution, where I handled inside sales, warranty work and troubleshooting. It paid the bills, but I missed being hands-on. I wanted to be out in the field solving problems, not sitting behind a desk. That experience did give me a good understanding of how the distribution side works, which helps me now.

Q: How did the connection with Viega happen?

Total chance. A recruiter reached out to me on LinkedIn. I didn’t think much of it, figured nothing would come of it. But we talked for about half an hour, not about products, just about life and the trade. Then he said I’d talk to the Training Manager next.

Rob has decades in the industry, and I was nervous, but we hit it off immediately. It felt like two people just talking shop. At one point, I mentioned that I liked soldering, and he gave me a hard time about it. I thought I blew the interview. Then he said I’d need to give a presentation about anything but Viega. That made sense, so I picked something I was passionate about.

Somehow, I got the offer. To this day, the other trainers joke that they hired me only because they needed another redhead on the team. But really, it felt meant to be. I already respected Viega from my time in the field. My first company treated press fittings as an emergency fix, but the second company used them on every job. I saw how much faster and cleaner it was. That’s when I realized press wasn’t “ruining the trade,” it was evolving it.

Joining a Culture that Fits 

Q: How has it been building the Ohio team from the ground up?

It’s been wild in the best way. I started in June, and it already feels like I’ve been here a long time. The toughest part about building from the ground up is being by myself day-to-day, but it gives me space to think and plan. I play my music loud, and it just feels like home.

The team is incredible. When the trainers came out for setup week, it was chaos. We had long hours and tons of work, but it was a blast. There wasn’t anyone I wouldn’t have a beer with. There’s a lot of laughter and good energy on this team. It feels like a family. It’s a very different environment from what I was used to. Here, people actually notice and appreciate what you do.

Teaching with Purpose and Finding Joy in the Work

Q: You’ve been leading trainings for a few months now. What stands out?

The tours are the highlight. People love seeing how we make things. I show how small production changes can create huge gains, like reducing a machine cycle from one and a half seconds to under one. It’s a great visual for efficiency and attention to detail.

When I teach, I don’t try to convince anyone to use press. Most already do. I focus on value and efficiency. People say press tools are expensive, and they are, but how much time do you spend soldering and cleaning up? Your time is your most expensive tool, and Viega provides the most complete solution.

Q: What do you enjoy most about being a trainer?

I get to talk about something I believe in and have fun doing it. I love it when a skeptical old-school tradesman walks in with his arms crossed, and by the end, he’s all in. That’s the best.

I also appreciate that it’s not sales. I’m not pushing quotas. If it’s going to change how they work, I show them why. That builds trust, and that’s what this role is about.

Looking Ahead…

Q: What goals do you have for the next year?

Professionally, I want to strengthen my knowledge of PureFlow® and the industrial side. I also want to build some new, engaging and hands-on demos that highlight the differences between Viega and our competitors.

I’m working on refining my tour timing since I tend to go long. I get excited explaining things, and before I know it, we’re way past schedule. I’d also like to expand and eventually add another trainer. Really, I’m just excited to help this team grow.

For more information on how to schedule a training session or speak with our team about your project, visit www.viega.us.