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

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 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.

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 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.

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 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.

Chief People Officer at Foundral, Milisa O'Reilly.

How Plumbing Contractors Can Grow Without Losing Their Team

Why frontline leadership, communication, and culture are critical to scaling a contracting business without increasing turnover.

Kristen R. Bayles

May 4, 2026

As contractors focus on growth, strong supervisors and clear communication are becoming essential to workforce stability.

And So It Flows Podcast

And So It Flows: How AI and Gen Z Are Transforming the Trades

As conversations around artificial intelligence continue to dominate headlines, an equally important shift is happening in the skilled trades.

Kristen R. Bayles

April 23, 2026

In a recent episode of And So It Flows, Roland Ligtenberg, co-founder of Housecall Pro, joined host Kristen Bayles to discuss how AI, changing workforce priorities and evolving technology are driving renewed interest in careers across plumbing, HVAC and other home service trades.

Editorial Opinion | Kristen Bayles

AI can't fix a leak

Why automation may elevate plumbers, and other skilled trades, to the top of the labor market.

Kristen R. Bayles

April 23, 2026

A recent interview with the former CEO of Uber shows that jobs in the trades are on their way to being seen in a new way.

How manufacturers are reframing risk, resilience and return in 2026

In an uncertain market, predictive maintenance and domestic manufacturing are emerging as the new pillars of risk management and competitive strength.

Kristen R. Bayles

April 22, 2026

Bryan O'Toole and Paul Spradling weigh in on the state of the manufacturing market, and what it means for contractors.

Rethinking upselling: guide, don't sell

What contractors get wrong about upselling, and how to fix it.

Kristen R. Bayles

April 17, 2026

When options are framed around lifestyle improvements rather than just technical fixes, customers are far more likely to engage, understand the value and ultimately choose what’s right for them.

PFAS and the plumbing contractor: what to know as regulations tighten

How "forever chemicals" are reshaping plumbing system design and installation.

Kristen R. Bayles

April 13, 2026

Water treatment is moving from an optional add-on to a core component of plumbing system design and installation.

What's the best-paying state for a plumber?

Recent research from Construction Coverage shows which states and cities offer plumbers the highest wages.

Kristen R. Bayles

April 3, 2026

Plumbing remains a stable and essential career, but the competition for talent is increasing. Contractors who understand regional wage trends and adjust accordingly will be better positioned to attract and retain the workforce they need.

In this webinar, you’ll learn how to reframe training as a measurable revenue driver by connecting contractor performance improvements to real business outcomes—like increased equipment sales, stronger margins, and greater share-of-wallet.

Kristen R. Bayles

ARTICLES

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

Why Prefabrication Is Becoming the Backbone of MEP Contractor Operations

Why the Skilled Labor Shortage Demands a New Approach

How Plumbing Contractors Can Grow Without Losing Their Team

And So It Flows: How AI and Gen Z Are Transforming the Trades

AI can't fix a leak

How manufacturers are reframing risk, resilience and return in 2026

Rethinking upselling: guide, don't sell

PFAS and the plumbing contractor: what to know as regulations tighten

What's the best-paying state for a plumber?

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