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Home » Topics » Columns » Guest Editorial

Guest Editorial
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Know Your Numbers

Know Your Numbers: A Contractor’s Story and the Cost of Not Knowing

David Specht headshot 200x200
David Specht
November 2, 2026

Hard work, integrity and technical expertise are essential to running a successful plumbing business, but they aren't enough on their own. One contractor's story highlights the importance of financial literacy, understanding profitability, and knowing when to seek guidance to build a sustainable business.


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hands-on-training

From Classroom to Jobsite: Preparing the Next Generation of Tradespeople

Hands-on training helps prepare the next generation for the jobsite.
Tim Kopp
October 9, 2026

Recruiting the next generation is only part of the workforce challenge. Hands-on training, apprenticeships and stronger industry partnerships can help new tradespeople arrive on the jobsite ready to contribute.


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A heat pump system in a mechanical room.

Hydronic and Heat Pump Hybrid Solution Presents Path for Efficiency Progress

The future for the heating industry is to identify and implement a collaborative system that combines the best features of hydronics with heat pumps.
John Monaghan, Senior Product Manager at Ariston.
John Monaghan
October 2, 2026

The current landscape with hydronics and heat pumps feels like an important time to adapt. Changing long-held opinions within the industry is not easy.


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plumbing company office manager working through the receivables

How Contractors Can Use AI to Avoid a $9,500 Consulting Bill

Wade Kerzie Headshot
Wade Kerzie
September 28, 2026

AI can do more than offer advice. With the right business context, it can turn a consultant’s playbook into scripts, processes, and workflows a contractor can put to work. Here’s where AI can replace costly playbook work, and where human judgment still matters.


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A contractor and apprentice look over documents on a jobsite.

Taking On Bigger Jobs? Make Sure Your Plumbing Insurance Grows with You

Plumbers should understand how their policy treats the equipment they routinely take into the field and whether the available limit reflects the value of what their crews actually carry.
Chis Van Leeuwen
Chris Van Leeuwen
September 26, 2026

From power tools to inspection cameras, you need a lot of specialized equipment to do your work. Theft or accidental damage can leave you without the gear you need to tackle your next job.


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Kevin Fiscor and the Fiscor Plumbing and Air team.

Lead Yourself First: The Operator’s Playbook for Scaling a Trades Business Without Losing the Team

Why financial clarity, install capacity, and a “leaders eat last” culture can turn steady revenue into sustained growth.
Chris Lollini circle headshot updated 200x200
Chris Lollini
Kevin Fiscor
September 21, 2026

If you want the next level, start acting like the operator your next level requires, someone financially disciplined, culture-driven, and relentlessly focused on building a team that can execute fast.


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Quality Heating Cooling Plumbing & Electric team

Serving Beyond the Service Call: Building a People-First Trades Business

Why human connection, not hustle or hype, is the real differentiator in residential HVAC and plumbing
Chris Lollini circle headshot updated 200x200
Chris Lollini
Cassie Pound
Cassie Pound
July 22, 2026

In a business driven by efficiency and productivity, Cassie Pound believes the greatest competitive advantage is human connection. Learn how her people-first approach to leadership, hiring and customer service has built a culture of trust that extends far beyond the service call.


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Building contractor looking at data on his laptop

Plugging the Leaks: How to Fix the Data Gaps in Your Plumbing Business

Phil Hotarek 200x200 headshot
Phil Hotarek
July 21, 2026

Understanding where business intelligence leaks occur can help contractors improve cash flow, strengthen margins and make smarter operational decisions.


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Plumber with cell phone

Driving Growth in Plumbing Today

Labor shortages and changing regulations are reshaping the industry, making adaptability a competitive advantage
Tim house headshot
Tim House
July 13, 2026

Contractors who continue to grow will be the ones who stay informed, embrace training, and prepare to move in the direction that the industry is heading.


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Three people looking at a laptop.

The Benefits Package Your Best Technicians Are Quietly Comparing You Against

Today's trade professionals want benefits that protect their health, their families, and their financial future — not just while they're on the clock.
Allison De Paoli
June 16, 2026

In a hyper-competitive market, talent poaching happens instantly. Salary matches provide short-term retention, but fail to build long-term loyalty. The true competitive advantage comes from the daily workplace experience.  


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