REDLANDS, CA — The staff at Spark by Hilton™ turned to A. O. Smith for a water heater capable of providing ample hot water to their hotel. It’s no simple task to supply hot water all day, every day, to a hotel with 85 rooms, a kitchen and multiple commercial laundry facilities. But for A. O. Smith, it was the perfect opportunity to showcase
Turn to California page 14
SCOTTSDALE, AZ — As construction companies push to overcome staffing challenges that have led to many project delays, Arcoro has released new data that sheds light on the recruiting and retention strategies being used to address a decrease in skilled workers.
The Associated General Contractors of America and Arcoro, a
Turn to Construction, page 44
PHCC Awards Its Highest Honor to Keith Bienvenu
BIRMINGHAM, AL — During the nearly 50 years that Keith Bienvenu has been a member of Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors— National Association (PHCC), he has emphasized the importance of industry professionals being leaders and stewards of public health and safety. In recognition of this dedication, PHCC presented its highest honor, the Col. George D. Scott Award, to Bienvenu during its annual awards ceremony, held Oct. 10 at PHCC CONNECT 2024 in Birmingham, Alabama.
Kieth Bienvenu, the 2024 Col. George D. Scott Award Winner, speaks at PHCC Connect.
Turn to PHCC, page 40
showing
Flexi-Rooter ®
BREAKTHROUGH TECHNOLOGY
Flexi-Rooter ® featuring ClogChopper ® Cutters
Flexi-Rooter uses ClogChopper six-bladed cutters along with chain cutters (with and without carbide tips) to break through the toughest clogs, scale and roots. The cutters then grind up the stubborn stoppages and scour the pipe walls clean.
The rotating shaft is 10 times faster than traditional shafts, yet easy to handle. It’s extremely flexible for clearing 2" lines, yet strong enough to cut roots in 4" lines up to 75 feet long. Plus, the foot pedal leaves both hands free to guide it into the drain.
To learn more, visit www.drainbrain.com/Flexi-Rooter, or call the Drain Brains ® at 800-245-6200.
Seth Mikulin • SureFlo Sewer & Drain
“ Flexi-Rooter’s ClogChopper rips open a hole for the chain knocker to work. It’s a great product.”
ClogChopper with carbide tip cutter
PHCC’s Plumbing Contractor of the Year Awarded to Vincent “Trey”
BIRMINGHAM, AL — For his dedicated leadership and commitment to professionalism in the industry, Vincent “Trey” Giglio III was honored as the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association (PHCC) 2024 Plumbing Contractor of the Year. Sponsored by Delta Faucet, the award was presented this week at PHCC CONNECT 2024 in Birmingham, Alabama.
Giglio III
September Jobs Report: Construction Employment Increased by 25,000
WASHINGTON, DC — The construction industry added 25,000 jobs on net in September, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data released by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. On a yearover-year basis, industry employment is up by 238,000 jobs, an increase of 3.0%. Nonresidential construction employment increased by 17,900 positions on net, with growth in 2 of the 3 subcategories.
IAPMO Concludes 95th Annual Conference
LAS VEAGS, NV — IAPMO ® , a global team of experts engaging industry and government for a safer built environment, last week conducted its 95th annual Education and Business Conference at the Planet Hollywood Las Vegas Resort and Casino. The
Columnists
EDITORIAL STAFF
VP/Market Leader-Buildings & Construction
Mike Hellmann, mhellmann@endeavorb2b.com
Group Editorial Director-Buildings & Construction
Mike Eby, meby@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
Art Director, Susan Lakin
Ad Services Manager, Deanna O’Byrne
Production Manager, Sam Schulenberg Classified Production
Vincent Giglio III (holding trophy), PHCCs Plumbing Contractor of the Year 2024.
Industry News
In Brief
GF Building Flow Solutions
(formerly Uponor) has made advances on its journey towards carbon neutral operations, adding Hutchinson and Zella-Mehlis to its range of manufacturing locations that have reached carbon neutral status (scope 1 and 2). This result highlights the company’s ongoing commitment to minimize resource consumption.
Global standards organization ASTM International has been selected to launch a center of excellence focused on supporting standardization of critical and emerging technologies (CETs). Through a competitive process, the US Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology tapped ASTM to lead the standardization center of excellence (SCoE) along with several other partners.
BuiltWorlds has announced its partnership with 1871, a global innovation hub based in Chicago. While BuiltWorlds and 1871 have long worked parallel to one another, the two organizations recently reached an agreement to combine efforts to better identify and elevate innovation in the construction and building technology spaces.
McElroy has announced the addition of Bob Biffle, Mike Lee, and David Lee to the 2024 Fusion Hall of Fame. Created in 2019, the Fusion Hall of recognizes the innovators whose commitment to development and acceptance of fusible plastic pipe has advanced the fusible plastic pipe industry over the past 50 years.
Big-D Companies had a successful Week of Giving, held in partnership with the American Heart Association from September 14–21, 2024. Throughout the week, Big-D associates contributed to raising an impressive $25,925.79. To further magnify the impact, Big-D Companies matched donations up to $20,000, bringing the total to $45,925.79.
Marcone hosted more than 1,000 members of the military, first responders and their guests at the Ascension Charity Classic golf tournament. Marcone offered free tickets and shaded seating along the 18th fairway. Spectators watched 78 professionals from the PGA TOUR Champions compete for a $2.1 million purse at the renowned Norwood Hills Country Club in St. Louis, MO.
