Taco After Dark

LIVE Show Details:

Featuring Taco Trainers:

• • • John Barba
    • Dave Holdorf
    • Jason Kockx

On the Agenda:

• • • Pix From the Field sneak peek
    • Real-time Q&A + audience chat
    • Insightful slides—served with stories and humor
    • Giveaways (👀 we’re looking at you, 007e)

Can’t make it live?

• • • Catch the podcast version after the show

 Behind the scenes:

• • • Taco’s own Christina Cagliotti-Diglio will be running production and keeping the social stream on point.

Pilot Episode: What to Expect

The Summer Series kicks off with a fresh, live-streamed pilot featuring Taco trainers John Barba, Dave Holdorf, and Jason Kockx as they talk shop, share stories, and bring insight with a side of sarcasm. From behind-the-scenes history to real-world installs, slides that actually matter, and a sneak peek at the rebooted Pix From the Field, this episode sets the tone for a bold new era of Taco After Dark.

Live Q&A. Giveaways. Unfiltered energy. No rules—just the way we like it.

Episode 2: Live from Plumbing Hacks: Demystifying DHW Recirc

Broadcasting live from the Plumbing Hacks Conference, this episode dives deep into the real-world struggles of domestic hot water recirculation. Taco trainers John Barba, Dave Holdorf, and Jason Kockx are back to bust myths, simplify the science, and offer practical solutions—with the signature insight and no-nonsense style you expect from Taco After Dark.

On-the-ground perspective. Real industry talk. And zero fluff.

Episode 3: The Truth About Oversizing Your DHW Recirc System

We’re going live tonight on Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube to continue our look at domestic hot water recirculation. This session dives into why oversizing happens and how to prevent it – plus, we’ll share real-world field photos you won’t want to miss. Join the conversation and get practical tips from our experts.

Episode 4:  The Real Scoop Behind Pumping Away

We’ll take a deep dive into what actually happens at “the point of no pressure change” and what it means when you pump towards it and away from it. An eye-opener for sure!

Episode 5:  AC to ECM Circulators and the DOE Mandate

Why ECM? What’s changing with DOE regulations?

Special Guest: Cheryl Merchant, Taco CEO

Cheryl joins us to share her vision for Taco’s future and answer your questions live. 

Click here to submit your questions for Cheryl for a chance to Win a Taco 007e ECM circulator!

Episode 6: Pumping Away and What Actually Happens in the Field

A deeper look at pumping dynamics and how to future-proof your systems.

Special Guest: John Mesenbrink & Tim Ward, Mechanical Hub

You know them from their industry coverage and Appetite for Construction podcast—now we’re putting them on the other side of the mic!

Episode 7: Deep Dive – New Zoning Controls

Explore what’s new and exciting in Switching Relays and Zone Valve Controllers, and how to maximize system efficiency like never before.

Special Guest: Cheryl Merchant, Taco CEO

Taco CEO Cheryl Merchant returns for a deep dive into switching relays, zone valve controllers, and the future of zoning. Discover how this flagship product has become the go-to solution in residential installs — and why it continues to shape the industry.

Episode 8: Zone Valves vs. Zone Circs

Discussion Topic: Zone Valves vs. Zone Circs

Explore what’s new and exciting in Switching Relays and Zone Valve Controllers, and how to maximize system efficiency like never before.

Special Guest: Lesley McGlenen, The Pipe Wench

You know them from their industry coverage and Appetite for Construction podcast—now we’re putting them on the other side of the mic!

John Barba

Director of Training, Taco, Inc.

John is Director of Training for Taco Comfort Solutions, the leading manufacturer of commercial and residential circulators, controls and accessories for plumbing and heating systems. He is the 2012-2014 recipient of the Carlson-Holohan Industry Award of Excellence, and was recently named the industry’s Best Trainer for 2015 by AHRI News Magazine.

David Holdorf

Residential Trainer, Eastern Region, Taco, Inc.

Mr. Holdorf has been in the hydronic industry for 25 years, specifically in the radiant heating side of the business for the better part of his career. Starting out in the technical support/design role and then took over as Engineering Manager overseeing the Technical Support and Design Department. Later he took a position as a Field Technician; supporting training, designing, installing and troubleshooting.

Jason Kockx

Western Product and Application Instructor, Taco, Inc.

Mr. Kockx is a seasoned professional with a wealth of experience in the wholesale distribution sector, specializing in Plumbing and Hydronics. Over the years, he has honed his expertise in managing supply chain operations, building strong relationships with both manufacturers and clients, and delivering top-tier hydronic and plumbing solutions. Having worked for prominent companies in the industry, Jason spent a significant portion of his career with Cal-Steam, a well-established regional distributor in California known for its excellence in plumbing and mechanical hydronics. Most recently, Jason served as a Product Specialist within the Hydronics department at Ferguson Enterprises, where he continues to leverage his in-depth knowledge to offer specialized solutions.

Richard Medairos

Director of Engineered Products and Systems Training

Mr. Medairos is a Senior Systems Engineer and Director of Commercial Training at Taco Comfort Solutions. He has over forty years of experience with demonstrated expertise in engineering, project management and planning. Throughout his career, he has worked on projects with major clients such as NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, Disney World, Universal Studios Florida, Boston University, Rhode Island School of Design, First Data Corporation, and Taco’s Innovation & Development Center.

Brett Zerba

Applications Engineer, Taco, Inc.

Mr. Zerba is an Application Engineer at Taco Comfort Solutions with over twenty years of experience at the company. He graduated with his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of New Hampshire in 1981, and in 2003 he earned his Master of Business Administration from Johnson & Wales. Mr. Zerba has demonstrated his skill and expertise in the field of hydronic systems as an ASHRAE and Hydraulic Institute member.

Tony Furst, MSEd, CPD, LEED AP

Sr. Systems Engineer, Commercial Training, Taco, Inc.

Mr. Furst is a Senior Systems Engineer – Commercial Training at Taco Comfort Solutions. He brings over 40 years of experience in the commercial HVAC and Plumbing fields. Throughout his career he has been actively involved in the design and start-up of large central utility plants for Northwestern University, The Ohio State University, and John Deere along with numerous hospitals and educational facilities around the country. Mr. Furst holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and a Master of Science in Education. He is also an active member of ASHRAE and ASPE.