Columns - Articles - Page 60 | Plumbing & Mechanical

Nicole Krawcke: We need to talk about the trades

Sharing personal experiences helps attract new talent.

May 14, 2019

Just over 10 years ago, when I graduated from college with my shiny new journalism degree in hand, never in a million years did I think I would be writing about the skilled trades — first HVAC, now plumbing.

Kenny Chapman: The innovation factor can be disastrous

Innovation helps improve companies, accelerate growth and serve clients better.

Kenny Chapman

May 13, 2019

In March, the Lovely Christy and I joined our friends from Service Roundtable in Frankfurt, Germany, for the massive ISH trade fair. With more than 2,500 exhibitors focused on sustainability, cutting-edge design trends, and technological innovations, it was a mind-expanding experience, to say the least.

Dan Holohan: The metal manometer

A simple mistake led to the invention of the common pressure gauge.

Dan Holohan

May 13, 2019

At first, Eugene Bourdon was annoyed when he saw what his worker had done to the metal tube. The tube was in the shape of a spiral and it was to go into a laundry machine they were building in Bourdon’s shop.

Al Levi: Getting employees to ‘released’

5 steps to training and verifying what employees know.

Al Levi

May 10, 2019

What does getting employees to “released” mean?

Nicole Krawcke: Knowledge is power

Ensure your employees are informed in the latest products and technologies.

Nicole Krawcke

April 15, 2019

The other day, my husband and I ventured over to our local hardware store to purchase a Big Green Egg grill and smoker. You see, it was a deal between the two of us: Last year, I got my bucket list Italian vacation and this year, he gets his smoker.

Matt Michel: 10 soft skills to boost customer satisfaction and sales

A straightforward soft skills checklist that simply works.

Matt Michel

April 12, 2019

Plumbers, like most technical people, value their technical skills above all else. Consumers, who have little ability to discern good plumbing from poor or average work, tend to judge plumbers based on their soft skills. Ignoring the soft skills is like ignoring half of a repair. Here is a 10-point soft skills checklist for your team.

Rodney Koop: Changing lives

The benefits of contractor services.

Rodney Koop

April 11, 2019

Last fall, a generous plumbing contractor in Las Vegas allowed me to park a trailer-load of four-wheelers in his backyard. It was an incredible backyard. I’ll be happy to tell you his name, but I’m about to tell you about his son.

Julius Ballanco: Modern bathrooms

Codes and standards have changed to keep up with the demands of the public.

Julius Ballanco P.E., CPD

April 11, 2019

Elegance is the name of the game with modern bathrooms. To keep up with the demands of the public, the plumbing codes and standards have changed regarding modern bathrooms. Some changes are for the good; others, well, we will have to see.

Kenny Chapman: Lack of training and systems can be disastrous

Structure your business to serve you, your team and your clients.

Kenny Chapman

April 10, 2019

When I say “the lack of training and systems can be disastrous,” it might sound a bit dramatic to you. I can assure you, however, that the quality of your training and systems can truly make or break your business, your reputation, the level of service you offer, safety on the job and your overall profitability.

Dan Holohan: Crank it down?

A quick guide to the three most profitable words in my vocabulary.

Dan Holohan

April 10, 2019

In 1989 when we started our business, The Lovely Marianne asked me what I was going to do to make money for her and our four daughters. I told her I was going to write books, but it would take some time to do that.