CONTRACTORmag.com
•
• National Propane Day Set to Highlight Propane’s Sustainable and Reliable Benefits
• Flushmate Stresses Preventative MaintenanceDuring Toilet Tank Repair Month
• Support and Scale Your Business With Sound Financial Management
Videos & Media Galleries
UNLIKE BLENDS, R-32 IS A PURE, SINGLE-COMPONENT REFRIGERANT, MAKING IT EASY TO REUSE, RECYCLE, RECLAIM, AND SERVICE!
PHCP Insights from the International Longshoremen’s Association Port Strike
BY KELLY FALOON OF CONTRACTOR’S STAFF
On Oct. 1, about 45,000 East and Gulf Coast dockworkers at 36 ports went on strike over wages, automation, healthcare and other issues. Covering ports from Maine to Texas, members of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) walked out as their contract with the United States Maritime Alliance expired, reported the Associated Press. “Workers began picketing at the Port of Philadelphia shortly after midnight, … even though progress was reported in talks on [the previous day]. The strike … is the first by the union since 1977.”
Construction Dive ( https://bit. ly/40g3Cnt, https://on.wsj.com/4fiIq4v ) notes that “the impacted ports are some of the main points of entry for construction materials, heavy machinery, food, vehicles and chemicals. … Exports of oil and liquefied natural gas at Gulf Coast ports will likely be unaffected because the ILA has little or no involvement in those operations.”
National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors President and CEO Eric Hoplin stated: “The East and Gulf Coast port strike is putting our economy and national security at risk. This strike isn’t just about disrupting a few shipments; it’s about stopping the supply chain and bringing the flow of critical goods to a standstill. “The damage could reach $5 billion a day, with small and mid-sized businesses at risk due to missed deliveries and empty shelves. … This is not just about pay or shipping delays—it’s about our global competitiveness. The ILA’s demands to ban automation in ports will cripple our ability to compete internationally, while ports in Europe and Asia embrace automation and technology to stay ahead.”
National Association of Manufacturers President and CEO Jay Timmons said: “There will be dire economic consequences on the manufacturing supply chain if a strike occurs for even a brief period. [Our] estimates show a strike at the East and Gulf Coast ports would jeopardize $2.1 billion in trade daily, and the total economic damage could reduce GDP by as much as $5 billion per day.”
Members must vote on the agreement before the strike is fully resolved.
The American Supply Association’s (ASA) September economic report ( https://bit.ly/3BSyZu2 ) noted: “Estimates show that a work stoppage extending more than a week could take more than [three to five] weeks to unravel. If the strike were to go more than [three] weeks, it might take until January of 2026 to get backlogs cleared. In the meantime, inventories will be depleted in the near term as shipping stalls and shipping costs will rise in the months to come as containers and ships get moderately stranded awaiting docking.”
However, it appeared that a long, drawn-out strike would not occur.
Surprisingly, a joint statement made Oct. 3 said a tentative wage agreement had been reached, and the parties agreed to extend the six-year contract until Jan. 15, 2025. This would allow both sides to negotiate the remaining labor issues. “Postponed” and “on
pause” have been used to describe the strike’s status as automation and healthcare issues are discussed. ILA members must still vote on the full agreement before the strike is fully resolved.
Mixed Impact for PHCP Distributors, Manufacturers
ASA surveyed its members before the strike started to determine the impact of the potential supply chain disruption on PHCP distributors and manufacturers—especially after having navigated the COVID-19 pandemic’s extended slowdown ( https://bit.ly/4ffupnV).
“We have been following this potential for several months,” one ASA PVF-focused supplier said. “A strike will be a major disruption in the supply chain for many critical items. We have prepared as best we can to maintain raw materials [coming] into the East Coast ports.”
Another member noted: “A dock workers strike would impact our ability to service our customers’ needs. Increased lead times in our supply chain could impact critical infrastructure.” Some suppliers would be all right in the short term, but a long-term strike would cause problems.
One supplier using both coasts said: “We bring our appliances and some plumbing products through the East Coast ports, but the majority is coming through the West Coast ports, so … with our current inventory levels, which we have increased in the prior month, we do not feel it would be a major impact in the near term, 30 [to] 60 days.”
Another noted: “This is a fluid situation; if there is a strike, how long does it last? We have been evaluating inventory levels and putting contingency plans such as rerouting of containers to minimize the impact [on] our business operations.”
“[E]ach day of a strike increases our raw material lead times by 3.5 days. The real risk is not immediate but 90 days later when supply chains are exhausted, and
➤ Turn to PHCP, page 10
Containers and container ship at the vast Port of Los Angeles.
Andrew Wilson of Iowa is Honored as the PHCC Plumbing Apprentice of the Year
BIRMINGHAM, AL — Representing the future of the plumbing industry with exceptional skills, knowledge, and a positive attitude, Andrew Wilson was honored as the Plumbing-
Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association’s (PHCC’s) 2024 Plumbing Apprentice of the Year. Sponsored by Delta Faucet, the award was presented at PHCC CONNECT 2024.
As a third-year plumbing apprentice with Midwestern Mechanical, Inc. in Spencer, Iowa, Wilson “is at the top of the class among our 100+ apprentices,” says Cody Schroeder , education &
We Lower Costs, Not Standards.
From single fittings to full mini-split systems, BLUEFIN® parts and units are readily available for less than the leading brand. They’re also built with reliability in mind and supported by exceptional after-sale service, because our job’s not done until yours is.
Our prices are low, but we’re raising the bar on what you should expect from a supplier.
See how Bluefin products can support your next project only at SupplyHouse.com
development manager at Midwestern. “His talent goes beyond the classroom, as he is a great apprentice in the field.” Schroeder continues that Wilson arrives to work each day with a positive attitude and “can do thought process that employers all over the world look for in an employee.” The apprentice, he says, “takes on all tasks presented to him with a vigor and intensity that are unparalleled in today’s world.”
