Business Management

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

baylesk@bnpmedia.com (Kristen R. Bayles) — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 16:30:27 -0400

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.

Podcast: Rethinking Upselling

baylesk@bnpmedia.com (Kristen R. Bayles) — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 07:00:00 -0400

Editor Kristen Bayles spoke with Blake Turner, master trainer at Nexstar, to discuss the misconceptions surrounding "upselling," and how through a few simple steps — focusing on communication, presenting options, and helping customers make informed decisions — contractors can improve both the customer experience and their business outcomes, without ever feeling like a salesperson.

PHCP-PVF price increases April 2026

forstern@bnpmedia.com (Natalie Forster) — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 12:30:40 -0400

The latest round of adjustments, effective from mid-March through mid-April, reflects that same trend, with measured increases across venting systems, brass and PVF components, HVAC parts, controls and copper fittings.

Amplify the trades: How technology and leadership multiply performance

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400

One often-overlooked factor in technology adoption is how the human brain responds to change. We’re naturally wired to seek familiarity and avoid uncertainty, especially in high-pressure environments like the trades. When new systems are introduced without context or preparation, the brain reads that change as a threat, triggering resistance or disengagement. That reaction isn’t stubbornness; it’s human nature.

ServiceTitan report finds AI adoption more than doubles among commercial contractors

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 10:10:13 -0400

Nearly 40% of contractors report measurable AI impact, up from 17% in 2025, signaling a shift toward technology-driven operations.

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.

Job switching drives biggest pay gains in construction, new ADP data shows

baylesk@bnpmedia.com (Kristen R. Bayles) — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0400

With skilled labor in short supply, contractors are facing rising wage pressure and a new reality: keeping talent may be harder than hiring it.

Podcast: The cost of missed calls

baylesk@bnpmedia.com (Kristen R. Bayles) — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode of And So It Flows, Kristen Bayles spoke with Jane Blanchard, head of brand and marketing at Service Forge, about a challenge many contractors underestimate: the true cost of missed calls.

Growing without breaking the business: how mechanical contractors can scale responsibly

baylesk@bnpmedia.com (Kristen R. Bayles) — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 08:00:23 -0400

It’s tempting to chase new work without fully evaluating whether the project aligns with operation capacity or financial structure. We’ve all heard, “bigger is better,” after all. However, contractors need to establish clear criteria before pursuing additional work. That includes evaluating a few key factors.

Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Piping products increase – February-March 2026

forstern@bnpmedia.com (Natalie Forster) — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 10:24:47 -0500

The upward pricing trend that carried into the new year is continuing through February and into March, with a steady stream of plumbing, hydronic, HVAC and PVF manufacturers announcing increases. While many adjustments are landing in the low- to mid-single-digit range, several manufacturers are implementing category-specific or “various” increases, with select product lines moving higher.

A guide to rebates, including how to stack them

baylesk@bnpmedia.com (Kristen R. Bayles) — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Presenting rebate amounts and net costs alongside energy savings over time can shift the conversation from “How much will it cost?” to “What’s this really worth?”

PHCC Educational Foundation launches new courses to support essential skills development

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

PHCC Educational Association licensed ServiceSkills courses – short, focused lessons with interactive video training with real-world applications. Promoting self-paced learning, the courses can be viewed at the participant’s convenience and even accessed on-the-go, on smartphones and tablets.

Creating the complete technician

baylesk@bnpmedia.com (Kristen R. Bayles) — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Their focus on culture-first training became the foundation for everything else: technical instruction, soft skills development and long-term career progression.

From grassroots to Google: Turning community engagement into online visibility

jhinshaw@servicenation.com (Jim Hinshaw) — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

With a few intentional steps, you can make sure the work you do in your community not only wins hearts, but also helps you win searches.

Podcast: Speed, assortment and the art of saying yes: Behind SupplyHouse.com's merchandising and fulfillment engine

forstern@bnpmedia.com (Natalie Forster) — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode of And So It Flows, Jennifer Harrison and Kaytee Gray from SupplyHouse.com discuss how digital merchandising and fulfillment are evolving to empower contractors with expert product information, simplifying decision-making in the field.

Reflect, Refocus, Reignite: A leadership reset plan for 2026

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

All year, leadership is a fast-moving, day-by-day experience. But December's slower pace lets you take a step back, and that's when strategic thinking happens. An intentional leadership reset is a chance to reflect on what truly matters, refocus on the strategies that drive results, and reignite the performance, purpose, and passion that will carry you into 2026 with clarity and momentum.

