Plumbing and Mechanical

In the plumbing and HVAC industry, equipping your team with essential skills is crucial. As a general manager, I've seen how investing in training transforms apprentices into top performers, creating a skilled and adaptable workforce.

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.

Facing price complaints from customers? Remember to keep your cool! Start by empathizing with their frustrations about rising costs everywhere. Explain the challenges small businesses face, highlighting how online retailers can undercut prices due to lower overhead. Always keep the conversation constructive and focused on solutions. 

In February, three key PHVAC trade shows occurred: the AHR Expo in Orlando with over 51,000 attendees, the WWETT Show in Indianapolis focused on wastewater innovations, and the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) in Las Vegas, held with the International Builders’ Show (IBS).

A few weeks back, I received a call from an acquaintance named Jack, whom I hadn't talked to in a while. He mentioned a job opportunity and mentioned the radiators in the house have burst. We discussed the details and arranged for me to visit the location.

Most heat pumps in North America extract heat from outside air to warm interiors, which is why we call them "air-to-air" heat pumps. However, this term is incomplete, as heat pumps can also provide comfort without relying on forced air delivery.

Mary-Anne Bowcott, owner of Westcom Plumbing and Gas Ltd. and known as "The Lady Plumber," defies gender norms in the plumbing industry, sharing her journey of resilience and becoming a mentor for aspiring tradespeople.

Plumbers are vital for ensuring safe water for drinking and sanitation. Their role will become even more critical as we face new water-related challenges.

The heat pump water heater (HPWH) market is set to grow from nearly $100 billion in 2024 to $156.59 billion by 2030, fueled by energy efficiency regulations, rising energy costs, urbanization, and a demand for sustainable solutions.

AHR consistently impresses with innovative PHVAC technologies, educational seminars, engaging presentations, and impressive exhibits while emphasizing that hands-on skills in trades like PHVAC, electrical work, and carpentry cannot be replaced by artificial intelligence.

As we celebrate Women’s History Month and Women in Construction Week, Plumbing & Mechanical is shining the spotlight on 10 influential women who are leading the plumbing industry to great success.

Meet Kelly Castrogiovanni, President and Owner of Terry Plumbing, a Matrix Holdings LLC Company.

Meet Beth Dobkin, Director of Quality Service Contractors, an enhanced service group of the National Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC).

Meet Skylar Halpin, part owner and General Manager of Halpin Plumbing.

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Meet Karen Hill, Vice President of HM Plumbing.

Meet Linda Hudek, owner of LH Plumbing Services.

Meet Barbara Lynch, Senior Advanced Quality Manager at NIBCO.

Meet Hailey Mick, Engineering Business Development Manager of GF Building Flow Solutions Americas (formerly Uponor).

Meet Mary Phelps, Strategic Account Manager at Sloan.

Meet Nicole Urizzo, Executive Director of the New Jersey PHCC/NJPHCC Online Apprenticeship Academy.

Meet Catherine Filibes-Massih, Director of Engineering at Platsky Companies.