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Home » Authors » Kristen R. Bayles
Kristen R. Bayles

Kristen R. Bayles

Kristen R. Bayles is the Associate Editor for Plumbing & Mechanical and Supply House Times. With deep family roots in the plumbing industry and a Bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Montevallo, Kristen brings a unique perspective to her coverage of industry trends, emerging technologies and business insights for plumbing and HVAC professionals.

Connect with Kristen on LinkedIn or reach her at baylesk@bnpmedia.com.

Associate Editor
Articles

ARTICLES

A young technician's hands working on a project while an older technician helps.

Showcasing HVAC Excellence on a National Stage

Paige Burns discusses Trane's ongoing support of the ServiceTitan National HVAC Championship and its role in promoting technical excellence and workforce development.
Kristen Bayles 200x200 headshot
Kristen R. Bayles
June 4, 2026

The annual competition highlights the industry's top technicians while inspiring future generations to pursue careers in HVAC. 


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Synergy Sales NW Vancouver Team

Plumbing & Mechanical 2026 Rep of the Year: Synergy Sales NW

Collaboration, culture and customer service drive Synergy Sales NW’s continued growth as a rep agency in the Pacific Northwest.
Kristen Bayles 200x200 headshot
Kristen R. Bayles
June 4, 2026

Co-founders Jay Hollabaugh and Brenda Cashdollar discuss the company’s growth, hands-on training philosophy, technology investments and commitment to building long-term relationships across the plumbing industry.


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Copper plumbing fittings arranged in a row

Inside CDA’s ‘Do It Proper with Copper’ Program

The Copper Development Association’s Tube & Fittings Council discusses workforce training, installation best practices and the role of copper in nationwide LSLR efforts.
Kristen Bayles 200x200 headshot
Kristen R. Bayles
June 3, 2026

After the launch of "Do It Proper with Copper," we sat down with representatives of the Copper Development Association to discuss the importance of this no-cost training program. 


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A calculator, notepad and pencil over money.

Beyond Revenue: The KPIs That Drive Plumbing Profitability

BDR's Nate Agentis explains how contractors can use forecasting, cash flow management and technician productivity metrics to improve profitability.
Kristen Bayles 200x200 headshot
Kristen R. Bayles
June 3, 2026

Revenue may show growth, but KPIs such as gross profit per technician, utilization rates and cash flow provide a clearer view of business performance.


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Commercial outlook tech looking at pipes

Commercial Market Outlook: Retrofit Projects Lead the Way

Commercial market trends, labor challenges, retrofit demand, and what to prepare for
Kristen Bayles 200x200 headshot
Kristen R. Bayles
May 25, 2026

As commercial building owners continue to navigate economic uncertainty, labor shortages and changing customer demands, retrofit and renovation work is becoming a key opportunity across the plumbing market. In this article, learn where the commercial market is headed and how manufacturers, wholesalers, and contractors can adapt.



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A display showing GF and Uponor's logos.

Rethinking How We Work Together at the GF Flow Symposium

What stood out most to me at the GF Flow Symposium was the growing recognition that no one company is going to solve all the problems of the industry alone.
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Kristen R. Bayles
May 21, 2026

At the GF Flow Symposium, conversations focused not just on solving individual problems, but on building the relationships needed to address them over time.


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Water Damage

The ROI on Smart Water: Do Connected Systems Really Pay Off?

Smart water systems can save money, uncover hidden problems, and create new opportunities for contractors
Kristen Bayles 200x200 headshot
Kristen R. Bayles
May 19, 2026
Insurance incentives, hidden leaks and operational gains are driving adoption, but the real return on smart water depends on who is measuring it and how.
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Eastern Washington Hospital Mechanical System

Old Systems, New Demands: How Contractors are Navigating the Retrofit Market

Integrating high-efficiency equipment with existing piping and controls remains a key challenge (and opportunity) in today’s retrofit market
Kristen Bayles 200x200 headshot
Kristen R. Bayles
May 15, 2026
With an increase in retrofits in the current market, here’s how contractors are navigating the issues that come with it.
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An engineer installing a pipe system.

Why Prefabrication Is Becoming the Backbone of MEP Contractor Operations

New data shows contractors shifting toward fabrication-led workflows as labor shortages and operational strain continue to rise.
Kristen Bayles 200x200 headshot
Kristen R. Bayles
May 8, 2026

New report from Stratus reveals how labor shortages, material costs, and limited operational visibility are driving digital adoption and prefabrication.


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A construction worker writing on a clipboard

Why the Skilled Labor Shortage Demands a New Approach

Industry leaders are shifting toward training-first models to attract and develop talent in a more complex service environment.
Kristen Bayles 200x200 headshot
Kristen R. Bayles
May 6, 2026

As the industry marks National Skilled Trades Day, leaders are rethinking training and recruitment to build the next generation of technicians.


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View All Articles by Kristen R. Bayles
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