Wilson is a third-year plumbing apprentice with Midwestern Mechanical, Inc. in Spencer, Iowa.
While Wilson has just completed his third year of apprenticeship, his basic skills for the plumbing profession are strong. In fact, he was the 2024 champion of the PHCC of South Dakota Plumbing Apprentice Competition. And when Wilson is uncertain about a task, he takes time to study and analyze the situation to be sure to install with confidence and accuracy.
“Due to his attention to detail,” says Schroeder, Wilson has managed to “set the bar high” for his underclassmen. “Andrew’s ability to be taught, as well as teach others what he has learned, has placed him well within the core of his peers.”
Andrew Wilson (holding trophy).
PHCP Insights from the Longshoremen’s Association Port Strike
➤ Continued from page 6
delays have slowed replenishments,” a member explained.
And yet others were less concerned as either their shipments went into West Coast ports or their materials originated from the United States.
• “Minimal at worst, providing there is [no] sympathy strike as we receive inventory through US West Coast ports like Long Beach.”
• “None, unless this lingers until early 2025; then, it might affect a few of our products. We have very few imported items.”
• “We have material on hand that our suppliers have in [a] warehouse near our manufacturing facilities for specific problems like this.”
• “We manufacture in the United States and use Made in the USA sources for supplies and raw materials.”
Alternative Shipping, Sourcing Plans
The talks had been going on for months, giving ASA members time to make contingency plans.
“If we do have a delay in product deliveries, our customer service will provide wholesalers with options for alternative products that are in stock,” one manufacturer said. “We will also shift some
products to North America plants in the short term if needed.”
Another noted: “We’re using different ports and points of travel to try and mitigate the issue.”
One member “identified alternative routes for deliveries. That said, we expect significant congestion/delays as others implement similar strategies.”
“We are building [an] inventory of finished goods to lessen the chances that shipments to wholesalers will get delayed,” a manufacturer member noted.
Other comments include:
• “We pivoted rod sourcing to Mexico and on steel pipe, we’ll be offering a domestic solution on certain SKUs if we experience stock outages from the supply chain interruptions.”
• “We have been actively rerouting containers to unaffected ports.”
• “We have sufficient inventory of imported materials to last us on average 1.5 to 3 months. Alternatives include offering domestically produced materials, working with competitors and other distributors, and possibly importing very small amounts by air.”
• “We have increased production here, anticipating our competitors having shipping issues.”
• “We have developed new sources
and strategies to minimize impact.”
One member lamented the industry’s dependence on imported materials: “What measures can be put into place? Most of the material we sell is either manufactured abroad or some of the components for the goods are manufactured abroad. Our industry is heavily dependent on ports. … Using domestic sources is an option sometimes, but not all items are made here in the US, and the production capacity of the US manufacturers could not support all our industry.”
What’s Next?
Luckily, the three-day strike did not affect hurricane relief efforts. “Despite talk of the strike affecting hurricane recovery efforts, there was almost no impact on the flow of emergency supplies to storm victims,” noted CNN Business (https:// cnn.it/3YxOLn4). “All … the ships calling on those ports are foreign-owned vessels coming from overseas ports. Under well-established US maritime law, those ships are not allowed to transport goods from one US port to another.”
However, CNN noted that there is still some cause for concern.
“[The] deal likely is the end of the strike, but it doesn’t close the door on a new strike in the future,” the network reported. “The final language in the full contract … will
need to be ratified by the union’s rankand-file members before it can take effect. Should the members vote against the deal, the strike might start once again. And such a rejection of a tentative labor deal is not unheard of.”
ILA members are wary of automation taking their jobs, but port operators need to invest in the technology to stay competitive.
“A focus on keeping ‘historical job functions’ will inevitably continue to undermine the competitiveness of US East and Gulf Coast ports in a global context,” said CEO of Vespucci Maritime Lars Jensen (https://bit.ly/4eSLqVq).
Founding director of USC Marshall’s Kendrick Global Supply Chain Institute, Nick Vyas , told Supply Chain Dive ( https://bit.ly/3NEn9Go ): “As US ports—East Coast and West Coast alike— grapple with rising costs and the need for greater efficiency, the push to modernize through automation is inevitable. Yet, this creates a fundamental tension between labor and port operators.
“The outcome of these negotiations may set a precedent for the future of port operations in the US, determining whether labor-intensive jobs will survive in the face of technological advancement.”
According to consultant Gartner ( https://gtnr.it/4dYFuZq ), Chief Supply Chain Officers can take this opportunity to proactively work on logistics risk management and protect their companies from inevitable supply chain disruptions.
“The latest strike is just another reminder that supply chains must shift from reactive approaches to more sustainable and efficient integration of supply chain risk management, and planning into logistics,” it noted. “With the US port workers’ strike on pause, supply chain leaders can return to boosting their preparedness.”
Kelly Faloon is a contributing writer to CONTRACTOR magazine and principal of Faloon Editorial Services. The former editor of Plumbing & Mechanical magazine, she has more than 35 years of experience in B2B publishing, with 26 of those years writing about the plumbing, heating, cooling and piping industry. Faloon is a journalism graduate of Michigan State University. You can reach her at kelly@ falooneditorialservices.com.
PHCC’s Plumbing Contractor of the Year Awarded to Vincent “Trey” Giglio III
➤ Continued from page 3
Vice president of Universal Plumbing in Shreveport, Louisiana, “Trey is a third-generation business owner, and this industry is in his blood,” says PHCC of Louisiana Executive Director Crystal Carter . “He is proud of the accomplishments his family has achieved and the torch he continues to carry alongside his father, who has not hung up his toolbelt, either.”
