EAGAN, MN — In advance of Veterans Day, GF announced its support of Veteran Village, a first-of-its-kind housing community for Minnesota veterans. Developed in partnership with the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV), the Housing First Minnesota Foundation, and Lennar®, the project reflects a shared commitment to ending veteran
➤ Turn to GF, page 10
Construction Employment Uptick Amid Tight Labor Market
WASHINGTON, DC — The con struction industry added 19,000 net new jobs in September, ac cording to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of the latest US Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Year-over-year, construction employment is up by 38,000 po sitions—an increase of 0.5%—as ➤ Turn to Contractors, page 32
GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Plumbing and HVACR contractors from across the coun try converged in Grand Rapids for PHCC CONNECT 2025, held October 27–30. The annual event brought together busi ness owners, field leaders and industry partners for four days of practical train ing, peer connections and updates shap ing the future of the skilled trades. More than 20 educational sessions and interactive panels gave contractors
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ABC Names Thomas ‘Murph’ Murphy as 2026 National Chair
WASHINGTON, DC — Associated Builders and Contractors has elected Thomas “Murph” Murphy , Vice President of Power & Construction Group in Scottsville, New York, as the association’s 2026 chair of the ABC National Board of Directors. The vote took place during ABC’s annual Leadership Institute in Marco Island, Florida.
Murphy brings a field-driven perspective shaped by decades of hands-on con -
Turn to ABC, page 33
Charlotte Pipe Adds Bingham & Taylor to Its Waterworks Portfolio
CHARLOTTE, NC —
Charlotte Pipe and Foundry Company, in partnership with Neenah Foundry Company, has announced the acquisition of Bingham & Taylor, a respected manufacturer of underground infrastructure access solutions for water and gas utilities across North America.
Founded in 1849 and based in Culpeper, Virginia, Bingham & Taylor is known for its American-made meter and valve access products— including boxes, lids, and pits—that deliver
Turn to Charlotte, page 37
PMI Names New Leadership at Annual Meeting of the Membership
CHICAGO, IL — Plumbing Manufacturers International (PMI) members have elected Bob Neff , Enterprise Product Compliance and Regulatory Manager for Masco Corporation and Delta Faucet Company, as president of the 2026 PMI Board of Directors. The election took place during the association’s 71st Annual Meeting of the Membership, held at the PMI25 Manufacturing Success Conference in Chicago. Neff succeeds Belinda Wise of Neoperl US, ➤ Turn to IAPMO, page 36 Bob Neff
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In Brief
Stellar Industries, a manufacturer of high-quality service truck and van accessories has welcomed Donna Bruesewitz as Sales and Technical Training Manager. This new position will play a crucial role in ensuring both distributors and sales teams are fully equipped with the tools and training needed to continue expanding Stellar’s market presence.
Buyers Products Company has announced the launch of its first Spanish Language Learning (SLL) program for employees, created in partnership with HOLA Ohio, a nonprofit organization. The new initiative reflects Buyers’ commitment to creating a workplace where every employee can grow and succeed in a manufacturing career. To learn more visit www.HOLAOhio.org
Sloan has announced the launch of its newly redesigned website, sloan. com, engineered to streamline the research, design, specification, and purchasing processes for architects, designers, engineers, building owners, contractors, facility managers, and wholesalers. The new website’s focus is on tailored solutions for specific markets.
Lemon Seed Marketing has been named to the 2025 Inc. Power Partner Awards list, which honors the most trusted B2B companies with proven track records of supporting entrepreneurs and helping startups grow. Lemon Seed was selected in the Creative & Branding category.
Diversified Heat Transfer, an engineering and manufacturing company of heat transfer equipment and electric boiler technology has announced a strategic partnership with Hoffman Hydronics which has been named as the exclusive manufacturer’s representative for DHT in the state of Georgia. Hoffman Hydronics specializes in providing comprehensive hydronic HVAC and engineered plumbing equipment solutions for the commercial, institutional, and industrial sectors.
mSupply, a North American distributor of appliance, HVAC and plumbing products, has named Mountala Ogbe Vice President, Corporate Controller. Ogbe joined mSupply in 2024 as controller for both the appliance and plumbing verticals. In his new position, he will have oversight into all corporate financial reporting and compliance.
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Seven Showers One Tank
CONTRACTOR’s Top News Stories of 2025
Let’s look back at some of the biggest news stories affecting the plumbing and hydronic heating industry in 2025.
BY STEVE SPAULDING OF CONTRACTOR’S STAFF
United Association of Union Plumbers, Pipefitters and Steamfitters Local 602 Mourn Loss of Members (Jan.)
On the evening of January 29th, a regional jet carrying 64 passengers crashed into a US Army UH-60 helicopter while on approach to Ronald Reagan National Airport.
Among the victims were five members of Plumbers, Pipefitters and Steamfitters Local 602:
Jesse Pitcher, 30 years old, 8 years of service — UA Local 5
Charles “Charlie” McDaniel, 44 years old, 22 years of service — UA Local 602
Jonathan D. Boyd, 40 years old, 20 years of service — UA Local 602
Michael “Mikey” Stovall, 40 years old, 19 years of service — UA Local 602
Alexander “Alex” Huffman, 34 years old, 9 years of service — UA Local 602
Gas Water Heater Ban Backlash: What It Means for Consumers and Costs (Feb.)
In the final days of the Biden administration, the US Department of Energy (DOE) published a new rule banning non-condensing, natural gas-fired water heaters—which currently accounts for approximately 40% of manufactured tankless water heaters—by 2029, precipitating the re-shuffling and re-engineering of tankless production.
Proponents of the ban claim that in addition to reducing emissions, leading to a what the DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy says is a “significant conservation of energy,” consumers could see a reduction in energy use, cutting costs by nearly $100 a year for the average family. On the flipside, how much will consumers pay for the new equipment? Some reports see a consumer investment of nearly $450, or they may opt for a less efficient water heater alternative, rendering the ban somewhat counterproductive in its objective.
The new administration is already looking to overturn the aforementioned gas water heater ban.
Contractor of the Year Terry Plumbing Co.: A Family Affair (Jan.)
In an age of faceless private equity firms gobbling up plumbing and HVAC companies, the Castrogiovannis, Kelly, along with her husband Luke, purchased Terry Plumbing Co. in 2010.
Kelly’s career path included project management for investment properties, which has no doubt helped TPC grow from 10 employees to 55-85 at any given time depending on the work, as Terry Plumbing’s work ranges from service to large construction projects and everything in between.
Construction Industry Faces Job Losses in August Amid Mixed Outlook (Sep.)
The construction industry lost 7,000 jobs in August, according to data released by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. On a year-over-year basis, industry employment has grown by 58,000 jobs, an increase of 0.7%.
Nonresidential construction employment decreased by 1,200 positions on net, with losses in 2 of the
3 subcategories. Nonresidential building lost 3,300 jobs, while nonresidential specialty trade lost 200 positions. Heavy and civil engineering added 2,300 jobs for the month.
One Big Beautiful Bill Passes — What it Means for PHC Contractors (Jul.)
On July 4, President Donald Trump officially signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act into law. The Act is a gigantic package of legislation—over 1,000 pages long, containing hundreds of provisions—centered around Trump and the Republican Party’s main domestic priorities.
The Act represents a significant re-working of federal tax policy. It makes the 2017 tax cuts (enacted in Trump’s first term) permanent, preventing what would have been a significant increase in 2025.
Industry
Econ Forecast
2025 (Jan.)
As we head into 2025, it is with a greater sense of confidence than at the start of 2024.
Inflation seems under control, and interest rates are in decline. The economy appears to have enough momentum that most economists are not predicting a recession any time soon. Elections are over, providing some clarity on what economic policy and the
Mike Prevencage, Jr.
Terry Plumbing Co.
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• Electric pipe cutting machine reduces messy pipe prep
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Education, Community and Industry Leadership at PHCC CONNECT
actionable insights on business management, workforce development, emerging technology and market trends. Attendees also had extensive opportunities to connect with peers, exchange proven practices and strengthen relationships with manufacturers and service partners.
Recognition for Service to the Trades
PHCC presented the 2025 Colonel George D. Scott Award to Jeff Voss of Boone, North Carolina, honoring his longstanding service to the association and the industry. The award recognizes individuals whose efforts have meaningfully advanced plumbing, heating and cooling contractors nationwide.
“CONNECT is more than a conference, it’s a celebration of who we are as an industry,” said PHCC President Dan Callies, President of Oak Creek Plumbing in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. “When we come together to share knowledge and support one another, we strengthen our future and the legacy of our profession.” ➤ Continued from page 1
Cody Schroeder: Instructor of the Year
The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association has named Cody Schroeder of Midwestern Mechanical Trades Academy its 2025 Plumbing Instructor of the Year. Sponsored by PHCC Corporate Partner Milwaukee Tool, the award recognizes exceptional educators shaping the next generation of plumbing professionals. Schroeder received the honor during PHCC CONNECT 2025.
Schroeder began his plumbing career in 2005 as an apprentice with Midwestern Mechanical Inc., earning both his South Dakota and Sioux Falls journeyman licenses in 2009. Over 15 years in the field, he advanced from apprentice to journeyman to foreman before moving into education in 2021. Today, he oversees and teaches more than 100 plumbing apprentices across four Midwestern Mechanical locations.
Drawing on firsthand experience, Schroeder connects deeply with his students and advocates tirelessly for apprenticeship opportunities. He partners with the South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation to promote and expand training programs throughout the state. Schroeder has worked to modernize both classroom and lab instruction to better align with today’s industry needs , and has secured grants to upgrade training facilities with state-of-the-art tools and digital systems
Ashley Stroud: Contractor of the Year
Recognized for her leadership in team development, customer communication, and community support, Ashley Stroud of Plumbing Outfitters in Taylor, Texas, has been named the 2025 Plumbing Contractor of the Year by the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association (PHCC). The award, sponsored by Delta Faucet, was presented at PHCC CONNECT 2025.
Stroud leads Plumbing Outfitters with a performance-driven culture built on the company’s CHAMPS values—Character, Humility, Accountability, Mindfulness, Precision, and Service. Her approach centers on operational discipline, professionalism in the field, and a strong emphasis on customer trust and education.
Under Stroud’s direction, Plumbing Outfitters invests heavily in training pathways designed for long-term career growth. The company supports apprentices through a structured program, layers in leadership development for emerging team members, and reinforces communication and customer-service skills with tools such as DISC training. F inancial transparency and field management technology ensure crews understand project expectations and performance metrics.
Valerie Butler: Apprentice of the Year
Valerie Butler has been named the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors— National Association’s 2025 Plumbing Ap prentice of the Year. Sponsored by Delta Faucet, the award was presented during PHCC CONNECT 2025 in Grand Rapids.
Butler’s pathway into the trade reflects determination and resilience. Following a medical separation from the Marine Corps in 2020, she sought a stable career with long-term growth. Encouraged by her fa ther, who works in the heating and boiler industry, she committed to plumbing de spite having no prior field experience. Before beginning her apprenticeship, she spent two years in coordinator and safety director roles, demonstrating her drive to earn a place in the profession.
