Columns - Articles - Page 59 | Plumbing & Mechanical

Al Levi: Practice what I preach

Tips to effectively lead and manage your business and life.

April 4, 2019

For more than 17 years, I’ve been helping contractors learn and practice good habits. It has improved their lives, their employees’ lives and even the lives of the customers they serve.

Nicole Krawcke: Never stop learning

Who says old dogs can't learn new tricks?

Nicole Krawcke

March 15, 2019

Four years ago, I attended my first AHR Expo in Chicago. And no matter how many times my colleagues warned me to bring my walking shoes, I was blown away by the sheer size of the event. I put in my daily 10,000 steps — and then some — walking back and forth between the halls learning about ductless mini-splits, cooling towers, boilers, water heaters and more.

Kenny Chapman: When price doesn't matter

Don’t let fear rule.

Kenny Chapman

March 12, 2019

Price is a topic everyone wants to discuss and everyone has an opinion about, and you are probably wondering why I am even implying there is a circumstance when price doesn’t matter. Before you start thinking I’m crazy, let me explain.

Dan Holohan: Why my hair is brown

It pays to trust the professionals.

Dan Holohan

March 12, 2019

I’m 69 years old and my hair is as brown as it was when I was a teenager. A bit of it, mostly around my ears and the back of my neck, sneaks in as gray, but some Russian barber just buzzes those stray hairs away and I’m back to being a young fella again. I like the Russian barbers.

John Siegenthaler: 5 more products the hydronics industry needs

These products would help fill needs within the hydronics market.

John Siegenthaler, P.E.

March 11, 2019

In last month’s Hydronics Workshop column I described five devices that would, in my opinion, improve and expand the North American hydronics industry. Here’s my “wish list” from that column:

Al Levi: Nepotism: Keeping it all in the family

How to avoid the pitfalls of bringing family members into the family business.

Al Levi

March 11, 2019

When I was the last of the three brothers to enter the family business, my dad said to me, “I owe you an opportunity, not a guarantee.”

Julius Ballanco: Drinking foundtain or bottle filler

What should the plumbing code mandate regarding a drinking fountain?

Julius Ballanco P.E., CPD

March 8, 2019

As a backpacker, the most important item I carry in my backpack is water. I start each morning of a hike with three liters of water; two in my bladder and one in my bottle. The water bottle looks like any typical water bottle that people carry.

Jim Hamilton: Sound Processes = A Sound Business

To run a successful business, you need to determine and implement processes that everyone in your company understands.

Jim Hamilton

March 1, 2019

You pull up to your business at 7:00 a.m. and see that your service trucks have already left.

Marcia Barnes: Plumbers can’t afford to ignore leads

To close more business, close the lead-management gap.

Marcia Barnes

February 26, 2019

When someone calls a plumber, they are usually doing so because they have an immediate need. Perhaps a pipe has burst or their running water is down to a trickle. Whatever the issue, the customer needs assistance — fast.

Matt Michel: 7 products for the modern plumber

Aging-in-place products provide homeowners many options.

Matt Michel

February 26, 2019

The basics of plumbing may be timeless, but the products are changing as technology evolves and demographics shift. For the modern plumber who embraces opportunity, these products offer new and enhanced revenue streams. Here are seven you should offer.