Contractor - January 2026

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JANUARY 2026

SERVING PLUMBING, HYDRONIC & MECHANICAL SYSTEMS PROFESSIONALS PLUMBING | PIPING | HYDRONICS | RADIANT | BATH/KITCHEN | TECHNOLOGY | TOOLS | TRUCKS | GREEN | MANAGEMENT

What’s in Store at the 2026 AHR Expo in Las Vegas, NV SPECIAL TO CONTRACTOR

LAS VEGAS, NV — The 2026 Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Exposition returns to the Las Vegas Convention Center this February 2nd through the 4th. To date, there have been 75 AHR Expos since the inaugural show in Philadelphia, in 1930, as a spin-off of The National Exposition of Power and Mechanical Engineering. ➤ Turn to What’s, page 36

Backlog Slips to 8.1 Months, but Confidence Still Expansionary

Skills Expo Draws 3,000+ Students to Explore the Trades SPECIAL TO CONTRACTOR

RYE, NH — Bring Back the Trades (BBTT), a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening the skilled trades pipeline, marked a major milestone with its first-ever Massachusetts Skills Expo, held at Gillette Stadium and presented by F.W. Webb Company.

More than 3,000 students, families, and industry professionals attended the October 25 event, exploring 100 hands-on exhibits designed to give young people a real look at what trade careers involve—on the ➤ Turn to Gillette, page 10

The BBTT Team: Leon Garrett, Aaron Witt, Shana Brunye, Rob Ninkovich, Steve Turner, and Demi Knight Clark.

Construction Job Openings Rate and Quits Rate: August 2012 to August 2025 6.0%

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

5.0%

SPECIAL TO CONTRACTOR

WASHINGTON, DC — Associated Builders and Contractors reported that its Construction Backlog Indicator declined to 8.1 months in November, based on an ABC member survey conducted from Nov. 20 to Dec. 8.

The November reading reflects a 0.3-month decrease compared to both October 2025 and November ➤ Turn to Construction, page 10

LABEL --Helping HelpingContractors ContractorsRun RunAABetter BetterBusiness BusinessSince Since1954 1954-2601CO_1,8-11,36-37_Page_1.indd 1

4.0% 3.0% 2.0% 1.0% 0.0%

2012

Job Openings Rate 2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

Quits Rate 2018

2019

2020

2021

IN THIS ISSUE

2022

2023

2024

2025

2026

FEATURE

20 Contractor of the Year

Plumbing Outfitters

16

23

Schwartz on Linhardt on MANAGEMENT HYDRONICS Industry Econ Forecast

28

Feldman on TECHNOLOGY

6 Where is the industry headed in 2026?

Turns to Split System HPWH 26 Uni A tricky install delivers high energy efficiency.

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Industry News

Greater Boston PCA Donates $35,000 to Support Local Charities SPECIAL TO CONTRACTOR

BOSTON, MA — The Greater Boston Plumbing Contractors Association (PCA), representing the region’s leading union plumbing contractors, has donated $35,000 to seven area charities that provide essential services to individuals and families across Greater Boston. ➤ Turn to Greater, page 12

Greater Boston PCA

6 Industry Econ Forecast for 2026 The construction market, interest rates, the effect of AI and more.

18 Forum: A Year After the Fire We talk about rebuilding water systems with IAPMO’s Christoph Lohr.

20 Feature: Outfitted for Success Plumbing Outfitters of Texas is our newest Contractor of the Year.

26 University Turns to Split-System HWHP Washington and Lee embraces a sustainable, compliant solution.

40 New Products 42 Editorial

Boston PCA donation to Christmas in the City.

Stay Humble, Stay Focused - Lessons from our COTY

Nation’s Best Plumbers Compete for National Title

Columnists 16 Management by Al Schwartz

SPECIAL TO CONTRACTOR

LOS ANGELES, CA — The ServiceTitan Elite Trades Championship Series (SETCS) returns to primetime this December, bringing the country’s top plumbing talent to a national audience.

Throughout the year, tradesmen and tradeswomen from across the United States compete for a shot at the 2025 national title across ➤ Turn to Nation’s, page 12

Keeping Your Focus: Inventory

Strauss

23 Hydronics by Pat Linhardt Weighted Check Valves Leave Water with ‘One Way Out’

28 Technology by Patti Feldman Marketing & Sales, and a Mobile Productivity App

29 Marketing by Matt Michel 7 Ways to Make This Year Better Than the Last

30 Best Practices by Curtis Forbes

Detroit Artists Reimagine the Hard Hat to Benefit the Skilled Trades SPECIAL TO CONTRACTOR

DETROIT, MI — Hard Hats for Detroit, presented by Sachse Construction, returns with a citywide collaboration that pairs builders, makers, and artists to spotlight creativity in the skilled trades. This year’s program invites industry sponsors to partner with Detroit ➤ Turn to Hard Hat, page 38

Features & Departments

Your Best Tech Just Quit - Here’s What it Actually Costs You

Editorial Offices EDITORIAL STAFF

Hard Hats for Detroit

VP/Market Leader-Buildings & Construction Mike Hellmann, mhellmann@endeavorb2b.com

Editor-In-Chief Steve Spaulding, sspaulding@endeavorb2b.com Editor-At-Large John Mesenbrink, jmesenbrink@endeavorb2b.com Contributing Writer Kelly Faloon COLUMNISTS Al Schwartz, Management Pat Linhardt, Hydronics & Radiant Patti Feldman, Technology Matt Michel, Marketing

A welded metal hard hat by artist Josh Welton.

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EVP Building & Construction Group, Chris Perrino

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VP of Content Strategy, Mike Eby

VOLUME 71, NUMBER 1 CONTRACTOR (USPS Permit 131-320, ISSN 0897-7135 print, ISSN 2771-6465 online) is published monthly by Endeavor Business Media, LLC. 201 N Main St 5th Floor, Fort Atkinson, WI 53538.

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JANUARY 2026 • 3

12/22/2025 9:25:56 AM

Industry News In Brief IAPMO® has announced that Dain Hansen, executive vice president of Government Relations, has been named one of The Hill’s Top 100 Lobbyists of 2025. This marks Hansen’s fourth consecutive year on this prestigious list, highlighting his continued leadership and IAPMO’s influence on public policy affecting codes, standards, and the built environment.

Thompson Pump and Manufacturing Company has been honored with two awards of excellence from the Volusia Manufacturers Association (VMA): the Manny Award for Lifetime Achievement in Manufacturing, presented to Kelly Seliga, Director of Finance, and the Best Practice Award. These recognitions highlight Thompson Pump’s longstanding commitment to industry excellence, employee wellbeing, and leadership within the manufacturing community.

Interplay Learning has been ranked No. 10 on the Austin Business Journal’s list of the fastest-growing private companies in the Austin area.

The recognition underscores Interplay Learning’s continued momentum in helping employers around the country upskill and retain talent through hands-on, simulation-based training solutions.

CIRCOR International, Inc., a manufacturer of flow control products for industrial markets, has announced that it has acquired essentially all the operating assets related to the herringbone gear pump product line of Flowserve Corporation. The transaction includes the GAX, GR, & Gearex Series pump lines, which will be fully integrated into CIRCOR’s IMO product portfolio following a transition period. There will be no disruption to existing or future customer orders.

Reins announces a milestone year of growth, highlighted by more than $25 million in alt equity shared with employees across its client base.

Reins helps independent contracting companies recruit, retain and engage top talent by incentivizing performance and longevity, while also helping owners build long-term enterprise value ahead of a future exit or sale. Over the course of 2025, Reins demonstrated a streamlined program design, bringing the timeline for clients to finalize an incentive program down to just a few weeks.

4 • JANUARY 2026

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Industry News

Industry Econ Forecast 2026 Construction market trends, inflation, interest rates, tariffs— what does it all mean for the coming year?

BY STEVE SPAULDING OF CONTRACTOR’S STAFF

L

On the residential construction side, the National Association of Home Builders now projects 944,000 single family starts in 2025. That’s down 7% from 2024.

Looking ahead, NAHB anticipates slow growth over the next two years, with a 1% increase in starts in 2026 followed by a 3% increase in starts 2027.

After two slow years in 2023 and 2024, the multifamily sector saw a modest rebound in 2025 with 410,000 units built, a 16% increase over 2024. But that was still 136,000 fewer units than were built in the boom of 2022. NAHB predicts mild declines in multifamily of 3% in 2026 and 2% in 2025.

From August 2024 to August 2025, nonresidential construction saw a 1.5% decline. Adjusted for inflation, that represents an almost 5% decline. However, infrastructure projects are still paying some dividends: sewage and waste disposal projects, for example, were up 8.2%. “We are seeing the final stages of the post pandemic infrastructure spending boom,” said Anirban Basu, Chief Economist for ABC, in a recent webinar.

The bright spot on the nonresidential side is, of course, data center construction.

ConstructConnect reported that total data center construction starts reached $14.0 billion in July 2025, representing a substantial year-over-year increase from July 2024’s to-

6 • JANUARY 2026

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2,000

Single-family starts will grow slowly in the years ahead Year 2022 2023 2024 2025f 2026f 2027f

1,800 1,600 1,400 1,200 1,000

Units 1,005,000 947,000 1,016,000 944,000 950,000 981,000

% Change -11% -6% 7% -7% 1% 3%

80% fall

800

4Q20 to 1Q23 32% fall

600 400

0

and housing supply still tight, housing affordability is at a multi-decade low.

Compared to the peak of 69.2% in 2004, the homeownership rate is currently 4.2 percentage points lower and remains below the 25-year average rate of 66.3%.

Back on the construction side, construction input prices rose 0.2% in September 2025, according to the most recent Producer Price Index data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Total construction input prices were 3.5% higher than a year ago, while nonresidential inputs were up 3.8% compared to September 2024.

Administration Policy

200 Source: U.S. Census Bureau (BOC) and NAHB Forecast.

00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27

Construction

Single-Family Starts

Thousands of units, SAAR

et’s be clear about one thing: there’s no such thing as a crystal ball. Any forecast is only looking at the best available current data and extrapolating where things might probably be heading.

The US economy in 2025 was a mixed bag of good news and bad, with 2026 looking to be more of the same. Our best guess for the coming year: continued growth at a slower pace for the overall construction industry, but with higher growth potential for those working in data center construction, energy production & distribution, healthcare and remodeling.

Let’s take a deeper look at the numbers.

tal of $682.0 million. This record-breaking figure nearly doubled the previous high of $7.4 billion set in August 2024.

On a not seasonally adjusted basis, construction unemployment stood at 3.8% in September, up 0.1 percentage points from September 2024, according to the most recent report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This compares to a 4.4% unemployment rate for the US population as a whole.

One key leading indicator for construction projects is the Architectural Billings Index (ABI), the gauge of how much work architects are seeing. The ABI score for November remained well below the 50 level at 45.3 (a score over 50 indicates billings growth). This marked the 13th consecutive month of declining billings at architecture firms.

Yet another indicator is the Associated Builders and Contractors Construction Backlog Indicator. In November, backlog declined to 8.1 months. That reflects a 0.3-month decrease compared to both October 2025 and November 2024, signaling a modest pullback in work under contract. (See our story on pg. 1.)

Despite mixed movement, all three components of ABC’s Construction Confidence Index (sales, profit margins and staffing) remained above 50, the thresh-

old that signals expectations for growth over the next six months.

Interest Rates and Inflation Inflation proved stubbornly high in 2025, hovering at around 3% for the core Consumer Price Index and Personal Consumption Expenditures. Over the last five years, construction materials prices are up 43.3%. Iron and steel are up 52.0%, with plumbing fixtures and fittings up 26.6%.

Given the Federal Reserve’s mandate to keep inflation at 2%, one would think rate cuts would be off the table. Instead, the Fed has been cutting interest rates in the face of rising—although still historically low—unemployment. The Federal Fund Reserve Board cut rates ¼ of a basis point three times in 2025. The federal fund rate now stands between 3.50% and 3.75%.

Those cuts are having an impact on mortgage rates. The average mortgage rate in November continued to trend down to its lowest level in over a year. According to Freddie Mac, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.24% in November, two basis points lower than in October, and is 57 basis points lower year-over-year.

Mortgage application activity continues to strengthen, with existing home sales rising to an eight-month high in October.

With mortgage rates remaining elevated

The Trump Administration has made tariffs a central part of its trade policy.

On April 2, President Trump unveiled an array of new tariffs, including a 10 percent minimum tariff on all imported goods and higher “reciprocal” tariff rates for over 80 countries. On April 9, he paused the implementation of many of these levies. On July 31, the administration finalized adjustments to reciprocal rates for over 100 trading partners.

These and other policies have brought the average tariff rate to 17.0 percent.

There are currently legal challenges to the emergency powers the administration is using to justify these tariffs, and it is very possible the Supreme Court may rule them illegal. However, the administration has other legal arguments it could turn to, meaning tariffs in some form are likely here to stay.

The aim of the tariffs is twofold: to bolster American-based manufacturing, and to generate revenue for the federal government.

As to that first aim, free trade policies in place for decades have allowed USbased manufacturers to shop the globe for the lowest-priced labor. Reversing that trend is probably more than any one administration could hope to achieve.

As to that second aim, as of mid-December 2025, the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has collected over $200 billion in tariffs resulting from ➤ Turn to Industry, page 14

➤ www.contractormag.com

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Industry News

PHCC Launches Visionary Peer Groups to Help Build Stronger, Smarter Businesses FALLS CHURCH, VA — The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contrac-

tors—National Association (PHCC) is launching a new professional de-

velopment program for service and repair business owners: the Vision-

ary Peer Groups. The initiative brings together small groups of plumbing, heating, and cooling professionals for structured, coach-led collaboration focused on real-world business improvement.