Since entering the apprenticeship program, Butler has been recognized for her strong work ethic and willingness to tackle new challenges. Her positive approach has made her a mentor and advocate for other young women joining the trades. In 2022, she joined the PHCC of Indiana State and Executive Boards, contributing to the launch of a statewide safety recognition program modeled after PHCC of Georgia’s ROPES Program.
Her commitment to professional development continued in 2024, when she received the PHCC Educational Foundation’s top scholarship.
A competitor in the apprentice competition lines up a pipe hanger.
Ashley Stroud is named the PHCC’s 2025 Contractor of the Year.
Cody Schroeder receives his award for Plumbing Instructor of the Year at PHCC Connect 2025.
PHCC
PHCC
PHCC
PHCC
What’s the easiest way to handle tight service space inside a high efficiency boiler?
Just open the front panel and drop the hinged control enclosure to see the difference. Need more? Simply remove four screws and take the side panels off for unobstructed access.
GF Supports New Veteran Village to Help House Needy MN Veterans
homelessness across the state.
22 Homes for Veterans and Families
Located in Minnesota, Veteran Village will provide 22 permanent housing units for veterans and their families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. The community will accommodate up to 36 residents once completed in December 2025. More than 200 partners, trade professionals, and donors contributed their time, materials, and expertise to bring the project to life.
Uponor PEX Systems Deliver Reliable Water Solutions
GF supported the project by providing Uponor ServicePEX™ pipe for the underground water service connections to each home and Uponor AquaPEX® pipe for interior plumbing systems. The PEX piping solutions will help ensure reliable performance, long-term durability, and ease of installation for the new homes.
Partnering to Build Pathways to Stability
MACV connects Minnesota veterans with critical services including housing, employment, and legal support, while Housing First Minnesota Foundation mobilizes industry partners to build safe, affordable housing for vulnerable populations. Together, their
collaboration with GF and homebuilder Lennar® underscores how industry partnerships can make a tangible difference for those who served.
“We are so incredibly grateful for the overwhelming generosity of our construction trade partners,” said Sofia Humphries , senior director of Community Impact at Housing First Minnesota Foundation. “More than $1.25 million in-kind donations have already been contributed to the Veteran Village project. We simply could not construct Veteran Village without the support of companies like GF, the Uponor brand, and so many others who’ve stepped up.”
Restoring Dignity and Hope for Veterans
Transitioning from active duty to civilian life can be challenging for veterans, with many facing housing instability along the way. Veteran Village aims to restore dignity and provide stability through safe, permanent housing supported by ongoing services from MACV.
“Not only does Veteran Village serve as a place for veterans to call home, but it also provides a sense of stability as they navigate life after active duty,” said Jon Lovald, chief operating officer at MACV. “We’re grateful for partners like GF and all those involved in bringing this community to life to support those that have sacrificed more than we can imagine.”
A Personal Commitment from GF
GF’s involvement also carries personal meaning for team members who have served.
“As a fellow veteran, I can personally relate to some of the struggles that our service members face once they leave active duty,” said Nate McIntosh, retired master gunnery sergeant, United States Marine Corps and director of Logistics and Warehousing at GF Building Flow Solutions Americas. “In the military, we’re taught to look out for one another. The Veteran Village project is in direct alignment with that responsibility. No one who has
worn the uniform should be left without a roof over their head, and I’m extremely proud to work for a company that supports this initiative.”
When completed later this year, MACV will provide residents of Veteran Village with case management and support services designed to help them achieve long-term stability.
For more information on Veteran Village, visit housingfirstmnfoundation. org/veteran-village. To learn more about Uponor products, systems, and solutions visit uponor.com
Note: this release was rewritten with help from generative AI.
➤ Continued from page 1
An artist's conception of the finished project.
More than 200 partners, trade professionals, and in-kind donors offered their time, skills, and resources to create this 22-unit housing community.
GF provided Uponor ServicePEX™ pipe for water service lines connecting each home to the water main in addition to Uponor AquaPEX® pipe for the plumbing system in each unit.
GF Piping GF Piping
GF Piping
Al Schwartz
Whole-Trade Learning: the Lost Art That Built Better Plumbers
Long-time readers of my columns know that I am a big advocate of “whole trade” teaching and learning. The trend toward specialized “techs” is dismaying to this old plumber. Today, there is by necessity, a concerted effort bring new apprentices into all the trades, but my focus is on the pipe trades. To put it bluntly, there are not enough good apprentices coming into the trades and those that are being wooed by the pipe trades seem to have a less than eager wish to invest the time to learn it.
How many new hires are willing, today, to enter a five-year apprenticeship program where they will work in the trades for 40 hours per week or more before they can be called a “journeyman”? Where is the dedication to excellence? The available hires do not seem to want to invest in the long term. As sad as it is to say, “instant gratification” seems to be the watchword of our current pool of prospective hires.
Too Little, Too Late?
I have said before that, in my humble opinion, the moves being made to inject trade education into our young people is too little, too late, but I may be in the minority on that score. The lack of available apprentice candidates and the looming retirement of the last breed of true pipe trades journeymen, presages a disaster (or some lesser form of ill results) that will surely be here in the next twenty or so years.
It begs the question, “who will plumb (or provide pipe services for) the new buildings that are on the drawing boards now, or service, repair and remodel the existing ones?” The answer, of course, is poorly trained and inexperienced people who have no sense of the totality of what it is they are working on, let alone the integration of the systems they are installing with the other trades. Which brings me to the topic of this column: skills vs. technical training. In days gone by, when a trade career was something to aspire to, we had a pool of people we could draw from to train in the arts of plumbing and pipe-fitting. It was a tried and true
Hands-on mastery and systemlevel understanding once defined trade excellence—now, many fear that ‘tech-only’ training is eroding those fundamentals.
means of identifying the most skilled new apprentices to teach the trade to, while winnowing out the less skilled (or less motivated) apprentices.
Today, with the lack of such a pool of people to draw on, you “get what you get” and try to make the round peg fit in the round hole. Sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn’t. So, in order to get a modicum of ability into the field, “tech” training has become popular.
Skill
The difference between a truly skilled apprentice and a “tech” trainee is measurable. Oh, sure, you can teach someone to install a DWV system, and maybe even to teach how and why each phase of that system works. To teach a
“tech” that whole system is, by today’s standards, a waste of time and money. Simply teaching a person how to put something together and not teaching them what comes next does a great disservice to the trainee as well as the shop for which he (or she?) works.
On the other hand, a truly skilled apprentice (it’s in the hands) who learns the whole system approach to the trades, can (and usually does) prevent many issues from cropping up down range after the work has been installed and inspected. The skilled apprentice is taught to understand the “whys” of something, not just the “how.” They can anticipate problems further down the line if what they do now is not done correctly, so that their
work integrates with the work of the other trades seamlessly.
(I am thinking now of running overhead piping and avoiding conflicts with duct-work and/or fire suppression piping, as one example.)
Is it ‘Piling On’?
Some of my critics might claim that I am “piling on” ills to the detriment of tech training—but am I? In a recent conversation with a “tech” about installing a dishwasher in a friend’s home, the tech couldn’t figure out why the water couldn’t discharge as it was supposed to. I asked, innocently, if he had checked the discharge piping and pump for debris. He answer was “we aren’t trained to do that.” As it turned out, there were packing materials clogging the discharge hose. So much for tech training and whole trade education. Knowing how things work can lead to the understanding of why they are, or are not, working, which then leads to the next logical steps. A simple understanding of the entirety of the system (or equipment) makes all the difference. A properly trained and skilled apprentice should have curiosity about what he (or she) is doing, not simply, and dogmatically, going through the motions. Doing a job and getting it right is the end game here.
Callbacks = Profit Killer
In a service business, callbacks are profit killers, with partially trained techs, callbacks are more likely. Part of the training spent on a fully integrated apprentice is on how to avoid callbacks, not so much with tech training. It is the difference between getting the job done and getting the job done right!
The Brooklyn, N.Y.-born author is a retired third generation master plumber. He founded Sunflower Plumbing & Heating in Shirley, N.Y., in 1975 and A Professional Commercial Plumbing Inc. in Phoenix in 1980. He holds residential, commercial, industrial and solar plumbing licenses and is certified in welding, clean rooms, polypropylene gas fusion and medical gas piping. He can be reached at omeletman01@gmail.com.
Grizzly MEP: Taking Commercial MEP Contracting to the Next Level
In our Q&A with John Adams, Grizzly MEP CEO, we talk about building a network based on growth, collaboration, back-office support, and financial opportunities.
Consolidation is nothing new to the trades, whether it be through a franchise model or a straightforward series of acquisitions. While most of the recent consolidation activity has been on the residential service side of the industry, a new class of entrepreneur-investors is now eyeing the commercial side.
Back in May of 2025, Garnett Station Partners (GSP), a New York-based principal investment firm managing over $3.5 billion of assets, announced the launch of its commercial Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing services platform, Grizzly MEP, with the aim of partnering with best-in-class founders and management teams across the US to build a network of leading service providers. Since that launch Grizzly has brought four companies under its umbrella:
• Stiles Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, a company serving Georgia and South Carolina since 1970
• Air Design Systems, a trusted name in the Southeast for more than 50 years delivering mechanical and plumbing solutions across Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Mississippi
• Excel Mechanical Contractors, based in Baltimore, Maryland, and founded in 2010, with a service footprint extending across eight Mid-Atlantic states.
• Vermont Mechanical, Inc., founded in 1988, a full-service contractor providing mechanical systems for commercial, institutional, and industrial clients across Vermont, New Hampshire, and New York
In July, Grizzly MEP named John K. Adams as its CEO. Adams has held senior executive positions in both global publicly traded companies as well as privately held and private equity-backed organizations. He has led and integrated several of these companies with successful outcomes over the past decade.
CONTRACTOR spoke with Adams about Grizzly’s business model, and their plans to create a fully integrated MEP platform along the eastern seaboard and beyond.
CONTRACTOR: How would you describe the Grizzly MEP value proposition?
Adams: So our model is pretty simple. We find these great companies—we’re not looking for depressed assets or companies in need of a turnaround—companies
can you service me in a market where you don’t reside? We can say, well, there are all these various companies that are all part of the Grizzly family.
CONTRACTOR: Why do you think there’s so much consolidation happening in the mechanical contracting industry, in the MEP trades?
Adams: I’m not a member of a private equity firm, I’m an operator. But from what I’ve seen, a lot of private equity groups are saying, hey, the industrials are a great sector because they’re always in demand. It’s a necessary part of commerce and society.
that have good track records, stable customer bases and a solid foundation, but that need help to get to the next level.
What I mean by that is, a lot of the of these owners are really distracted by the back office, things like payroll and legal and insurance, the administrative things that consume a lot of their time and bandwidth. With our platform we centralized a lot of those back-office functions and allow them to focus more on growth and serving their customers. We put systems in place and also offer technology that allows their technicians to be more efficient, more effective.
Then we share best practices amongst all the businesses. You’ll find that one business may be great at a certain aspect of what they do and other businesses are able to benefit from that as well.
