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Home » Topics » Plumbing & Mechanical Contractor » Business Management

Business Management
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The ServiceTitan logo.

ServiceTitan report finds AI adoption more than doubles among commercial contractors

Firms are turning to technology to navigate cost pressures.
March 30, 2026

Nearly 40% of contractors report measurable AI impact, up from 17% in 2025, signaling a shift toward technology-driven operations.


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The Family Plumber Team
Guest Editorial | Mike Prencavage Jr. & Chris Lollini

Building a profitable plumbing business in an uncertain market

Why efficiency, community trust and disciplined leadership are becoming the real growth levers for contractors.
Chris Lollini circle headshot updated 200x200
Chris Lollini
Mike Prencavage Jr.
Mike Prencavage Jr.
March 20, 2026
The next era of the trades won’t be dominated solely by the most prominent brands or the loudest marketers. It will be shaped by operators who understand efficiency, protect their margins, and invest in genuine relationships.
Read More
A construction worker writing on a clipboard

Job switching drives biggest pay gains in construction, new ADP data shows

A 6.6% job-switching pay premium signals deeper labor shortages in construction, and forces contractors to rethink retention and compensation.
Kristen Bayles 200x200 headshot
Kristen R. Bayles
March 20, 2026

With skilled labor in short supply, contractors are facing rising wage pressure and a new reality: keeping talent may be harder than hiring it.


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And so it flows - The Cost of Missed Calls
And So It Flows Podcast

Podcast: The cost of missed calls

How missing calls can affect your business, your revenue, and your reputation.
Kristen Bayles 200x200 headshot
Kristen R. Bayles
March 17, 2026
In this episode of And So It Flows, Kristen Bayles spoke with Jane Blanchard, head of brand and marketing at Service Forge, about a challenge many contractors underestimate: the true cost of missed calls.
Read More
Several people at a table discussing business.

Growing without breaking the business: how mechanical contractors can scale responsibly

Project selection strategies for contractors looking to scale from Jason Richards, CEO of Foundral.
Kristen Bayles 200x200 headshot
Kristen R. Bayles
March 9, 2026

It’s tempting to chase new work without fully evaluating whether the project aligns with operation capacity or financial structure. We’ve all heard, “bigger is better,” after all. However, contractors need to establish clear criteria before pursuing additional work. That includes evaluating a few key factors.


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A graphic showing an arrow moving upward, with "PHCP-PVF Price Increases" written above it.

Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Piping products increase – February-March 2026

Valves, water heaters, pumps, fixtures and HVAC equipment see adjustments ranging from low single digits to 10%.
Natalie Forster
Natalie Forster
March 3, 2026

The upward pricing trend that carried into the new year is continuing through February and into March, with a steady stream of plumbing, hydronic, HVAC and PVF manufacturers announcing increases. While many adjustments are landing in the low- to mid-single-digit range, several manufacturers are implementing category-specific or “various” increases, with select product lines moving higher.


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Harold Moret, CDA Project Manager and Piping Applications Specialist

Copper Development Association Unveils Free In-Person or Virtual Lead Service Line Replacement Training

The training provides practical guidance on the proper installation of copper service lines, including techniques, materials science, and industry-recognized best practices.
February 24, 2026

These sessions are designed to support crew or teams of all sizes, from small systems planning their first project to larger agencies coordinating comprehensive replacement programs.


Read More
Tankless hot water heater

A guide to rebates, including how to stack them

Rebates, without the headaches
Kristen Bayles 200x200 headshot
Kristen R. Bayles
February 11, 2026

Presenting rebate amounts and net costs alongside energy savings over time can shift the conversation from “How much will it cost?” to “What’s this really worth?”


Read More
The PHCC Educational Foundation logo.

PHCC Educational Foundation launches new courses to support essential skills development

February 10, 2026

PHCC Educational Association licensed ServiceSkills courses – short, focused lessons with interactive video training with real-world applications. Promoting self-paced learning, the courses can be viewed at the participant’s convenience and even accessed on-the-go, on smartphones and tablets. 


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Giving apprentices a space to practice and make mistakes – and more importantly, learn from them – reduces the risk of errors on the job.

Creating the complete technician

A look into the internship program at Lutz Plumbing, Inc. in San Francisco.
Kristen Bayles 200x200 headshot
Kristen R. Bayles
February 9, 2026

Their focus on culture-first training became the foundation for everything else: technical instruction, soft skills development and long-term career progression.


Read More
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AHRI Data Shows Water Heater Shipments Remain Soft in 2026

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