Professionalism at the Core Giglio is quick to credit his company’s success to its efforts to elevate the plumbing industry’s reputation.
“Professionalism is at the core of everything we do,” says Giglio, from requiring all personnel to wear collared shirts
branded with the company name and logo, to training his crew on customer service, to maintaining a professional office atmosphere. As a result, Univer-
possible, including with merchandising. With that, it stocks its own mini supply house with routine parts, allowing staff access to anything they may
A third-generation business owner, Giglio is Vice President of Universal Plumbing in Shreveport, Louisiana.
sal Plumbing was named Louisiana’s Business of the Year in 2011 and was recognized by BusinessWeek magazine as one of the 100 fastest growing inner city-based companies in 2010. Giglio also believes the company should be as “self-sustaining” as
need during the workday without chasing down parts at supply houses and losing productivity at supply counters.
The company also embraces the latest technologies available, from using a custom software program to schedule, estimate, dispatch, and invoice
September Jobs Report: Construction Employment Increased
by 25,000 - Industry Unemployment 3.7%
➤ Continued from page 3
Nonresidential specialty trade added the most jobs, increasing by 17,000 positions. Heavy and civil engineering added 3,800 jobs while nonresidential building lost 2,900 positions.
The construction unemployment rate increased to 3.7% in September. Unemployment across all industries decreased from 4.2% in August to 4.1% last month.
“The construction industry added jobs for the fifth consecutive month despite labor shortages,” said ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu . “The industry unemployment rate rose to 3.7% in September, but that’s still lower than in any month on record before the second half of 2018 and half a percentage point below the economywide unemployment rate. Hiring should persist in the coming months, with contractors expecting to increase their staffing levels over the next six months, according to ABC’s Construction Confidence Index.
“Beyond the construction industry, this jobs report blew past expectations,” said Basu. “US employers added 254,000 jobs for the month,
the most since March, and employment estimates for the previous two months were revised upward by a total of 72,000 jobs. While the ongoing strength of the labor market and consumer spending indicates that the economy has weathered high interest rates better than anyone thought possible, the combination of rising household debt levels and economic
uncertainty surrounding geopolitics and the looming election will potentially weigh on growth in the coming months.”
Visit abc.org/economics for the Construction Backlog Indicator and Construction Confidence Index, plus analysis of spending, employment, job openings and the Producer Price Index.
Construction Employment Growth: September 2023 vs. September 2024
to prefabricating systems to reduce water or hot water downtime for the consumer. Universal Plumbing takes great pride in offering quality service at a reasonable cost and holds every trade license available in the state of Louisiana. “Despite the fact that we do not routinely perform work across all trades, when a project crosses over into some electrical work, mechanical work, or utility work, our staff is able to handle the project under one roof,” says Giglio.
Association Leadership
Within PHCC, Giglio is a dedicated member of PHCC of Louisiana’s leadership, currently serving as president-elect after more than a decade of work on the chapter’s Board of Directors. He has been instrumental in expanding and improving the programs and services the chapter provides to build and strengthen the industry’s workforce, working with high schools and technical colleges to bring apprenticeship curricula to students at the secondary and post-secondary levels. Giglio also holds a governor-appointed seat on the State Plumbing Board of Louisiana. “Since taking this position, he has been a mover and a shaker, seeking ways to advance the practice of plumbing, as well as continuously elevating the perception of the profession,” says Carter.
Outreach to the Community
While bringing respect to the plumbing trade, Giglio also takes pride in having a positive impact on his community. His countless civic and community activities range from being the youngest bowl chairman in the history of college football, to his position as president of the Barksdale Air Force Base Military Affairs Council, to his service on numerous educational boards and councils, to his involvement with Catholic charities. “And that doesn’t include his passion for officiating NCAA football!” adds Carter. Giglio is a true leader in both the plumbing industry and his community.
California Hotel Converts to Heat Pump Water Heaters
➤ Continued from page 1
the power of the CHP-120 Fully Integrated Commercial Heat Pump Water Heater (HPWH).
Easy Installation
The hotel chose to install four CHP120 HPWH units—all of which function as part of a single fully integrated water heating system. It was critically important to the specifying engineer that the system be integrated as it makes installation significantly easier and is more cost-effective for the hotel.
A. O. Smith CHP-120 units deliver ease of installation, energy savings and customer satisfaction.
“I prefer the CHP-120 model’s integrated system because it makes installation and piping easier than other competitive technologies,” said Peter Yoon , Lead Specifying Engineer and Owner of American Power Solutions. “The CHP-120 unit is more compact, which means our team does not have to worry about the typical mechanical room space constraints associated with an average commercial unit. We also do not have to worry about additional space for insulation or the need for a large pipe for the system, which makes my job very simple and easy.”
“It takes two days to install the units, with only 10 hours of water shutoff required. After those ten hours of work, your machine will be set to run,” noted Yoon. “There is not much maintenance needed except a filter replacement every year or every other year, so I love it.”
Highly Efficient
Beyond improving the installation process, the CHP-120 HPWH provides the hotel with incredible cost savings on energy. The CHP-120 unit is four
times more efficient than a standard electric water heater, saving the hotel up to $3,000 per unit on their annual electric bills.
The CHP-120 does this by moving heat from the surrounding air rather than creating heat, allowing it to run at an industryleading 4.3 Coefficient of Performance (CoP).
