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Gen Z is reshaping the workforce by opting for trades like plumbing instead of costly four-year degrees. With rising tuition and student debt, they’re seeking immediate job opportunities, which presents a tremendous opportunity for our industry. If you're not tapping into their potential, you're missing out.

Today, AI is changing how people search for services and solve problems. But does this spell the end for traditional local SEO? Not quite. Instead, it signals that plumbing and HVAC businesses must evolve to thrive in an AI-driven world.

Walking into the bathroom of my childhood home, I recall spilling my mom’s dark red nail polish on the white tile floor. Sitting on the edge of the bathtub, I held the flashlight for my dad while he fixed a leaky pipe under the sink.

Jobs like yours are dangerous. You knew when you started your career that you and your crew would be at risk of injury most days. But you were willing to take the chance anyway because you love what you do. As a contractor, you also know that without proper safety training, everyone on your team is a sitting duck waiting for a life-changing injury.

There is a fine line between running a profitable business and taking advantage of customers; ethics, values, transparency and consistency are the standout factors that make sure you’re riding the right side of the line.

Small businesses can attract new talent by allowing employees to share in the company's success. Offering phantom stock and profit-sharing can help employees feel valued and invested, moving beyond just earning a paycheck.

In the plumbing and HVAC industry, equipping your team with essential skills is crucial. As a general manager, I've seen how investing in training transforms apprentices into top performers, creating a skilled and adaptable workforce.

In February, three key PHVAC trade shows occurred: the AHR Expo in Orlando with over 51,000 attendees, the WWETT Show in Indianapolis focused on wastewater innovations, and the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) in Las Vegas, held with the International Builders’ Show (IBS).

A heating contractor is installing two air-to-water heat pumps as the primary heat source in a large home's hydronic system, keeping the existing boiler as backup. However, problems like heat migration into off zones and corrosion of the vent connector suggest design flaws that need to be addressed.

With a decline in skilled trades workers, finding a reliable plumber is increasingly difficult. As thousands of job openings are projected annually, plumbing contractors must rethink their hiring strategies.