Columns

How to let employees know what they can do to make more money

“Do you want a raise?”

May 23, 2013

Many parents avoid any discussion about the facts of life with their children. Are you one of many contractors who have never clearly defined the “facts of wages” with each of your employees?

Tips to avoid the common irritating habits that drive customers crazy

Stop driving customers away.

Adams Hudson

May 23, 2013

Ever wonder why the most irritated people always call you? Actually, it could have less to do with you than it does with the kind of contracting business you’re in.

How communication turns into profit for technicians

Communicating effectively with your staff influences your company’s degree of success.

Kenny Chapman

May 23, 2013

Recently I released one of my online technician training videos about how technicians can actually turn good communication skills into sales and profit for the company. Communication is a topic that gets talked about in a broad scope in our industry, but is seldom broken down into how critically important effective communication is to our overall success.

Take the lead on lead

Make your company a resource for your customers.

May 23, 2013

You may have heard the news last month that an ingredient found in red meat and energy drinks can harden your arteries, causing you to develop heart disease.

Smoke Gets in your Eyes

It’s time to do wood-fired heating right.

John Siegenthaler, P.E.

April 19, 2013

Every August, I make a short trip to a local event call the Woodsmen’s Field Days. This gathering is all about cutting down trees and then slicing them up into either firewood or lumber.

Information or Implementation?

Commit to getting done what must be done.

Al Levi

April 19, 2013

After my first year as a consultant to the various trades I had worked in (and some I never worked in), my brothers asked me what had I learned and what I felt made the difference between the winners and the losers in the contracting business.

Using low-lead/no-lead valves

These alloys work best in potable water products and applications.

Geoff McLaughlin

April 19, 2013

Milwaukee Valve Co. has manufactured drinking water valves for many decades. In association with requirements for our industry and products, we’ve been closely following the rapidly changing legal landscape in this area.

Radiator Cover-Up

A simple way of killing convection and radiation.

Dan Holohan

April 19, 2013

One of my yellowed heating textbooks has a wonderful drawing of a Victorian radiator that has what looks like a teapot cozy over it.

Customers are Raising the Bar

Keep them by exceeding their expectations.

Adams Hudson

April 19, 2013

What’s up with customers these days? It’s like they want better value, quality products, efficient service and someone they can count on. Then, if they don’t find what they’re looking for, they’re on to someone who’s got what it takes.

Training Service Technicians

Paul Ridilla

April 19, 2013

Maintaining effective human relations throughout your shop and service department creates an enviable reputation for attracting key employees, which naturally attracts new customers.