For many contractors, heat pump water heaters still feel like a niche product; something tied more closely to rebates, energy programs or high-efficiency upgrades than to everyday water heater replacement work. But, according to Gregg Holladay of Bradford White, that perception is about to change quickly.
In a new episode of And So It Flows, Chris Buttenham discusses how retention planning can help plumbing contractors protect company value before a future sale.
Buttenham says plumbing business owners should start thinking about retention years before a sale, especially if they want the company to thrive after they step away.
The cost of falling behind is not limited to one missed product detail: it can show up in callbacks, efficiency problems, customer dissatisfaction and reduced contractor confidence.
Continuing education is no longer just about learning what is new. It is about protecting quality, reducing risk and making sure contractors are prepared for the systems they will be expected to install and service next.
Chris Fresh, host of The Plumbing Sales Coach Podcast – The Fresh Approach, explains how a service-first culture builds trust, boosts technician confidence and ultimately leads to stronger business results.
The Armbrust Plumbing team recently had a redesign of their fleet of 18 trucks, with the help of Lemon Seed Marketing. Featuring bright blue and green, partnered with an elegant navy blue, the real star of the truck is the knight.
U.S. shipments of residential gas storage water heaters for April 2026 decreased -1.6 percent, to 361,801 units, compared to 367,604 units shipped in April 2025.
The latest numbers show that water heater shipments continued to soften in April, reflecting many of the same economic pressures affecting residential construction and remodeling activity.
Gen Z is increasingly interested in skilled trades careers, but attracting and retaining this generation will require new approaches to training, mentorship and workplace culture.
Industry leaders say Gen Z sees something previous generations may have overlooked: the trades offer purpose, opportunity and a chance to make a tangible impact every day.
National HVAC Technician Day, celebrated every year on 6/22, offers an opportunity to recognize the essential role these technicians play in maintaining comfort, safety and business continuity.
National HVAC Technician Day serves as a reminder of the vital role these professionals play every day. While the industry continues working to strengthen its workforce pipeline, technicians remain the people who keep buildings running, businesses operating and communities comfortable.
On a recent episode of And So It Flows, Kristen Bayles sat down with Gregg Holladay, business development manager for specialty markets at Bradford White, to discuss the growing role heat pump water heaters are expected to play in the residential plumbing market and why contractors need to start preparing now.