Kristen R. Bayles

Technicians entered the trades to diagnose problems, fix equipment and provide customers with solutions … usually, it’s not to become salespeople. So, when an owner or service manager announces a new sales training initiative, the intended message and the one technicians hear can be quite different.

AHRI's monthly shipment reports include aggregated information supplied by member companies participating in its Statistics Program. The data represents shipments to customers within the 50 states and District of Columbia, including both domestically produced and imported equipment.

PVC antitrust litigation continues to develop as settlements top $415 million and plaintiffs identify six major distributors as alleged co-conspirators in the price-fixing case.

The PHCP-PVF industry has been fighting stereotypes for decades. Though the world seems to be coming around, and more people are recognizing the opportunities available in the trades, it hasn’t happened without a fight. And it certainly hasn’t happened overnight. That makes this contest, recognizing the people who decided to dedicate their careers — their life — to this industry, all the more important.

Casey Welch once thought home services might be a stop on the way to something more glamorous. Nearly 16 years later, she’s using creativity to make the trades stand out, generate opportunities for technicians and encourage more women to enter the field.

Justin Taylor grew up following his father through the supply house and always expected PHCP-PVF to become his career. Thirteen years later, he’s channeling that early connection and a competitive spirit into sales and lasting industry relationships.

Tyson Chen found his way into the trades through a chance meeting, but stayed for the people and the opportunity to help independent contractors use AI to improve customer service and grow their businesses.

Brock Seis followed his father into plumbing, but at just 24, he’s already carving out a path of his own. Through Elevated Plumbing, he’s building a business around craftsmanship, problem-solving, and work that protects his customers.

From riding along in service trucks as a child to leading the family business, Adam Meny is carrying a plumbing legacy forward while creating opportunities for the next generation.