Image courtesy of: Handsome Bob (E+) Advice and tips for managing your business in the plumbing and heating industry. https://www.pmmag.com/rss/2767-business-management en-us baylesk@bnpmedia.com (Kristen R. Bayles) Technicians entered the trades to diagnose problems, fix equipment and provide customers with solutions … usually, it’s not to become salespeople. So, when an owner or service manager announces a new sales training initiative, the intended message and the one technicians hear can be quite different. Technicians entered the trades to diagnose problems, fix equipment and provide customers with solutions … usually, it’s not to become salespeople. So, when an owner or service manager announces a new sales training initiative, the intended message and the one technicians hear can be quite different.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107814 Sat, 17 Oct 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107814-why-technicians-push-back-on-sales-training In the debut episode of Beyond the Pipes, a So It Flows podcast segment from Plumbing & Mechanical, host Chris Lollini sits down with Josh Hollub, fourth-generation master plumber and commercial and industrial supervisor at Modern Plumbing Company, to challenge conventional thinking about business growth. Beyond the Pipes, a So It Flows podcast segment from Plumbing & Mechanical, host Chris Lollini sits down with Josh Hollub, fourth-generation master plumber and commercial and industrial supervisor at Modern Plumbing Company, to challenge conventional thinking about business growth.]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107816 Thu, 15 Oct 2026 17:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107816-beyond-the-pipes-building-a-people-first-plumbing-business Recruiting the next generation is only part of the workforce challenge. Hands-on training, apprenticeships and stronger industry partnerships can help new tradespeople arrive on the jobsite ready to contribute. Recruiting the next generation is only part of the workforce challenge. Hands-on training, apprenticeships and stronger industry partnerships can help new tradespeople arrive on the jobsite ready to contribute.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107806 Fri, 09 Oct 2026 15:30:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107806-from-classroom-to-jobsite-preparing-the-next-generation-of-tradespeople On a mechanical job, cost is committed months before it's recorded as actuals. About a third of mechanical contractors say their ERP connection carries what matters. What closes the gap, and why speed depends on where the coding happens. On a mechanical job, cost is committed months before it's recorded as actuals. About a third of mechanical contractors say their ERP connection carries what matters. What closes the gap, and why speed depends on where the coding happens.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107798 Wed, 07 Oct 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107798-why-mechanical-contractors-cfos-see-job-costs-weeks-too-late ServiceTitan released its The Update: 2026 State of AI in the Trades report, revealing that contractors are increasingly focused on how to effectively implement AI and translate its productivity benefits into measurable business results. ServiceTitan released its The Update: 2026 State of AI in the Trades report, revealing that contractors are increasingly focused on how to effectively implement AI and translate its productivity benefits into measurable business results.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107786 Fri, 02 Oct 2026 07:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107786-servicetitan-report-contractors-shift-focus-to-ai-productivity From power tools to inspection cameras, you need a lot of specialized equipment to do your work. Theft or accidental damage can leave you without the gear you need to tackle your next job. From power tools to inspection cameras, you need a lot of specialized equipment to do your work. Theft or accidental damage can leave you without the gear you need to tackle your next job.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107779 Sat, 26 Sep 2026 07:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107779-taking-on-bigger-jobs-make-sure-your-plumbing-insurance-grows-with-you If you want the next level, start acting like the operator your next level requires, someone financially disciplined, culture-driven, and relentlessly focused on building a team that can execute fast. If you want the next level, start acting like the operator your next level requires, someone financially disciplined, culture-driven, and relentlessly focused on building a team that can execute fast.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107767 Mon, 21 Sep 2026 10:25:43 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107767-lead-yourself-first-the-operators-playbook-for-scaling-a-trades-business-without-losing-the-team bellolih@bnpmedia.com (Hannah Belloli-Oster) From the warehouse to outside sales, Sam Windsor has built his career from the ground up, finding success through persistence, strong relationships, and a drive to keep learning. From the warehouse to outside sales, Sam Windsor has built his career from the ground up, finding success through persistence, strong relationships, and a drive to keep learning.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107760 Wed, 16 Sep 2026 08:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107760-2026-next-gen-all-star-sam-windsor bellolih@bnpmedia.com (Hannah Belloli-Oster) A third-generation plumber who once planned on an office career, Chase West found his calling solving problems, serving customers, and developing the next generation of plumbing professionals. A third-generation plumber who once planned on an office career, Chase West found his calling solving problems, serving customers, and developing the next generation of plumbing professionals.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107759 Wed, 16 Sep 2026 08:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107759-2026-next-gen-all-star-chase-west baylesk@bnpmedia.com (Kristen R. Bayles) Casey Welch once thought home services might be a stop on the way to something more glamorous. Nearly 16 years later, she’s using creativity to make the trades stand out, generate opportunities for technicians and encourage more women to enter the field. Casey Welch once thought home services might be a stop on the way to something more glamorous. Nearly 16 years later, she’s using creativity to make the trades stand out, generate opportunities for technicians and encourage more women to enter the field.