We are living in unprecedented times with a global pandemic that may have widespread repercussions on the world economy. 

As I sit here writing this column on March 12, 10 more cases of COVID-19 were just confirmed in my home state of Michigan, bringing the state total to 12. 

It’s an exciting time for the plumbing and heating industries. 

Technology is amazing. I can pay all of my bills via apps on my smartphone, order food and even get great customer service without ever having to speak aloud to another human being. 

I’ve always liked the month of January because it brings a fresh start to a new year. This time of year is filled with hope and optimism for a better year than the previous one. 

Though smart home technologies have been around for quite some time, it is only over the past five years or so that the market has really taken off.

I’ve traveled quite a bit during my five-plus years with BNP Media — first covering the HVAC industry, and now plumbing.

Market disruption. It’s a hip, sexy new term that I hear everywhere nowadays. In fact, the last three industry conferences I attended all had sessions on how to become a “disrupter” or how Amazon has successfully disrupted numerous markets.

The days when a business owner could place a “help wanted” ad in the local newspaper and secure a bunch of applicants are long gone.