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