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107758 Wed, 16 Sep 2026 08:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107758-2026-next-gen-all-star-casey-welch bellolih@bnpmedia.com (Hannah Belloli-Oster) Blake Turner built his own career in the trades and now helps others see what’s possible within them. At Nexstar Network, he’s focused on developing people, expanding career opportunities and changing perceptions of skilled trades careers. Blake Turner built his own career in the trades and now helps others see what’s possible within them. At Nexstar Network, he’s focused on developing people, expanding career opportunities and changing perceptions of skilled trades careers.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107756 Wed, 16 Sep 2026 08:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107756-2026-next-gen-all-star-blake-turner baylesk@bnpmedia.com (Kristen R. Bayles) Justin Taylor grew up following his father through the supply house and always expected PHCP-PVF to become his career. Thirteen years later, he’s channeling that early connection and a competitive spirit into sales and lasting industry relationships. Justin Taylor grew up following his father through the supply house and always expected PHCP-PVF to become his career. Thirteen years later, he’s channeling that early connection and a competitive spirit into sales and lasting industry relationships.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107755 Wed, 16 Sep 2026 08:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107755-2026-next-gen-all-star-justin-taylor bellolih@bnpmedia.com (Hannah Belloli-Oster) John Spitzock sees plumbing as both a craft and a responsibility. As a master plumber, he’s pairing technical precision and code knowledge with the leadership needed to help build Cast & Copper Plumbing. John Spitzock sees plumbing as both a craft and a responsibility. As a master plumber, he’s pairing technical precision and code knowledge with the leadership needed to help build Cast & Copper Plumbing.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107754 Wed, 16 Sep 2026 08:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107754-2026-next-gen-all-star-john-spitzock baylesk@bnpmedia.com (Kristen R. Bayles) Tyson Chen found his way into the trades through a chance meeting, but stayed for the people and the opportunity to help independent contractors use AI to improve customer service and grow their businesses. Tyson Chen found his way into the trades through a chance meeting, but stayed for the people and the opportunity to help independent contractors use AI to improve customer service and grow their businesses.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107753 Wed, 16 Sep 2026 08:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107753-2026-next-gen-all-star-apurva-shrivastava baylesk@bnpmedia.com (Kristen R. Bayles) Brock Seis followed his father into plumbing, but at just 24, he’s already carving out a path of his own. Through Elevated Plumbing, he’s building a business around craftsmanship, problem-solving, and work that protects his customers. Brock Seis followed his father into plumbing, but at just 24, he’s already carving out a path of his own. Through Elevated Plumbing, he’s building a business around craftsmanship, problem-solving, and work that protects his customers.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107752 Wed, 16 Sep 2026 08:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107752-2026-next-gen-all-star-brock-seis bellolih@bnpmedia.com (Hannah Belloli-Oster) Alexy Rollins entered the trades through entrepreneurship and found an opportunity to build something bigger than a business. At Loyalty Plumbing & Air, she’s creating careers, strengthening customer connections, and bringing a different perspective to industry leadership. Alexy Rollins entered the trades through entrepreneurship and found an opportunity to build something bigger than a business. At Loyalty Plumbing & Air, she’s creating careers, strengthening customer connections, and bringing a different perspective to industry leadership.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107751 Wed, 16 Sep 2026 08:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107751-2026-next-gen-all-star-alexy-rollins bellolih@bnpmedia.com (Hannah Belloli-Oster) Andrea Reagan believes a strong brand should do more than attract customers. By pairing authenticity and creativity with business results, she’s helping build a company culture employees are proud to represent. Andrea Reagan believes a strong brand should do more than attract customers. By pairing authenticity and creativity with business results, she’s helping build a company culture employees are proud to represent.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107750 Wed, 16 Sep 2026 08:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107750-2026-next-gen-all-star-andrea-reagan baylesk@bnpmedia.com (Kristen R. Bayles) Cody McLeod grew up watching his father build a plumbing business. Two decades later, he’s carrying that legacy forward through a company of his own, with a focus on developing people, raising industry standards and creating lasting careers. Cody McLeod grew up watching his father build a plumbing business. Two decades later, he’s carrying that legacy forward through a company of his own, with a focus on developing people, raising industry standards and creating lasting careers.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107748 Wed, 16 Sep 2026 08:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107748-2026-next-gen-all-star-cody-mcleod baylesk@bnpmedia.com (Kristen R. Bayles) One plumbing client introduced Jen McKee to the trades. Today, she’s helping home service businesses use social media to showcase their people, build customer trust, and tell the stories behind their brands. One plumbing client introduced Jen McKee to the trades. Today, she’s helping home service businesses use social media to showcase their people, build customer trust, and tell the stories behind their brands.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107747 Wed, 16 Sep 2026 08:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107747-2026-next-gen-all-star-jen-mckee bellolih@bnpmedia.com (Hannah Belloli-Oster) After 16 years in PHCP-PVF, Neal Longley knows successful distribution requires more than moving products. It takes strong relationships, problem-solving, and a commitment to serving customers, communities, and the next generation. After 16 years in PHCP-PVF, Neal Longley knows successful distribution requires more than moving products. It takes strong relationships, problem-solving, and a commitment to serving customers, communities, and the next generation.