Focused Groups, Real Results Beginning in January 2026, PHCC members who register will be placed into peer groups of up to fifteen

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participants. Each group will meet monthly via Zoom for 60 to 90 minutes, with discussions guided by experienced business coaches. Sessions are designed to help owners and general managers share best practices, solve operational challenges, and hold each other accountable for business goals.

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ATTENDEE REGISTRATION OPENS DECEMBER 2025

Enrollment Now Open Contractors interested in joining the first Visionary Peer Groups are encouraged to register by December 31, 2025. For more information, contact Beth Dobkin at dobkin@naphcc. org or 916/835-5013.

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Industry News

Gillette Stadium Skills Expo Draws 3,000+ Students to Explore the Trades ➤ Continued from page 1 job, on the tools, and in the field.

“Seeing Gillette Stadium filled with students, families, and professionals all there to celebrate the trades was unforgettable,” said Shana Brunye, Chief Operations Officer of Bring Back the Trades.

“This event showed that the trades aren’t a fallback, they’re a foundation.”

Interactive Exhibits Put the Trades Front and Center Attendees engaged with welding simulators, robotics stations, live construction builds, plumbing demonstrations, and aviation displays—each designed to show how skilled trades power essential work across every community. Students met tradespeople who wire, weld, fix, install, and build the systems behind modern infrastructure, gaining exposure to career paths that offer stability, advancement, and longterm opportunity.

The main stage featured Aaron Witt (BuildWitt), Demi Knight Clark (She Built This City), and Leon Garrett (Kenco Plumbing & Drains), alongside a special appearance from two-time champion and New

England Patriots alum Rob Ninkovich, whose family roots run deep in the ironworking trade.

Scholarships Support Students Entering Essential Fields During the event, BBTT awarded $25,000 in scholarships—10 awards supporting students pursuing careers across plumbing, automotive, aviation, construction management, and related trades.

“I grew up around the trades—my grandfather’s in the trades, my friends are in the trades,” said scholarship recipient Nicolas Eaton, of Rhode Island, who is studying plumbing. “It just feels right for me. The trades are the way to go.”

Industry Partners Drive Workforce Development Momentum The Expo was shaped by strong collaboration among New England employers and training partners. Organizations including F.W. Webb Company, Casella Waste Systems, Eastern Propane & Oil, Kenco Plumbing & Drains, Lighthouse Credit Union, Noso Labs, Optiline Enterprises, and numerous vocational programs helped demonstrate how

industry and education can work together to build the next-generation workforce.

“This event was proof of what can happen when businesses and educators work side by side to inspire the next generation,” said Steve Turner, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Bring Back the Trades.

“Every demo, every conversation, every connection at Gillette helped someone see what’s possible—and that’s exactly what we set out to do.”

“At F.W. Webb, we believe the skilled trades are the backbone of every community,” added Sean Davis, Vice President of Marketing at F.W. Webb Company.

Expanding Across New England Bring Back the Trades will broaden its Skills Expo series across New England in 2026, creating more opportunities for students and employers to connect through hands-on training, technical demonstrations, and workforce development initiatives.

“This is just the beginning,” said Turner. “Our goal is to keep this momentum going, to make sure students in every state see that the trades aren’t just jobs— they’re careers worth celebrating.”

For more information, visit bringbackthetrades.org.

Construction Backlog Slips to 8.1Months ➤ Continued from page 1 2024, signaling a modest pullback in work under contract.

Construction backlogs fell on both a month-over-month and year-over-year basis for every contractor size category except firms with more than $100 million in annual revenues.

The data suggests that smaller and mid-sized contractors are experiencing a more pronounced easing in backlog levels compared to their largest peers.

Expectations of Growth ABC’s Construction Confidence Index reading for sales improved in November, indicating stronger expectations for near-term revenue activity.

However, confidence readings for profit margins and staffing levels declined during the month. Despite the mixed movement, all three components of the index remain above 50, the threshold that signals expectations for growth over the next six months.

10 • JANUARY 2026

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Optimism Remains

“Backlog declined sharply in November and is now at the lowest level since February 2024,” said ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu. “The decline was particularly steep for the smallest contractors; ABC members with under $30 million in annual revenues registered their lowest backlog reading in over four years. Notably, fewer than 6% of those smallest contractors are under contract to work on data center projects, well below the 37% share for contractors with greater than $100 million in annual revenues.

“Despite the decline in backlog, contractors remain broadly optimistic that their sales and staffing levels will expand over the next six months,” said Basu. “At the same time, just 33.6% of contractors expect their profit margins to expand over the next two quarters, the lowest share in over a year. That likely reflects growing anxiety about materials costs.”

To learn more visit www.abc.org.

ABC Construction Backlog Indicator and Constrution Confidence Index 2012-November 2025

© Associated Builders and Contractors, Construction Confidence Index

➤ www.contractormag.com

12/19/2025 3:49:14 PM

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Industry News

Greater Boston PCA Donates $35,000 to Help Support Local Charities ➤ Continued from page 3

ganizations serving the poor, homeless and most vulnerable members of our communities, especially around the holidays,” said Kenneth Reagan, President of the Greater Boston PCA. “Our contractors employ thousands of skilled, licensed plumbers throughout the region, and we are proud to give back to the communities where our members live and work every day.”

Supporting Boston’s Most Vulnerable Communities The Greater Boston PCA distributed $5,000 donations to each of the following organizations: • The Salvation Army Kroc Center, a recreational and enrichment hub for Boston youth.

• Christmas in the City, which hosts an annual holiday celebration and provides ongoing support for homeless families and children.

• Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, offering medical services to people experiencing homelessness.

• Community Servings, based in Jamaica Plain, delivering nutritious meals to families facing food insecurity.

• Father Bill’s & MainSpring, which operates homeless shelters and housing programs in Quincy and Brockton.

• Rosie’s Place, providing shelter, meals, and advocacy for homeless women and survivors of domestic violence.

• The Greater Boston Food Bank, distributing nutritious food to residents throughout Eastern Massachusetts.

Ongoing Commitment to Community Impact Since 2020, the Greater Boston PCA has contributed $160,000 to local charities as part of its annual holiday giving initiative. The organization’s continued support underscores the union plumbing industry’s long-standing commitment to strengthening the Greater Boston community beyond the jobsite.

About the Greater Boston PCA The Greater Boston PCA donates to the Salvation Army Kroc Center.

Union Contractors Giving Back “The Greater Boston PCA is proud to support or-

The Greater Boston Plumbing Contractors Association is a trade association representing the region’s premier unionized plumbing contractors, and advancing the plumbing industry alongside the highly trained and talented Plumbers and Gasfitters Local 12.

Nation’s Best Plumbers Compete for 2025 Elite Trades National Title ➤ Continued from page 3 multiple divisions, with the plumbing finals anchoring the month’s broadcasts on CBS Sports Network.

The nationally televised finals will air at 8 PM ET across three Fridays—December 12, 19, and 26—showcasing competitors in the HVAC Professional Division, HVAC Apprentice Division, and, most notably, the Plumbing competition. This year’s broadcast will feature the top five plumbers facing off in a series of skillsbased challenges designed to mirror real-world jobsite pressure and precision.

Plumbing Skills on Display for a National Audience SETCS puts emphasis on hands-on, practical tasks that test everything from diagnostic accuracy to code-compliant

12 • JANUARY 2026

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installations. For plumbing pros, the finals highlight the craft, speed, and problem-solving ability that define top-tier field performance—and give the industry a rare spotlight on national television.

Competitors Outfitted for Performance As the Official and Exclusive Work Apparel Partner of SETCS, Engelbert Strauss (STRAUSS) is equipping every competitor and judge with purpose-built workwear engineered for durability and mobility.

Its role supports the competition without overshadowing it, ensuring finalists can stay focused on the only goal that matters: earning a national title.

“For three generations, STRAUSS has believed in celebrating craftsmanship and taking pride in a job well

done,” said Henning Strauss, CEO of STRAUSS. “The ServiceTitan Elite Trades Championship Series is a natural fit for us because it honors those exact values and the tradespeople who live them every day.”

Commitment to Craftsmanship Across Global Skill Competitions STRAUSS has invested heavily in vocational excellence worldwide, including outfitting Team Austria at EuroSkills— Europe’s largest vocational skills competition—since 2016. Its partnership with SETCS extends this commitment to the U.S., reinforcing the value of skilled trades and the craft professionals who keep essential systems running.

“We are excited to welcome STRAUSS

as our newest partner of the ServiceTitan Elite Trades Championship Series.

Their commitment to innovation, performance clothing and respect for the trades aligns perfectly with our mission to elevate and celebrate the industrial athletes who power our country every day,” said Scott Mendel, Senior Vice President and GM of the ServiceTitan Elite Trades Championship Series.

For more than 75 years, STRAUSS has outfitted craft and trade professionals worldwide with functional, reliable workwear built for demanding environments—the same type of performance needed on the SETCS competition floor.

For more information about the ServiceTitan Elite Trades Championship Series, visit elitetrades.global. For more information about STRAUSS, visit strauss.com.

➤ www.contractormag.com

12/18/2025 10:56:30 AM

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Industry News

Industry Econ Forecast 2026 ➤ Continued from page 6 new duties imposed since the beginning of 2025. It should be noted that tariffs are

paid by American companies, and (typically) passed along to consumers in the form of higher prices.

Another hallmark of the Trump Administration has been immigration enforcement. According a workforce survey

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conducted in August of 2025 by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) and the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER), construction workforce shortages are the leading cause of project delays, and new immigration enforcement efforts have impacted nearly one-third of construction firms.

Putting aside the underlying reasons behind these policies, economists agree they are both inflationary, with tariffs raising the price of materials, and immigration policy raising the price of labor.

➤ www.contractormag.com

Again, the recent economy has been a mixed bag.

On the residential side possible bright spots are in multifamily (as families priced out of homeownership opt for apartment living), high-end homes (as wealthier families, bolstered by a rising stock market, feel free to spend) and in remodeling (as families staying put look to rehab existing homes).

On the nonresidential side, huge amounts of money are already committed to data center projects. Those data centers will in turn demand energy from new power facilities.

On the municipal side, even as federal infrastructure investment begins to decline, more states and cities will be forced to invest in their water and wastewater systems as those systems age, populations increase, and as new monitoring and metering technology offer huge potential savings in water and energy.

Lastly, healthcare construction has been booming in 2025 with no end in sight, driven by an aging population and a shift to outpatient, ambulatory care.

As always, there are problems we have no way of predicting. A new conflict in the Middle East, Eastern Europe or Aisa could rattle markets and impact supply chains. A new pandemic could easily do the same.

Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping entire industries—there is simply no way to predict what its long-term effect on the American economy will be.

One thing is certain: people will always need clean running water, meaning the people who build and maintain the systems that deliver it will always have work to do.

12/16/25 10:38 AM

12/22/2025 2:13:46 PM

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12/3/25 1:06 12/22/2025 2:13:48 PMPM

Industry News

by Al Schwartz PLUMBING CONTRACTOR

Keeping Your Focus: Inventory

W

ith the holiday season just behind us and all the frantic rushing at low ebb, it is a good time to take stock of your business and your goals for the coming year(s).

With everything you have to keep track of—marketing, chasing work, estimating, competitors, pricing, personnel and your bottom line just to name a few—it is easy to get caught up in trying to do a little bit of everything and doing most of that badly.

Take the time, right now, to sit back and take a hard, critical look at your business: what it is now and where is it going. Obviously, if you are in business today, you are already a risk-taker and an entrepreneur, so leverage your “can-do” attitude and make your business better than it was.

There are basics that every business, no matter how small or large, must do well to thrive or just survive in our present economy. Improving those areas where you are weak, while perfecting those areas where you are strong, will pay big dividends in the long- and short-term.

Getting focused on $ucce$$ Figuring out what to focus your attention on isn’t nuclear physics. Do a mental review of the areas of your business that give you the most heartburn and you’ll quickly find what you are looking for. Let’s not go with labor, which is the easiest to pinpoint and is almost a universal issue in the trades. Rather, while you can focus on that, chances are that you will spend a lot of time on something that is too fluid to make any long-term inroads in improving. Not to say that manpower is not an issue worth focusing on, it just isn’t the one that you can improve quickly in the short term.

How about tightening up the things that make, and cost, you money?

What do you know about inventory and inventory control? Whether you are a service shop or a major commercial/industrial contractor, that is an area where a little attention can make a big difference.

Focus on Inventory Almost everyone in our industry carries inventory of one type or another.

Inventory is referred to as stock, stock

16 • JANUARY 2026

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ID 5760147 © Brian T. Young | Dreamstime.com

What do you know about inventory and inventory control? Whether you are a service shop or a major commercial/ industrial contractor, that is an area where a little attention can make a big difference. on hand or as par. Stock is what you have on hand to sell. Do you have an inventory list? Does it show you—one by one and cumulatively—what you have on hand? Do you know what has been around a while and what moves quickly out of your shop? How long does it take to get your material (lead time)? If you are working on large projects and stock by the job, do you order per a takeoff, or in bulk? If you order in bulk, who keeps track of where the overstock goes and how it is tracked?

Let us take the example of a service/ remodel shop. Having stock on hand is a must both for restocking service trucks and for walk in customers (if you cater to walk-in trade). How long will you have those old, outdated faucets on your shelf? How about valve stems and faucet parts (do you still use replacement parts)? Are you still carrying

parts for things that are not only out of date, but have become rare? Freshen it up a bit. With the advent of computing power there is no longer an excuse for not having some type of inventory control program.

Anyone with a modicum of computer savvy can make a rudimentary inventory control program using Microsoft Excel.