The CHP-120 HPWH comes with three different operating modes for maximum efficiency. The three operating modes (Efficiency, Hybrid, and Electric) allow facility managers to adjust as needed to meet the hotel’s varying hot water demands. Facility managers can easily switch between modes due to the CHP-120 unit’s large touchscreen LCD display, which allows for mode
selection, and displays run information, including troubleshooting alerts and details.
Delivering on Performance
Dual 6 kW heating elements integrated into the unit provide additional heating capability for periods of high demand. This feature ensures that even when the hotel reaches maximum capacity, it can still supply ample hot water to customers, even those staying on the highest floors.
“We used to get customer complaints about not getting hot water on the higher floors of the hotel, but since installing A. O. Smith’s CHP-120 units there have been no customer complaints,” said the hotel manager. “The hot water on the first floor is the same temperature hot water that guests experience on the third floor of the hotel.”
Quick Payback
In addition to improving the guest experience, the CHP-120 unit also qualifies for significant utility rebates in the state of California. Payback time on the investment of installing a unit is expected to be just under two years.
“With the current rebate program, it’s almost cost-free to the customer,” said Yoon. “When replacing an old boiler, the investment in new technology is typically the biggest barrier, but with the CHP-120 HPWH we received a big rebate upfront. California has aggressive energy savings goals, so they provide generous rebates on high-efficiency technology like the CHP-120 model. We received $20,000 in rebates for each unit that we installed at the Spark Hotel.”
“Going from a gas-fired water heater to the CHP-120 HPWH, the savings are dramatic. Customers could be wasting thousands of dollars a year by not making the switch,” said Anthony Sun, Delco salesman. “Once the CHP-120 unit is installed, it can run in efficiency mode by using just the compressor, the cool air and the hot air in the room to heat the water, saving the hotel money and energy.”
Find more information about the CHP-120 HPWH and other products at www.hotwater.com.
The Spark by Hilton in Redlands, CA.
The four CHP-120 Fully Integrated Commercial Heat Pump Water Heaters (HPWH) in the mechanical room, along with piping and circulators.
The CHP-120 control screen. Three operating modes are available to meet varying hot water demands.
More on TrucksHow do You Use Them?
Previous columns about op erational consistency identi fied material waste as an issue that could potentially cost you big money. In one column, I used the ex ample of a service truck to illustrate how easy it is to lose control of your inventory, incur dam aged, squandered materials and generally bleed profit from your company.
The waste and damage im pact is the same in a large company as in a small one. The more manpower and vehicles you have, the more you will lose on wasted and destroyed stock. In fact, the larger company has an even more difficult task, because in addition to keeping an eye on materi als, they must also be aware of vehicle maintenance and employee produc tivity for more than just a few trucks and men. So the problem is the same for everyone, it is just expands outward as a question of magnitude.
Transportation vs. Utility
Are your vehicles just trucks or are they platforms from which your per sonnel conduct your business? If your primary business is commercial, indus trial or residential contracting, your trucks are really not much more than transportation for your crews—with the occasional few lengths of pipe car ried, or that supply house run when in need of a few items not on hand.
In that event, maintenance should be your primary concern. Mileage and power are paramount (not that those things are unimportant to service companies). If contracting is your primary business, it is more important that your vehicles are always ready to take your people to the job sites. However, if they fail, it is usually not catastrophic. If a truck breaks down it might affect the driver, but the rest of your crew can always use their own vehicles or carpool to get to the job sites.
A service truck, on the other hand, is the lifeblood of the company. While the mileage and power are an issue,
just sits, waiting for a breakdown of another truck, is expensive in the short term, utilizing an older truck rather than trading it in is the answer. As we are all aware, “service” to the customer is what it’s all about.
Heavy duty pickup trucks dominate the contracting company fleet, while vans, box trucks and trailers are more prevalent for service shops. (The reason is obvious so I don’t want to belabor the point.)
Rolling Stock
There was an article in another trade publication recently that caught my
was nothing special. Yes, it was neat, but not especially so. My guess is that the paint job and mostly neat interior was what won the kudos. What’s my point? It is this: when you are working in your shop and you know where all of your materials are and you can reach out and put a hand on any tool you need without having to search for it, you are at your most efficient. When you are going from job to job, place to place, working on a variety of systems, wouldn’t it be nice to have that same level of efficiency at your command? Of course it would.
making the most of the vehicle, inventory and effort. This is something anyone can do, and it pays dividends immediately.
The Brooklyn, NY-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 allen@ proquilldriver.com.
Cala Systems, Predictive Intelligence, and the Better Way to Heat Water
We talk with the CEO and Co-founder of Cala Systems, Michael Rigney about how his company hopes to win the market.
If you haven’t yet heard about Cala Systems, it’s because the company is still new to the industry. Founded in 2020 in the depths of the pandemic, the company has been working through phases of design, manufacturing and certification.
Early this August, Cala announced $5.6 million in seed funding coinciding with the commercial launch of its first product. Cala’s heat pump water heater is now available for preorder on its website, with initial deliveries expected in the first half of 2025.
But in a marketplace where everyone seems to be building heat pump water heaters—including some very well-established brands—how does an upstart company plan to win? We spoke with company CEO and Co-founder Michael Rigney to find out.
CONTRACTOR: I have to ask, what was it like trying to launch a new company in the middle of a pandemic?
Rigney: My co-founder and I actually met and got to know each other by going down to a park in Boston that overlooks the harbor, in the open air. We got a couple lawn chairs and we’d sit at a distance and we’d talk about what makes sense.
At the very beginning of the company, it was doing a lot of research. So, it worked out reasonably well over that spring and summer, and by the fall it was possible to do more and to begin hardcore development.
CONTRACTOR: What’s the Cala Systems value proposition? How is your product going to be different from the other heat pump water heaters out there?
