Business Management

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Are you easy to do business with? You probably think that. Everyone thinks that. Chances are you can become easier to do business with. Everyone can. Here part one of 24 ways you can be easy to do business with.

In the trades, apprenticeships form the basis for skill development, but the concept should extend beyond entry-level roles to become a lifelong approach to leadership.

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.

I suspect manufacturers have had annual price increases since they began producing the items we need. So far this week we have been informed by one of our suppliers that the condensing boiler we use most often is going up by six percent.

Sustainable leadership in home services focuses on long-term success by investing in people and processes. Companies with this approach see 47% higher revenue growth and 36% greater profitability, while those offering professional development enjoy 94% higher employee retention.

In the world of service contractors — where time, labor and oftentimes materials — are in limited supply, establishing a brand and marketing strategy aren’t always top of mind. For Texas-based plumbing contractor, Plumbing Outfitters, undergoing a rebrand was about much more than portraying an image.

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.

Jane Withers' character, “Josephine the Plumber,” in Comet commercials was popular in the 1960s and 1970s. However, women remain underrepresented in plumbing, which faces a shortage of service plumbers. Recruiting more women could help address this shortage.

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.