CONTRACTOR: When a company joins Grizzly MEP, do they take on your branding, or do they still operate under their own separate identities?
Adams: The brand stays completely intact. I’m more focused on integration and driving growth than I am rebranding. And lot of times rebranding can create customer confusion.
What will happen, six months or a year down the road, is X Mechanical will become X Mechanical: A Grizzly Company. That way when we’re going after, say, a national contract, and someone asks, well, how
Now, in the MEP space, a lot of these sponsors are seeing that residential side is a bit more sensitive to economic fluctuations, whereas on the commercial side having properly operating systems is mission critical. They’re less sensitive to those economic changes than the residential side.
So, we’re seeing a lot more focus in the commercial sector—buyers have gotten a much more comfortable with the overall model. I don’t want to say [the commercial side] is recession-proof, but it’s highly insulated.
CONTRACTOR: You mentioned technology as one of the keys to growth. With so many platforms, so many systems—often multiple platforms in a single company—how are you handling integration?
Adams: We’re in the process right now of selecting systems, both financial and operational, that we will implement across the entire enterprise, because we want everyone on the same platform. It gives us the ability to communicate better. It gives us the ability to operate better, gives us the ability to share best practices, leverage our size and perform.
I want to be clear, this isn’t about buying a bunch of companies, putting them together, stripping out costs, repackaging them and selling them to make money off the arbitrage. We’re taking these companies, we’re integrating them, and we’re centralizing some of the back-office work to get costs out of the system. Then we can leverage our buying power for things like insurance and benefits and vehicles and technology—things that a standalone business would not be able to do.
That’s how we drive profitability. And then as we change the sales model and get more externally focused, it gives us the ability to really get these businesses performing at higher levels. The tech stack is going to be a very big part of that.
BY STEVE SPAULDING OF CONTRACTOR’S STAFF
John Adams.
From Texas to Washington, plumbing, HVAC and electrical contractors are delivering meals, funding charities, building beds and restoring critical home systems.
By John Mesenbrink, Editor-at-Large
The holiday season is a time for family, friends and giving thanks. But for some very busy contractors, it’s also a time for giving back.
Texas-Style Hospitality
Down in Taylor, Texas, Plumbing Outfitters’ biggest local initiative is its annual ThanksGiveBack Program, now in its sixth year. Each Thanksgiving, the team sources and hand delivers full, hot Thanksgiving meals to families who might otherwise go without. “We work with local school counselors, fire departments, social workers and community organizations to identify families in need. Last year we fed 15 families; this year the goal was 18. It’s one of the most meaningful days of our year,” says Ashley Stroud, Chief Operating Officer, Plumbing Outfitters.
On a more national scale, in 2024, the Plumbing Outfitters team mobilized for an emergency disaster-relief effort in North Carolina after the massive flooding devastated the area. Within days, the team organized and fundraised supplies, traveled across state lines with two completely stocked box trucks and heavy equipment, and spent several days assisting homeown-
Each year the Plumbing Outfitters team sources and hand delivers full, hot Thanksgiving meals to families in need.
ers. “Being able to bring comfort and stability to families in crisis felt like the purest form of our mission: ‘to serve our team, our customers, and our community,’” says Stroud. “Our business exists because of the communities we serve. When a company grows in a city, that city should feel the benefit of that growth.”
Okay in Oklahoma
Recently, Quality Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric, Glenpool, Okla., held a Thanksgiving food drive to help fill Thanksgiving baskets for local food banks. The company also recently adopted 25 angels from Glenpool Elementary School’s Angel Tree Program
to ensure children in the community have gifts and essentials for Christmas. “Our number one core value is ‘Serve People,’ and that extends beyond our customers and employees to the entire community we call home,” says Cassie Pound, Vice President and Co-Owner of Quality Heating Cooling Plumbing & Electric.
Throughout the year, Quality is committed to serving its community in meaningful ways. In January, the team assembled personal hygiene kits and delivered them to the local food bank to support families in need. In May, Quality celebrated Teacher Appreciation Week by delivering breakfast to educators at local schools. In October, the team fired up the grill and cooked and provided a team dinner for both the middle school and high school football programs.
“We don’t give for the publicity; we give because it’s the right thing to do and because it reflects the heart of our company,” says Pound.
T-Shirts for Turkeys
Del-Air Plumbing, Air Conditioning and Electric, Lake Mary, Fla., joined with The JOY FM radiofor a food drive called T-Shirts for Turkeys leading up to
Plumbing Outfitters
Thanksgiving. In the past, Del-Air has donated annually to the Southeastern Food Bank prior to partnering this year with The JOY FM’s T-Shirts for Turkeys program, which also donates to the food bank.
The program consists of a collection of turkeys, grocery gift cards or cash which could be exchanged for a T-shirt at donation events set up across the South. “The JOY FM have grown it so much that they were at risk of not being able to afford the number of T-shirts they give away. Del-Air stepped in as their first sponsor to support the operation,” says Rob Haines, Director of Marketing.
While Del-Air’s mission is to make homes comfortable for their homeowners through the services it provides, “It
fits our mission to also help families be comfortably fed during the giving season,” says Haines.
Responding with Care
Every year, Rasmussen Mechanical Services, Council Bluffs, Iowa, dedicates a day giving back through its company-wide initiative called 1RMS Responds.
“It’s one of our favorite days of the year when we set down our normal work, step away from job sites, and focus on helping our community,” says Riley Filipowicz, Marketing Coordinator.
In past years, Rasmussen has typically gathered as one big group to serve a single organization; but this year, the team wanted to try something new—dividing the entire company into four teams,
each assigned to a different organization. The first group headed to the Midlands Humane Society, where they spent the day tackling projects the shelter’s small staff simply didn’t have the time or manpower to complete.
Next, at Sleep in Heavenly Peace, Rasmussen volunteers had a very different kind of task— building and delivering beds for local children who didn’t have a safe or comfortable place to sleep. By the end of the day, the crew had built and delivered 30 brand new beds to kids who, just the night before, were sleeping on the floor or sharing with a sibling.
Another team partnered with Share My Smile, an organization that supports foster and adoptive families. Their mission
for the day was to create birthday baskets for local foster children.
The final group headed out to Horses Help SW Iowa, an equestrian therapy farm that provides physical, emotional and social support for individuals with disabilities. The staff at Horses Help said that the amount of work our volunteers completed in just two hours would have taken them nearly two months on their own.
“We’re one of the biggest employers if not the biggest in Council Bluffs, Iowa,” says Filipowicz. That being said, it comes with a big responsibility. “When we give back, its more than just donating our time and resources. It’s about showing the community we are investing in the same place we work.”
Plumbing Outfitters team members bringing relief to flood victims.
Quality employees delivering Christmas essentials through the Glenpool Elementary Angel Tree Program.
Quality Heating Cooling Plumbing & Electric employees with a few of the personal hygiene kits they helped pack.
Quality Heating Cooling Plumbing & Electric
Plumbing Outfitters
Quality Heating Cooling Plumbing & Electric
Rocky Mountain Goodness
After facing multiple health challenges—a stroke, heart surgery, and a breast cancer diagnosis—Kassie Kascak continues to provide for her family. Losing her HVAC system made things increasingly difficult.
Enter home services company Around the Clock Heating, AC, Plumbing and Electric, Colorado Springs, Colo., which donated a brand-new A/C unit, furnace and air quality package to the single mother of two. “This new system will make a world of difference for my family,” says Kascak. “I’m incredibly grateful to Around the Clock Heating, for their generosity and support.”
Brandon Driscoll, Operations Manager at Around the Clock Heating, Air Conditioning Plumbing and Electric, says, “Providing this new A/C unit, fur-
nace and air quality package is just one way we can give back to our community and help those in need.”
Northwest Needs Fulfilled
Finally, Harts Plumbers, Electricians & HVAC Technicians, a home services provider serving the greater Seattle and Tacoma areas, donated more than $18,000 through multiple local projects and partnerships. Harts donated $5,000 to the Wounded Warrior Project and $13,250 to Seattle Children’s Hospital, furthering the company’s mission to make a positive impact in the communities it serves.
“Giving back is a huge part of who we are,” says Richard Hart, co-owner of Harts Plumbers, Electricians & HVAC Technicians. “We’re glad to have the ability to support causes that mean so much to our team and our customers.”
Rasmussen volunteers with a newly-assmbled bed.
Rasmussen Mechanical employees at Horses Help in SW Iowa, an equestrian therapy farm.
Harts donated $5,000 to the Wounded Warrior Project and $13,250 to Seattle Children’s Hospital.
Del-Air Plumbing, Air Conditioning and Electric joined forces with JOY FM radio for the T-Shirts for Turkeys food drive.
Rasmussen Mech
Rasmussen Mech
Harts Plumbing
Del-Air
by Patrick Linhardt
HYDRONICS MANAGER
AT CORKEN STEEL PRODUCTS CO.
Inside a Century-Old Steam System: The Mystery of a Rare Float Air Vent
The first thing I noticed was the Swiss chalet. I was getting out of my car in one of the oldest neighborhoods of Cincinnati, built in the late 1800s. The other houses on the street looked more European than American, but this place was full blown straight from the Alps.
The house I finally came to see was a bit more of the French country style. The tech I was meeting had wanted me to look at something there for a while, but couldn’t work out the scheduling. After greeting the homeowner in the kitchen, we all went down to the basement to gather around the object in the photo. It was hanging in the boiler room, which had an Oriental rug on the floor, which I don’t see much.
An Early Float Air Vent
At first, from the initial angle, it looked like a boiler return trap manufactured by the Trane Company, La Crosse Wisconsin, USA, circa early 1900’s. I have two examples of it at the office. I’ve been using the one for years as a training aid for steam heating classes. But when I looked at it from the angle you see, I could tell that it wasn’t a boiler return trap at all.
In fact, it is a very early version of their float air vent for low-pressure steam systems using hand fired equipment, like a coal boiler. Back in the coal days, there wasn’t a safety switch to turn off the burner if the steam pressure was getting too high. Today we use the high-pressure switch or pressuretrol to control the pressure in our steam systems. Back then, they used a draft regulator and a boiler return trap/float air vent. The draft regulator would close the draft doors to damper the fire to bring the steam pressure down. If the pressure still got too high, keeping the return condensate from entering the boiler, the boiler return trap would come to action and using the steam pressure force the condensate into the boiler. You can read more about it on page 100 of my Field Guide, available as a free download at steamupairoutwaterback.com
Ghosts of the Coal Era
The float air vent is exactly what it sounds like, unlike the boiler return trap, which isn’t trapping anything. It is located at the end of the dry return of a two-pipe system, usually just above the level of the boiler return trap. On this job, the boiler return trap was nowhere to be seen, however it could have been on the other side of the room 100 years ago with the long ago removed coal boiler. The air vent portion is straight forward, a nice large orifice to allow rapid venting of the air from the radiators and the end of the steam supply mains. Sometimes
The author uncovers an early Trane float air vent— offering a look at coal-era steam heating design.
in the coal era, there would be a light ball or disc in the air stream to close tight when the coal fire died down. This produced a vacuum in the boiler, which allowed it to continue to make steam at the lower water temperatures as the fire diminished. This vacuum worked well in the days and nights of shoveling coal, but is now completely unwelcome with automatic fired equipment, like gas and oil.