The enduring power of plumbing apprenticeships

baylesk@bnpmedia.com (Kristen R. Bayles) — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Did you know that plumbing apprenticeships can be dated all the way back to the European medieval period? Back in the 1300s-1500s, Masters of trades would take on young, unskilled workers and teach them their craft in exchange for their indentured servitude, wherein they would work for years without pay while they honed their craft.

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.

Podcast: All hands on deck: Technical training for the next generation of pros

forstern@bnpmedia.com (Natalie Forster) — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode of And So It Flows, host Natalie Forster sits down with Spencer Pope, manager of technical support and training at Bradford White, to explore how education and workforce development are evolving across the plumbing, HVAC and mechanical trades.

The rise of blue-collar franchise ownership: Q&A with Beth Toenies

baylesk@bnpmedia.com (Kristen R. Bayles) — Wed, 03 Dec 2025 16:00:25 -0500

Franchising offers tradespeople a structured path to entrepreneurship, combining operational know-how, leadership skills and established brands for faster growth and long-term success.

Smart tools in skilled hands: AI in the trades

baylesk@bnpmedia.com (Kristen R. Bayles) — Thu, 13 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Artificial intelligence is being used in a plethora of ways across the trades industry. According to Lynn Wise, CEO of Contractor in Charge, “Plumbing and mechanical contractors are moving past the experimental phase of AI and are adopting practical solutions that integrate directly into their daily operations. These tools are streamlining workflows, enhancing customer service, and boosting profitability.”

Mission-ready workforce: Why veterans are the key to closing the trades labor gap

chris@reputationigniter.com (Chris Lollini) — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Bringing veterans into the trades isn’t charity; it’s capacity building. They tend to stay longer, care deeply about their work, and invest locally. Every veteran hired strengthens not just a company but the community it serves.

When competition becomes community

baylesk@bnpmedia.com (Kristen R. Bayles) — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500

People from all over the world came together with a shared purpose: to learn, grow, and help one another succeed. I sat with plumbers from Georgia during one session, and over lunch, I joined a group from Wisconsin. We talked about everything from the unique challenges of running a business in different regions to funny on-the-job stories that reminded us all why we love this industry.

Weather disasters are increasing; keep your shop and team prepared

dyates@consultyates.com (Dave Yates) — Mon, 03 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Weather emergencies have steadily increased in frequency and severity over the past six decades. In addition to a gasoline-powered high-volume dewatering pump, we maintained an inventory of submersible sump pumps and if it looked like severe weather was potentially headed our way, I increased our inventory.

Culture by design, not default

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Culture is a vital driver of results. A 2025 Deloitte study found that strong cultures lead to 30% more innovation and 40% higher employee retention, saving companies 90–200% of an employee’s annual salary for each retained worker. In contrast, Gallup estimates disengaged employees cost the global economy $8.8 trillion, or 9% of GDP.

Invoices, inspections, and integrity: lessons from Leonard

scottsecor@comcast.net (Scott Secor) — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Approximately twenty years ago, we got a call from someone who owned three identical apartment buildings in a nearby town. His name was Leonard. He recently visited an annual building-owners trade show and heard that we knew how to fix and properly adjust outdoor reset controls. Leonard called us, and we made an appointment.

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?

Voices of the future: Apprentices reflect on learning and leadership

forstern@bnpmedia.com (Natalie Forster) — Fri, 10 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Apprenticeship has long been the heartbeat of the plumbing and HVAC trades. But for today’s apprentices, training looks different than it did for their mentors and parents. With new online programs, flexible learning schedules, and updated curriculum that reflects the latest industry standards, apprentices are able to gain both the technical “booksmarts” and the on-the-job confidence needed to thrive.

The energy you bring: A leadership guide for plumbing & HVAC pros

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Your energy drives the tone, the pace, and the performance of your team. If your goal is to create a culture where people show up strong, stay accountable, and do work they’re proud of—guess what? That starts with you showing up that way first.

Meet the 2025 Residential Contractor of the Year: Jolly Plumbing, Drains, Heating & Air

forstern@bnpmedia.com (Natalie Forster) — Tue, 07 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

When Brady Jolly steps into the office each morning, he’s carrying more than the responsibility of running a nearly 60-person business. He’s carrying forward the legacy of a company his parents founded back in 1979 — a company that has reinvented itself more than once and is today on a mission to "reimagine how the world experiences home services."