Many of us have heard the term, ‘The Great Resignation,’ in describing the massive amount of employee turnover the last few years. In 2021, federal data shows nearly 50 million workers left their jobs for various reasons — higher pay, new career opportunities and more. With an already strained job market in the skilled trades, employee retention is more important than ever.

According to an article in Forbes, a survey by OnePoll found almost half of U.S. workers (46%) left a job because they felt underappreciated. Another 65% of respondents said they would work harder if they felt their contributions were noticed by management, proving that recognition and appreciation can go a long way in the workplace — especially amongst the younger generation.

Now, that recognition can take many forms — bonuses, additional time off, verbal praise or even internal employee of the month programs.

Last year, BNP Media’s Plumbing Group, consisting of Plumbing & Mechanical, PM Engineer and Supply House Times, created a contest to recognize the outstanding work done by the industry’s young guns. In September 2022, the three magazines introduced the winners of the inaugural Next Gen All Star Top 20 Under 40 contest. Upon a warm industry reception, we decided to continue the contest this year to recognize 20 new individuals within the plumbing industry. Nominations for our 2023 list of All Stars is now open and will remain open until June 30.

As an editor, these types of feature stories are my absolute favorite to tell. I love getting to know people from the industry and hearing how they got their start in plumbing (some are naturally born into it with family businesses, but some stories would surprise you)! I love hearing about their passion and commitment to their roles and hopes for the future.

This is a great opportunity to grant some of the younger employees at your company the recognition they deserve!

Who can be nominated?

Any professional working in any aspect of the plumbing industry, including plumbers and pipefitters, contracting business owners, professional engineers and plumbing designers, wholesalers, manufacturers and manufacturers reps.

How to nominate:

Please fill out our questionnaire to nominate a deserving individual. The form can be found at www.pmmag.com/next-gen-all-stars. All winners will be profiled in upcoming editions of Plumbing & Mechanical, PM Engineer and Supply House Times. The deadline to submit nominations is June 30.

Questions? Please contact me at krawcken@bnpmedia.com.