The float function of this vent is to prevent water from being pushed up and out of the system if the steam pressure got too high and the boiler return trap wasn’t keeping up. The float would rise up as the water level rose, until it got high enough to close off the hole
fired days. If that has been replaced by a vent or trap, get busy looking for a failed trap.
The irony of using a trap instead of a vent is traps do not close for water. In fact, they are designed to pass water. Modern air vents do have a float feature and do close to prevent water from escaping the piping.
Patrick Linhardt is a forty-one-year veteran of the wholesale side of the hydronic industry who has been designing and troubleshooting steam and hot water heating systems, pumps and controls on an almost daily basis.
Presented in partnership with Radiant Professionals Alliance
A. O. Smith to Acquire Leonard Valve
Will expand A. O. Smith’s presence in the mechanical room via mixing valve and control technologies.
MILWAUKEE, WI — A. O. Smith Corporation, a global leader in water heating and treatment, announced it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire LVC Holdco LLC, parent company of Leonard Valve of Cranston, Rhode Island, for $470 million, subject to customary adjustments. The all-cash transaction is valued at approximately $412 million after estimated tax benefits and is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026, pending regulatory approvals and standard closing conditions.
The acquisition will be funded through a combination of cash on hand and committed debt financing. Based on projected 2026 performance, the purchase price represents an adjusted multiple of approximately 12 times forecasted EBITDA.
Expanding Presence in Water Management
Founded in 1911, Leonard Valve and its Heat-Timer brand are pioneers in commercial and institutional water control systems. Leonard leads in digital and thermostatic mixing valve technologies, while HeatTimer specializes in advanced boiler controls that improve hydronic system efficiency. Their products are widely used in hospitals, schools, universities, and industrial facilities, where temperature precision and safety compliance are critical.
“This acquisition represents a compelling strategic fit and a meaningful expansion of A. O. Smith’s presence in the water management market,” said
Steve Shafer, Chief Executive Officer of A. O. Smith. “Leonard’s rich history of engineering excellence and commitment to product quality are deeply aligned with A. O. Smith’s own culture and values. Leonard Valve’s and Heat-Timer’s products work seamlessly with our core water heating and boiler offerings, and this acquisition will allow us to deliver a more integrated, high-performance system through our established channels.”
Strategic Growth and Digital Integration
A. O. Smith said the acquisition strengthens its mechanical room portfolio and advances its connected water strategy by integrating Leonard’s digital mixing platforms and Heat-Timer’s smart control technologies. Together, the brands will expand A. O. Smith’s presence in commercial markets and enhance relationships with specifying engineers and facility operators.
The transaction also aligns with A. O. Smith’s disciplined acquisition framework, meeting key growth, margin, and return thresholds. The company expects the deal to be accretive to earnings per share in 2026, following one-time transaction costs, and to contribute strong free cash flow in subsequent years.
Shared Commitment
“We are excited to join forces with A. O. Smith, whose commitment to innovation and operational excellence aligns perfectly with Leonard Valve’s core values,” said David Brakenwagen, Chief Executive Officer of Leonard Valve. “Together, we see significant opportunities to accelerate adoption of digital water-management technologies and deliver even greater value to our customers. A. O. Smith is a great home for Leonard Valve that will help our people and products reach new heights.”
Shafer added, “We look forward to welcoming Leonard Valve and its team to the A. O. Smith family. Both com panies share a commitment to innovation, integrity, and exceptional customer service. By combining our strengths, we will continue to shape the future of water manage ment with safer, smarter, and more sustainable solutions.”
Transaction Support
BofA Securities served as exclusive financial advisor to A. O. Smith Corporation, and Foley & Lardner LLP served as legal advisor.
For more information, visit www.aosmith.com. Note: this release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated as of the date of this release. Note: this release was rewritten with help from generative AI.
Bradford White Extends Explore The Trades Partnership for Third Year
AMBLER, PA — Bradford White Corporation has renewed its partnership with Explore The Trades for a third consecutive year through the company’s Industry Forward® initiative, reinforcing its long-term commitment to workforce development in the plumbing, HVAC and electrical sectors.
Grant Expands Outreach
As part of the continued collaboration, Bradford White has awarded $21,185.48 in grant funding to help expand Explore The Trades’ poster kit program, which raises awareness of career opportunities in the skilled trades.
Launched in 2021, the program distributes educational posters and resources to school counselors, teachers and workforce agencies across the US and Canada. Each kit is designed to introduce students to the vital
role trades professionals play and to connect educators with local employers and training opportunities.
Reaching Nearly One Million Students
As of Sept. 18, 2025, Explore The Trades has distributed nearly 4,900 poster kits to more than 2,800 schools, workforce agencies and home service companies. Through this outreach, an estimated 980,000 students have been introduced to nontraditional career pathways beyond a four-year college degree.
“There is a growing technical skills gap across the
trades, making it essential to educate and to raise awareness,” said Neal Heyman, Senior Director of Marketing at Bradford White.
This year’s funding will also support the development of Spanish-language materials and new illustrated re sources to make trade career information accessible to more students and families.
Industry Forward
Bradford White’s Industry Forward® program funds partnerships and nonprofit initiatives that promote the essential work of trades professionals and encourage more young people to enter the field.
For more information about Bradford White Corpo ration, visit www.bradfordwhitecorporation.com
For more information about Explore The Trades, visit www.explorethetrades.org
Presented in partnership with Radiant Professionals Alliance
Tight-Space Boiler Retrofit Delivers Big Efficiency Wins for Grain Millers
Working under space and shutdown constraints, Rasmussen Mechanical engineered a precise 300HP boiler installation—complete with new combustion controls, heat recovery, and feedwater systems— to modernize plant operations.
BY JOHN MESENBRINK OF CONTRACTOR’S STAFF
ST. ANSGAR, IOWA — Grain Millers, Inc., a trusted ingredient partner that specialized in providing high-quality grains and food ingredients—which focuses on sustainable practices from food to table—recently underwent a major boiler upgrade to enhance its operational efficiency and energy management.
Necessary to clear space for new, more efficient equipment, Rasmussen Mechanical Services, Council Bluffs, Iowa, was called in to replace an existing boiler with a larger capacity to facilitate increased
steam demand, more specifically, providing total building heat and facilitating process steam used in oatmeal manufacturing. The project consisted of the removal of an outdated 150HP boiler, an existing deaerator and two air compressors and replacing it with a 300HP Superior 3-pass wetback boiler.
Carefully integrated into the existing infrastructure, a Limpsfield LC series burner, Autoflame Mk8 combustion controls, a Heatmizer FGL series condensing economizer, a Marlo RO sys-
tem, a Rupp Air Makeup Air Unit, and an industrial steam deaerator were also added. Extensive piping labor and control wiring were performed to connect all components seamlessly.
Evaluation & Upgrade
“We ended up evaluating the system and upgrading several other parts of the system including the water treatment system, feedwater system, steam header piping, etc.,” says Shain Hunter, Industrial Sales (Steam Systems), Rasmus-
sen. “We also added several energy conservation measures to ensure the system is operating as efficient as possible,” continues Hunter.
Some of those interesting efficiency features on the new system include the Heatmizer heat recovery system, which transfers waste heat from boiler exhaust gases and uses that energy to preheat the boiler feedwater. The effect is a decrease in fuel energy consumption for a given steam demand so you see maximum annual savings.
The 300HP Superior boiler is more than capable of meeting Grain Miller’s operational needs. The boiler features wetback turnaround, eliminating the need for expensive refractory.
Rasmussen Mechanical Rasmussen Mechanical
In addition, the Limpsfield LC series burners are a premix style burner where all the fuel and air are mixed prior to leaving the blast tube. This allows them to achieve low excess air figures and have efficient combustion. The team pounds and installs a refractory cone for the burner, ensuring proper heat containment. In other words, “the refractory cones on the Limpsfield burners have a flat profile and are pounded with “poundable refractory” versus other cones that utilize a tapered profile and are poured into a form with castable refractory. After the cone is pounded, a bakeout procedure is performed to cure the refractory,” says Hunter.
Challenges Overcome
At the Grain Millers boiler upgrade, the Rasmussen team consisted of 20 members involved on the project, which included mechanical engineers, drafting personnel, a project manager, the mechanical construction crew, the industrial burner crew, and HVAC crew. While there were some challenges, none of them were anything Rasmussen couldn’t handle.
The biggest challenge with the project was the space constraints with which the Rasmussen crew had to work. “Everything in the boiler room is fairly tight so setting
all the equipment was definitely a challenge. When rigging the boiler through the main door of the boiler room, we only had a couple inches of clearance on each side of the vessel,” says Hunter. Another installation challenge was that the plant wasn’t able to shut down for more than two days. Rasmussen had a two-day shutdown that consisted of a 10-man day crew and six-man night crew that were able to cut in tees and valve off connections to each part of the system such as steam, condensate, feedwater, makeup water, and natural gas. “This allowed us to startup the new system and shutoff the old system without needing to have any additional shutdowns,” says Hunter.
Efficiency, Reliability, Compliance
Moving forward, Grain Millers Inc.’s new setup is more than capable of meeting current operational needs by improving energy efficiency, reliability and compliance with safety standards, and the company now has a modern, efficient boiler system that will support its production processes for years to come. This project underscores the importance of regular infrastructure upgrades in maintaining operational excellence and energy sustainability.
When rigging the boiler through the main door of the boiler room, there were only a few inches of clearance on each side of the vessel.
The 300HP Superior 3-pass wetback boiler being hoisted into place.
Enhancing Productivity and Efficiency in the Office and On the Go
inFlow Inventory (www.inflowinventory.com) and inFlow Stockroom are cloud-based inventory solutions accessible from Web, Mobile (iPhone/ Android), and Windows. They combine stock visibility, mobile scanning, job-site parts tracking and integrations to ensure your technicians have what they need when they need it.
With inFlow Inventory users can set up multiple locations (e.g., warehouse, van stock, remote jobsites), define reorder points by location, and track quantities in real time across all sites. Technicians on site can pull parts from van stock via the mobile app, and the system can record who took what, when and where.
inFlow Inventory supports comprehensive stock-management: product names/ SKUs, variants, multi-level categories, product photos, serial numbers, units, dimensions and weight, costing and pricing. Users can define reorder points or low-stock alerts by location, trigger oneclick purchase orders or transfers between locations, and manage physical stock counts and movement history. Admins can set approval limits for POs and, with a few clicks, create online showrooms for customers with VIP prices.
The software integrates with major accounting systems such as QuickBooks Online and Xero so that your purchase orders, inventory asset value and cost of goods sold are automatically aligned with your financials. You can also connect via Zapier to build automated workflows across your service-business stack (e.g. when a work order is closed in another system, create a stock transfer or deduct inventory to trigger reordering in inFlow).
inFlow Stockroom is a fast way to scan-in and scan-out inventory and efficient for grab-and-go scenarios, as well as helpful for less technical team members. The mobile app allows users on iPhone or Android to scan parts in and out of any designated location (van stock, supply room, parts cage) in just a few taps: select user, scan product, record transaction. Administrators set up the stockroom device(s) and scan access. This functionality helps field crews and
inFlow Inventory software.