Rigney: Let’s talk about how heat pump water heaters work. Today, their design focus is on, what is the temperature of the water is in the tank right now, and what to do in response to that. If the water in the tank is cold, they put in heat. If the water in the
tank is too cold, they do that with the heating element, and if it’s not too cold, they do that with the heat pump. They are reacting to the temperature of the water in the tank.
From a fundamental design perspective, the Cala heat pump water heater is designed to be proactive, to learn what the needs and priorities of the home are—what does the homeowner want to accomplish?—and then to optimize water heating to meet those needs. The hardware and the software is designed to work together to learn about the home and do optimization. A tank of hot water is the most flexible load in the entire economy. Nobody cares when you heat the water. It’s fundamentally shiftable in time. It’s essentially a battery that stores heat. But to take advantage of that really attractive capability you have to look into the future.
CONTRACTOR: Well—since nobody has a crystal ball—tell me a little more about how the system does that.
Rigney: First and foremost, we have a flow sensor on the water heater, so we learn what are the patterns of hot water use. Is there a lot of hot water use in the evening, as opposed to the morning. Then, on top of that, we’re bringing in a lot of external information. And that’s very different from what a lot of other water heaters are doing.
Whether that means the forecast for solar production on the roof, or price data for variable rates, or it is the “carbon intensity signal”—how clean or dirty the local electricity is at any given time—we’re bringing all of that information into the unit, not just on an instantaneous basis, we are bringing in what those parameters will be over the next 6 to 12 hours.
All of that information is coming into a predictive software control algorithm.
A homeowner might say, hey, I want you to heat water when my own solar system is supplying most of the power. That homeowner might say, I want you to heat water when my local electricity is really clean, because that’s what I value. We can do that. They might say, hey, my heat pump water heater is in the basement, my kids watch movies in the evening, I don’t want you to heat water between 6:00 PM and 10:00 PM. We can do that. And we’ll optimize around all of that.
so much, because you don’t have the physical levers to control the system. It takes the whole architecture, from the sensor at the top to the data feeds to the predictive control to those physical elements to really unlock optimization in a heat pump water heater.
CONTRACTOR: You spoke earlier about hardware and software working together. How are you taking advantage of all this rich data?
Rigney: It’s not just about the controls, and it’s not just about gathering all of that data. We have a variable speed compressor, and we have a mixing valve on the unit. The variable speed compressor allows us to change the speed at which we heat the water with the heat pump. By slowing that down we can get up to a 30% efficiency gain. And of course, we can speed the compressor up and still have the heat pump be adding more heat, thus decreasing the reliance on the electric heating element.
Then the mixing valve allows us to separate the water in the tank from the delivery temperature. If you have a big family and, say, everyone uses hot water on Tuesday morning, we will overheat the water in the tank then mix in cold water at the outlet to make sure everyone in the household is far more likely to get a hot shower, but we won’t do that unnecessarily because it takes more energy to do that.
Now, those hardware elements in the system, the variable speed compressor and the mixing valve, those allow for physical control of the system. Better software, in and of itself can only do
CONTRACTOR: Is installation going to be different?
Rigney: No, Cala’s installation will generally be the same as for other heat pump water heaters. That’s the thing about electric water heaters, if you don’t have to duct it—and we will have a ducting kit—you’ve got to put cold water in, you’ve got to take hot water out, you’ve got to put electricity in. So, the physical connections for any electric water heater are fixed.
The ease or difficulty of installing Cala is dependent on the home, which is true for other types of water heaters, too. Open basements, garages, and, depending, attics are easier for Cala and heat pump water heaters generally. Tighter spaces are doable, in most cases, but require more work. Finally, of course, switching from fossil fuels to electric—that’s half of homes—requires consideration for power.
We would love for your professional readers to know that we’re actively building our installer network. We have about 15 contractors around the country that we’ve met who have said yes, they would like to be a part of it. We’d like to have more conversations with pros as we build out that professional network.
CONTRACTOR: Thanks so much for talking with us today.
Rigney: My pleasure.
BY STEVE SPAULDING OF CONTRACTOR’S STAFF
Smart Boiler Control 294
Smart Steam Control 289
By John Mesenbrink
Birmingham rolls out the crimson red carpet for Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC) and its attendees.
A racing car on display at the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum.
Indian Motorcycles on display at the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum.
BIRMINGHAM, AL — “The Magic City” played host to the annual PHCC CONNECT show and the city pulled out all the stops with an opening reception at the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum—recognized by the Guinness World Records as the world’s largest motorcycle collection and home to other rare cars—to an Alabama Tailgate Party at Birmingham Citywalk, where visitors could enjoy an array of food trucks serving local delicacies and engage in fun games.
With mild October temperatures, it was the perfect setting to connect with fellow attendees and soak in the vibrant culture of Birmingham. And, how could one forget the pep rally happy hour on the tradeshow floor that celebrated the plumbing and HVACR apprentices vying for top billing during the multiday contest?
And that trade show floor was buzzing with latest in products and technology. New this year—although one needed to be a member to gain full access to the entire CONNECT experience—the Products & Technology Showcase floor was open free of charge to local walk-ins. This indeed brought in dozens more from the greater Birmingham area.
“This is the best place to do all of the networking,” says Erica Barnes , president, General Plumbing & Air Conditioning, Inc., Lake Worth, Fla. “I love getting new ideas form the floor and seeing what’s developing over time, such as artificial intelligence (AI) or seeing what new tools are coming out.”
