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Home » Topics » Columns

Columns
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A young male plumber in red overalls is smiling and talking with a woman while working under the kitchen sink.
From the Editor | Kristen Bayles

From leak to lesson: Why transparency and trust matter just as much as the tools in the plumbing and mechanical trades

Kristen Bayles 200x200 headshot
Kristen R. Bayles
July 15, 2025

Plumbing and mechanical professionals bear more responsibility than often recognized. They ensure building safety, function, and peace of mind for occupants. Every installation, service, or check involves managing expectations, reducing risks, and building trust.


Read More
A male home inspector is using an endoscope inspection camera to check the kitchen tube
Guest Editorial | Lindsay Renkel

Work smarter, not harder: giving labor productivity a boost with technology

Facing a growing labor gap, plumbing and mechanical contractors are turning to digital tools.
Lindsay Renkel author profile
Lindsay Renkel
July 14, 2025

Advances in hardware and software open the door to future-proof projects, maximize resources and unlock new efficiencies. Here are three ways plumbing and mechanical contractors can use technology to get more done despite the industry’s shortage of skilled labor.


Read More
She's wearing a white safety helmet and safety glasses.
Guest Editorial | Phil Hotarek

Connecting with gen Z – why they’re the plumbing trade’s next big thing

Why you should be recruiting gen Z, and how to do it.
Phil Hotarek 200x200 headshot
Phil Hotarek
June 18, 2025

Gen Z is reshaping the workforce by opting for trades like plumbing instead of costly four-year degrees. With rising tuition and student debt, they’re seeking immediate job opportunities, which presents a tremendous opportunity for our industry. If you're not tapping into their potential, you're missing out.



Read More
Plumber and apprentice working in construction site.
The Blue Collar Coach | Kenny Chapman

The apprenticeship mindset: Lifelong learning as a leader

The best leaders never stop learning.
Kenny Chapman
Kenny Chapman
May 30, 2025

In the trades, apprenticeships form the basis for skill development, but the concept should extend beyond entry-level roles to become a lifelong approach to leadership.



Read More
AI, Circuit board
Guest Editorial | Chris Lollini

Has AI killed the need for local SEO?

The New Reality for plumbing and HVAC Marketing.
Chris Lollini
May 27, 2025

Today, AI is changing how people search for services and solve problems. But does this spell the end for traditional local SEO? Not quite. Instead, it signals that plumbing and HVAC businesses must evolve to thrive in an AI-driven world.


Read More
Young son helping father on the kitchen floor, fix the kitchen sink.
From the Editor | Kristen Bayles

New Editor joins Plumbing & Mechanical Group at BNP Media

Roots in renovation
Kristen Bayles 200x200 headshot
Kristen R. Bayles
May 5, 2025

Walking into the bathroom of my childhood home, I recall spilling my mom’s dark red nail polish on the white tile floor. Sitting on the edge of the bathtub, I held the flashlight for my dad while he fixed a leaky pipe under the sink.


Read More
Close-up of a man holding a blue helmet. Construction worker with office and people in background. Close-up of a construction worker's hand holding a working helmet.
Guest Column | Steven John Cumper

Enhancing workplace safety through challenges

Innovative training tools and techniques for plumbing and mechanical businesses.
Steven Cumper 200x200 headshot
Steven John Cumper
April 15, 2025

Jobs like yours are dangerous. You knew when you started your career that you and your crew would be at risk of injury most days. But you were willing to take the chance anyway because you love what you do. As a contractor, you also know that without proper safety training, everyone on your team is a sitting duck waiting for a life-changing injury.


Read More
Hail stones in various sizes on grass.
Editorial Opinion | Natalie Forster

Building trust before knocking on doors

Earning one loyal customer may be better than a handful of one-off jobs.
Natalie Forster
Natalie Forster
April 1, 2025

There is a fine line between running a profitable business and taking advantage of customers; ethics, values, transparency and consistency are the standout factors that make sure you’re riding the right side of the line.


Read More
The arm of a businessman gives gold coins to another cropped arm of a man.
Guest Editorial | Chris Buttenham

Phantom stock and profit sharing for top talent

How offering meaningful financial incentives attracts quality talent to privately-owned business.
Chris Buttenham headshot 200x200
Chris Buttenham
March 26, 2025

Small businesses can attract new talent by allowing employees to share in the company's success. Offering phantom stock and profit-sharing can help employees feel valued and invested, moving beyond just earning a paycheck.



Read More
The architect is talking about a new project in the meeting room. Four people are sitting at the table, three wearing yellow construction vests and two white safety helmets on the table.
Guest Editorial | Destry Thompson

From apprentice to all-star

Investing in employee training and development.
Destry Thompson headshot 200x200px
Destry Thompson
March 19, 2025

In the plumbing and HVAC industry, equipping your team with essential skills is crucial. As a general manager, I've seen how investing in training transforms apprentices into top performers, creating a skilled and adaptable workforce.



Read More
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      • Dave Yates: Contractor’s Corner
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      • Matt Michel: Service Plumbing Pros
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  • ENGINEERS
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    • PME COLUMNS
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      • David Dexter: Plumbing Talking Points
      • James Dipping: Engineer Viewpoints
      • John Seigenthaler: Renewable Heating Design
      • Lowell Manalo: Plumbing Essentials
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