Want more bells and whistles? There are dozens, if not hundreds of reasonably priced, prepackaged inventory programs for PC’s and Macs. I believe that there are also many “free” inventory control programs available on the web, but since I’m retired, I don’t know much about them.

Whether you monitor it yourself or have a program that is totally automated with bar coding and scanners, a timely, manual stock review is an absolute must.

Most suppliers shut down annually near their fiscal year end for a complete,

“count it out, one-by-one” inventory.

If they do it to keep track of their stock, you can and should do the same. They also use it to help accounting determine their “net” worth. Ask any accountant about the value of a good inventory control program and they will tell you that it is a hard asset that, accurately priced, can improve your bottom line, especially when it comes time for borrowing money or credit lines. Knowing what you have on hand, what moves and what doesn’t, can be a big money saver for a contracting or service business.

You want to tighten up your business model moving forward? Focusing on inventory is a great way to make a tangible improvement, save you a few dollars and get you headed in the right direction. Once you have that aspect under control, you can think about other areas that might need improvement.

1

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.

➤ www.contractormag.com

12/16/2025 5:01:22 PM

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Forum

A Year After the Fire: Rebuilding LA County Water Infrastructure An inadequate water supply due to out-of-date systems denied firefighters the No. 1 tool they needed to fight the LA wildfires last January.

BY KELLY FALOON OF CONTRACTOR’S STAFF

T

hirty-two lives lost. More than 180,000 people left their homes.

More than 16,000 buildings were destroyed, with about $65 million in damage.

The wildfires that consumed large parts of Los Angeles County in January 2025 destroyed 62 square miles of the county’s 4,083 square miles. The Pacific Palisades and Eaton areas were the most affected.

“Despite California experiencing record water reserves in the State Water Project, the city’s aging water delivery system proved inadequate for the extreme demands of the blaze,” reports Archyde.com (bit.ly/3YCzD6Y).

The county’s pump-and-storage system was not designed to handle catastrophic fires, only a few home fires, notes the New York Times.

“The issue [was] … the limitations of a pump-and-storage system designed for a bygone era,” Archyde.com notes. “This system, unable to cope with the scale and rapid intensity of the fire, highlighted the urgent need for modernization. … A staggering 24% of hydrants within the fire perimeter were outdated ‘red-top’ models dating back to the 1940s. These obsolete hydrants, featuring single 2.5inch outlets, lacked the capacity and connectivity of modern counterparts.

The American Water Works Association no longer considers them suitable for standard fire protection.”

Despite Gov. Gavin Newsom signing an executive order suspending “unnecessary permitting and review requirements”, the process has been slow and frustrating for everyone.

On the anniversary of these devastating fires, we talk with Christoph Lohr, PE, IAPMO’s vice president of technical services and research, about water systems and fire codes.

CONTRACTOR: The LA wildfires destroyed so much. What was the

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NASA

A satellite view of the Palisades Fire. impact of the fires on the LA County water system?

Christoph Lohr: There was damage to a lot of the piping systems out there, so they are having to start from scratch. For any undamaged pipe, there are flushing protocols, especially if that water’s been sitting in piping, as stagnancy can cause issues in water systems for prolonged periods, such as Legionella.

The affected areas need to update their water systems. Much of the piping is no longer usable due to damage; total replacement of those systems is necessary.

That includes everything from water mains and water meters to the piping in homes or apartment complexes. Homeowners and business owners who want to rebuild need to right-size some of that piping; using IAPMO’s Water Demand Calculator may help them.

CONTRACTOR: Tell us more about the Water Demand Calculator. How will it help the county reconstruct its water infrastructure?

Lohr: IAPMO developed it in conjunction with the University of Cincinnati and the American Society of Plumbing Engineers in 2017, along with the release of the water efficiency and sanitation

standard, WE•Stand.

In many cases, it leads to much smaller piping, but that piping is much more accurately sized.

Instead of a safety factor of up to 27 times, you might have a safety factor of more like two times the peak flow rate.

We’re sizing the piping Christoph Lohr. much more accurately, but we still add a bit of a safety factor.

Let’s say an apartment building with 100 units needs a 4-inch pipe. Using the calculator, you might be able to get away with 2-inch or maybe even 1 -1/2-inch pipe, depending on the available water pressure. So, it helps to make everything much more affordable.

In 2024, California adopted the Water Demand Calculator. These kinds of savings are now available to places like LA County and others that have been impacted by wildfires.

CONTRACTOR: What about the codes?

Lohr: I believe California is starting to adopt the latest version of the California plumbing code, but the National Fire

Protection Association (NFPA) has codes specifically for fire protection, such as NFPA 13, the standard for sprinkler system installation, and NFPA 17, for dry chemical extinguishing systems.

In the Uniform Plumbing Code, in addition to Chapter 6, which addresses residential fire sprinkler systems, there’s also Appendix F, which addresses firefighter breathing air replenishment systems (FBAS).

In Phoenix, there’s a local ordinance that requires FBAS on any building over 75 feet tall. The IAPMO idea behind it stems from the 9/11 Twin Towers attack. When these firefighters have to go up into high-rise buildings, they can run out of air on the scuba systems. The FBAS systems are hard-piped with stainless steel into the stairwells. A fire truck with an air compressor pulls up next to it and pumps fresh air into the piping. Firefighters can go to a safe place and replenish their air without having to go down multiple flights of stairs.

There aren’t many high-rise occupant systems installed, but especially in some of these wild areas, an FBA system can become part of the code or an ordinance.

However, it doesn’t have to be a highrise. If a home is up a steep embankment or you have a larger building with some inaccessible areas, it’s a great way to build in some safety for people fighting the fires.

We must ensure that places prone to wildfires have the latest code versions, which give them the best tools to address these challenges as they come up.

1

➤ www.contractormag.com

12/19/2025 4:40:53 PM

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Plumbing Outfitters

Today, Plumbing Outfitters has grown into a team of 28 members operating multiple trucks across Central Texas.

CONTRACTOR magazine’s Contractor of the Year, Warren and Ashley Stroud, the husband-andwife ownership team that is Plumbing Outfitters, relies on character, humility, accountability, mindfulness, precision and service.

By John Mesenbrink, Editor-at-Large

G

rit. Responsibility. Doing things the right way when no one is watching. These are the critical attributes Warren Stroud learned early on while working on his uncle’s Texas ranch that he brought to his current business, Plumbing Outfitters, Austin, Texas.

Couple that with watching his father run a trucking business, Warren got that entrepreneurial itch at a young age. It was then that he saw firsthand the sacrifices, responsibility and pride that come with owning a business and providing for others. But it was around those ranch days that the ranch’s business partner—who owned a plumbing company and was a master plumber—introduced Warren to the trades and encouraged him to pursue plumbing as a career.

That conversation changed the trajectory of his life.

Warren graduated in 2005 from his home-school program and began as a Plumbing Apprentice shortly thereafter. He learned valuable technical skills in various areas of plumbing over the course of 12 years before starting his own company. Warren cut his teeth in new construction, learning the fundamentals of the trade from seasoned plumbers who emphasized craftsmanship and code-driven work.

When the housing market crashed in 2008, Warren and fiancée Ashley were newly married, and Warren made the decision to transition into residential

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Plumbing Outfitters

Since 2017, Warren has served as Owner and Master Plumber, and Ashley has served as Co-Owner, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Marketing Officer of Plumbing Outfitters, which officially began as Warren operating solo, focused on honest diagnostics, quality repairs and treating customers the way he’d want his own family treated. That philosophy led to steady, organic growth. Before long, other plumbers began reaching out, wanting to work alongside him; not because of flashy marketing, but because of the reputation being built in the community.

Success in Growth

Ashley Stroud proudly displays her plumbing license. service plumbing; a move that proved to be far more recession-resistant and allowed him to serve homeowners directly.

“Growth never replaced the ‘why’—it strengthened it,” says Warren Stroud. Taking on employees was a scary leap and a significant responsibility, but one Warren did not take lightly. From the beginning, the company was built on the belief that if you do good, honest work and take care of people, both customers and team members, growth will follow.

Today, Plumbing Outfitters has grown into a team of 28 members operating multiple trucks across Central Texas, but its core mission, values and respect for the craft remain unchanged.

“Making the leap from a solo operator to an employer was both exciting and terrifying. Accepting responsibility for providing livelihoods for other

➤ www.contractormag.com

12/22/2025 10:24:13 AM

Plumbing Outfitters

Plumbing Outfitters

Warren Stroud.

Outfitters team is focused on delivering a consistent, five-star customer experience.

families is not something we ever took lightly,” says Ashley Stroud.

And, continuing to celebrate the successes of the company in 2025, Ashley Stroud was named the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling-Contractors Association’s (PHCC) Plumbing Contractor of the Year for outstanding leadership of her team, commitment to workforce development and dedication to her customers and community.

According to Stroud, this recognition was incredibly meaningful—not just as an award, but as affirmation that how you build a company matters. “For Plumbing Outfitters, it reflects years of choosing integrity over ease, people over profit, and long-term impact over short-term growth. It’s a win for our entire team and a reminder that leadership in the trades is about stewardship,” says Ashley Stroud.

you lead yourself, so we focused first on discipline, stewardship, and personal growth before expecting it from our team,” says Ashley Stroud.

Ashley also emphasizes that equally important has been remembering the community that made them.

“We’ve never lost sight of the people who believed in us early on—customers who took a chance on a small, one-man operation, mentors who poured into us, and a community that supported our growth. As the company has grown, we’ve made it a priority to always find ways to give back, stay connected and serve beyond the job itself,” says Ashley Stroud.

The team also stayed grounded in remembering what the “golden ticket” truly is: delivering a consistent, five-star customer experience. “Everything we build— processes, training, hiring and leadership—funnels back to that goal. Rather than chasing growth for growth’s sake, we focused on building systems that can predictably deliver excellent service every single time. When customers trust you and employees believe in what you’re building, growth becomes sustainable rather than chaotic,” says Warren Stroud.

Humility, Discipline, Community One of the biggest “secrets” to the company’s growth has been accepting that they don’t have all the answers. “Early on, we learned that self-awareness, recognizing blind spots and limitations, is not a weakness, but a key component to survival. Hiring a business coach and intentionally surrounding ourselves with people who challenge us to level up was critical. Growth always requires humility and a willingness to be coached,” says Ashley Stroud.

Another key factor has been disciplined reinvestment. From the beginning, Warren and Ashley made the intentional decision to limit their personal lifestyle expenses so they could reinvest back into the business.

“We firmly believe you cannot lead others better than

CHAMPS At Plumbing Outfitters, core values, CHAMPS—Character, Humility, Accountability, Mindfulness, Precision, and Service—are the backbone of the organization.

“They are not aspirational posters on a wall; they are operational expectations that guide how we hire, lead, make decisions, and serve customers every single day,” says Warren Stroud.

➤ www.contractormag.com

2601CO_20-23_Feature.indd 21

Plumbing Outfitters

The Strouds see mentorship, early exposure and strong leadership representation as critical to solving the workforce shortage.

These values are reinforced intentionally and consistently. For example, the monthly CHAMP Award recognizes a team member who best exemplifies the company’s values in action; not just through results, but through how they show up for teammates and customers. It keeps the values alive, visible and celebrated.

“We also believe strongly that culture is crafted by what you’re willing to uphold as well as what you’re

JANUARY 2026 • 21

12/22/2025 10:24:15 AM

willing to address. We hire for CHAMPS alignment, and we will also part ways over it. Skill can be trained; character cannot. Our core values are a direct reflection of the owners’ vision for the organization, and they serve as the standard by which we measure behavior, not just performance,” says Ashley Stroud.

If you asked anyone on the team, they could tell you exactly what CHAMPS stands for. That’s intentional.

Values are memorized, discussed, coached around and expected. “They inform everything from how we communicate internally, to how we handle mistakes, how our CSRs navigate, to how we walk into a customer’s home. In our experience, when values are clearly defined and consistently upheld, they create alignment, trust, and pride, both internally and externally. That’s what allows our culture to scale without losing its soul,” says Ashley Stroud.

Plumbing Outfitters

The Trades, in Lights According to the Strouds, the industry must do a better job telling the truth about the trades: that this is a viable, respected, well-paying career with real purpose and long-term opportunity. “Too often, we undersell the value of what this work provides: financial stability, skill mastery, entrepreneurship, and the ability to serve communities in a tangible way,” says Ashley Stroud.

Mentorship, early exposure and strong leadership representation are critical to solving the workforce shortage. Plumbing Outfitters is investing heavily in developing the next generation through “The Forge,” an intensive 12-week apprenticeship program designed to equip new tradespeople with the technical skills, mindset and professionalism needed to succeed in the field. Warren is personally piloting this program, with the long-term vision of staffing it with highly trained master plumber(s) so it becomes a meaningful, attractive on-ramp into the industry for newcomers.

Ashley Stroud receiving the PHCC’s Plumbing Contractor of the Year Award at Connect 2025.

Visibility Matters As a woman in the trades and a licensed plumber herself, Ashley is deeply passionate about mentorship. Ashley says that when young women see someone who looks like them thriving in this industry, it expands what they believe is possible and gives them permission to consider a path they may not have otherwise explored.

Ashley also believes there is a real opportunity for women to help fill important gaps in the industry, particularly in residential service. Traits such as empathy, strong communication, attention to detail and emotional intelligence are incredibly valuable when serving homeowners, many of whom may feel more comfortable and at ease with a woman in their home.

“If I can help build bridges that invite capable women into the trades and support them as they grow, I will do so proudly,” says Ashley Stroud.

Plumbing Outfitters

Giving back to the community—especially during the holiday season—is a cornerstone of the Outfitters’ business philosophy.

