Guest Editorial

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

As 2024 ends, the home services industry is seeing rising lead costs and more complex customer journeys. In 2025, businesses should focus on generating quality leads, leveraging data and AI for optimization, and mapping customer journeys to enhance profitability.

Transitioning from an independent plumber to a franchisee offers benefits like brand support but requires careful consideration of standards, costs, and new management skills for success.

At ServiceOne Air Conditioning & Plumbing, we transitioned from traditional marketing to digital strategies during an economic downturn. Recognizing the need for better visibility and growth, I sought a marketing partner to help elevate our business. This shift transformed us from at-risk to successful, resulting in more leads and higher revenue.

How can smaller, locally-owned home service businesses compete with larger companies for a new generation of workers? Beyond better pay and a more engaging culture, they must use technology to attract younger employees.