Reviews of the Inflow inventory solution, ZyraTalk customer service software, and Praxedo field service management software.
supply-room staff quickly update inventories without complex training.
inFlow Inventory includes three easyto-use designers, Label Designer, Document Designer, and Email Designer. Label Designer to customize product labels including barcodes, QR codes, serial numbers, and important product information. Label Designer is available in inFlow Stockroom, as well, and is compatible with many third-party label printers but works best with inFlow’s Portable Label Printer. Document Designer and Email Designer allow users to customize sales orders, purchase orders, stock transfers, etc., and emails sent via inFlow.
Also available: inFlow Manufacturing for should a contractor have need to track bundles, kits, or operations that add to a product’s cost.
Pricing: each solution carries a monthly subscription fee. Free 14-day trial on all inFlow solutions.
ZyraTalk
ZyraTalk (www.zyratalk.com, 888/4359109) is a production-ready AI-powered customer service software for handling core operations for HVAC, plumbing
and other businesses focused on field services. It combines virtual assistant capabilities with an agentic automation platform, delivering 24/7 responsiveness by capturing inbound customers, booking appointments, answering questions, and engaging customers across voice, chat, and text. It also acts as an autonomous agent across key workflows such as scheduling, dispatch, payment, and customer engagement, driving opportunities to users to EverCommerce’s home and field service vertical EverPro business management software, aiding in unlocking new opportunities for automation, cross-sell, and customer engagement. Pricing: fee per month, with escalating usage-based billing. Free 14 day trial.
Praxedo
Praxedo scalable cloud-based field service management software (covered in August 2020 column) recently seamlessly integrated with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Center to extend its capabilities with the aim of enhancing user productivity and drive profitable growth by integrating the two products, Praxedo extends its capabilities to offer a comprehensive solution that synchronizes
data, automates processes, and eliminates manual tasks.
Key benefits of the integration include:
• Optimized service management and improved service delivery performance with seamless information and data flow
• Improved service delivery performance with seamless information and data flow
• Improved work order accuracy, with the ability to create and schedule work orders in Business Central and manage them in Praxedo
• Enhanced reporting with Business Central dashboards including data from completed service calls in Praxedo
• Enabling maintenance of up-todate customer, jobsite, and asset information across platforms. Praxedo is available in four escalating plans, Basic, Advanced, Optimized, and Automated, each requiring a minimum of five users, with a monthly fee per user. All tiers include a field operation hub, drag & drop scheduling on maps and calendars, the ability to empower technicians with the integrated mobile app for logging field tasks and tracking technician activity time, access to work order documentation and history, self-scheduling of work orders and declaration of consumed items.
The three highest plans add ability to track vehicle stock oversee operations via a real-time operational dashboard and the means to generate and send real-time customer notifications via email, and time sheet control and validation.
The two top plans offer assisted, algorithm-based scheduling through Smart Scheduler, integrations with mobile payment terminals, and automated alerts on work orders at risk of delay. The top plan adds real time automated scheduled powered by AI via the Automatic Smart Scheduler feature.
Pricing: per month per users, all plans requiring a minimum of five users.
Patti Feldman writes articles and web content for trade magazines and manufacturers of building products.
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by Andrew Pfeiffer
Experience: The Hidden Driver of Performance in Contracting Companies
It’s 9 p.m., and you’re still at your desk.
The crews are home, but the work isn’t. You have invoices to send, messages to answer, and a job starting at 7 a.m. tomorrow. You built this business to work for you, but lately it feels like you work for it.
That feeling isn’t just about hours or workload. It’s about experience.
Experience is the first of the 5 E’s Framework (Experience, Expectations, Execution, Education, and Empowerment). Together, they form a structure that helps contractors lead with clarity instead of chaos. Experience comes first because how your business feels determines how it performs. When the experience is unpredictable, the business is unpredictable. When the experience is consistent, everything else begins to align.
Experience Starts with the Owner
Every business reflects its leadership. When your experience as the owner is stressful, scattered, and reactive, that same energy flows through your team and your customers.
Most owners in the trades grew their business by doing the work themselves. They know the tools, the customers, and the suppliers. But as the company grows, the same habits that built it can start to hold it back.
You cannot lead effectively if every day feels like triage.
Improving your company’s experience begins with improving your own. Ask yourself:
1. Do I control my schedule, or does it control me?
2. Am I leading proactively, or reacting to problems all day?
3. Does my daily experience reflect the business I wanted to build, or the one I am trying to survive?
When you bring order to your own experience, your company follows. Predictability at the top creates stability everywhere else.
The Employee Experience
Whether your team handles service calls or long-term contracts, their experience drives your results.
When the experience is unpredictable, the business is unpredictable. When the experience is consistent, everything else begins to align.
For service technicians, it is the dispatcher’s tone, the clarity of communication, and how supported they feel on the job. For field crews and project teams, it is the organization of the work, the dependability of schedules, and the trust they have in leadership.
When employees experience consistency, they perform consistently.
You do not need gimmicks or perks. You need clarity, rhythm, and respect.
1. Clarity so people understand what success looks like.
2. Rhythm to their workdays, giving them structure and flow.
3. Respect so they feel valued, not just used.
The employee experience shapes culture. A team that enjoys the work and knows where they stand will outperform a reactive crew every time.
The Customer Experience
Customers do not just buy your prod -
uct. They buy how it feels to do business with you.
For service contractors, that experience can be defined by response time, professionalism, and follow-up. For most construction firms, it is built through communication, site organization, and reliability.
Both customers are looking for the same thing: confidence.
A good experience builds confidence.
A bad one destroys it quickly.
When you standardize how your company interacts with customers through communication scripts, job site checklists, and progress updates, you create predictability. Predictability builds trust. Trust builds long-term relationships that survive the occasional mistake.
Experience as a System
Experience should not be left to chance. You would never install a system with-
out a plan, and you should not run a business without one either.
Designing your company’s experience means defining what “great” looks like for you, your team, and your customers, and then creating simple systems that deliver it every time.
Think of it like building a pressure-balanced system.
1. If the owner’s experience leaks energy, the team feels it.
2. If the team’s experience is inconsistent, customers feel it.
3. When all three align, the flow is steady, efficient, and profitable.
Experience is not about being perfect. It is about being consistent.
From Chaos to Clarity
Experience is more than a feeling. It is the foundation for every result that follows. When the owner’s experience is intentional, the business gains direction. When the employee’s experience is consistent, the work gains quality. When the customer’s experience is predictable, the company gains a reputation. That is how experience becomes the real driver of performance.
Experience is where the 5 E’s Framework begins. When you master it, the rest of the structure, Expectations, Execution, Education, and Empowerment, becomes easier to build. This understanding empowers you, giving you the control and confidence to shape your business’s future.
You did not start this business to feel trapped by it. You built it to create freedom, impact, and pride, and you deserve an experience that reflects that.
Andrew Pfeiffer serves as a Project Director at Cogent Analytics, where he partners directly with business owners to uncover inefficiencies, align teams, and implement strategic improvements that lead to longterm business success. With over 20 years of experience in operations, project management, and consulting across multiple industries, including construction, education, food brokerage, and small business, Andrew brings both practical insight and leadership to every engagement.
The trusted leader in hydronics, offering a wide range of energy-efficient solutions for a changing world.
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Backed by over 140 years of excellence, we continue to lead the way, helping contractors stay ahead—today, tomorrow and beyond. Explore our full offering on our website.
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by Davis Glassberg
PRODUCT MANAGER AT BATH CONCEPTS
Preventing Cross-Contamination During Bathroom Upgrades
Bathroom upgrades today are rarely just about looks. Beneath every gleaming faucet or fancy digital-controlled showerhead is a nest of lines and valves that must be kept safe from contamination. When that protection fails, the result isn’t just a plumbing issue; it can compromise the entire potable water supply.
The risks of backflow and cross-contamination won’t shock anyone, but they can jump in frequency whenever older systems are retrofitted or new technology is introduced. Whether the project involves a high-end remodel or a commercial retrofit, having the know-how to prevent reverse water flow is essential.
Backflow and CrossContamination
Backflow happens when water reverses direction in a system, carrying contaminants back toward the clean supply. It typically occurs in one of two ways. Backpressure happens when downstream pressure is more than supply pressure. Think of a pump, heater, or elevated tank pushing water in the opposite direction. The second, backsiphonage, occurs when negative pressure in the main line draws contaminated water backward, often during line breaks or high demand elsewhere in the system.
Cross-contamination is the broader risk created by an improper or direct link between potable and non-potable water. A simple cross-connection can allow wastewater, cleaning chemicals, or even bacteria to enter drinking water lines, and the dangers of that are self-evident. When fixtures are replaced, relocated, or tied into existing plumbing during remodeling without proper isolation, cross-contamination pushes its way to the forefront of risks.
Why Remodels Increase the Danger
During bathroom remodeling, pressure zones and pipe configurations can change in subtle ways. That new spa tub, rainfall shower, or bidet feature might not seem like a threat, but each can alter flow dynamics and create the conditions for backflow, and it’s up to professionals to manage the situations.
The risks of backflow and crosscontamination can jump in frequency whenever older systems are retrofitted.
A circulation pump in a jetted tub, for example, can generate backpressure if it’s not properly separated from the potable line. The same goes for seemingly innocuous fixtures with hand-held sprayers or integrated heating elements. Even a smart faucet that blends hot and cold water electronically must be evaluated for potential reverse flow paths.
These risks multiply when new technology is layered onto older plumbing systems. Aging valves, reduced pressure, or outdated materials can magnify the chance of contamination if modern fixtures aren’t paired with adequate protection.
Code Requirements
The Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) and International Plumbing Code (IPC) both require backflow prevention devices wherever a cross-connection might occur. Different types of devices serve different purposes, depending on the level of hazard and the nature of the system:
• Air gaps are the simplest and most effective barrier, separating an outlet from a drain or receptacle by a fixed space, typically twice the pipe diameter.
• Atmospheric vacuum breakers (AVBs) stop backsiphonage in low-pressure fixtures but can’t operate under continuous pressure.
• Pressure vacuum breakers (PVBs) are built for systems that stay under pressure, such as irrigation or supply manifolds.
• Double check valve assemblies (DCVAs) protect against both types of backflow in mediumhazard applications.
• Reduced pressure zone (RPZ) assemblies provide the highest level of protection and are mandatory when there’s a high hazard, such as chemical injection or graywater mixing.
Installation and Testing
Choosing the correct device is only half the job. Placement, accessibility, and maintenance determine whether it does the job.
A backflow preventer that’s installed upside down, exposed to freezing, or hidden behind a wall might pass inspection on paper but fail when it’s needed most.
To stay compliant and effective:
• Follow manufacturer orientation and clearance specifications precisely.
thereafter.