22 • JANUARY 2026

2601CO_20-23_Feature.indd 22

Yet, at the same time, Ashley strongly believes in a merit-based approach. “Women don’t need special treatment or shortcuts to succeed in this industry. The capable ones will rise to the occasion through hard work, discipline, and skill, just like anyone else. The goal isn’t preference; it’s opportunity and access,” says Ashley Stroud.

Steadiness Through Uncertainty At Plumbing Outfitters, the goals for the short term include: continued leadership development within the existing team, strategic growth within the current service area, expanding training and apprenticeship opportunities, deepening community involvement, and driving profitability through scalable, repeatable systems.

However, like most contractors today, the company is navigating rising material and labor costs, a skilled labor shortage, economic uncertainty, and increased competition. Rather than reacting emotionally or chasing short-term fixes, Plumbing Outfitters has chosen to double down on fundamentals.

That starts with strong financial discipline and intentional reinvestment into people, systems and leadership development. The company is committed to training the next generation of tradespeople, building leaders from within and diversifying its services responsibly.

It also operates with a supply-side mindset: continually building and refining scalable systems so that when growth opportunities arise, it is ready to capitalize on them quickly and sustainably. “We don’t just build what our business wants; we focus on meeting real customer needs, refining the experience, and pivoting quickly when the market demands it,” says Ashley Stroud According to Warren Stroud, “Times are changing, and the companies that thrive will be decisive, adaptable and people-focused. We believe organizations rooted in strong process, disciplined leadership and clear purpose are best positioned to weather uncertainty and to grow through it.”

➤ www.contractormag.com

12/22/2025 10:24:16 AM

Hydronics & Radiant Presented in partnership with Radiant Professionals Alliance

by Patrick Linhardt

HYDRONICS MANAGER AT CORKEN STEEL PRODUCTS CO.

Weighted Check Valves Leave Water with ‘One Way Out’

I

had been feeling the blues, a combination of flu-like symptoms, couple of weird jobs at work, and the decrease of sunlight as we approach the beginning of winter. Nothing like southern blues by the Allman Brothers to get out of a funk.

They didn’t write this song, but gave it their edge, singing about being trapped with only one way to get out, like the upstairs window.

The red valves in the photo are like that. They only let flow to get out and none to get in because they are a version of a check valve, which means water flow can only go through the valve in one direction. This model has a weighted check that has to have a pump circulating water in that zone to lift the check and allow the water to flow.

Today we use that idea but we use a spring instead of a weight to keep the check in place to prevent gravity circulation. That was the original concept for the weighted check valve, preventing gravity circulation from an automatic fired hot water boiler. It was part of the conversion from coal fired boilers to gas/ oil fired boilers.

Early Advanced These old coal boilers were connected to the huge pipes that circulated by gravity. When the contractor promised the homeowner that the newfangled thermostat on the wall would keep the house at one temperature, there had to be something to prevent all the heat in the high mass cast iron boiler from circulating by gravity out of the boiler after the thermostat ended the call for heat. The pump would stop, the check would fall into place, and circulation to the radiators would stop. This was advanced stuff back then.

Times changed and the function of the weighted check valve evolved to prevent backwards circulation in the newfangled multiple zoned hot water systems using zone pumps. Without the check valves, when one zone pump starts circulating, water can also flow

of flow. I guess I didn’t get a chance to talk to this guy.

Working Theory

A mixed-up boiler valving job has Done Somebody Wrong. Can the author ensure there will be Trouble No More? backwards through zones that are off.

This doesn’t happen with zone valve systems, because of the positive closure of the zone valves.

Misapplication The application of the valves shown in the photo is completely wrong. I hate to be so judgmental, but this guy completely misunderstood what they do.

This is a two equal size boiler system, providing heat to an apartment building. The boilers are staged on and off to improve system efficiency. I forget what I was there for, but these valves caught my eye.

The valve on the left is connected to the supply tapping of the boiler, so water can only go up through the valve. The valve on the right is connected to a tee in the return line of the boiler. As orientated, the water can only flow from right to left through the valve, or from the return to

the tee above the other valve, which is the supply.

Their flows combine to be the total flow through that side of the pair of boilers, and in this case half the total flow of the system. How much flow goes through each valve cannot be controlled, only which direction the flow will be. The valves are situated to make me believe that the installing contractor thought they could control flow.

In fact, if we had the piping diagram that the contractor was using to run the piping, there would be valves in those locations marked “flow control or balancing valves”.

Full disclosure, for many years I sold this exact brand of valves. The manufacturer gave them the trade name, “Flo-Control” valves. Yes, they did control flow, but only its direction. A few times in my career I did catch contractors trying to buy these valves to control the amount

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The reason he piped in this bypass between the supply and return is unknown, but I suspect it would have been to prevent flue gas condensation. The theory for this is mixing the hot water from the boiler with the cooler return water from the system to keep the temperature up in the cast iron or copper fin heat exchanger of on/off boilers.

If it’s a high efficiency condensing boiler, than we don’t want to do this because the cooler the return water, the higher the efficiency. In this case, the check valve would prevent the water from going that way. With the way this is set up, the cooler water from the return mixes with the hot water from the boiler, reducing the temperature of the water going to the radiation. Not sure why you want to heat the water up and then cool it down.

Just Don’t Know Another feature of this valve is the ability to manually lift the weighted check valve off the set. This was important back in the day when electricity and pumps weren’t so reliable. If you didn’t have a pump to lift the check, you could turn that little knob on the top and it would pull up the check and hold it open so gravity flow could happen.

If you notice in the photo, the left valve is manually open and the right valve is working automatically. A lot of the times in the field, I find the valve in the manual position. I guess a lot of people misunderstand the function and operation of the weighted check valve.

As the song says at the end, “Oh baby, I just don’t know.”

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.

JANUARY 2026 • 23

12/19/2025 9:24:39 AM

Hydronics & Radiant Presented in partnership with Radiant Professionals Alliance

Vanderbilt’s Diego Pavia Takes Home Golden Arm Award® for 2025 Backed by presenting sponsor A. O. Smith, the award highlights Pavia’s breakout season and leadership within the Commodores program.

BALTIMORE, MD — The Golden Arm Educational Foundation, together with presenting sponsor A. O. Smith Corporation, announced that Vanderbilt University quarterback Diego Pavia has been named the recipient of the 2025 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award®.

The honor is presented annually to the nation’s top upper-class collegiate quarterback who demonstrates excellence on the field, in the classroom, and in the community. Pavia is the first Vanderbilt athlete in program history to receive the award.

Pavia’s path—from an overlooked recruit to one of the most productive QBs in college football—has made him one of the standout stories of the 2025 season. He completed 242 of 340 pass attempts for 3,192 yards and a school-record 27 touchdowns, while also leading the team in rushing with 826 yards and nine scores. His 4,018 yards of total offense set a new Vanderbilt season record. Pavia leads the SEC and ranks second nationally with an average of 334.8 total yards per game, while also topping the conference in passing efficiency, touchdowns, completion percentage, and yards per attempt.

recognized for his resilience, community involvement, and leadership within the Vanderbilt program.

Performance and Innovation

Golden Arm Award

Vanderbilt’s Diego Pavia in action.

Leadership and Resilience “Diego Pavia embodies everything the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award stands for,” said John Unitas, President of the Golden Arm Educational Foundation. “His toughness, leadership, and commitment to excellence reflect the spirit of my dad both on and off the field.

He’s gone from overlooked to unstoppable, making him an inspiration to young athletes everywhere.”

Beyond his on-field achievements, Pavia has been

A. O. Smith’s role as presenting sponsor reflects the company’s long commitment to performance, reliability, and innovation—values equally recognized in the Golden Arm Award® recipients. As a leader in water heating and boiler technology, A. O. Smith continues to support programs that highlight excellence, discipline, and advancement in their respective fields.

Golden Arm Award® partners include: MedStar Sports Medicine, The Babe Ruth Museum, Comcast, Dunbar Security Solutions, Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore, BFPE International, Wilson, Haddock Investments, Silver Star Properties, Encore, TRAY, AE2 Creative, Jostens, Leveling the Playing Field, Yates, Wolf Professional Security, and Extraordinar Luxury Transportation.

For more information on the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award®, visit GoldenArmAward.com.

For more about A. O. Smith, visit www.hotwater.com.

Bradford White Named 2025 Employer of the Year by West Michigan Works!

Award recognizes manufacturer’s investment in workforce development and manufacturing career pathways across the region.

MIDDLEVILLE, MI — Bradford White Corporation, a leading manufacturer of water heaters, boilers and storage tanks, has been named 2025 Employer of the Year

by West Michigan Works!, recognizing the company’s strong partnerships and contributions to workforce development across the region.

The award highlights Bradford White’s collaborative approach to talent development, which includes supporting career pathways, expanding access to training, and engaging in programs that connect job seekers with lasting, high-quality employment opportunities.

Bradford White was nominated by the West Michigan Works! Business Solutions team for its ongoing investment in the manufacturing workforce. The company partners with local schools, training programs and community organizations to strengthen the regional talent pipeline and increase awareness of modern manufacturing careers.

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Bradford White

Brian Gruber, Kate Baumgardner, Jason Heist and Kelly Kroll.

“We believe workforce development is a shared responsibility, and we’re committed to showing up alongside our partners to help cultivate the talent and skills that are needed within our community,” said Neal Heyman, Senior Director of Marketing at Bradford White.

Through partnerships with regional organizations,

Bradford White focuses on developing training opportunities that meet both current and future industry needs.

These initiatives help ensure that individuals entering the workforce gain the hands-on skills and education necessary for long-term success in the plumbing, heating and manufacturing trades.

The company’s efforts align with West Michigan Works!’ mission to connect employers and job seekers across Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Kent, Montcalm, Muskegon and Ottawa counties.

Company representatives—including Brian Gruber, Vice President of Operations; Kate Baumgardner, HR Supervisor; Jason Heist, Director of Human Resources; and Kelly Kroll, HR Business Partner—accepted the Employer of the Year award at the West Michigan Works!

Annual Meeting on December 8.

For more information, visit www.bradfordwhitecorporation.com.

➤ www.contractormag.com

12/15/2025 11:53:08 AM

®

Flexible Gas Piping by OmegaFlex

Leading Supplier

for Natural Gas and Propane

Safety • Ease • Innovation • Performance Omega Flex, Inc. has led the piping industry with its high-quality construction and commitment to exceed the industry’s product and safety standards. The flexibility and long lengths of CounterStrike® CSST make it perfect for remodel and repair work. It can be pulled like wire, which minimizes the need to remove and replace walls, while at the same time potentially reducing both construction cost and shortening lead times. Omega Flex currently has over 100 patents registered worldwide and is a product and engineering driven company committed to meeting our customers’ performance requirements.

For more information on CounterStrike® CSST, visit our website at © Omega Flex, Inc. 2023

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tracpipe.com

Omega Flex, Inc. 451 Creamery Way Exton, PA 19341 1-800-671-8622 ISO 9001 Registered Company FGP-759 Rev 1223

2/13/24 8:26 12/22/2025 10:27:08 AMAM

Hydronics & Radiant Presented in partnership with Radiant Professionals Alliance

University Turns to Emerge X HPWH for Sustainable, Compliant Hot Water The split design enabled crane-assist installation on a top-floor mechanical room while meeting ambitious energy and emissions goals.

SPECIAL TO CONTRACTOR A.O. Smith

Washington and Lee University in Lexington, VA, was established in 1749 as Augusta Academy, making it one of the oldest institutions of higher learning in the US.

W

ashington and Lee University, a historic private institution in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, needed a water heating solution that could meet strict sustainability targets while fitting into a challenging mechanical room layout in its new business college building.

After evaluating several options, the project team selected A. O. Smith’s Emerge® X Air Source Heat Pump Water Heater (HPWH) for its combination of high efficiency, low emissions and modular, contractor-friendly design.

A.O. Smith

Split-System Design Solves Top-Floor Installation Constraint Local building restrictions required the mechanical room to be located on the top floor, forcing equipment to be lifted into place in multiple stages. Because the Emerge X is a split system—with the heat pump module and storage tank delivered as separate components—the installation team could hoist and position each section independently, avoiding structural access issues and reducing job-site complexity. The system’s modular layout also made final assembly and connections more straightforward in the confined space.

A view of the installation location.

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12/22/2025 3:50:26 PM

A.O. Smith

A.O. Smith

The user-friendly control panel makes it easy for the building managers to adjust settings and monitor performance.

High-Efficiency Operation and Low-GWP Refrigerant Support Sustainability Goals Blauch Brothers, Inc., Mechanical Contractors, was chosen as the installer for the project. With offices in Harrisonburg and Winchester, Blauch Brothers has been in business since 1954, and prides itself on serving the unique needs of its Central Virginia community: solving the complex puzzles of commercial HVAC, piping, and plumbing systems.

“When we started looking at the different options on the market, we wondered if we could be efficient and take care of the environment at the same time. With the Emerge X heat pump water heater, we can,” says Chris Blauch, Vice President and Operations Manager at Blauch Brothers Inc. “The unit’s low carbon emissions will help Washington and Lee University achieve the Commonwealth of Virginia’s green building standards.

They want the best for their students and their community, and A. O. Smith has helped them achieve that.”

The Emerge X HPWH extracts heat from ambient air rather than generating heat through resistance, enabling a Coefficient of Performance (CoP) up to 4.6—roughly five times the efficiency of a standard electric water heater. The system also uses R513A, a low Global Warming Potential refrigerant that further reduces on-site environmental impact and supports the Commonwealth of Virginia’s green building standards.

Another view of the Emerge® X Air Source Heat Pump Water Heater, with some of the near-unit piping.

