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Home » Authors » Kristen R. Bayles

Articles by Kristen R. Bayles

An infographic with "Water Heater Shipment Data" over a chart.

AHRI Data Shows Water Heater Shipments Remain Soft in 2026

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.
Kristen Bayles 200x200 headshot
Kristen R. Bayles
June 26, 2026

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. 


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A contractor and apprentice look over documents on a jobsite.

Nearly 60% of Gen Z Is Considering Skilled Trades Careers

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.
Kristen Bayles 200x200 headshot
Kristen R. Bayles
June 24, 2026

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.


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HVAC Technician Installing Large Modern Heat Pump

HVAC Technician Day: Recognizing the Industry's Everyday Heroes

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.
Kristen Bayles 200x200 headshot
Kristen R. Bayles
June 22, 2026

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.


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And So It Flows: Heat Pump Water Heaters in Real Life
And So It Flows Podcast

Heat Pump Water Heaters in Real Life

Contractors may want to start getting “heat pumped up.”
Kristen Bayles 200x200 headshot
Kristen R. Bayles
June 18, 2026
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.
Read More
The interior of a government building.

Louisiana Plumbing Reform Bill Draws Concerns

As states seek solutions to skilled labor shortages, Louisiana's HB953 highlights the challenge of expanding workforce access while maintaining competency and safety standards.
Kristen Bayles 200x200 headshot
Kristen R. Bayles
June 12, 2026

The legislation transfers oversight from the State Plumbing Board of Louisiana and lowers training requirements, prompting debate over the future of plumbing licensure and apprenticeship.


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A person holding an iPhone.

The New Front Line of Customer Service

Newo.ai CEO Jason Luo discusses the revenue impact of missed calls and how AI-powered receptionists are helping contractors capture more leads.
Kristen Bayles 200x200 headshot
Kristen R. Bayles
June 5, 2026

AI-powered receptionists are emerging as a tool that can help businesses improve responsiveness, streamline operations, and compete more effectively in an increasingly fast-paced market.


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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

The Environmental Protection Agency’s Lead and Copper Rule Improvements mandate the replacement of all lead service lines within the next decade, driving what is expected to be one of the largest drinking water infrastructure efforts in recent history.



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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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