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107745 Wed, 16 Sep 2026 08:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107745-2026-next-gen-all-star-neal-longley baylesk@bnpmedia.com (Kristen R. Bayles) Amelia Kittson grew up in the family business she now leads. As KIE Supply’s third-generation president, she’s balancing a 70-year legacy with the responsibility to create opportunities, earn trust, and position the independent company for its next generation. Amelia Kittson grew up in the family business she now leads. As KIE Supply’s third-generation president, she’s balancing a 70-year legacy with the responsibility to create opportunities, earn trust, and position the independent company for its next generation.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107741 Wed, 16 Sep 2026 08:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107741-2026-next-gen-all-star-amelia-kittson baylesk@bnpmedia.com (Kristen R. Bayles) Tyler Heath inherited a plumbing legacy, but he’s building the next chapter by developing people, trusting his team and creating a business positioned to grow beyond any one person. Tyler Heath inherited a plumbing legacy, but he’s building the next chapter by developing people, trusting his team and creating a business positioned to grow beyond any one person.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107738 Wed, 16 Sep 2026 08:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107738-2026-next-gen-all-star-tyler-heath baylesk@bnpmedia.com (Kristen R. Bayles) Chris DellaSala found his way into PHCP-PVF through family, but built his own career around solving customer problems, developing people, and helping Keystone Sales & Associates grow for the future. Chris DellaSala found his way into PHCP-PVF through family, but built his own career around solving customer problems, developing people, and helping Keystone Sales & Associates grow for the future.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107733 Wed, 16 Sep 2026 08:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107733-2026-next-gen-all-star-chris-dellasala baylesk@bnpmedia.com (Kristen R. Bayles) Dylan D’Amato built his career from the field up, but as an owner, success now means more than mastering the craft. It means creating a company where employees can grow, customers can find a business they trust, and families can build their futures. Dylan D’Amato built his career from the field up, but as an owner, success now means more than mastering the craft. It means creating a company where employees can grow, customers can find a business they trust, and families can build their futures.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107732 Wed, 16 Sep 2026 08:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107732-2026-next-gen-all-star-dylan-damato baylesk@bnpmedia.com (Kristen R. Bayles) From an internship to leading operations in Central Texas, Ralph Cunningham has built his engineering career around teamwork, developing people and creating buildings designed to last for generations. From an internship to leading operations in Central Texas, Ralph Cunningham has built his engineering career around teamwork, developing people and creating buildings designed to last for generations.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107731 Wed, 16 Sep 2026 08:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107731-2026-next-gen-all-star-ralph-cunningham baylesk@bnpmedia.com (Kristen R. Bayles) Tyson Chen found his way into the trades through a chance meeting, but stayed for the people and the opportunity to help independent contractors use AI to improve customer service and grow their businesses. Tyson Chen found his way into the trades through a chance meeting, but stayed for the people and the opportunity to help independent contractors use AI to improve customer service and grow their businesses.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107730 Wed, 16 Sep 2026 08:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107730-2026-next-gen-all-star-tyson-chen bellolih@bnpmedia.com (Hannah Belloli-Oster) In this episode of So It Flows, ASPE president Bryan L. Hutton shares what attendees can expect from the organization’s big biennial event, from technical education and new technologies to networking with plumbing engineers, designers, contractors, manufacturers, and other industry professionals. http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107700 Thu, 03 Sep 2026 16:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107700-inside-aspes-2026-convention-and-expo-education-innovation-and-connections-in-okc A familiar name can make all the difference when a homeowner needs help fast. That's why building brand recognition before the emergency can give plumbing and mechanical contractors an edge when customers are ready to call. A familiar name can make all the difference when a homeowner needs help fast. That's why building brand recognition before the emergency can give plumbing and mechanical contractors an edge when customers are ready to call.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107677 Mon, 24 Aug 2026 08:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107677-the-click-goes-to-the-contractor-theyve-heard-of bellolih@bnpmedia.com (Hannah Belloli-Oster) From common misconceptions to evolving technology, this episode explores what contractors need to know about backflow prevention, including inspections, repairs, replacements, codes, and selecting the right solutions. http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107664 Mon, 17 Aug 2026 08:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107664-understanding-backflow-prevention chris@reputationigniter.com (Chris Lollini) In a business driven by efficiency and productivity, Cassie Pound believes the greatest competitive advantage is human connection. Learn how her people-first approach to leadership, hiring and customer service has built a culture of trust that extends far beyond the service call. In a business driven by efficiency and productivity, Cassie Pound believes the greatest competitive advantage is human connection. Learn how her people-first approach to leadership, hiring and customer service has built a culture of trust that extends far beyond the service call.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107608 Wed, 22 Jul 2026 15:30:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107608-serving-beyond-the-service-call-building-a-people-first-trades-business