Optimized Components Improve Performance and Reduce Operating Costs

efficiency ratings and a modular design—all of which made the unit a perfect fit for Washington and Lee’s needs and priorities.”

Features & Benefits

Flexible Controls and Scalable Hot Water Management

• Zero on-site emissions

Cost-effectiveness was another top priority. The Emerge X incorporates ECM variable-speed motors, which outperform permanent split capacitor motors by adjusting pump speeds to match system demand. Additional high-performance components—including a Copeland scroll compressor with CoreSense™ protection, electronic expansion valve, and reversing valve—deliver stable operation, faster recovery, and enhanced reliability. The system’s zero on-site emissions and high efficiency profile translate into long-term operating savings for the university.

“For customers that are particular about energy savings and the environment, heat pump water heaters are a great solution,” says Jeff Storie, A. O. Smith’s director of brand and field marketing. “The Emerge X unit has zero on-site carbon emissions, incredibly high

A.O. Smith

The Emerge X features a remote mountable system control panel.

The Emerge X’s remote-mountable control box added another layer of design flexibility, allowing installers to position the controls where access and visibility were optimal rather than where space permitted. Building managers now benefit from a user-friendly interface for monitoring performance and adjusting system parameters. The control platform is expandable as well, enabling the university to integrate multiple heat pumps on a single controller if future hot water demand increases.

To learn more about the Emerge X HPWH and other A. O. Smith solutions, visit hotwater.com.

Note: this release was rewritten with help from generative AI.

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• Coefficient of Performance (CoP) up to 4.6 • Modular split-system design for versatile installation • Low-GWP refrigerant R513A • Maximum 160°F set point • Copeland scroll compressor with CoreSense™ protection • ECM variable-speed pump • Electronic expansion valve • Reversing valve for efficient heat transfer cycles • 480V 3-phase power compatibility • Suitable for indoor or outdoor installations • Remote-mountable system control panel

JANUARY 2026 • 27

12/22/2025 9:36:17 AM

Technology

by Patti Feldman COMPUTER AUTHORITY

Marketing & Sales, and a Mobile Productivity App

T

hryv (www.thryv.com) is a comprehensive marketing and sales software platform for driving business growth for small HVAC and plumbing service contractors by helping them get discovered online, capture and convert new customers, and drive repeat business.

Marketing Center tools from Thryv include campaign management software to help reach your target audience cost effectively across social, paid ads, and search engine marketing. Real-time analytics provide insights on your customers that are aimed at helping maximize impact of your market spend.

The software integrates easily with ServiceTitan, Jobber, Gmail, QuickBooks, Constant Connects, PayPal and other third-party platforms.

Automated appointment scheduling allows customers to log on at the client portal 24/7 to schedule, reschedule, or cancel appointment slots on your calendar. An all-in-one inbox gives you one place to view and respond to email, text, web chat, DMs, and phone calls. It also delivers transcriptions of voicemails to your inbox, making it easier to find information left in voice messages.

Thryv also supports automated appointment reminders by text and email, automated invoicing, and payments.

Customers can sign documents online with Thryv Signatures.

The software facilitates creating estimates online, sending them to customers digitally, and notifying you when they have been received, read, and approved.

You can attach documents and markup images to clarify communication. Once you create a template to welcome new customers or present them with seasonal money-saving tips, for example, Thryv will personalize the message with customer details and send it at the appropriate time.

The client portal gives customers a secure place online to log in and make payments, schedule appointments, upload files, view account information, and access other self-service options.

Thryv has also integrated AI into their marketing software. AI Content Assis-

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Thryv

notification on their computing device and the invoice status (i.e. Paid).

The app works offline and users can save and sync automatically once they are back online.

Pricing: per month, paid annually.

In addition to the Stripe fee, which is separate, Tofu charges an additional 1% per successful transaction. Tofu also offers free invoice templates, accessible online, that support input of your business information, client information, invoice number issue and due date, and list of products or services delivered and total price.

Arcsite

Reviews of the Thryv marketing platform, the Tofu Premium productivity app, and the Arcsite mobile sales tool. tant enables quick crafting of emails and social captions after you submit an AI prompt, generating personalized copy which you can adjust if needed. (You can also customize copy with hashtags and emojis.) AI Review Response instantly generates three responses to reviews that customers can choose from when replying to reviews—pick one and publish.

They can also respond to positive and negative feedback on Yelp, TrustPilot, and 21 other popular review sites in short time.

Pricing: three plans available with escalating capabilities and fees: Marketing Center supports 50+ local listings, enhanced online profiles, professionally designed website, social media management, marketing analytics, and competitor tracking; Marketing Center with CRM capabilities also includes contact and lead tracking, email campaigns and templates, invoices and payments, online booking and calendar, reporting and dashboards; Upgraded Growth package includes higher ad budget, keyword strategy and done-for-you SEO management, and website optimization.

Tofu Premium Tofu Premium (www.tofu.com) is a productivity app for iOS, Android, tablets, and desktop, built for one-person crews and small teams to create and send invoices and accept payment. It features unlimited customizable invoices per month, a variety of templates that allow you to easily create estimates with your logo and business details, adjust pricing, and apply taxes and discounts.

Once the estimate is accepted it can convert it to an invoice with one click, with the current estimate deleted and the new invoice created using the same data.

Clients do not need to sign up to view invoices. Users can apply a percentage or fixed amount discount to any invoice and use the integrated notes section to add any extra information. Users can also add a tax number.

Invoices are in PDF by default and you can tap “print” or “share” as desired.

For those who use it, a Stripe account (service for online payment) can be connected from within the app.

For those who receive payments through Tofu, users will receive a push

Arcsite (www.arcsite.com), a mobile sales-tool platform for contractors that allows users in the field to create accurate drawings, proposals, and material take-offs directly from their smartphones and tablets, recently introduced a major expansion of features to streamline workflow, improve measurement accuracy, and expedite and enhance proposal-to-payment cycle for small and mid-sized contractors, as well as meet the needs of larger, multi-location service businesses looking to streamline their field operations and sales processes.

The expanded capabilities of the new mobile-optimized Proposals-to-Payment Suite enable service professionals to create branded professional estimates, collect signatures, and get paid faster without leaving the worksite. Contractors can convert accepted proposals into invoices on the spot with e-signature functionality for digital contracts and collect payment on the spot, eliminating manual processes, delayed payments, and administrative overhead.

Arcsite also tracks invoices and can generate payment insights into such cashflow situations as open invoices and unpaid balances, and can enable flexible financing for businesses that want to establish payment over time.

Patti Feldman writes articles and web content for trade magazines and manufacturers of building products.

➤ www.contractormag.com

12/16/2025 5:01:26 PM

Marketing

by Matt Michel MARKETING AUTHORITY

7 Ways to Make This Year Better Than Last Year

D

o you want to make this year better for your business than last year? Of course you do. The good news is it is completely in your power to do it. Just follow these seven recommendations.

ber since they also tend to be community centers of influence. In short, they’re the people other people call when looking for a recommendation, such as a good plumber. Join a service club with 65 members—like my Rotary Club—and you will not only draw business from club members but also from the recommendations they give to their friends. Just 65 members means a network of 10 to 16 thousand.

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Decide to Make It Better 1. Consciously

It sounds simplistic, but your attitude and mindset may be the most important factors. For example, I’ve lost count of the times a plumber will tell me how horrible things are. People are cheap and don’t want to pay. Calls are few and far between. He can’t find people and the people he finds are sub-par. Meanwhile, in the same town, another plumber will say things are great. He’s surprised how little resistance he had to a price increase.

People keep calling for work and he’s got a great team. Same market. Same business. Same consumers. Same labor pool. The difference is the mindset of the owners.

Decide to make this year a great one and it will be. Do not accept anything less. Push harder if you need more effort. I grew every year I was in business, including growth through the Great Recession. You can as well. Remember, you are in a business people need.

When the plumbing breaks, it has to be fixed. Sure, there’s some DIY people, but they aren’t your customers. They’re the big box customers. If the market suffers a little, your competitors will likely pull back and suffer more. You can step up and take business away from them.

2.

Set Goals

What does it mean to you for this year to be better? Is it more sales? Increased profits? Don’t be vague. If you have vague goals, you’ll get vague results.

Quantify it. Define specifically what you want to achieve and write it down! Then, display it. Put it on the wall. Track progress through the year. There’s magic in clearly written goals.

Your goals should be growth oriented.

Growth is the natural order of things.

Step into your backyard and look

5. Sell From the Top

Plumbers often offer the lowest priced products first. Instead, sell from the top down and present the best product offering. Don’t lead with the standard water heater. Lead with the premium.

Extol its benefits, then note that there are other less expensive ones. If the consumers express a desire for a lower price, note the features missing from the next one down, the shorter warranty, and so on.

Some will want the most affordable, but not everyone. More will opt for a better product if they can afford it.

In a world of automation and artificial intelligence, people crave humanity. Be human. around. Everything you see is either growing or dying. It’s true for nature. It’s true for people. It’s true for companies.

Remember: if you’re coasting, you’re heading downhill.

3. Raise Prices

You probably think you charge a lot. It’s probably not enough. Make sure you’re staying ahead of inflation. Make sure you’re charging enough to pay your people well (including yourself) and to invest in future growth. Poor pricing is the single most common problem in the plumbing industry, and also the easiest to fix. Plus, private equity owned plumbing companies are raising the price ceiling far higher than in the past. There is room for you to charge enough to prosper.

the Competition 4. Out-Network

By and large, plumbers are horrible networkers. Yet, building a personal network is important. Consumers call plumbers they know and trust first. Next, they call plumbers recommended by friends and neighbors, followed by online recommendations on social media. They turn to the recommendation sites and search engine marketing when all of these fail. By getting involved with the local chamber commerce, a service or civic club, and other groups, you expand your personal network.

Dunbar’s Number refers to the number of personal relationships the average person can sustain. It’s ranged from 150 to 250. People who join service clubs, for example, tend towards to the larger num-

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6. Line Up Consumer Financing

Speaking for affordability, line up multiple sources of financing. This includes the revolving credit type of financing that most manufacturers promote, but also local bank financing. The bank financing might include home equity loans. Now that rates are coming down and credit card debt is at an all-time high, home equity financing could be used to purchase the products the consumer wants while consolidating credit card debt so that the consumer has more money in his pocket every month.

7. Be Human

In a world of automation and artificial intelligence, people crave humanity. Be human. Have humans answer the phone and promote it. Look at everything you do as a consumer. Do you charge more for credit card payments?

Does it irritate you when people do that to you as a consumer? Be human and human friendly.

Buy a copy of Matt Michel’s short, inspirational book, “Contractor Stories” on Amazon.

JANUARY 2026 • 29

12/16/2025 5:01:30 PM

Best Practices

by Curtis Forbes

FOUNDER AND CEO OF MUSTARDHUB

Your Best Technician Just Quit — Here’s What It Actually Costs You

Y

our best tech just gave two weeks’ notice. You’ve got three callbacks scheduled for systems he installed, Mrs. Peterson’s annual maintenance is coming up, and he’s the only one who really knows your commercial accounts inside and out. You’re already doing the math on posting the job, screening resumes, and trying to find someone half as good.

But here’s what most contractors miss.

The real cost isn’t just the recruitment fees or the training time for whoever you hire next. According to SHRM, replacing an employee runs anywhere from 50% to 200% of their annual salary depending on their level. For a journeyman making $60,000, that’s potentially $30,000 to $120,000 walking out your door. And those numbers don’t even include what happens to your business while that position sits empty.

The construction industry saw 146,000 workers quit in August 2025 alone. Every one of those departures hit a contractor somewhere. The difference is that big companies with 50 trucks can absorb the hit. When you’re running five trucks and one guy leaves, you just lost 20% of your service capacity overnight.

The solution is treating retention like the operational priority it is, using the data you already have to spot problems early, and giving your team the feedback they’re asking for.

Why Your Best Young Techs Keep Leaving Big companies absorb turnover as a cost of doing business. For small operators, one bad quarter can mean operational failure.

Our consumer survey found that 43% of Baby Boomer leaders already feel engaged at work, and only 14% say they want more appreciation from management. In contrast, only 14% of Gen Z workers feel engaged, and 47% say they want more appreciation and feedback.

Millennials are nearly identical at 15% feeling engaged and 43% wanting more appreciation. Younger techs have different experiences, expectations, and needs.

However, across all age groups, we found that 36% of workers desire regular

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One journeyman walking out the door can cost $5,000+ in recruitment and lost billable hours. appreciation and feedback (the number one engagement driver). Feedback and appreciation are valuable across the board. The data shows younger workers aren’t primarily leaving for better pay.

They’re leaving because they don’t feel their work is valued or recognized.

To be clear, disengagement goes deeper than lack of recognition. Techs also leave when they don’t see growth opportunities, are stuck with outdated equipment that makes their jobs harder, or when scheduling chaos disrupts their personal lives. Retaining good people takes more than saying thank you more often. It takes addressing the day-to-day frustrations.

The reason feedback and appreciation matter so much is that they create the foundation for those harder conversations. When someone feels valued, they’ll tell you what’s broken. When they don’t, they’ll just leave.

Treating Retention Like Infrastructure, Not HR Think about how you maintain your van fleet to prevent breakdowns or invest in quality tools to protect productivity.

Employee engagement works the same way. It’s infrastructure that protects your service capacity.

The difference is that most contractors can tell you exactly when their trucks are due for oil changes, but they can’t tell you the last time they checked in with their second-year apprentice.

Retention means systematic check-ins, recognition, and feedback loops that prevent departures before they happen. Start with weekly five-minute check-ins with each tech. Ask what would make their job easier and actually follow through on what you can fix. Recognize quality work publicly in team texts or morning huddles. Track who hasn’t gotten feedback in 30 days. None of this requires new software or HR overhead.

