Business coaching - Articles | Plumbing & Mechanical

And So It Flows Podcast

Podcast: Rethinking Upselling

It’s all about service, not sales

April 3, 2026

Editor Kristen Bayles spoke with Blake Turner, master trainer at Nexstar, to discuss the misconceptions surrounding "upselling," and how through a few simple steps — focusing on communication, presenting options, and helping customers make informed decisions — contractors can improve both the customer experience and their business outcomes, without ever feeling like a salesperson.

BDR wraps Profit Launch business planning season, announces 2026 workshop dates

The business consultant for the trades welcomed more than 750 home service professionals for their flagship business planning sessions.

April 2, 2026

The three-day experience guides home service leadership teams through the development of a comprehensive business plan.

BDR promotes Nate Agentis to vice president of plumbing vertical

The home service coach will refine and expand support offerings to plumbing contractors.

February 5, 2026

A third-generation plumber with more than 30 years of experience, Agentis previously served as CEO of a multimillion dollar plumbing company.

Blue Cardinal Home Services Group and Lemon Seed Marketing leaders to speak at We Mean Business conference

The We Mean Business conference will be held on Nov. 9-11 in Isle of Palms, South Carolina.

October 17, 2025

Sibling entrepreneurs Trey McWilliams and Crystal Williams aim to provide home service business owners the tools to succeed while strengthening their personal relationships

Jason Noel, Kevin Hill, Jackie Sponsler and Eric Corbett.

CEO Warrior hosts War Planning workshop to help home service businesses battle growth challenges

This two-day course provides trades business owners with financial strategies, customized plans and the tools to dominate their markets.

October 1, 2025

The workshop will take place on Oct. 21-22 at CEO Warrior's headquarters in Eatontown, New Jersey,

Purpose over paychecks

One Georgia business tries new retention strategies inspired by the tech industry.

Kristen R. Bayles

September 22, 2025

Faced with costly turnover and a tightening labor market, Cooper’s Plumbing & Air partnered with Reins to launch an equity-based incentive system that gives employees real ownership in the business. The approach has boosted retention, strengthened culture, and offers a model for how contractors can keep teams engaged beyond paychecks alone.

Black female plumber in uniform fixing kitchen sink she sitting on the floor in kitchen and fixing pipe.

Service Plumbing Pros | Matt Michel

Can women help plumbers solve labor shortage

Tips to make the plumbing industry more supportive and inclusive.

Matt Michel

March 27, 2025

Jane Withers' character, “Josephine the Plumber,” in Comet commercials was popular in the 1960s and 1970s. However, women remain underrepresented in plumbing, which faces a shortage of service plumbers. Recruiting more women could help address this shortage.

Top view of a a heart shape of people, showing unity and teamwork.

The Blue Collar Coach | Kenny Chapman

Empathy as a competitive advantage

Steps to lead with empathy to improve your business.

Kenny Chapman

March 17, 2025

Empathy is a critical leadership tool in the home services trades, enhancing decision-making and fostering innovation, employee satisfaction, and retention. Research shows that empathetic leaders can significantly drive success, making it more than just a soft skill.

Social Network Online Sharing Connection Concept: Group of people around a table using phones, laptops and tablets on a social network.

Guest Editorial | Andre Nordan & Karan Patel

How software can help tackle the hiring challenges in plumbing

Technology platforms are revolutionizing the hiring process for contracting businesses.

Andre Nordan

Karan Patel

February 20, 2025

The plumbing industry faces a projected shortage of 550,000 plumbers by 2027, costing skilled trades $5.3 billion annually in hiring and training. However, a rising number of young adults are choosing trade school, which may introduce new talent and challenges for business owners.