Integrating Modern Technology Safely
Bathroom upgrades increasingly include electronic or multisource water systems — smart toilets, graywater reuse, and touchless faucets among them. These innovations often come with solenoids, pumps, or digital valves that can influence flow direction. While manufacturers typically specify protective measures, the real-world environment of an existing plumbing system can introduce new variables. Every time a fixture is connected or a new line is tied in, the installer should evaluate whether a cross-connection could form under unusual conditions, such as sudden pressure loss or power failure. Even minor design oversights, like connecting a bidet sprayer directly to a supply line without an approved vacuum breaker, can create contamination pathways that fly under the radar, until something obvious happens.
Long-term safety also depends on maintenance. Backflow devices wear with use and mineral buildup, especially in hard water regions. Testing programs, often required by municipal ordinance, ensure these components continue to function.
A Smarter Approach
Modern plumbing has become more intelligent but has also become more interconnected, and that means more points of risk. In the context of bathroom remodeling or large-scale facility upgrades, integrating proper backflow prevention isn’t simply a checklist item. It’s the difference between a project that looks modern and one that functions responsibly.
Davis Glassberg is the Product Manager at Bath Concepts, which transforms bathrooms into spa-like, dream retreats. Glassberg is in charge of training and developing innovative new products for the bath industry.
Construction Employment Ticks Up, but Labor Market Still Tight
➤ Continued from page 1
contractors continue balancing steady demand with tight labor availability.
Nonresidential Hiring Gains Across All Categories
Nonresidential construction accounted for the bulk of September’s growth, adding 16,300 jobs overall. Specialty trade contractors led with 11,100 new positions, while heavy and civil engineering firms added 4,900 jobs. Nonresidential building employment edged up by 300 jobs.
Across the broader economy, unemployment rose from 4.3% in August to 4.4% in September. Construction followed the same trend, reaching 3.8% unemployment for the month.
“Construction employment increased in September, ending a streak of three consecutive monthly declines,” said ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu. “Despite the rebound, the industry has added just 2,000 jobs since March. While weakness is largely concentrated in the residential segment, with nonresidential employment growing at a modest pace over the past year, recent construction spending data suggests that activity in the nonresidential segment is beginning to contract as well.
“Even with the industry’s paltry job growth in 2025, the construction unemployment rate remained relatively low in September at 3.8%,” said Basu. “While that dynamic— tepid hiring but stable unemployment—indicates a lack of labor force growth, construction wages grew at a healthy pace for the month, suggesting that labor shortages are no longer putting significant upward pressure on labor costs.
increase over the next six months, while fewer than 12% expect them to contract, according to ABC’s Construction Confidence Index. Because the BLS will not publish October employment data due to the government shutdown, the industry won’t have another assessment of its labor market health until the November data are published on Dec. 16.”
Contractors Watching Conditions but Expecting Improved Hiring
Taken together, September’s numbers point to an industry that’s absorbing shifting market conditions while keeping crews busy in core nonresidential segments. Specialty trades continue to show the strongest demand, and rising wages underscore ongoing competition for skilled labor—even as spending indicators suggest broader caution ahead.
Construction Employment Statistics September 2025
Construction Employment Growth Sept. 2024 v. Sept. 2025
“Contractors remain confident that hiring will pick back up over the next six months,” said Basu. “Nearly half of ABC members expect their staffing levels to
Andy J. Egan Co. Partners with Sylvan
GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Charter Capital announced that its client, Andy J. Egan Co., a 100-year leader in mechanical contracting and fabrication, has partnered with Sylvan, a technology-enabled, multi-trade construction platform backed by E3Tech. The partnership strengthens Sylvan’s capabilities in high-growth markets and supports Egan’s continued evolution.
Technology and Trade Expertise
Headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Egan is widely recognized for delivering complex mechanical projects through engineering, custom fabrication, BIM, design-build delivery, mechanical insulation, process piping, controls, and 24/7 service. The company’s work spans commercial, industrial, institutional, and advanced-technology markets, including data centers, advanced manufacturing, energy, and healthcare.
The Jasper family, which has guided the company for four generations, will remain actively involved and retain an ownership stake in the business. Egan’s leadership, workforce, and culture of safety and quality will remain in place as the company continues to grow under the new partnership.
With more than 600 skilled professionals and in-house fabrication and technology capabilities, Egan strengthens Sylvan’s platform and expands its capacity to execute complex projects across North America.
Leadership Perspectives
“The combination of Egan’s technical expertise and Sylvan’s technology-enabled platform creates exciting opportunities for growth and innovation,” said Andy Jasper, President of Egan. “We chose partners who respect our culture, embrace our leadership, and will help us deliver game-changing construction solutions to our clients nationwide.”
“We’re proud to have advised Andy J.
Egan Co. through this important milestone,” said Mark Streekstra, Partner and Managing Director at Charter Capital. “Egan’s century-long reputation for excellence, client trust, and a focus on people makes it an ideal partner
for Sylvan’s forward-looking vision.”
Transaction Advisors
The Charter Capital team included Mark Streekstra, Partner and Managing Director; Zach Wiersma, Director; Justin Pinto, VP; and Thomas DeVries, Analyst. Warner Norcross + Judd LLP served as legal counsel to Andy J. Egan Co.
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To learn more, visit andyegan.com. Note: this press release was rewritten with help from generative AI.
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by Melvin Newman CEO OF PATABID
Advanced Bidding Strategies for Plumbing Contractors
Accurate estimating is the cornerstone of a profitable plumbing contracting business. Your ability to estimate jobs correctly determines not only whether you win work, but whether that work will be profitable. Poor estimating leads to either missed opportunities from bids that are too high, or worse—winning jobs that lose money due to underestimating costs. For plumbing contractors operating in today’s competitive market, mastering how to bid jobs is essential for sustainable growth.
In addition to becoming familiar with the basic steps of how to bid plumbing jobs, there are other practical strategies that contractors can implement to improve their bidding success rates.
Build Relationships
One of the most crucial advanced strategies is expanding your network of potential clients. When you receive project plans, reach out to the architect or project team to identify which general contractors are planning to bid on the project. Once you have that list, proactively contact each GC to introduce yourself and request inclusion on their bidding list. Never limit yourself to bidding with just one general contractor per project— this approach severely restricts your opportunities and negotiating power.
Strategic Risk Analysis
Not every bidding opportunity is worth pursuing. When you discover that numerous plumbing contractors are chasing the same project, perform a realistic assessment of your competitive advantages. Consider factors like your relationship with the GCs, your capacity to handle the work, and any unique qualifications or cost advantages you might have.
If you don’t have a clear edge that makes you competitive, it may be more profitable to redirect your estimating resources toward opportunities with better win probability.
Stay Current with Project Documentation and Addendums
One critical yet often overlooked aspect of successful plumbing bidding involves
Mastering how to bid plumbing jobs is essential for sustainable business growth.
meticulous document management throughout the bidding process.
Always check for project addendums before finalizing your bid, as these updates can significantly impact material requirements, specifications, or project scope. Load all addendums into your complete drawing package to ensure nothing gets missed during your takeoff process.
When working with multiple drawing revisions, create a systematic filing approach and make detailed notes about which drawing version you’re referencing for each section of your bid. Using outdated drawings or missing critical addendums can result in substantial cost overruns or change orders that erode your profit margins.
Establish a checklist to verify you’re working with the most current version of each drawing, and always cross-reference drawing dates and revision numbers before submitting your proposal
Handle Drawing Discrepancies Strategically
As you review project drawings, you’ll inevitably encounter discrepancies or unclear specifications. Your approach to these issues can significantly impact your competitiveness and profitability.
For minor discrepancies, make a note in your bid letter—this documentation can become your first change order if you win the project. For major discrepancies that could significantly affect cost, submit a Request for Information (RFI) to the engineer.
Maintain a Consistent Bidding Pipeline
Successful plumbing contractors understand that bidding must be a continuous process, not a reactive one. The feastor-famine cycle kills profitability and growth. This happens when you focus on current work, finish projects, then scramble to find new opportunities. Establish a systematic approach to constantly pursue new bidding opportunities while managing current projects.
Systematic Follow-Up
Contact every general contractor you submitted bids to, regardless of whether you won or lost. This follow-up serves multiple purposes: you’ll learn how your pricing compares to competitors, identify whether you’re consistently too high or too low, and discover which GCs are most successful at winning work. If certain con-
tractors consistently win projects, prior itize building relationships with them— their success can become your success.
Leverage Supplier Partnerships
When dealing with substantial material lists and package equipment, don’t overlook the potential savings from supplier partnerships. For significant material packages, request package pricing from your suppliers rather than pricing items individually.
Additionally, for major equipment packages (A Package materials), negotiate buydown opportunities with manufacturers or suppliers.
Optimize Your Bidding Strategy
Track your bidding success rates across different project types, client relationships, and pricing approaches. Analyze patterns in your wins and losses to identify opportunities for refinement. This systematic approach to plumbing bidding helps you understand which pricing strategies resonate with different market segments and how to price plumbing jobs for optimal competitiveness.
Modernize Your Process
The plumbing industry has evolved significantly, and successful contractors are leveraging technology to gain competitive advantages in their plumbing bidding processes through digital estimating implementation. Modern plumbing estimation software platforms streamline how to bid plumbing jobs, reduce errors, and improve accuracy while saving valuable time.
Ready to transform your bidding success? Ensure your contracting business is equipped with modern plumbing software designed specifically for bidding projects. Platforms like PataBid Quantify can help streamline your estimating process, improve accuracy, and give you the competitive edge needed to win more profitable plumbing projects.
Melvin Newman, CEO of PataBid, is a mechanical estimator turned entrepreneur. Melvin worked extensively in the field before founding a technology company serving the mechanical/electrical contracting industry.
CONTRACTOR’s Top News Stories of 2025
regulatory environment will look like (for the next two years, at least).
But it is not all smooth sailing for the mechanical contracting industry...
Trump Tariffs Bring Angst, Uncertainty to Mechanical Contracting Industry (Apr.)
On Wednesday, April 2nd, the Trump Administration announced its latest round of tariffs. Declaring that foreign trade and economic practices have created a national emergency, President Donald Trump used his authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 (IEEPA) to impose a 10% tariff on all countries, as well as higher, reciprocal tariffs on those countries with which the United States has the largest trade deficits. ➤ Continued from page 6
District, says the city will be able to better withstand intense weather events, including devastating floods and crippling ice and snow storms.
Led by Energy, Construction Materials Prices Surge in April (May)
Construction input prices increased 0.5% in April compared to the previous month, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of US Bureau of Labor Statistics Producer Price Index data released today. Nonresidential construction input prices increased 0.6% for the month.
Overall construction input prices are 2.3% higher than a year ago, while nonresidential construction input prices are 2.2% higher. Prices increased in 2 of the 3 energy subcategories last month.
Trump Orders Review of Federal Workforce Programs (May)
On April 23rd, President Trump signed an executive order directing the Secretaries of Labor, Education, and Commerce to review all federal workforce programs to “modernize, integrate, and re-align programs to address critical workforce needs in emerging industries.”