Just treating retention as seriously as you treat equipment maintenance.

Focus Your Energy on the 77% You Can Still Reach Not every departure is preventable. Our survey data shows that 14% of workers say nothing would make them more engaged, and 23% say nothing would make them stay longer. Some people are already checked out. You can’t save everyone, and trying to will drain resources you need elsewhere.

The good news is that 77% of your workforce is still reachable. These are the

techs who will respond to regular feedback, who want to feel valued, and who will stick around if you give them reasons to stay. This is where your time matters.

Early identification of disengagement means you can act before someone mentally checks out. Warning signs include: • Decreased communication or participation in team discussions • Showing up late or calling out more frequently • Quality of work declining or cutting corners • Withdrawing from mentoring apprentices or helping coworkers • Not volunteering for overtime or additional projects they used to take Attrition risk analytics can help identify these patterns before they become resignations. These tools track behavioral data to flag disengagement early, giving you time to intervene. For small contractors, that early warning system can be the difference between keeping a skilled tech and scrambling to replace them.

Most contractors already have the data they need sitting in their systems.

Timesheet patterns, job completion rates, customer feedback scores, and schedule change requests all tell a story about employee engagement. You don’t need fancy software to start paying attention to these trends. You just need to look at what the numbers are already telling you.

When someone who used to take every overtime shift suddenly stops, that’s data.

When callback rates increase for a specific tech, that’s data. Predictive analytics just means using the information you already collect to spot problems before they walk out the door.

Keeping good people isn’t just cheaper than constantly replacing them. It’s how you build a business where people do their best work, and customers trust who’s showing up at their door.

Curtis Forbes is the founder and CEO of MustardHub, an employee engagement platform built specifically for high-turnover industries like field services. He brings deep operational experience to solving retention challenges that cost field service companies tens of thousands per employee lost.

➤ www.contractormag.com

12/15/2025 11:20:21 AM

Best Practices

by Scott Downes CEO OF SUPERNAL AI

7 Ways AI Can Streamline Plumbing Business Operations in 2026

G

rowing up, I had many family members working in the plumbing trade. I saw firsthand how demanding the work can be, not just in the field but in the office, where cost estimating, scheduling, paperwork, and customer communication typically pile up faster than anyone can keep up.

Even though the tools and technologies in the field have evolved, that operational load has largely stayed static.

But today, artificial intelligence (AI) has reached a point where it can realistically minimize the stress and frustrations on the office side of contractor businesses.

Today, AI is not about replacing skilled labor. Instead, it’s become a practical tool for managing repetitive, yet important, administrative work. You know, those seemingly endless tasks that eat up hours and slow down the most experienced of shops.

At the company I lead, we refer to the tools that we build for customers as “AI employees”—and I call them that below because they take on real-world, repeatable workflows that office staff have historically dealt with. That said, few of my peers suggest that technology can replace people. Far from it. Our goal is to give contractor-oriented businesses a clear picture of how AI can be put to work behind the scenes to support the talented human resources they already have.

Here are seven office-side functions where AI is poised to provide meaningful relief and efficiency gains in 2026.

1. Estimating Contractors spend what feels like countless hours pricing jobs and sending quotes manually.

Estimating has become increasingly complex. Between emailed drawings, texts from customers, takeoffs, supplier pricing, and labor calculations, it’s easy for staff members to squander an entire day building out and refining quotes.

An estimator AI employee can read drawings or customer requests sent by email or text, reference past project data and supplier pricing, and then generate accurate estimates within minutes. It can also create branded proposals that are

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Here are seven office-side functions where AI is poised to provide meaningful relief and efficiency gains in 2026. ready for e-signature and log each quote automatically into a CRM or job tracker.

If this sounds amazing, it is. Contractor businesses will reduce quoting turn times from long hours down to a few short minutes, giving them the ability to respond to more bid opportunities and send more polished proposals without overwhelming staff.

2. Scheduling and Dispatch Scheduling is one of the most consistently challenging office functions in the plumbing and mechanical trades. A single delay can start a negative ripple effect across an entire work week.

A scheduling and dispatch AI employee will integrate with platforms like Buildertrend and ServiceTitan to pull in job timelines, crew availability, and equipment needs. It can then assign work, send confirmations to both technicians and customers, and automatically adjust schedules for bad weather, delays, or other types of emergencies.

By using AI for this operational niche, shops will experience fewer overlaps, more consistent crew utilization, and decreased back-and-forth communication.

In the office, staff will gain hours back in their schedules each week to focus on higher-value tasks.

3. Invoicing and Payment Every month, invoices often go late, get lost, or remain unpaid.

This is a major pain point since billing delays are one of the most common issues holding back cash flow in the trades.

And since invoicing is typically a manual chore that’s dependent on busy teams, it often falls to the bottom of the to-do list.

An invoicing and payment AI employee can detect when a job is completed and immediately generate an invoice before automatically sending it with a link for payment. This type of AI employee can also send gentle (or straightforward) reminders when invoices go unpaid and sync with accounting systems to keep records updated.

4. Client Communications Contractors spend too much time navigating the daily avalanche of client updates and questions.

Customer communication is an essential element when building trust. We all

➤ www.contractormag.com

2601CO_30-35_Best_Practices.indd 31

know that. But answering the same questions repeatedly (“What’s the status?”

“When is the crew arriving?” “Do you need anything from me?”) takes a significant toll on staff productivity, both in the field and in the office.

A client communications AI employee monitors texts, emails, and project updates, and can then send out quick summaries or progress updates to customers. It can also share photos with customers, provide details about project milestones, and answer common questions related to timelines, materials, and payments.

An informed customer is usually a happy customer, and this AI employee helps them stay confidently in the loop while your office simultaneously reclaims hours of previously lost time every week.

5. Material Procurement Managing materials across numerous job sites is incredibly error-prone and overly time-consuming.

Material shortages and delivery delays will derail even the most well-planned projects. A material procurement AI employee can alleviate procurement headaches by tracking inventory, upcoming job needs, and supplier availability in real time. It can even automatically place orders with preferred suppliers, confirm supply deliveries, and adjust crew schedules automatically based on arrival windows.

We all dream of fewer delays, better cost control, and more accurate planning. This type of AI employee can make those dreams a reality.

6. Change Order Tracking Change orders will all too often slip through the cracks and go undocumented, which leads to billing hiccups.

Untracked scope changes are one of the most common ways contractors leak revenue. With so many moving parts on multiple jobs, it’s easy for a change in material or fixtures to be forgotten.

A change order tracking AI employee will monitor project communication and photos for signs of scope changes. ➤ Turn to 7 Ways, page 34

JANUARY 2026 • 31

12/22/2025 9:29:22 AM

Best Practices

by Kit Dickinson

INDUSTRY EXECUTIVE AT ADP

6 Talent Strategies Optimized for a Younger Construction Workforce

A

ccording to Issue 3 of ADP Research’s Today at Work 2025 report, the median age of electricians, plumbers, carpenters, and HVAC professionals has fallen by as much as five years since January 2020.

Comparatively, the age of US workers has remained relatively steady, falling by only one year.

The findings, based on an analysis of ADP payroll data, signal a demographic shift in the construction workforce that your business can account for when building a talent strategy that is optimized to keep your younger workers retained and engaged.

With that, consider these six talent strategies as construction gets younger.

Prioritize Skills Development As younger, less-experienced construction workers replace their more-tenured colleagues who have spent decades honing their craft on countless job sites, ensuring the former have the skills they need to deliver quality work in a timely manner will be critical.

Putting a skills development program in place at your construction business should be a top talent priority.

To start, take a skills inventory. As your workforce demographics shift towards getting younger, what skills do your older workers have that will need to be replaced once they retire?

Do any of your existing workers have these skills? If so, great. If not, identify a few younger workers who would not only be a fit to take on those skills, but have also expressed an interest in acquiring those skills.

From here, it’s all about time and technology. Creating time for workers to learn and hone new skills can be tough. While learning new skills is important, jobs in the present still need to be completed.

This is where technology can be invaluable. Having the right HR and talent management technology can give your workers access to 24/7 training and education resources that enable them to learn new skills whenever the opportunity presents itself.

32 • JANUARY 2026

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Use Modern, Mobile Workforce Management Solutions

ID 20234501 © Fotosenmeer | Dreamstime.com

Build a talent strategy optimized to keep your younger workers retained and engaged.

Ensure Mentorship is Happening

Offer a Modular Benefits Program

Related to skills development, mentorship at your construction business is essential to ensure the younger workforce has the skills and knowledge they need.

Way before your older workers opt for retirement, there needs to be a talent program in place so their valued institutional knowledge is not lost to the ages.

They’ve seen every unique situation on the job site and adapted accordingly so that projects get completed and clients stay happy. This type of experience cannot be hired for or taught, making it priceless to replace.

Institutional knowledge is one of your construction company’s greatest assets.

Set up your crews so that older workers are paired with younger ones and can share their wisdom. Have your older workers document the skills, experiences, and processes they feel are the most important to keep the business humming.

Be intentional about organizing crew meet-ups off-hours that can not only build chemistry and collaboration but also provide a platform for your most senior workers to mentor your most junior ones.

Given the generational range at work— from Baby Boomers to Gen Z—your construction business needs to offer a similar range of benefits to meet the unique demands of a diverse workforce.

As your construction workforce gets younger, benefits that appeal to your older workers might not carry the same weight with their less-tenured colleagues.

For example, younger workers might place more value on financial wellness benefits that can help them with things like investing, saving, and budgeting for major life purchases. They also might want benefits for their mental health, in addition to things like student loan repayment assistance and pet insurance.

Offering a modular benefits program that enables workers to pick and choose benefits according to their unique life stage is a great strategy for the multi-generational workforce.

This way, your younger workers get the support they need, while your senior employees still have access to the benefits they need.

To help optimize your business for the younger construction workforce, leveraging modern, mobile workforce management solutions is an excellent lever to pull.

You want to provide your younger workers with an environment they are comfortable with: mobile, streamlined, and user-friendly. Being able to handle pay, time, HR and performance management from a single mobile solution is the work experience younger workers are expecting to receive.

It’s critical your construction business meets this expectation.

If they are bogged down with manual, paper-intensive processes, they are going to become disengaged and ready to look for new opportunities.

On the flip side, if they can use modern workforce management solutions from the moment they onboard, they’re going to have a more positive, frictionless experience that can build trust and loyalty.

Company Culture and Your Employee Value Proposition A lot of younger workers, in part due to coming through the pandemic, want to work for a company that has a clear vision and commitment, in addition to having shared values.

They are placing more weight on employers who highlight what the company is all about at the end of the day, whether that’s donating to a certain charity or clearly outlining key organizational values.

As a construction business intent on recruiting and retaining younger workers, consider what those values and commitments are and how you display them externally.

During the recruitment process, make it clear to candidates. After hiring, plan events and activities that align to your organization’s values and offer employees the ability to actively contribute to the betterment of the world.

Younger workers want to feel like they are working towards something that is bigger than the job. If you can provide ➤ Turn to 6 Talent, page 34

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Best Practices

7 Ways AI Can Streamline Plumbing Business Operations in 2026 ➤ Continued from page 31 Based on the intelligence it gains, it can draft change orders with estimated costs, send them to the customer for approval, and update budgets and schedules once approved.

More complete documentation leads to fewer missed changes and stronger profitability, something every business would enjoy.

7. Safety and Compliance In the skilled trades, missed certifications, reports, or documentation will create compliance risks, something that can open a Pandora’s box of problems.

And yet safety documentation, insurance renewals, and certification track-

ing are often handled manually, leaving room for errors and oversights.

Alternatively, a safety and compliance AI employee can monitor all renewal deadlines, missing documents, and required reports. It will then send reminders ahead of expiration dates while compiling compliance summaries for audits or customer requests.

AI technology applied here leads to reduced liability, an improved safety culture, and greater confidence during inspections or audits.

Supporting People, Not Replacing Them It is important to emphasize that these AI employees do not—and cannot—replace

skilled plumbers, fitters, or mechanical professionals. They don’t perform installations, troubleshoot systems, or interact with customers on job sites.

What AI can replace, though, is the manual, repetitive administrative strain that frequently overwhelms office teams and slows down operations.

AI here should be viewed as an operational assistant that can empower your business to grow, not a substitute for the actual people who make this industry run.

In 2026 and beyond, the plumbing and mechanical trades are increasingly likely to see enhanced adoption of AI on the business operations side.

Businesses that start using these tools/ employees today will position themselves

for smoother workflows and thicker margins. And, this is very important here, they’ll be better-positioned to incorporate new technologies as they emerge.

If you’re behind the curve now, you’ll be even further behind when the calendar flips again, since this technology is advancing at mind-bending speed.

Scott Downes is the CEO of Supernal AI, a company dedicated to helping service businesses scale through practical AI automation.

Scott’s grandfather was a master plumber, and a host of family members worked in plumbing businesses. As a result, he brings both personal insight and deep technology experience to bridging the gap between field work and intelligent automation.

6 Talent Strategies Optimized for a Younger Construction Workforce ➤ Continued from page 32 this type of culture at your construction business, they’re going to buy-in.

Stay Competitive on Pay At the end of the day, it’s really about pay.

All workers, regardless of age, want to be competitively compensated according to their work, experience, and location.

As a construction business, having access to compensation and benefits benchmarking data can help keep you aware of market rates for wages and

benefits so that you stay ahead of the competition for the best young talent.

Interestingly from that same ADP Research analysis, median wages for residential construction workers are about 10 percent higher than all other industries combined. Median annual pay for construction workers was about $58,000 in January 2020 and nearly $66,400 in June 2025, an increase of almost 15 percent.

