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

A young male plumber in red overalls is smiling and talking with a woman while working under the kitchen sink.

From the Editor | Kristen Bayles

From leak to lesson: Why transparency and trust matter just as much as the tools in the plumbing and mechanical trades

Kristen R. Bayles

July 15, 2025

Plumbing and mechanical professionals bear more responsibility than often recognized. They ensure building safety, function, and peace of mind for occupants. Every installation, service, or check involves managing expectations, reducing risks, and building trust.

MADE IN USA text sign on rusty worn manufacturing metal

From global to local: Onshoring and reshoring in the plumbing & mechanical industry

Plumbing professionals in every part of the industry are rethinking and reimagining production to bring it closer to home.

Kristen R. Bayles

July 3, 2025

The pandemic's slowdowns are over, but new challenges have emerged, including geopolitical tensions, trade disputes, and fluctuating tariffs, highlighting the risks of relying on offshore manufacturing.

Plumber And Apprentice Fitting Central Heating

Prepping for the next generation

The next generation is inheriting the skilled trades industry at an interesting time. How can you prepare them?

Kristen R. Bayles

June 18, 2025

Allow your young workers time to learn. Mistakes will happen; turn them into learning opportunities. Do your best to create an environment where questions are encouraged! We all start somewhere, after all. And, most importantly, recognize growth when you see it. Gen-Z workers seem to thrive off of praise, so don’t be shy with it!

Harry Warren, Inc. directors posing for a group photo in the conference room.

Plumbing & Mechanical 2025 Rep of the Year: Harry Warren, Inc.

A rep agency with small beginnings and a focus on family

Kristen R. Bayles

June 5, 2025

Celebrating over 50 years of service, Harry Warren, Inc. has been named Plumbing & Mechanical’s 2025 Rep of the Year. Over the years, this family-run agency has grown from a one-man operation into a leading manufacturers’ rep by staying true to its core values: integrity, service and people-first leadership.

Farmer watering the plants, vegetables and seedlings in a greenhouse.

Beyond green: water conservation as risk management

People have seen water conservation as a strictly environmental issue for many years, but things are changing.

Kristen R. Bayles

June 4, 2025

Water conservation has become a critical issue, with over 4 billion people living in water-stressed areas. Effective water management is vital for both commercial and residential businesses to address consumer concerns and comply with regulations.

President Trump signs executive order promoting skilled trades and apprenticeships

This Executive Order aims to modernize the federal workforce development.

Kristen R. Bayles

May 9, 2025

This order aims to help equip the future skilled trades workers of America with the training, knowledge and experience that is needed to increase the number of skilled trades workers and apprentices in the U.S, and to invest in the reindustrialization and economic growth of America.

Young son helping father on the kitchen floor, fix the kitchen sink.

From the Editor | Kristen Bayles

New Editor joins Plumbing & Mechanical Group at BNP Media

Roots in renovation

Kristen R. Bayles

May 5, 2025

Walking into the bathroom of my childhood home, I recall spilling my mom’s dark red nail polish on the white tile floor. Sitting on the edge of the bathtub, I held the flashlight for my dad while he fixed a leaky pipe under the sink.

Behind the Wall: Where smart plumbing gets smarter

Adoption of connected plumbing systems calls for greater cybersecurity awareness and consumer education.

Kristen R. Bayles

May 2, 2025

From smarter water heaters and valves to AI-powered diagnostics and real-time energy optimization, the future of plumbing is here —and it’s connected.