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Home » Topics » Columns » Guest Editorial

Guest Editorial
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A male home inspector is using an endoscope inspection camera to check the kitchen tube
Guest Editorial | Lindsay Renkel

Work smarter, not harder: giving labor productivity a boost with technology

Facing a growing labor gap, plumbing and mechanical contractors are turning to digital tools.
Lindsay Renkel author profile
Lindsay Renkel
July 14, 2025

Advances in hardware and software open the door to future-proof projects, maximize resources and unlock new efficiencies. Here are three ways plumbing and mechanical contractors can use technology to get more done despite the industry’s shortage of skilled labor.


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natural gas

The future of energy: How natural gas is shaping sustainable heating solutions

Electrification on track to be largest energy consumption source by 2050.
Ellie Gabel
June 18, 2025

Advancements in renewable energy are well underway, and several exciting developments are already in use. However, homes and businesses require consistent, reliable solutions today and can't wait for a full transition to sustainable power. While nonrenewable, natural gas is shaping a cleaner energy future to meet growing heating and electricity demands.


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She's wearing a white safety helmet and safety glasses.
Guest Editorial | Phil Hotarek

Connecting with gen Z – why they’re the plumbing trade’s next big thing

Why you should be recruiting gen Z, and how to do it.
Phil Hotarek 200x200 headshot
Phil Hotarek
June 18, 2025

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.



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AI, Circuit board
Guest Editorial | Chris Lollini

Has AI killed the need for local SEO?

The New Reality for plumbing and HVAC Marketing.
Chris Lollini
May 27, 2025

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.


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Close-up of a man holding a blue helmet. Construction worker with office and people in background. Close-up of a construction worker's hand holding a working helmet.
Guest Column | Steven John Cumper

Enhancing workplace safety through challenges

Innovative training tools and techniques for plumbing and mechanical businesses.
Steven Cumper 200x200 headshot
Steven John Cumper
April 15, 2025

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.


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The arm of a businessman gives gold coins to another cropped arm of a man.
Guest Editorial | Chris Buttenham

Phantom stock and profit sharing for top talent

How offering meaningful financial incentives attracts quality talent to privately-owned business.
Chris Buttenham headshot 200x200
Chris Buttenham
March 26, 2025

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.



Read More
The architect is talking about a new project in the meeting room. Four people are sitting at the table, three wearing yellow construction vests and two white safety helmets on the table.
Guest Editorial | Destry Thompson

From apprentice to all-star

Investing in employee training and development.
Destry Thompson headshot 200x200px
Destry Thompson
March 19, 2025

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.



Read More
Now Hiring sign hanging outside a building.
Guest Editorial | John Akhoian

Plumbing contractors need to rethink recruiting to attract the next generation

How contractors should handle the rising costs to acquire leads.
John Akhoian 200x200 headshot
John Akhoian
February 21, 2025

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.


Read More
Social Network Online Sharing Connection Concept: Group of people around a table using phones, laptops and tablets on a social network.
Guest Editorial | Andre Nordan & Karan Patel

How software can help tackle the hiring challenges in plumbing

Technology platforms are revolutionizing the hiring process for contracting businesses.
Andre Nordan 200x200 headshot
Andre Nordan
Karan Patel 200x200 headshot
Karan Patel
February 20, 2025

The plumbing industry faces a projected shortage of 550,000 plumbers by 2027, costing skilled trades $5.3 billion annually in hiring and training. However, a rising number of young adults are choosing trade school, which may introduce new talent and challenges for business owners.



Read More
Man has a plumbing mishap with the kitchen sink as water gushes from the broken tap.
Guest Editorial | Roland Ligtenberg

Transform emergency plumbing services with smarter technology solutions

Make emergency services seamless, transparent and reliable.
Roland Ligtenberg
January 14, 2025

Homeowners in plumbing emergencies prefer hassle-free service. Companies excelling in seamless booking and reliability use technology and CRM systems to automate tasks and enhance customer service.


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
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      • John Seigenthaler: Renewable Heating Design
      • Lowell Manalo: Plumbing Essentials
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