During the same time period, median pay for workers in all other industries combined increased by 16 percent, from

a median of $52,000 to about $60,200.

On bonuses, ADP Research found in December 2024, the median construction bonus hit a record high of $1,232, more than 2.5 times the typical bonus awarded to other workers.

Whether it’s pay, culture, or skills development, now is the time for your construction business to evolve talent strategies, meet the demands of the younger workforce, and create a lasting, talent-driven culture that lifts engagement, productivity, and ultimately, the business.

After spending six years at Accenture leading technology and strategy projects, Kit Dickinson moved on to IDI where he was president and responsible for managing strategic partnerships, product innovation, sales, marketing and overall company leadership.

Dickinson led IDI to a successful acquisition

by ADP where he was responsible for overseeing integrating IDI’s capabilities into ADP technology. Dickinson recently moved into ADP’s Business Development organization as an industry executive to help lead ADP’s industry-focused efforts.

GF Names Alarcón a VP of Finance GF has announced the appointment of Javier Alarcón as Vice President of Finance for GF Building Flow Solutions Americas. In this role, Alarcón will oversee all Finance and Accounting functions and serve as a member of the company’s Senior Management Committee.

Alarcón will report to GF Building Flow Solutions Americas President John Reutter, who previously served as VP of Finance and held the position on an interim basis.

34 • JANUARY 2026

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Alarcón brings more than 25 years of global finance leadership experience across the financial services, food, agriculture, and manufacturing sectors. His background includes building scalable finance organizations, improving operational performance, and supporting strategic growth initiatives.

Most recently, Alarcón spent six years at CHS Inc., where he served as Segment Chief Financial Officer for Agriculture. Prior to that, he held se-

nior finance roles with leading brands including Dairy Farmers of America and Conagra Brands.

“The breadth of knowledge Javier carries as well as experience leading high-growth teams will be a great asset,” says Reutter. “I’m confident in his ability to guide our organization through its next phase.”

Alarcón holds a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in International Business.

Javier Alarcón.

➤ www.contractormag.com

12/22/2025 9:29:28 AM

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Industry News

What’s in Store at AHR Expo 2026

A panel discussion to a packed house from AHR 2025. ➤ Continued from page 1 More than 1,800 manufacturers, suppliers, designers and stakeholders from around the industry are scheduled to exhibit their latest innovations. Product categories include not only heating, ventilation, cooling and air conditioning, but also plumbing, piping, building automation, sustainable systems and the latest apps, software, tools and instruments. Last year in Orlando the show drew more than 50,000 attendees.

But Wait, There’s More In addition to all the products and services to see and sample out on the expo floor, the show offers education sessions, networking opportunities, panel series, live podcasts and more.

In fact, the show is so big, with so much going on, that a comprehensive guide is beyond the scope of this article. Instead, we hope to provide targeted advice to help our readers get the greatest value out of their time.

The indispensable resource is the A H R w e b s i t e , w w w. a h r e x p o . c o m .

There you will find the full exhibitor list (ahr26.mapyourshow.com/8_0/#/) searchable by name, booth number, and product category.

The full education offering is also available on the site (ahr26.mapyourshow.com/8_0/sessions/#/) broken out

by Industry Seminars, New Product Theaters, Panel Series, For- Credit Sessions and Podcast Pavilions.

36 • JANUARY 2026

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A presentation on the Expo floor at AHR 2025.

On the Schedule Here is a small sampling of the free education sessions that have peaked the interest of our editorial team.

Gas Absorption Heat Pumps in Hydronic Applications Feb. 2nd, 10:00 am to 11:00 am Given by Bo DeAngelo, technical training expert, talks about GAHPs, and the exceptional performance they are able to deliver in cold climates when used in hydronic applications.

Heat Smarter: Leveraging Radiant Systems for LEED and Carbon Reduction Feb. 2nd, 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm Rehau’s Saeed Danesh explores the history, types, and principles of radiant systems, with a focus on their ability to enhance efficiency, thermal comfort, and indoor environmental quality.

Delivering a Hybrid Heat Pump and Boiler Solution Feb. 3rd, 8:30 am to 9:30 am Chris Lane, Product Manager for the Cleaver-Brooks Company, offers guidelines on successfully executing hybrid solutions, including selecting the backup boiler type, piping and system design, controls and sequencing options Stand Out Where it Matters: Build Visibility in Your Community with PR Feb. 3rd, 11:30 am to 12:30 pm Heather Ripley, CEO of Ripley PR discusses how effective PR attracts quali-

A press tool demonstration from AHR 2025. fied leads, fuels growth, and enhances your reputation, while deepening connections with your community,

On the Expo Floor Just a few of the booths that are high on our list of ones to visit.

ASHRAE — Booth #C2102 As the driving force behind the Expo, the ASHRAE booth is always worth a visit. The Society boasts over 53,000 members globally—including 5,500 student members—dedicated to their mission of advancing the HVAC/R arts and sciences.

IAPMO — Booth #SU773 IAPMO is a global team of experts

engaging industry and government for a safer built environment. The Association’s deep expertise in codes and standards is applied to its product testing, certification and inspection services, professional development offerings, research, policy and advocacy work.

Armstrong Fluid Technology — Booth #C4735 Armstrong provides intelligent, connected fluid-flow systems for HVAC applications. At AHR they will be showcasing their Envelope integrated digital platform that unites Armstrong and partner solutions, delivering optimization through per-

➤ www.contractormag.com

12/19/2025 11:43:35 AM

Industry News

publications including Contracting Business and HPAC Engineering.

To see more of the latest plumbing products at AHR, visit www.ahrexpoproductpreview.com..

For a full list of this year’s Innovation Award Winners, visit www. contractormag.com/industry-event-news/ ahr/news/55326251/ahr-expo-announces-2026-innovation-award-winners.

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Grundfos — Booth #C6516 Grundfos is the largest pump manufacturer in the world, based in Denmark. The company will be unveiling the Grundfos E-Pump Expansion at AHR. Designed for commercial and industrial hydronic systems, this advanced pump solution is engineered to optimize fluid movement, reduce energy consumption, and simplify system management.

Rheem — Booth #C4925 The manufacturer of residential and commercial water heaters will be displaying it’s latest innovations and previewing it’s upcoming offerings at the show. “We’re excited to connect with our customers in person at this year’s AHR Expo,” said Kevin Rupplet, Rheem’s Sr. VP and General Manager, US Air Division. “These face-to-face conversations with contractors, distributors, and technicians are invaluable, providing us direct insight into what’s working, what’s evolving, and how Rheem can better support the people who power our industry.”

Viega — Booth #C4939 Viega is a global market leader in press technology and fluid management, as well as a fifth-generation family company. Viega has more than 3,000 products available, including ProPress®, MegaPress®, MegaPressG®, PureFlow® and Radiant heating and cooling systems.

Weil-McLain — Booth #C3320 Weil-McLain is a leading North American designer and manufacturer of hydronic heating systems for residential and commercial applications, founded in 1881. At the Weil-McLain booth, attendees will be able to see (among other products) the new SVF 850 Commercial Boiler. With a Stainless Steel Vertical Fire Tube Heat Exchanger and 97% Thermal Efficiency, this boiler features a 7” color touchscreen display with 2 USB and Ethernet Connections.

CONTRACTOR Magazine — Booth #W2261 The magazine dedicated to serving plumbing, hydronic and mechanical systems professionals will be exhibiting. Stop by the booth to chat with the editorial staff, compete to win an e-bike, or learn more about our sister

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Get Your Badge’s Worth Plan ahead – Get the show app or use the show planner to build your schedule and budget your time. Be sure to include time to rest—the Las Vegas Convention Center is huge and getting from one end to the other can mean miles of walking by the end of the day.

Wear comfortable shoes – See above.

Grid strainer keeps hair and other items out of bathtub drain

Take a break – Hey, you can’t be working the whole time. Check out our Things to Do and See in Las Vegas gallery at www.contractormag.com.

Stay home or back at the hotel if you’re feeling sick – it’s tough to miss out, but it’s better than spreading it around.

Safe travels, and we’ll see you at the show!

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12/22/2025 9:21:53 AM

Industry News

Skilled Trades Get a Creative Boost as Detroit Artists Reimagine the Hard Hat Hard Hats for Detroit

Hard Hats for Detroit

Metal artist Josh Welton at work.

April Wagner of Epiphany Studios (center) creating a hard hat sculpted entirely from glass.

➤ Continued from page 3 artists to transform construction hard hats into one-of-a-kind art pieces, with all proceeds supporting youth-focused workforce development across the city.

“Hard Hats for Detroit connects the people who build our city—artists, makers, and tradespeople—with the next generation learning to do the same,” said Todd Sachse, CEO of Sachse Construction.

“This year, we invited industry sponsors to join the effort and expand our impact.

Together, we’re using creativity and craftsmanship to strengthen Detroit’s future.”

Bidding opens on Giving Tuesday, December 2, 2025, and closes Wednesday, December 10 at hardhatsfordetroit.com.

Milwaukee Tool × Bo Shepherd: Crafting New Purpose From Old Materials Milwaukee Tool partners with Bo Shepherd of Woodward Throwbacks to support Focus: HOPE’s construction apprenticeship program. Their collaboration reimagines a vintage hard hat as a functional lamp—blending toolmaker heritage, reuse-focused design, and skilled craftsmanship.

“Milwaukee Tool is committed to supporting the skilled trades,” said Justin Ross, Senior National Account Manager at Milwaukee Tool. “Partnering with Bo and Focus: HOPE helps us deliver on that commitment with real, visible impact.”

“As builders and designers, we get to imagine new lives for old materials ev-

38 • JANUARY 2026

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ery day,” said Bo Shepherd. “This piece reminds me that craftsmanship and community impact come from the same source, putting your hands to good use.”

“This project celebrates Detroit’s makers while helping our neighbors gain the skills and confidence to build lasting careers,” added Tiffany Graydon, Director of Workforce Development and Education at Focus: HOPE.

LuxWall × April Wagner: Glass, Fire, and Energy Performance Michigan-based LuxWall, the innovator behind Transparent Insulation, teams up with glass artist April Wagner of Epiphany Studios to support EcoWorks Detroit. Their hard hat sculpture— crafted entirely from molten glass—reflects precision, light, and the shared goal of strengthening Detroit’s built environment through energy performance and workforce development.

“This piece mirrors what LuxWall stands for,” said Scott Thomsen, CEO of LuxWall. “Precision, creativity, and a shared responsibility to bettering the built environment.”

“As a glass artist, I’m fascinated by how something fragile can become strong through fire,” said April Wagner.

“That transformation felt like the perfect metaphor for what this initiative represents; creating opportunity, resilience, and beauty from hard work.”

“EcoWorks trains Detroiters for careers that make our city more sustainable,” said

Briana DuBose, Executive Director of EcoWorks Detroit. “This collaboration with LuxWall and April shows how art and innovation can work together to inspire a sustainable, more equitable future.”

Carhartt × Josh Welton: Metalwork Rooted in Detroit’s Industrial Backbone Carhartt and Detroit metal artist Josh Welton of Brown Dog Welding join forces to support the Welding Department at Randolph Career & Technical Center. Their welded steel hard hat pays tribute to the grit, precision, and industrial identity of Detroit’s tradesworkers.

“We’re thrilled to partner with our friends at Randolph Career and Technical Center to invest in the next generation of welders in our hometown of Detroit,” said Todd Corley, Chief People & Impact Officer at Carhartt. “At Carhartt, we’re proud to support students’ education and growth as they pursue rewarding career opportunities available in the skilled trades.”

“For me, welding has always been a mix of art and trade,” said Josh Welton.

“This project feels like home because it’s about showing young people that being creative and building a career can come from the same place.”

“Detroit’s future is being built by the hands of DPSCD students,” said Kerrie Mitchell, President and CEO of the Detroit Public Schools Foundation.

“Support from partners like Carhartt and Sachse Construction turns classrooms

into launchpads for lifelong careers and reinforces the DPSCD Foundation’s mission to connect students with workforce-ready opportunities.”

Momentum from Detroit’s Creative Community Hard Hats for Detroit continues to grow its creative network and philanthropic reach each year.

In 2024, artists Olivia Guterson, Nicole Jarecz, and India Solomon partnered with Empowerment Plan, Alternatives for Girls, and BasBlue to support mentorship and economic independence for young women.

In 2023, artists Eric “El Cappy” Lowry, Mike Han, and Phillip Simpson collaborated with Downtown Boxing Gym, Junior Achievement of Southeastern Michigan, and The Konnection to advance youth education and empowerment.

Across each year, Hard Hats for Detroit turns jobsite symbols of protection and labor into catalysts for opportunity— reinforcing Detroit’s commitment to investing in young builders.

Final Bids are IN As this issue goes to press, final bids for the artwork are in, and have raised $23,600 to support the skilled trades in the greater Detroit Metro area. To learn more about the artists and the good work Hard Hats for Detroit is doing, visit hardhatsfordetroit.com Note: this release was rewritten with help from generative AI.

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12/19/2025 9:35:50 AM

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Then design uses a cast iron heat exchanger with excellent thermal properties. Inputs range from 93,000 btu/h to 215,000 btu/h. Features include triple pass design, hydrolevel fuel smart hydrostat (combination low water cut-off temperature reset and circulator control).

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Dunkirk ECRCUSTOMERPORTAL.COM

Taco WWW.TACOCOMFORT.COM

General Pipe Cleaners WWW.DRAINBRAIN.COM

THE LEAD-FREE FROST-FREE SILLCOCK (AZ212NLF) ensures

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Products is built for durability and organization. It maximizes storage space while preserving room for larger cargo. Built from industrial-grade 12-gauge carbon steel, each toolbox is constructed for long-lasting use. The offset lid opens a full 90 degrees when positioned against the truck’s cab.