Opening Strong
A cool moment during PHCC President Joe Cornetta’s CONNECT opener, 94-year-old James Lindsey of Lindsey Brothers Plumbing and Heating in Norfolk, Va., was recognized for his contributions to
PHCC and the industry. Starting his plumbing career at 16, he founded his own business, which will celebrate its 60th anniversary in 2026.
The annual CONNECT Show opens with an opening breakfast emceed by Bruce Carnevale , CEO, Bradford White, a staunch supporter of the association and the skilled trades. Carnevale gave an update on the company and talked about the impending NAECA 4 regulations coming down the pike in 2029, with the eventual movement away from atmospheric venting to all condensing. The Department of Energy (DOE) says the standards will require minor updates
to gas-fired storage water heaters, while electric storage water heaters more than 35 gallons will require heat pump technology.
Apprentice Competition
A yearly staple at the CONNECT show is the PHCC Educational Foundation’s National Plumbing and HVACR apprentice contests where plumbing apprentices roughed-in a bathroom—including the drain, waste and vent lines, a toilet, a sink and shower. HVACR apprentices demonstrated their knowledge with a written test and put their hands-on skills to the test with brazing, pressure testing, refrigerant recovery, and diagnosing and repairing a package unit system.
This year, Logan Cunningham with John J. Maurer Inc., Cataumet, Mass., took top prize for plumbing, while Dane Gonser with Emcor Services Fagan, Kansas City, Kansas, was the winner of the HVAC portion.
Skyline view of Birmingham, Alabama - The Magic City.
94-year-old James Lindsey of Lindsey Brothers Plumbing and Heating in Norfolk, Va., was recognized for his contributions to PHCC and the industry.
Former Navy Commander Mary Kelly.
Hard at work during the plumbing apprentice competition.
Industry Relationships
This year’s theme, “Authentic Connections,” highlighted the importance of building trust and fostering relationships within the industry. From the daily keynotes featuring best-selling author and Navy commander Mary Kelly , who uncovered the key factors behind leadership success and failure to Jeff Butler , who with the help of the three “Cs”—cadence, collaboration and communication—explored actionable strategies to effectively manage cross-generational challenges and leverage the diversity of your multi-generational workforce as a competitive advantage.
The final keynote on reverse mentoring, moderated by yours truly, featured Erica Barnes , President, General Plumbing & Air Conditioning; Daniel Birmingham , Project Manager, JRC Mechanical, Chesapeake, Va.; Chris Johnson , Owner, Charles Chester Plumbing & Heating, Elko, Nev.; Chase Johnson, General Manager, Charles Chester Plumbing & Heating; and Tyler Arndt , Arndt & Sons Plumbing, Brooklyn, Wis., as they shared their experiences and how their ideas and contributions could help their companies thrive in the future.
Educational Sessions
Of the many things that the CONNECT show is known for are the many beneficial break-out sessions curated for business owners. Some of these
Susan Frew.
attended included what is sometimes aptly called the “Chuck & Mark Show” where Mark Valentini, Vice President, Legislative Affairs, PHCC-NA and Chuck White, Vice President, Regulatory Affairs, PHCC-NA updated the crowd on how regulatory affairs and lobbying are shaping the plumbing and HVAC industries.
Susan Frew’s “Igniting AI for Business” session opened some eyes to the advantages of using artificial intelligence for the business good instead of business scary, from AI-powered analytics for uncovering unique value propositions, to AI driven CRM systems that personalize customer interactions. Based on her real-life experience as a contractor, Frew
demonstrated how these tools enhance operational efficiency and offer unparalleled value to the business, employees and customers.
Another highly informative and interactive session featured some of the industry’s most recognizable social media personalities who gave advice in a session aptly named, “What the Hell Is an Influencer?” In addition to George DeJesus, George’s Drains LLC, Morris County, N.J., and Mike Prencavage Jr., The Family Plumber, Los Alamitos, Calif., last-minute, heavy-hitter fill-ins, Dustin Van Orman, Any Hour Services, Orem Utah, and Roger Wakefield, Richardson, Tex., stepped in to inform attendees how to use social media in an effective way for business.
A Magical Experience
Also new this year to CONNECT was live podcasting from the tradeshow floor. The magic of spontaneous discussions, solutions, and insights came alive with some of the industry’s top podcasters. These media personalities hosted high-profile guests as they shared their particular insights to the industry.
Oh, and why is Birmingham called the Magic City, you may ask? Including other names such as “The Iron City” or “The Pittsburgh of the South,” Birmingham is referenced as the Magic City because its soil contained the three necessary elements to produce steel: limestone, coal and iron ore.
Next year’s CONNECT will take place in Grand Rapids, Mich.
CONTRACTOR sponsored its own plumbing apprentice for the competition, Tyler James of UA Local 50, Northwood, OH.
Mark Valentini, Vice President, Legislative Affairs PHCC-NA.
The New ECO Hybrid is a dual-fuel hydronic system that integrates our ECO™ HP air-to-water heat pump with a high-efficiency boiler. It automatically switches between the heat pump and boiler based on outdoor temperatures to maximize energy efficiency and comfort.
With the ECO Cal sizing tool, contractors can easily right-size the system to ensure peak performance and efficiency. Ideal for retrofits and new installations, the ECO HP helps homeowners reduce their carbon footprint and may reduce energy costs while maintaining reliable heat.
Presented in partnership with Radiant Professionals Alliance
by Patrick
Linhardt
HYDRONICS MANAGER AT CORKEN
STEEL PRODUCTS CO.
Dual Exhaust – a Hydronic System Mystery
This installation predates the 1960s hot water jobs I’ve been talking about lately. This one is mid-century modern from the 1950s. The modern part of it was all the diversion tees installed. You don’t see them in the photo, but they were everywhere in the distribution piping. The fact that there were so many is what dates it from the early post war period.
