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Home » Topics » Columns

Columns
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Traffic Light Trails at George Washington Bridge
Heating Perceptions | Scott Secor

When (and when not) to work outside your service area

There are always exceptions to every rule.
Scott Secor
Scott Secor
August 8, 2024

We occasionally receive requests from commercial customers located over 30 minutes away to replace heating systems. For commercial repairs, we may extend our service area. However, for residential heating systems, it's generally not cost-effective for us to travel more than 30 minutes for a repair call. There are exceptions to these rules, and one recently came up.


Read More
Business concepts, evaluation and assessment

How scorecards help level-up your team.

Scoring for success
Kenny Chapman
Kenny Chapman
August 7, 2024

Last month, I introduced the core elements of our training: organizational charts, scorecards, and processes. These form the foundation of your business, providing clarity and accountability. This month, we'll focus on scorecards and how they contribute to team success.


Read More
Newborn chick with the cracked shells to the side.
Contractor's Corner | Dave Yates

Do the actual heat loss calculation

Chicken or egg?
Dave Yates
Dave Yates
August 6, 2024

Ah, the age-old question of which came first – the chicken or the egg. If you watch “Loudermilk” on Netflix, you know the answer!


Read More
Mini-Split Heat Pump Heating and Air Conditioning Unit
Hydronics Workshop | John Siegenthaler

Comparing air-to-water versus ductless heat pump systems

An alternative to ductless
John Siegenthaler, P.E.
John Siegenthaler, P.E.
August 2, 2024

I attended a conference hosted by the Building Performance Association and presented on air-to-water heat pump systems. Many professionals were interested in heat pumps, especially ductless air-to-air systems. One person mentioned the difficulty of finding qualified installers for air-to-water heat pumps and noted the higher cost compared to ductless air-to-air systems.



Read More
Artificial Intelligence concept
Editorial Opinion | Nicole Krawcke

AI solves pain points for contracting businesses

Artificial Intelligence is meant to augment your business, not replace employees.
Nicole Krawcke head shot 2024
Nicole Krawcke
July 12, 2024

Embracing new technology can be challenging, but it can boost sales and productivity. Artificial Intelligence (AI) can revolutionize how plumbing contractors operate by enhancing employee capabilities.


Read More
African American / Afro-Caribbean male working with large computer screens and CAD. He’s designing built in insulation structures in domestic homes.
Guest Editorial | Pook Villegas

Optimizing efficiency in commercial installations

The role of BIM tools.
Pook Villegas
Pook Villegas
July 11, 2024

In modern construction, the phrase "a worker is only as good as his tools" holds true. To stay competitive, contractors must always seek innovative tools to boost efficiency. Building Information Modeling (BIM) is one such tool.


Read More
0724 PM Guest Editorial GettyImages-1466993756.jpg
Guest Editorial | Josh Weiss

Deepfakes are here: Here’s how plumbing and HVACR companies can prepare

Best practices to mitigate negative impacts to public perception.
Josh Weiss
Josh Weiss
July 11, 2024

Did you know that it only takes 30 seconds to create a deepfake? Deepfakes are AI-generated media that can be made using any device. They can be used to spread misinformation and harm a plumbing and mechanical company's reputation.


Read More
0724 PM Matt Michel column feature image: People and modern technology connection.
Service Plumbing Pros | Matt Michel

6 groups every plumber should join

The benefits of networking.
Matt Michel
Matt Michel
July 10, 2024

Plumbers are typically independent and work alone from a service truck, but there are significant benefits to joining groups. These can include learning from peers and expanding your customer base. Consider joining these six groups as a plumber.


Read More
Employee packing a box and leaving the office, another employee sitting at her desk in the blurred background.
Heating Perceptions | Scott Secor

Not all employees work out

Word of mouth can work well for attracting new employees… until it doesn’t.
Scott Secor
Scott Secor
July 5, 2024

Most of the employees we hired on a full-time basis worked out quite well. Unfortunately, a few of them did not.


Read More
Plumber fixing a sink in a bathroom
Contractor's Corner | Dave Yates

Discussing thread sealants with Oatey

Pipe dope.
Dave Yates
Dave Yates
July 2, 2024

During the AHR Expo in Chicago, I met John O'Reilly at the Uponor booth. He mentioned that he represents Oatey, in addition to Uponor, and I'm interested in interviewing someone there about pipe dope and PTFE tape. John agreed to set me up with someone at Oatey.


Read More
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      • Dave Yates: Contractor’s Corner
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      • Kenny Chapman: The Blue Collar Coach
      • Matt Michel: Service Plumbing Pros
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  • ENGINEERS
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    • PME COLUMNS
      • Christoph Lohr: Strategic Plumbing Insights
      • David Dexter: Plumbing Talking Points
      • James Dipping: Engineer Viewpoints
      • John Seigenthaler: Renewable Heating Design
      • Lowell Manalo: Plumbing Essentials
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