The hope is that the departments will coordinate to produce a streamlined, integrated plan to re-orient these programs to take advantage of opportunities created by reshoring and re-industrialization.
Water Sector Pushes for Increased Funding Amid Federal Budget Cuts (Mar.)
When a $250M flood prevention infrastructure project in Louisville, Kentucky is complete, Tony Parrott, Executive Director of Louisville Metropolitan Sewer
With funding allocated through the bi-partisan American Rescue Plan Act, Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and Kentucky Infrastructure Authority (KIA), the project aims to address critical stormwater and flood protection needs by modernizing and maintaining the city’s sewers and flood systems.
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Plumbing Manufacturers International Names New Leadership for 2026
➤ Continued from page 3
who will remain on the board as immediate past president.
PMI Elects 2026 Leadership Team
Joining Neff and Wise on the 2026 board are Lowell Lampen (Kohler) as Vice President, Paige Riddle (LSP Products) as Secretary/Treasurer, and At-Large Directors Troy Benavidez (LIXIL), John Confrey (Falcon Water Technologies), Tim O’Keeffe (Symmons Industries), and Kate Olinger (Uponor-GF Building Flow Solutions).
Neff Emphasizes Industry Purpose and Impact
In remarks after his election, Neff highlighted the essential role plumbing manufacturers play in safeguarding health and sustainability.
“Plumbing products manufacturing is not just about fixtures and fittings—it is about safeguarding health, advancing water efficiency, and building the systems that sustain our communities every day,” he said.
Neff also recognized Wise for her leadership as 2025 president and announced that PMI’s 72nd Annual Meeting of the Membership will take place Nov. 2–5, 2026, in New Orleans as part of the PMI26 Manufacturing Success Conference.
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Wise Reflects on a Year of Growth and Collaboration
Outgoing president Wise praised PMI’s growing influence across the plumbing industry and its expanding partnerships.
“Our partnerships—whether across North America or beyond—are proof that plumbing manufacturers not only build products but also help shape policy, sustainability, and innovation worldwide,” she said.
During the meeting, Wise also presented the PMI President’s Award to Stephanie Salmon, the association’s federal government affairs representative.
CEO Highlights Year of Achievement and Strategic Progress
In his state of the association report, PMI CEO and Executive Director Kerry Stackpole outlined five key focus areas for the organization:
1. Advocacy and policy leadership
2. Technical and standards development
3. Member engagement, diversity, and workforce development
4. Public awareness, industry value, and sustainability
Strategic priorities for 2026
“In 2025, PMI did more than respond to change—we helped shape it,” Stackpole said. He also presented the
PMI Ambassador Award to Dan Rieland of Kohler for his service to the association and the industry.
Conference Celebrates Industry Contributions and Community Service
Throughout the PMI25 conference, members gathered for events highlighting the industry’s innovation and commitment to community. The program included the PMI Women’s Breakfast, celebrating women’s leadership in plumbing manufacturing, and the presentation of the Paul Patton PMI25 Manufacturing Success Award to Mike Johnson of Delta Faucet Company.
To close the event, attendees assembled World Vision hygiene kits for distribution to families and individuals in need—each kit including essential supplies and handwritten notes of encouragement from PMI members.
PMI25 sponsors Gold
International Code Council and ICC Evaluation Service
IAPMO
Silver
CONTRACTOR
PHCP Pros
To learn more about Plumbing Manufacturers International visit safeplumbing.org
The 2026 Plumbing Manufacturers International Board of Directors, with PMI CEO/Executive Director Kerry Stackpole. l-r: Troy Benavidez, LIXIL; Kate Olinger, Uponor-GF Building Flow Solutions; board vice president Lowell Lampen, Kohler; 2026 board president Bob Neff, Delta Faucet Company; 2025 board president Belinda Wise, Neoperl US; Stackpole; John Confrey, Falcon Water Technologies; Tim O'Keeffe, Symmons Industries; and board secretary/treasurer Paige Riddle, LSP Products.
ABC Names Murphy 2026 National Chair
➤ Continued from page 3
struction experience.
“I am blessed and honored to serve ABC and its members in the role of 2026 national chair,” said Murphy. “Starting my construction career in the field and learning the importance of every position on a jobsite makes me appreciate how the merit shop gives everyone the opportunity to rise from laborer to industry leader. I am proud to work alongside the men and woman of ABC who are engaged in growing our businesses, upskilling our workforces and fighting for free and open competition across America.”
Political Advocacy, Workforce Growth
As chair, Murphy plans to push ABC’s priorities in federal and state policy, emphasizing free enterprise principles, worker choice and support for small and mid-sized contractors. His agenda also includes expanding workforce training initiatives to help members recruit, develop and retain skilled construction professionals.
Elevating the AQC Credential
Murphy highlighted the role of the Accredited Quality Contractor credential in setting contractors apart through measurable standards for safety, quality, workforce investment and community engagement. He intends to expand program adoption among ABC’s high-performing member companies.
“ABC is synonymous with merit in the construction industry, and the contractors who lead our
association embody what merit means,” said Michael Bellaman , ABC president and CEO. “Congratulations to Murph, Chair-Elect Brandon Mabile , Secretary Lorri Grayson and every member of the 2026 Executive Committee.”
The members of ABC’s 2026 Executive Committee, who will take office on Jan. 1, 2026, are:
• Chair of the ABC Board of Directors: Thomas “Murph” Murphy, Vice President, Power & Construction Group, Scottsville, New York
• Chair-elect: Brandon Mabile, Corporate Business Development Director, Performance Contractors Inc., Baton Rouge, Louisiana
• Secretary and Mid-Atlantic region vice chair: Lorri Grayson, Partner and Founder, GGA Construction, Middletown, Delaware
• Treasurer: Kenneth Gardiner, CPA, CCIFP, Partner, Dannible & McKee, LLP, Syracuse, New York
• Immediate past chair: David Pugh, Partner, Bradley LLP, Birmingham, Alabama
Charlotte Acquires Bingham
➤ Continued from page 3 durability and reliability in demanding field conditions.
Strengthening US Manufacturing
“Bingham & Taylor prides itself on domestic manufacturing, a wide distribution network, and 175 years of continuous operation,” said Hooper Hardison, CEO of Charlotte Pipe and Foundry. “This strategic acquisition continues our growth in the waterworks industry and builds on our 2022 acquisition of Neenah Enterprises. It also leverages our expertise in both iron castings and plastics manufacturing. Bingham & Taylor’s culture and dedication to 100% made-in-America products make it an ideal fit.”
The acquisition aligns with Charlotte Pipe’s broader commitment to expand its waterworks offerings and reinforce its US manufacturing base for infrastructure products.
Complementary Capabilities
“Bingham & Taylor’s products, distributors, and customers are highly complementary to ours,” said
Vik Bhatia, President and CEO of Neenah Foundry. “Bringing our companies together strengthens our product offering and deepens commercial relationships across the water and gas utility markets.”
Bingham & Taylor’s operations include a cast iron foundry in Culpeper and two plastics facilities—an injection-molding plant and a blow-molding plant—in Fredericksburg, Virginia.
A Shared Commitment
“After 175 years in business and two generations of my family’s leadership, this acquisition represents Bingham & Taylor’s next chapter,” said Laura Grondin , CEO of Bingham & Taylor. “Charlotte Pipe and Neenah Foundry share our dedication to American manufacturing and our values around customers and employees. They understand the strength of the Bingham & Taylor brand and will ensure it continues to thrive.”
Note: this release was rewritten with help from generative AI.
• Mid-America region vice chair: Ryan Odendahl, President and CEO, Kwest Group, Perrysburg, Ohio
• Midwest region vice chair: Jessica Cannizzaro, President and Master Plumber, Milestone Plumbing Inc., Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
• Mountain West region vice chair: Steve Grauer, Regional Vice President, Southwest Region of Hensel Phelps Construction, Phoenix
• Northeast region vice chair: Michael Bennett, Senior Executive Vice President, CIANBRO, Pittsfield, Maine
• Pacific region vice chair: Greg Gutierrez, President and CEO, Truitt Corp., Bakersfield, California
• South Central region vice chair: Christopher Martinez, President and CEO, Central Electric, San Antonio
• Southeast region vice chair: Kerrick Whisenant, President, Limestone Building Group LLC, Hartselle, Alabama
• Chapter presidents’ liaison: Shandon Harbour, President and CEO, ABC San Diego chapter
• ABC national president and CEO: Michael Bellaman
To learn more about Associated Builders and Contractors, visit abc.org
Note: this press release was rewritten with help from generative AI.
Thomas Murphy
WHERE FACILITY CHALLENGES FIND SOLUTIONS
CENTRAL VALLEY
March 18-19, 2026
Lodi, CA
RENO
August 2026
Reno, NV
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
April 8-9, 2026
Anaheim, CA
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
September 2026
Santa Clara, CA
NORTHWEST
April 29-30, 2026
Portland, OR
NORTH TEXAS
October 2026
Irving, TX
CONTRACTOR’s Products of the Year are chosen by our readers, based on pagviews of our online Weekly Product Galleries.
#1 THE SANSHANDS FAUCET from Sonoma Forge deftly melds the modern, hygienic convenience of touchless technology with the company’s rustic, artisan-crafted design aesthetic. And it’s even more unique in its operation: It uses electromagnetism rather than visible sensors, a vast improvement over outdated, infrared systems.
Sonoma Forge
WWW.SONOMAFORGE.COM
#2 THE L1 WIFI WATER LEAK AND FREEZE DETECTO R from First Alert is a compact, smart device that monitors temperatures and sends mobile push and email notifications, alerting you to water leaks, freezing temperatures and humidity out of the set range. It signals issues via audible and visual alerts and may also be easily monitored via the app. Includes a 5-ft. cable sensor that detects water along its entire length; loop and lay the sensor through a basement or utility room. First Alert
WWW.FIRSTALERT.COM
#3 AEROTHERM SERIES G2 RESIDENTIAL HYBRID ELECTRIC HEAT PUMP WATER HEATERS from Bradford White enables consumers to switch between five different operational modes, including heat pump only, electric only, hybrid standard, hybrid plus, and a vacation mode. It is Bradford White’s most efficient hybrid water heater to date. The new ICON System® LED digital display, featuring multi-lingual support (English, Spanish, and French Canadian) provides installers and end users alike with an easy interface to customize settings and troubleshoot any potential issues.
Bradford White
WWW.BRADFORDWHITE.COM
#4 THE TRUCK BED DRAWER SYSTEM from Decked includes weatherproof, ultra-rugged, fullbed-length drawers, allowing users to securely store all tools and gear without worry. Plus, the top deck can handle up to a 2,000-lb. load (1,000lb. load for midsize trucks).
Decked
WWW.DECKED.COM
#5 NEXT-GENERATION SHELVING FOR COMMERCIAL VANS AND PICKUP TRUCKS from Adrian Steel is designed to minimize cargo dead space and provide better durability and safety. The versatile, flexible shelving units are configurable for a variety of pickup truck and van types and mix-andmatch customization: four end panel heights, nine shelf lengths, four shelf depths,12 drawer unit options and six bin options. Shelving includes lengths up to 144 in. Constructed from highstrength low-alloy steel, shelves hold an average of 50 lb./ft. Includes improved accessories such as drawer units, door kits, and bins for all shelf sizes.
