In today’s world, online reviews matter. I recently decided to switch dentists and find one closer to our new home. 

The decision to join a franchise is not an easy one for plumbing and heating contractors.

I am lucky enough to talk to contractors, both large and small, all across the U.S. Inevitably, when I ask them about their greatest challenge or greatest future challenge, the answer is always the same: The skilled trades labor shortage. 

“Anything worth doing is worth doing right.”

That’s the slogan of Pataskala, Ohio-based Crawford Mechanical Services (CMS). 

Much like every other industry event on the calendar last year, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) decided to move the annual Design & Construction Week — featuring NAHB’s International Builders’ Show (IBS) and NKBA’s Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) — to a virtual platform due to health and safety concerns and ongoing travel restrictions stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The end of the pandemic is finally in sight as healthcare workers across the country have been receiving their first and second dose COVID-19 vaccinations. 

Last fall, IAPMO announced its CEO of 25 years, Russ Chaney, would be retiring at the end of the year, and former COO and Executive Vice President Dave Viola would succeed Chaney at the helm of the 95-year-old association. 

Plumbing Manufacturers International held its first virtual PMI20 Manufacturing Success conference Nov. 10-12. 

The dawning of a new year has PHVAC industry experts cautiously optimistic about new opportunities that lie ahead in 2021. 

Happy New Year! I hope all of you are as thrilled as I am to be getting a fresh start this year.