Jane Withers' character, “Josephine the Plumber,” in Comet commercials was popular in the 1960s and 1970s. However, women remain underrepresented in plumbing, which faces a shortage of service plumbers. Recruiting more women could help address this shortage.
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.
Empathy is a critical leadership tool in the home services trades, enhancing decision-making and fostering innovation, employee satisfaction, and retention. Research shows that empathetic leaders can significantly drive success, making it more than just a soft skill.
As 2025 unfolds, rapid changes in technology and the global landscape are creating both challenges and opportunities for growth. Embracing these shifts with confidence can help individuals and businesses thrive amid uncertainty.
Video marketing is crucial for plumbing and HVAC contractors to stand out and build credibility. Using smartphones for easy video creation and sharing on platforms like YouTube helps contractors become trusted industry experts.
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.
Most plumbing companies tend to look alike, making it difficult for them to stand out. The challenge for owners is to identify a unique difference from competitors and promote it effectively.
In Europe, businesses emphasize their external impact over internal corporate culture, as seen in the EU's Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). This highlights the growing importance of cultural resilience, blending community and sustainability with traditional values. Companies should therefore balance internal practices with their external footprint.
Embrace AI to future-proof your team and enhance human connections in the workplace. AI is transforming industries by augmenting productivity and redefining job roles.