Natalie Forster: Editorial Opinion

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Walking into the bathroom of my childhood home, I recall spilling my mom’s dark red nail polish on the white tile floor. Sitting on the edge of the bathtub, I held the flashlight for my dad while he fixed a leaky pipe under the sink.

There is a fine line between running a profitable business and taking advantage of customers; ethics, values, transparency and consistency are the standout factors that make sure you’re riding the right side of the line.

In February, three key PHVAC trade shows occurred: the AHR Expo in Orlando with over 51,000 attendees, the WWETT Show in Indianapolis focused on wastewater innovations, and the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) in Las Vegas, held with the International Builders’ Show (IBS).

After five years with Supply House Times, Natalie Forster gained valuable insights into the supply chain and developed relationships with PHCP-PVF wholesalers. Now, as the new Editorial Director for both Supply House Times and Plumbing & Mechanical, she'll engage daily with all supply chain participants, including wholesalers, contractors, and engineers.

Video marketing is crucial for plumbing and HVAC contractors to stand out and build credibility. Using smartphones for easy video creation and sharing on platforms like YouTube helps contractors become trusted industry experts.

Embrace AI to future-proof your team and enhance human connections in the workplace. AI is transforming industries by augmenting productivity and redefining job roles.

Reverse mentoring is transforming the plumbing contracting industry by pairing seasoned professionals with younger employees. This innovative approach fosters cross-generational learning, enhances adaptability, and drives growth for the business's future.

Retaining skilled employees is vital for plumbing and HVAC contractors. High turnover leads to disruptions and decreased customer satisfaction. To address this, many are finding innovative ways to encourage retention, including unique approaches from new companies.

Last month marked the second anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), the most significant U.S. federal action on climate change. With over $369 billion allocated to energy and climate programs, the IRA has driven unprecedented growth in renewable energy, boosting solar, wind, and battery storage, while cutting greenhouse gas emissions and lowering energy costs.

I reached out to some of the best coaches in the industry for some perspective on communicating clearly and effectively with customers and each other and best practices for how contractors should handle communication breakdowns.