Frank, who turns 75 this month, will have a five-year consulting agreement with the company and “will help as often as I'm asked.” He told PM, however, that he spends most of his time tending to 135 acres of land in northern Wisconsin where he employs the latest forest management techniques to create prime deer-hunting habitat.

“It feels strange after 44 years in business not to have a plumbing firm to run,” he said. “At the same time, it's a good feeling to finally have my estate in order.”

Blau retains an interest in a side business marketing valve tags for service contractors across the country.