Last October, I was one of about 30 media professionals and social media influencers who got to take a top secret trip to Switzerland and Liechtenstein. No joke – I had to sign a nondisclosure agreement ensuring I wouldn’t say, write or post any content until after the embargo lifted last month.
When I first began covering the HVAC industry almost eight years ago now, I was one of few women — if there were any others — in the room. Since that time, I have started seeing more and more women at the various industry events I attend, and I am overjoyed.
December has always been my favorite month of the year. And it’s not just because it’s my birthday month! It’s also not because of the holidays — though I do enjoy spending time celebrating with family and friends.
It’s hard to believe November is just around the corner. Not because the year has seemingly flown by or anything, but because Southeastern Michigan was still experiencing 80° F muggy days in mid-October. It’s been crazy!
Technology never ceases to amaze me. I still marvel how I can voice control all the lights in my home through my nifty Google Home devices, change the thermostat temperature with a tap of a button on my phone — and the latest, shut off my water at the main (also from my phone) thanks to my FloLogic leak detection system.
There’s no doubt the COVID-19 pandemic affected businesses of all types and sizes. However, as the economy continues to recover in 2021, different categories are rebounding at different rates.
The skilled trades are certainly no stranger to the difficulties amidst a labor shortage. The most experienced trade pros are nearing retirement, and when you combine that with the lack of high school graduates entering the trades, the skills gap continues to grow.
This month marks my seven-year anniversary with BNP Media, and seven years writing about the trades. When I first started, I knew next to nothing about HVAC and plumbing, not to mention I didn’t have any contacts or friends within the industry.
Summer is just around the corner, and things are beginning to look up in the U.S. More than 45% of American adults are now fully vaccinated against COVID-19, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.