A stainless-steel hinge and weatherresistant seal protects contents from the intrusion of unwanted moisture and debris. Stainless-steel push-button locks on both sides give locking, latching and opening access from the sides of the truck bed to enhance security and accessibility, while gas shocks ensure smooth, controlled lid operation.

Buyers Products WWW.BUYERSPRODUCTS.COM

Elkay WWW.ELKAY.COM

feature 0.5mm thick plates for standard designs and 0.6mm plates for highpressure applications.

They provide exceptional strength while maintaining optimal heat transfer efficiency. With standard working pressures of 150 psi and 300 psi, and higher pressure ratings available, the PF Series heat exchangers are designed to handle a wide array of system requirements. For hightemperature applications, the company provides NBR-HT gaskets rated to 284° F and EPDM-HT gaskets rated to 320° F, ensuring reliability in extreme conditions.

EXCELSIOR OIL-FIRED TRIPPLE PASS BOILER PLATFORM will

▲ HEAVY-DUTY FLATBED WEDGE TRUCK TOOLBOX LINE from Buyers

▲ GRUVLOK FIG. 74-CL AND 74SL RIGID COUPLINGS from ASC Engineered Solutions feature new Sabertooth Installation Technology, allowing for quick and accurate visual and tactile installation verification. A touch or quick look allows installing contractors to know instantly that the coupling is installed properly, even in dark or tight spaces, overhead or behind ductwork. The new CenterLOK gasket for the Fig. 74-CL coupling ensures proper alignment with the pipe-end grooves, allowing for clean, easy twohanded placement of the coupling at the pipe end. Both ship standard in a ready-for-install state, with no loose parts, require no disassembly and feature zinc/aluminum-coated hardware, providing corrosion protection that outlasts 316SS.

ASC Engineered Solutions INFO.ASC-ES.COM/ SABERTOOTH-74CL

➤ www.contractormag.com

12/22/2025 3:55:46 PM

New Products

THE OILTROOPER OIL-WATER SEPARATOR from NWPX Park is engineered for advanced contaminant removal in wastewater treatment. With the patented Coalescing Media Pack (which isolates even the finest solids and smallest oil droplets) and a multicompartment basin, the unit efficiently separates sediment, hydrocarbons and oil from water, ensuring reliable performance and environmental compliance across commercial and industrial applications.​​

NWPX Park WWW.NWPXPARK.COM

LIGHT-DUTY ELECTRIC COMMERCIAL WATER HEATERS include compact point-of-use and larger capacity units. The POU line is designed to fit under counters, in closets or in tight mechanical spaces, in capacities of 6, 10, 15 and 20 gallons. It is easily adaptable to various voltage and power inputs, simplifying installation. A largercapacity unit is available in 80 gallons and is designed for applications that require more stored hot water without a full commercial setup.

▲ FLZ 510-530 AND FLZ 541543 THERMOSTAT SERIES from

▲ THE SANICOM 2 HEAVY DUTY

/ COMMERCIAL DRAIN PUMP from Saniflo is designed for demanding gray water applications. Featuring two powerful 2 HP motors, it provides continuous operation and built-in redundancy—making it ideal for restaurants, commercial kitchens, laundry rooms, salons, and industrial facilities. Built to handle high temperatures up to 194°F (90°C), the Sanicom 2 efficiently pumps gray water from sinks, dishwashers, washing machines, and other commercial fixtures. Its durable, chemical-resistant design ensures long-lasting reliability in highdemand environments.

Saniflo WWW.SFASANIFLO.COM/EN

▲ JSV SERIES CENTRIFUGAL PUMPS from Thompson Pump provide automatic self-priming and large-solids handling. The oil-less vacuum technology dry priming pump delivers 97 cfm for rapid priming and includes the exclusive Enviroprime System, which eliminates product blow-by. Offers flows up to 10,500 gpm, discharge heads up to 340 ft., suction lift up to 28 ft. and solids handling up to 4 in. No-contact rotors in the vacuum pump eliminate premature wear for long life and performance

Thompson Pump WWW.THOMPSONPUMP. SQUARESPACE.COM

Pfannenberg now feature universal temperature control dials with both Fahrenheit and Celsius ranges. They eliminate the need for constant conversions and calculations, reducing the chance of error and saving time for professionals dealing with diverse global standards or meeting the unique preferences of their industry.

The FLZ 510-530 Series is a singlethermostat option, and the FLZ 541-543 Series is a twin-thermostat option. Single thermostats feature changeover contacts, while twin thermostats provide the flexibility to switch at different temperature ranges.

They feature ultra-compact designs, easy mounting options, and are ULcertified.

Pfannenberg WWW.PFANNENBERGUSA.COM

▲ THE GEN-EYE FUSION HIGH-

▲ THE ENCOSYS STEAM-TOWATER HEAT EXCHANGE SYSTEM

features a smooth, gently rounded profile, softening the overall look of the bath while maintaining the collection’s clean, contemporary lines. When paired with optional teak wood lever or cross handles, the solid brass faucet brings a natural sense of warmth and organic texture. It includes a full range of coordinating bath faucets, tub fillers, shower controls and accessories.

combines a high-quality, highdefinition camera with three ways to record, a touchscreen keyboard for titling, a Gen-Pack battery adapter for remote operation, and a durable Gel-Rod push rod. The command module features an advanced video recorder with full high definition 1080p recording capability. It supports USB-to-flash-drive recording and has 64 GB of internal memory. Also includes Wi-Fi live video streaming with easy point-to-point connections.

The Gen-Pack battery adapter enables users to conduct sewer inspections for up to 12 hours in remote locations.

It’s compatible with Milwaukee M18 batteries or equivalent.

Eel features a 1.3 in. diameter selfleveling color camera for inspecting 3-in. to 10-in. diameter lines with vivid adjustable LED lights and a large 7-in. monitor for easy viewing.

A sunshield allows outdoor viewing while protecting the monitor during transport. Provides one-touch recording to USB and screenshot capability. An extended ergonomic handle facilitates maneuverability and transport. Includes 200 ft. of 1/2-in. diameter premium push rod, onscreen footage counter and continuous display odometer.

from ARI-Armaturen USA is designed for efficient and instantaneous hot water generation without the need for storage. Engineered for reliability and energy savings, ENCOsys® provides superior thermal efficiency, making it an ideal solution for industries requiring precise temperature control and optimized energy use. ENCOsys® is available in numerous configurations to meet specific system requirements.

With an extensive selection of plate and frame heat exchangers, customizable control panels, and multiple condensate return options— including CONLIFT® Condensate Pumps, CONA® P Pump Traps, and CONA® Steam Traps—the system is designed for seamless integration into industrial heating processes.

California Faucets WWW.CALFAUCETS.COM

General Pipe Cleaners WWW.DRAINBRAIN.COM/FUSION

Electric Eel WWW.ELECTRICEEL.COM

ARI-Armaturen USA WWW.ARI-ARMATUREN.US

American Standard Water Heaters WWW.AMERICANSTANDARD WATERHEATERS.COM

THE SAN ELIJO HIGH-ARC BATH FAUCET from California Faucets

DEFINITION PIPE INSPECTION SYSTEM from General Pipe Cleaners

▲ THE EELVISION ELITE INSPECTION CAMERA from Electric

➤ www.contractormag.com

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JANUARY 2026 • 41

12/22/2025 9:54:53 AM

Editorial

by Steve Spaulding EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Stay Humble, Stay Focused

I

’ve worked now for almost three decades in the trade press, and I think one of the reasons I’ve stuck around for so long is because I see us as delivering real value to our readers. A meaningful life, as they say, comes from meaningful work.

And when I say “us” I don’t just mean CONTRACTOR, and I don’t just mean my sister brands here under the EndeavorB2B umbrella, but I include my colleagues at various competing publications. I feel together we form a media ecosystem that is constantly renewing itself, reinventing itself, challenging itself to serve our readers in new and better ways.

That includes the latest news on what’s happening in the industry (check the stories on pg. 3, for example), business insights to help serve both customers and employees (our Best Practices columns begin on pg. 30), technical articles on how to better perform the actual work (see Pat Linhardt’s latest on pg. 23), and even speculation on where the markets might be heading to help business owners plan for the future (visit our Industry Econ Forecast on pg. 6 for more on that).

But maybe the most valuable thing we do is to shine a spotlight on those contractors who are doing exceptional work—to celebrate them, and to show how their approach to the business is succeeding for them and can work for others, too.

That’s why we are so very proud to name Plumbing Outfitters of central Texas as our

low publishing professionals. I’ve heard it called “servant-leadership,” and I’ve heard it called “beginner’s mindset,” but I think this was the first time I’ve seen it boiled down to its real essence: humility.

There’s a famous zen proverb that you can’t put anything in a cup that’s already filled. Just the same way, you can’t hope

We are proud to name Plumbing Outfitters of central Texas—co-owners Warren and Ashely Stroud—as our Contractor of the Year.

Contractor of the Year. You can read our full feature written by Editor-at-Large John Mesenbrink starting on pg. 20.

I think anyone reading about Plumbing Outfitters can come away with their own lessons, but for me the things that stood out were, first, having the right mindset, and second, focusing on the right things.

As for the mindset, it’s one that I’ve encountered before, often in other Contractors of the Year, but also in manufacturers, suppliers, and even among my fel-

to teach a person who already thinks they know everything. By staying humble we open ourselves to new knowledge, to new experiences, to new ways of understanding the world and ourselves.

Warren and Ashley Stroud, the co-owners of Plumbing Outfitters, have made a point of acknowledging their own limitations and blind spots. They have deliberately sought out people to challenge them and force them out of their own preconceptions. “Growth always

requires humility and a willingness to be coached,” Ashley Stroud says.

And from that growth has come genuine wisdom about where best to place their focus. That started with investing in their business ahead of their lifestyle. Next, the Strouds put their focus not on the number of jobs or the number of trucks, but on a set of values: Character, Humility, Accountability, Mindfulness, Precision and Service (CHAMPS), and instilling those values in every member of the Outfitters team.

But the last key to success was putting the focus on satisfying their customers, developing systems geared towards ensuring them a 5-star experience. “We don’t just build what our business wants,” Ashley Stroud says, “we focus on meeting real customer needs, refining the experience, and pivoting quickly when the market demands it.”

That success has allowed them to give back to their employees, to their community, and to the industry through mentorship and apprenticeship programs. All of us here at CONTRACTOR congratulate Plumbing Outfitters on the good work they are doing, and for taking the time to share their story with us.

ADVERTISER INDEX Advertiser

Website

Page

Bradford White . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.bradfordwhite.com Cintas Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.cintas.com/contractormag ECR International . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.dunkirk.com Essency Water Heaters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.essencyhome.com General Pipe Cleaners. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IFC,14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.drainbrain.com LAARS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.laars.com Liberty Pumps. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13,19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.libertypumps.com Omega Flex Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.tracpipe.com PHCC-GLAA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.flowexpousa.com Progressive Insurance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.progressivecommercial.com The Best Postcards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . polybag. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.thebestpostdards.com U.S. Boiler Company. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.usboiler.net United Rentals Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IBC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.UnitedRentals.com WATCO Mfg. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.watcomfg.com

SALES CONTACTS Associate Publisher & Midwest, Bill Boyadjis 973-829-0648 bboyadjis@endeavorb2b.com South: Senior Manager, Business Development, Randy Jeter 512-263-7280 rjeter@endeavorb2b.com East Coast: Senior Manager, Business Development, Brian Sack 732-629-1949 bsack@endeavorb2b.com West Coast: Key Account Manager, Ellyn Fishman 949-239-6030 efishman@endeavorb2b.com Account Manager Steve Suarez 941-259-0867 ssuarez@endeavorb2b.com Director of Sales, Buildings & Construction Group, Joe Agron 941-200-4778 jagron@endeavorb2b.com

Woodford Mfg. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.woodfordmfg.com

42 • JANUARY 2026

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➤ www.contractormag.com

12/22/2025 3:51:29 PM

YOUR TRUSTED PARTNER ONE STOP FOR RENTAL FOR RENTAL EQUIPMENT & USED EQUIPMENT SOLUTIONS SOLUTIONS Whatever your project demands, whenever the demand arises, we’re to help. United Rentals is the world’s largest and most versatile Whatever your project here demands, whenever the demand arises, we’re here equipment rental company, offering rentals, expertise and digital to help. United Rentals is the world’s largest and most versatile equipment solutions to be your one-stop partner. United Rentals can help you provider, offering a wide range of rental options, used equipment for sale, expert meet the demands of any and every job—24/7.

advice, and digital solutions to be your trusted one-stop partner. Whether you’re renting or purchasing equipment, United Rentals has the resources and Call 800.UR.RENTS or visit UnitedRentals.com expertise to help you meet the demands of any and every job—24/7.

Branch 755 Corsicana, Texas 903.486.3187

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Dunkirk Royal Series HIGH EFFICIENCY, WALL HUNG CONDENSING GAS FIRED BOILERS

CH & CO 8 Residential Models: 80 - 200 MBH (Combi models also offer DHW) 3 Commercial Models: 299 - 470 MBH ■ Up to 95.2% AFUE efficiency ■ Up to 10:1 turndown ratio ■ Stainless steel water-tube HX ■ Cascade up to 16 boilers ■ 18 languages available for display ■ Modbus connection ■ Optional floor stand available

Residential Warranty: 10 Year Heat Exchanger Limited Warranty 5 Year Parts Limited Warranty Commercial Warranty: 8 Year Heat Exchanger Limited Warranty 3 Year Parts Limited Warranty Learn more at www.dunkirk.com

800.325.5479

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