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.
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.
The plumbing industry faces a projected shortage of 550,000 plumbers by 2027, costing skilled trades $5.3 billion annually in hiring and training. However, a rising number of young adults are choosing trade school, which may introduce new talent and challenges for business owners.
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.
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.
Consumers choose plumbing companies based on a hierarchy of relationships, from unfamiliarity to direct personal experience, with community involvement and networking enhancing credibility and visibility at higher levels.
Enhance productivity and well-being by shifting from time management to energy management. Prioritizing physical, mental, and emotional energy can significantly improve your leadership and transform your organization. Recognize that your energy is your most valuable resource and manage it wisely.