Natalie Forster

Meet Kelly Castrogiovanni, President and Owner of Terry Plumbing, a Matrix Holdings LLC Company.

As we celebrate Women’s History Month and Women in Construction Week, Plumbing & Mechanical is shining the spotlight on 10 influential women who are leading the plumbing industry to great success.

In February, three key PHVAC trade shows occurred: the AHR Expo in Orlando with over 51,000 attendees, the WWETT Show in Indianapolis focused on wastewater innovations, and the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) in Las Vegas, held with the International Builders’ Show (IBS).

Mary-Anne Bowcott, owner of Westcom Plumbing and Gas Ltd. and known as "The Lady Plumber," defies gender norms in the plumbing industry, sharing her journey of resilience and becoming a mentor for aspiring tradespeople.

The Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) will be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center from February 25-27, featuring over 670 exhibitors and showcasing innovative, sustainable products. KBIS 2025 is slated to be the largest show in history.

After five years with Supply House Times, Natalie Forster gained valuable insights into the supply chain and developed relationships with PHCP-PVF wholesalers. Now, as the new Editorial Director for both Supply House Times and Plumbing & Mechanical, she'll engage daily with all supply chain participants, including wholesalers, contractors, and engineers.

The East Coast has suffered severe damage from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, leading to extensive destruction, fatalities, and power outages. These hurricanes highlight the impact of climate change on storm severity, driven by warmer Atlantic waters. This situation underscores the urgent need for the PHCP-PVF industry to adapt to the challenges of increasingly intense storms.

A. O. Smith, celebrating 150 years in 2024, began in 1874 as a metal components supplier for baby carriages and bicycles. Arthur O. Smith designed a lightweight pressed steel car frame and became a major supplier to car manufacturers like Packard, Cadillac, and Ford.

Plumbing & Mechanical Chief Editor Nicole Krawcke and Supply House Times Editor Natalie Forster sat down with several industry manufacturers to discuss their efforts, including Andres Caballero, president of Uponor North America, Mark Hudoba, vice president of building solutions division for REHAU, and Marki Huston, COO of Viega LLC.

The Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) returned to Las Vegas in 2023.  Hoping to break records again, KBIS/IBS returns to the Las Vegas Convention Center this year. Explore the latest products, technologies, and trends in kitchen and bath design.