In this episode of And So It Flows, host Natalie Forster sits down with Spencer Pope, manager of technical support and training at Bradford White, to explore how education and workforce development are evolving across the plumbing, HVAC, and mechanical trades. Drawing on nearly 15 years with the manufacturer—and a background as a service contractor—Pope outlines the industry’s most pressing skills gaps, particularly the growing shortage of technical expertise as experienced technicians retire and fewer new workers enter the field with hands-on foundations.

How can the plumbing and mechanical industries close the skills gap and build a stronger workforce for the future? In this episode, we talk to SVP of Marketing at Oatey, Katherine Lehtinen, about the power of collaboration: from manufacturers and educators to trade nonprofits and influencers.

Newly inducted into the Women in Manufacturing Hall of Fame, Taco's CEO, Cheryl Merchant, tells all in this podcast conversation. From her humble beginnings to working her way up the manufacturing ladder in various industries, her thankful nature and risk-taking business mindset has led the Taco Family of Companies to continued success.

Xylem’s Derrick Oberdorf and Jennifer Freres unpack the trends driving smarter, more sustainable commercial building systems, and the solutions helping design them, including smart pumps powered by Xylem’s hydrovar® X motor.

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Listen as Matt Baranuk, the Portfolio Director at A. O. Smith, discusses the latest trends in commercial water heating and how A. O. Smith is leading the way with upcoming product launches and innovations.

Matt is committed to helping the industry, and A. O. Smith deliver hot water to those who need it—whether heating water, driving sustainability, or finding new ways to improve how we all interact with these products daily.

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Plumbing & Mechanical Editorial Director Natalie Forster moderates a discussion on all things radiant with our incredible panel of Radiant All Stars: John Barba, director of sales training at Taco Comfort Solutions; John Siegenthaler, consulting engineer and principal of Appropriate Designs in Holland Patent, New York; Max Rohr, director of marketing and education, Caleffi Hydronic Solutions; and Dave Yates, a former mechanical contractor and owner of F.W. Behler in York, Pennsylvania.

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With demand spiking and over 480,000 skilled trade jobs currently unfilled, plumbing contractors are scrambling to secure qualified talent ahead of peak season. Jessie Barrack, SVP of Business Development at Xplor FieldEdge, speaks about how top contractors are navigating this growing labor crunch—and the smart hiring moves they’re making now to stay ahead.