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How can engineers and contractors design wet fire sprinkler systems equipped to prevent corrosion and dry systems equipped to prevent freezing? That has long been a question central to code requirements and new product development.

Water heater manufacturer Rinnai America Corp. has been working for the last three years with a state department of corrections to upgrade the water heating systems in five prison facilities.

Growing up in West Bloomfield, Michigan, Brianne Hall remembers receiving engineering concept lessons in her father’s car on the way to elementary school. Her dad — who had degrees in both civil and mechanical engineering — handed her a paper clip to explain the concept of failure due to fatigue.

A contractor’s fleet is one of its most important assets. These are more than just vehicles — they are mobile billboards for advertising, storage for parts, tools and other accessories, and ensure the technician arrives at the job in a timely, professional manner.

The shortage of skilled labor in the trades and service industries was already a chronic problem when COVID-19 emerged. The disruptions and economic consequences of the pandemic have exacerbated the issue and made it a national crisis. 

Though radiant heating may seem like a relatively new innovation, it actually has ties back to ancient Rome. Even famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright used radiant heat in his designs in the 1930s, though the technology didn’t become more commonplace until decades later. 

It’s hard to believe November is just around the corner. Not because the year has seemingly flown by or anything, but because Southeastern Michigan was still experiencing 80° F muggy days in mid-October. It’s been crazy!

Selling your plumbing company can be one of the hardest things in the world to do. You have spent your life building up your company, making it into a profitable venture and now, it is time to sell.

Over the last year, during several webinars and in-person events, I've spoken about the idea of systems-based thinking, which incorporates the ideas of strategic thought in the form of focus (“saying no”) and identifying and executing on coherent actions. In many ways, systems thinking (a.k.a. strategy) incorporates pattern identification.