Plumbing and Mechanical

PM March 2024 Cover 450x600px

2024 March

The March 2024 issue of Plumbing & Mechanical features 10 influential women in the plumbing industry, a PM Profile of Caleffi CEO, Tina Gullickson, plumbing designs for patient safety, and much more!

Columnists

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2024 AHR Expo Attendees
Contractor's Corner | Dave Yates

AHR Expo wows attendees

AHR Expo product eye candy from a contractor’s point of view.
Dave Yates
Dave Yates
March 4, 2024

The AHR Expo was held in Chicago's McCormick Convention Center from Jan. 22-24, 2024. Over 48,000 attendees interacted with 1,875 exhibitors across the North and South Halls, with 527,520 sq. ft. of space for products, technologies, and skill demonstrations.


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PM March 2024 Kenny Chapman column feature image of mature male and young female building workers smile together
The Blue Collar Coach | Kenny Chapman

How to develop the next generation of leaders in the trades

Kenny Chapman
Kenny Chapman
March 4, 2024

The skilled trades industry is booming, and a new generation of passionate individuals is eager to join the workforce. Let's support and guide them to become the leaders of tomorrow. With my optimism and ideas, we can pave the way to their success. So, let's dive in and explore these ideas together!


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Scott Secor column feature image a leaking faucet on a domestic water heater
Heating Perceptions | Scott Secor

How things have changed over the years

Warranty woes
Scott Secor
Scott Secor
March 6, 2024

In the 1980s, defective parts were occasionally received in the heating industry. Warranty issues were not too common back then and problems were quickly resolved by dealing with the supply house. No questions or paperwork were needed.


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March 2024 Matt Michel column Ad Mockup
Service Plumbing Pros | Matt Michel

7 reasons manufacturers advertise in the trade press

There are numerous advantages and benefits to advertising with Plumbing & Mechanical.
Matt Michel
Matt Michel
March 8, 2024

Every now and then I talk with a plumber who gripes about manufacturer ads in the trade press. Usually, the plumber believes the money could be better spent elsewhere, such as consumer advertising to make it easier for the plumber to sell the manufacturer’s products. Here are seven reasons why manufacturers advertise in the trade press.


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Cover Story

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March 2024 Women in Plumbing hero image of woman engineer overlayed by circle of hexagon shapes with numbers from 1 to 10

Celebrating 10 Influential Women in the Plumbing Industry

Ten leading women share the value of a career in the trades, and how to attract more women into the field.
Nicole Krawcke head shot 2024
Nicole Krawcke
March 5, 2024

Celebrating Women's History Month and Women in Construction Week, Plumbing & Mechanical shines a spotlight on ten influential women reshaping the plumbing industry. Challenging stereotypes, they demonstrate that gender doesn't determine skill in this field. Their stories inspire inclusivity and highlight the importance of attracting more women to the trades.


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PM March 2024 Women in Plumbing Tracy Gawecki 1170x658.jpg
Influential Women in Plumbing

Women in Plumbing: Tracy Gawecki, Oatey, Regional Sales Manager

Nicole Krawcke head shot 2024
Nicole Krawcke
March 5, 2024

Tracy Gawecki is the regional sales manager at Oatey. Discovering the plumbing industry at a college career fair, she was intrigued by its essential role in everyday life. Recognizing its stability and complexity, Tracy chose plumbing as her career, finding satisfaction in its continual learning opportunities.


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PM March 2024 Women in Plumbing Lisa Lyon 1170x658.jpg
Influential Women in Plumbing

Women in Plumbing: Lisa Lyon, NIBCO, general manager, Webstone

Nicole Krawcke head shot 2024
Nicole Krawcke
March 5, 2024

Attracted to the industrial sector and craving tangible proof of work, Lisa Lyon found fulfillment at Webstone after leaving a dissatisfying job with a grueling commute. Seeing tradespeople making a meaningful impact each day, she was drawn to manufacturing and knew Webstone was the right fit for her.


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PM March 2024 Women in Plumbing Deidra McElroy 1170x658.jpg
Influential Women in Plumbing

Women in Plumbing: Deidra McElroy, Magnolia Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling, department manager, Commercial Services

Nicole Krawcke head shot 2024
Nicole Krawcke
March 5, 2024

After relocating to Maryland, Deidra McElroy gained valuable experience in sales and customer service at State Farm before transitioning to Magnolia in 2008. Starting as a billing specialist, she seized opportunities to learn various aspects of the industry and obtained licenses while pursuing a bachelor's degree in business administration.


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PM March 2024 Women in Plumbing Kate Olinger 1170x658.jpg
Influential Women in Plumbing

Women in Plumbing: Kate Olinger, director of Industry and Regulatory Affairs at Uponor

Nicole Krawcke head shot 2024
Nicole Krawcke
March 5, 2024

Kate Ollinger left the US Air Force and stumbled upon the plumbing industry, where she found a passion for bringing clean water and comfortable heating to people. She believes that manufacturers can help reduce the physical demands of the job for women. Kate advises women to find a great plumbing company or manufacturer willing to train them.


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Departments

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March The Glitch and The Fix, Figure 1 The layout the installer proposed.
The Glitch & The Fix

Dual boiler layout shortcomings

March 27, 2024

An installer is asked to pipe up two larger commercial air handlers supplied by a dual boiler sub-system. The building owner wants to make it possible to supply either air handler from either boiler. Can you spot some shortcomings and suggest a better way to accomplish the same objectives?


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Feature Articles

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01 PM 0424 Franchise feature image of showerhead.jpg

Franchises offer expansion opportunities for plumbing contractors

Jumpstart growth while minimizing risk by adding a franchise.
Dean Hartley
Dean Hartley
March 18, 2024

A thriving plumbing business relies on a collaborative team spanning various functions. Facing challenges like labor shortages and limited resources, many contractors struggle to expand into new markets. Adding a franchise can accelerate growth, minimize risk, and unlock fresh opportunities by leveraging established systems and resources.


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Hutterite colony's multi-family homes under construction.
Hydronics

Hutterite colony strides toward future with hydronics

Hydronics systems provide comfort for new farm equipment shop and residential housing.
Dan Vastyan
March 15, 2024

Learn more about the Hutterites, a branch of Anabaptists who live in colonies and operate large-scale farming operations in Western Canada and the upper Great Plains of the United States. Read on to discover some key differences between Hutterites and other similar groups such as the Amish and Mennonites.


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New Products

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New Products: Resideo Honeywell HOme T10+ Smart Thermostat Kits with RedLINK 3.0
New Products

Resideo launches smart thermostat kit

March 13, 2024

The new Honeywell Home T10+ Smart Thermostat Kits with RedLINK 3.0 offer additional control over three types of indoor air quality (IAQ) equipment simultaneously.


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PM March Products: A.O. Smith Emerge X Air Source Heat Pump Water Heater
Product Focus | Water Heaters

A.O. Smith announces heat pump water heater

March 4, 2024

The Emerge X Air Source Heat Pump Water Heater (HPWH) optimizes heat transfer and minimizes emissions, making it both environmentally friendly and cost-effective.


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