Adrian Steel
WWW.ADRIANSTEEL.COM
#6
THE PRESSACR LINE from NIBCO now includes 1-in. OD and 1 5/8-in. OD fittings, designed to meet the evolving needs of the air conditioning and refrigeration industry. They meet stringent certification and compliance standards that support the higher-pressure requirements of HVACR systems. Delivers consistent joint quality, the press end connection reduces installation time while the patentpending interior groove design and gray HNBR seal make them suitable for HVACR applications rated up to 700 psi.
NIBCO
WWW.NIBCO.COM/PRESSACR
#7 E.S. CONCRETE ULTRALIGHT UTILITY SHORTS from Strauss combine natural cotton, stretch material and polyamide fibers to resist wear while feeling fantastic. The Flexbelt waistband adds to the comfort,
while multipurpose, multiclosure pockets and loops provide space for tools and a phone. On the right leg: functional, multipart ruler pocket with multipurpose loops. On the left leg: multicompartmental cargo pocket, divided into a large pocket with a Velcro fastener, a spacious smartphone pocket and a safety pocket with a zip. Two back pockets with Velcro fastener, one with a flap.
Strauss US.STRAUSS.COM
#8 THE EMERGE X AIR SOURCE HEAT PUMP WATER
HEATER optimizes heat transfer and minimizes emissions making it both environmentally friendly and costeffective. The unit utilizes a low global warming potential (GWP) refrigerant (R-513A) to help meet sustainability goals and adhere to local regulations. The unit’s variablespeed Electronically Commutated Motor (ECM) operates in tandem with the flow control valve to provide tighter control of the unit, decrease the noise level and promote higher efficiency. The Emerge X HPWH is one of the only heat pump water heaters on the market that operates at high efficiency in below-freezing temperatures due to its innovative reversing defrost cycle.
A. O. Smith
WWW.HOTWATER.COM
#9 THE 007E ECM HIGHEFFICIENCY CIRCULATOR from Taco is engineered with ECM variable-speed technology. Its performance is equivalent to the legendary 007, yet it uses up to 85% less electricity. It is ideal for hydronic systems zoned with circulators or zone valves, or used on potable water systems for domestic water recirculation. Available in cast iron or stainless steel. Includes SureStart automatic unblocking and air purging mode, and Green Mode active system monitoring and automatic power optimization. BIO Barrier protects the pump from system contaminants (cast-iron only). 10-ft. shut-off head, 16 gpm max flow. Taco Comfort Solutions WWW.TACOCOMFORT.COM
#10
8V 1/2” BRUSHLESS HAMMER DRILL/DRIVER from Bosch Power Tool is available in a Bare Tool (model GSB18V-65N) and kit (model SB18V-65B12). Features include switchable kickback control that reduces the risk of a sudden rotational torque reaction in a bind-up scenario (with the option to deactivate), and a rapid mode selector that allows the user to swiftly shift between hammering, drilling and driving modes without the need to adjust the clutch. Dual LED work lights allow for better visibility. Bosch Power Tools
WWW.BOSCHTOOLS.COM/US/EN
and gas connections, the small plugand-play devices can be installed practically anywhere.
Viessmann
WWW.VIESSMANN-US.COM
#13
MEGAPRESS 316
GLOBE
purchased Scorpion’s RevenueMAX and ServiceTitan’s Marketing Pro with Ads Optimizer. When demand is low, the system automatically boosts advertising to fill the schedule; when capacity is high, spend is scaled back to avoid overallocation. Now, home services businesses can redirect their focus to what matters—delivering exceptional service, maximizing ROI and hitting revenue goals.
Scorpion
WWW.SCORPION.CO
#16
#11 THE BOOST INJECTION SYSTEM WITH SEPTIC GUARD from InSinkErator supports the digestion of solids in septic systems, helps reduce sink odors and reduces food waste build-up in septic systems and piping. It is scientifically proven to break down food waste to support septic systems. Noncorrosive and safe for plumbing and septic fields; fresh citrus scent helps reduce odors. Attaches directly into the dishwasher inlet; dispenses Septic Guard every 12 hours. Compatible with all InSinkErator disposals.
InSinkErator
WWW.INSINKERATOR.COM
#12 THE VIOTRON 100 VLN2 ELECTRIC BOILER from Viessmann does not require a gas connection, chimney or boiler room—a power source is all that is needed. The weather-compensated control unit utilizes an outdoor temperature sensor and heating curves ensures effective control and adjusts the water temperature automatically according to the outside temperature. The heating curves can deliver operating efficiencies up to 99.4 percent. Without venting
VALVES from Viega are press globe valves with iron pipe size ends for commercial and industrial systems. They feature adjustable PTFE stem seals and are available in sizes 1/2 in. to 2 in. Engineered for precise flow control, they offer a rising stem and multi-turn design that allows for visual confirmation of the valve’s open or closed position. The adjustable PTFE packing nut provides excellent corrosion resistance and makes maintenance and replacement easier, reducing downtime and labor costs.
Viega
WWW.VIEGA.US
#14
MATTE BLACK SPECIAL FINISH WATER SUPPLIES
from BrassCraft is designed for an on-trend look from the stub-out to the fixture. Available in G2 1/2-in. compression angle and straight water stops, Speedi Plumb PLUS toilet and faucet water connectors, and an escutcheon and cover tube to provide the finishing touch.
BrassCraft WWW.BRASSCRAFT.COM
#15
CAPACITY MARKETING
ENGINE from Scorpion
and ServiceTitan is an AI-powered solution that eliminates wasted ad spend and keeps schedules full for home services businesses. It adjusts ad spend in real-time based on actual job availability for clients who have
PRO FILTRATION BOTTLEFILLING STATIONS from Elkay house filters at the top of the unit, allowing for filter changes in under 30 seconds. The included filters provide filtration for up to 10,000 gallons; filter changes are only needed once a year. An optional sediment prefilter helps reduce sediment buildup caused by the municipal water supply. The system detects newly installed filters and automatically resets filter status lights, flushing the system to shorten installation time and clean debris and air from the waterway.
Elkay
WWW.ELKAY.COM
#17 THE ADAPT SC STANDARD CONDENSING GAS TANKLESS WATER HEATER from A. O. Smith is available in 160,000, 180,000 and 199,000 BTU/hr. models. They are ENERGY STARcertified and feature a Uniform Energy Factor of 0.95. The water heater is designed for universal installation, either indoor or outdoor, with an optional outdoor vent cap kit. It delivers a max flow rate of 10.5 gpm, as well as robust, on-demand performance and the flexibility to install in virtually any residential setting. Meanwhile, a fourbutton display makes adjusting the unit simple and easy.
A. O. Smith
#18 THE RG2300 COMBO ROLL GROOVING TOOL delivers grooving capabilities from 1" to 12", making it ideal for field fabrication needs as its lightweight design means it can be easily moved. It offers manual operation with an adjustable ratchet for in-place or overhead grooving. It also seamlessly integrates with RIDGID 300 pattern power drives for increased productivity. Its interchangeable roll sets ensure crisp, accurate groove dimensions.
Victaulic
WWW.VICTAULIC.COM
WWW.HOTWATER.COM
#19 THE ADHESION LINEAR DRAIN from Infinity Drain is inspired by the science of adhesion, where water droplets stick to a variety of surfaces to form unique patterns. The Gensler design team created a drain pattern with a look that is at once random and precise. Infinity Drain INFINITYDRAIN.COM/GENSLER
#20 THE ALPHA COMFORT SYSTEM, North America, is designed for domestic hot water recirculation systems without a dedicated return line. It has a bypass valve with a thermal actuator and offers scheduling via the built-in digital timer. It has a built-in Bluetooth timer that can be easily set via company apps. FLOWSENSE automatically makes sure enough flow is created to kick on common water heaters without exceeding the velocity for the most common pipe types. Grundfos WWW.GRUNDFOS.COM
by Steve Spaulding
Tariffs, Data-Centers, Taxes & Regs
As I write this my family and I are making travel plans to visit relatives over the Thanksgiving break. By the time our print edition mails there will be only about two shopping weeks until Christmas. 2025 has got its coat on and is making its final goodbyes before heading out. (You can see a wrap-up of our top news stories from the past year starting on pg. 6.)
For most of you running a business in the plumbing, hydronic and mechanical trades, 2025 was probably a successful year. Residential construction was flat or even a bit down in most of the country (despite the pressing need for more affordable housing), but contractors working mid- to high-end jobs found work as the affluent and wealthy continued to spend.
Let me digress to share a datapoint I picked up at PHCC CONNECT (you can read our full coverage in our cover story).
Economist Elliot Eisenberg delivered a keynote and amid the many facts and figures one jumped out at me: 50% of all spending in the US this last year was done by just 10% of the population.
Turning to the nonresidential side, plenty of infrastructure investment money was still in the pipeline for those working in municipal water and wastewater. A lot of government money also made it out to contractors working educational and institutional jobs as schools spent on refits and upgrades.
ciation, and deductions up to 20% on qualified business income) have all been made permanent.
On the regulation side, non-condensing commercial water heaters will be phased out by October of 2026. And in May of 2029, the National Appliance Energy Conservation Act phase 4 will go into effect
We look back at 2025 from the mechanical contracting perspective.
But the big story on the nonresidential side was the continuing wave of data center projects. According to ABC, 1 in 7 of their members was performing data center work this past year.
The federal government managed to deliver this year when it came to taxes.
Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, tax provisions under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (such as elevated estate tax thresholds, full expensing of newly acquired equipment under bonus depre-
with changes for gas-fired storage and electric storage water heaters, but with gas tankless heaters exempted.
The big headache out of DC this year was tariffs. Beside the core issue of what is good for American manufacturing vs. what is good for the American economy as a whole, was the nagging question: just how much of this is policy and how much is (for want of a better word) bluster?
For example, in April, tariffs on China were raised to 125%. In May they were
reduced to 30%. In August tariffs were suspended until November, and in November they seemed to settle at 10%—unless you count the 10% Fentanyl tariff or the agricultural exceptions or the shipbuilding exceptions or…
Well, you get the idea. Surrounded by supply chain uncertainty reminiscent of the pandemic smart contractors stockpiled what materials they could, locked in pricing where they couldn’t, and put protective clauses in their contracts.
I could go on to talk inflation and interest rates, but I think I’ll save all that for my 2026 industry economic forecast in our next issue.
I hope this year you made a tidy profit. I hope you got to spend time with friends and family. I hope you got to spend a few hours here and there doing what you love, be that fishing or gaming or troubleshooting a tricky hydronic system (like Pat Linhardt on pg. 20).
And I want to thank you for the time you’ve spent with us here at CONTRACTOR. Have a safe and happy holiday season, and we’ll see you again in 2026.
GAS FIRED BOILERS
CH & CO
8 Residential Models: 80 - 200 MBH (Combi mod ls also off r DHW)
