Guest Editorial

Building a profitable plumbing business in an uncertain market

chris@reputationigniter.com (Chris Lollini) — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0400

The next era of the trades won’t be dominated solely by the most prominent brands or the loudest marketers. It will be shaped by operators who understand efficiency, protect their margins, and invest in genuine relationships.

Trust means more than ever in 2026

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Homeowners are more selective than ever, and in a crowded marketplace, their choice often comes down to which company they trust most. Public relations plays a critical role in shaping, strengthening and protecting your reputation.

Aligning talent strategy with business strategy

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Developing leaders creates leverage for the organization. It allows business owners to step back from day-to-day operations and focus on strategic growth.

New pipe sizing standard brings critical changes and innovation to building services

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

This new standard will mark a turning point for water supply and sanitary drainage pipe sizing, which together haven’t received a meaningful update since the 1940s.

Recruit character, teach skill

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

You can teach anyone to sweat a copper joint or wire a circulator pump. What’s much harder to teach is attitude, curiosity, pride in craftsmanship, and the ability to make a customer feel at ease.

Ethics in service businesses: Making production-based business models work

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

As many companies adopt growth-oriented language, it’s important to explore the tactical strategies behind it. Key benchmarks to consider include: What roles do we need to fill in the next few years? How do we retain our experienced employees? Who is our ideal customer and how many will we have in three years? What are our projected revenues in 5 and 10 years? Are our plans aligned with healthy gross and EBITDA margins?

For an effective apprenticeship program, it’s critical to invest in tech

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Most crucial of all is developing a strong team of mentors who can help nurture aspiring technicians. This is often where the true value of an apprenticeship program is revealed. Most contractors have at least one veteran tradesperson about whom they would say, "I wish I had 10 of them!"

How a ride-along program can revolutionize plumbing recruitment

Fri, 26 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Not every ride-along ends in a hire, and that’s by design. Last year, a candidate with over 20 years of experience applied. On the phone, he nailed every question with the right answer and knew what to say to capture my attention. His resume looked solid, so I invited him for a ride-along. But when he joined our team, the cracks appeared.

How a ride-along program can revolutionize plumbing recruitment

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400

How plumbers can enable insurable homes and deliver peace of mind for homeowners

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400

To help control losses and to make insurance available to certain homes, more insurers are requiring plumbing leak detection devices as a condition of coverage, alongside smoke detector requirements that are ubiquitous throughout the industry.

Championing water safety, accessibility and sustainability

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400

One of the most powerful parts of the trip was witnessing how personal stories and local successes resonate with policymakers. Whether it was a community's struggle with water quality or the adoption of cutting-edge conservation practices, these conversations helped bridge the gap between policy and lived experience.

Work smarter, not harder: giving labor productivity a boost with technology

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Advances in hardware and software open the door to future-proof projects, maximize resources and unlock new efficiencies. Here are three ways plumbing and mechanical contractors can use technology to get more done despite the industry’s shortage of skilled labor.

The future of energy: How natural gas is shaping sustainable heating solutions

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Advancements in renewable energy are well underway, and several exciting developments are already in use. However, homes and businesses require consistent, reliable solutions today and can't wait for a full transition to sustainable power. While nonrenewable, natural gas is shaping a cleaner energy future to meet growing heating and electricity demands.

Connecting with gen Z – why they’re the plumbing trade’s next big thing

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Gen Z is reshaping the workforce by opting for trades like plumbing instead of costly four-year degrees. With rising tuition and student debt, they’re seeking immediate job opportunities, which presents a tremendous opportunity for our industry. If you're not tapping into their potential, you're missing out.

Has AI killed the need for local SEO?

chris@reputationigniter.com (Chris Lollini) — Tue, 27 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Today, AI is changing how people search for services and solve problems. But does this spell the end for traditional local SEO? Not quite. Instead, it signals that plumbing and HVAC businesses must evolve to thrive in an AI-driven world.

Enhancing workplace safety through challenges

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Jobs like yours are dangerous. You knew when you started your career that you and your crew would be at risk of injury most days. But you were willing to take the chance anyway because you love what you do. As a contractor, you also know that without proper safety training, everyone on your team is a sitting duck waiting for a life-changing injury.

Phantom stock and profit sharing for top talent

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Small businesses can attract new talent by allowing employees to share in the company's success. Offering phantom stock and profit-sharing can help employees feel valued and invested, moving beyond just earning a paycheck.

From apprentice to all-star

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In the plumbing and HVAC industry, equipping your team with essential skills is crucial. As a general manager, I've seen how investing in training transforms apprentices into top performers, creating a skilled and adaptable workforce.

Plumbing contractors need to rethink recruiting to attract the next generation

Fri, 21 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500

With a decline in skilled trades workers, finding a reliable plumber is increasingly difficult. As thousands of job openings are projected annually, plumbing contractors must rethink their hiring strategies.

How software can help tackle the hiring challenges in plumbing

andre@gotraderunner.com (Andre Nordan) — Thu, 20 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500

The plumbing industry faces a projected shortage of 550,000 plumbers by 2027, costing skilled trades $5.3 billion annually in hiring and training. However, a rising number of young adults are choosing trade school, which may introduce new talent and challenges for business owners.

Transform emergency plumbing services with smarter technology solutions

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Homeowners in plumbing emergencies prefer hassle-free service. Companies excelling in seamless booking and reliability use technology and CRM systems to automate tasks and enhance customer service.

Preparing for 2025: Strategies to navigate rising costs and evolving customer behavior in home services

Mon, 13 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500

As 2024 ends, the home services industry is seeing rising lead costs and more complex customer journeys. In 2025, businesses should focus on generating quality leads, leveraging data and AI for optimization, and mapping customer journeys to enhance profitability.

The shift from independence to franchising: A Guide for Plumbers

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Transitioning from an independent plumber to a franchisee offers benefits like brand support but requires careful consideration of standards, costs, and new management skills for success.

How a plumbing and HVAC business went from near-bankrupt to profitable

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500

At ServiceOne Air Conditioning & Plumbing, we transitioned from traditional marketing to digital strategies during an economic downturn. Recognizing the need for better visibility and growth, I sought a marketing partner to help elevate our business. This shift transformed us from at-risk to successful, resulting in more leads and higher revenue.

Technology is necessary to recruit and train the next generation of home service employees

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500

How can smaller, locally-owned home service businesses compete with larger companies for a new generation of workers? Beyond better pay and a more engaging culture, they must use technology to attract younger employees.

Best practices for home services marketing through election season

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Every four years, the election season brings a natural decline in customer demand for services. Marketing costs rise as all channels become saturated with campaign spending, and consumer sentiment declines.

How virtual inspection services empower mechanical contractors

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Mechanical contractors are looking to improve operations by cutting costs and boosting efficiency while maintaining quality. A popular solution is the adoption of new technologies, specifically virtual inspection services, which have gained popularity since the pandemic.

Why mini case studies are better than reviews

Fri, 18 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Online reviews are essential for contractors, as low ratings can hinder local leads. To boost visibility, it's important not just to gather reviews but also to incorporate mini case studies into your marketing strategy.

Applying the Water Demand Calculator: Public fixtures in multi-family buildings

Mon, 16 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400

The IAPMO Water Demand Calculator has faced challenges due to exclusions from its documentation and calculations, causing difficulties for engineers in luxury apartment buildings.

When to invest in your contracting business

Fri, 13 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400

After hard work, your contracting company is turning a profit. You need to decide when to invest some of that money back into the business, balancing saving and making improvements to stay competitive.