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Guest Editorial

David Ratliff: The perfect storm

Ensure your company is prepared to weather the surge in business amidst the ongoing labor shortage

By David Ratliff

I have seen and experienced a large number of events, situations and changes in my career, which includes many years in the plumbing industry with a family of more than 20 plumbers and having my own master’s license since 1976. I also served as vice president for a company with more than $20 million in annual revenue. I was able to take these life experiences and continue my career as an international business trainer for Contractor Success Group and International Service Leadership. I am currently semi-retired, but serve as the head plumbing instructor for Ultimate Technical Academy, the innovator of fast-track training, with students hailing from all 50 states, Canada, Cayman, Kathmandu and Nigeria.

With all of my years of experience, not to mention lessons from others in the industry, I have never seen anything like the tsu-nami that is arriving at the door of every plumbing contractor in the country as the end of life arrives for cast iron pipe in homes and businesses.

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