The author uncovers a hydronic puzzle from the 1950s, and deals with an unexpected challenge of his own.
Diversion tees were developed to divert a portion of the hot water from the main through the radiation and back to the main. The tee was designed to create a big enough pressure drop along the run of the tee to create the flow on the branch, without creating too much pressure drop in the main. It was a delicate balance.
Bigger is Better
Like anything of that era, bigger or more was better. The installing contractor on this job decided that if one diversion tee per radiator was okay, then I’m going to install two. When I went to a school in Chicago in the 1980s, the textbooks indicated that one diversion tee per radiator was typical.The exceptions that required two were any radiator that was below the main, because hot water resists the idea of flowing down, and any radiator that was a long way from the main, because distance creates pressure drop. This job had neither. It was a ranch with no radiation in the basement and typical distances from the main to the first floor radiation. This leads us to the photo and the large pipes at the end of each main.
As you can see by the tees that they’re connected too, they’re actually larger than the size of the mains. If you take off those reducing elbows at the end, they remind me of big dual exhaust pipes on a hot rod, or the modified BMW 330 that my son used to own.
What Were They Thinking?
I’ve been spending a lot of time trying to figure out what this installer was thinking, since I have never seen this before in person or in print. I have to believe that it had something to do with air control. The little ¼”air cocks at the end were probably installed to vent air, since I can’t think of a reason to drain water through the tiny port.
In the photo, one of the mains comes from the right while the other main comes from the left, to combine in the throw-back wye tee to have a single return to the boiler. Before they get to the wye tee, each has an old school non-rising stem gate valve. Nowadays, we use the all-purpose ball valve in this situation.
Note the the large pipes at the end of each main. As you can see by the tees that they’re connected too, they’re actually larger than the size of the mains. What was the installer thinking?
moving any furniture, or taking abuse from disgruntled tenants.
I know that a lot of you have had hernias, and probably considered them a nuisance. Recently, I was diagnosed with a pretty routine hernia of my own. Actually, one of the few medical problems I ever had. Talking to friends and co-workers, I found out that a lot of them had hernias, sometimes more than one. No worries I thought, a lot of people have had this surgery.
If either of those valves is closed, it acts to isolate any flow from the return line to get to the little cocks at the end of those huge pipes. With the valve now closed and the cock open, any fresh water coming into the system has to pass along the main, through all those diversion tees and out the air cock, pushing any air out. So it looks like this set up might be for purging the air from the system.
However, the idea of purging air from a loop only works if the loop doesn’t have any branches. I see the purge correctly installed mostly in apartment buildings with a loop of radiation per apartment. The beauty of this set-up, if installed in the basement, is not having to go into any apartments to clear an air lock. Not having to find the super,
In this system, each of those two loops has about eight radiators connected to it. So, if you use the installed valves in the photo, the air gets purged out of the main only, which isn’t much help, since the air is still present in the radiators. The diversion tees work to create circulation through the radiators, but not to purge air.
A Mystery – And a Lucky Break
So maybe the size of the pipes has something to do with it. Why else make them so large? There were air chambers that used to be sold that you could use to accumulate air before manual air vents. Maybe the installer was thinking that the huge pipes would accumulate air? Maybe he used the large pipes in place of an expansion tank? Anyway, this is one mystery that I may never solve— your thoughts are welcome.
I went in for my surgery at the beginning of October, expecting a fairly normal outcome. I woke up in post-op and was told that the surgeon had also removed my appendix. He had called my wife for approval, since it looked abnormal. No worries I thought, a lot of people have had their appendix removed. However, there was a tumor in the appendix and that got sent to pathology. The vast majority of the time it’s nothing. Well, it was a very lucky thing that I got a hernia, and where it was located, since it did turn out to be the cancerous type that tends to spread. I went in for a CT scan to see if the cancer had spread to other places, like my lungs. Fortunately, the scan and the surgeon’s observations don’t show any signs of spread. Unfortunately, the scan cannot detect cancer in the one place it is most likely to spread: my large intestine. The tumor review board recommends removing part of my large intestine, but currently I’m waiting to fully recover from hernia surgery and a second opinion from an oncologist before agreeing to that.
Patrick Linhardt is a forty-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. An educator and author, he is currently Hydronic Manager at the Corken Steel Products Co.
What’s the easiest way to handle tight service space inside a high efficiency boiler?
Just open the front panel and drop the hinged control enclosure to see the difference. Need more? Simply remove four screws and take the side panels off for unobstructed access.
Presented in partnership with Radiant Professionals Alliance
Efficiency Fuels Growth of the Global Underfloor Hydronic Heating Market
The hydronic underfloor heating market is projected to surpass USD USD 7.9 Billion by 2032, as reported in the latest study by Global Market Insights, Inc.
Rising demand for energy-efficient heating, the system uses water for superior comfort and consistent temperature control will drive business growth. Environmental awareness and the need to reduce carbon footprints are prompting more consumers to adopt hydronic systems, which are sustainable and cost-effective. Technological advancements in efficiency and installation are making these systems more accessible and appealing.
Government incentives and regulations promoting energy-efficient buildings are driving the growth of the hydronic underfloor heating market. Increased construction activity, particularly in residential and commercial sectors, is further boosting adoption. These systems align with sustainable
building mandates, setting the stage for continued expansion in the coming years.
Key trends fuelling market growth
• Government Incentives & Regulations: Policies supporting energy-efficient construction and carbon reduction, such as the European Union’s Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), are encouraging widespread adoption of hydronic underfloor heating systems. Governments worldwide are also offering tax rebates, subsidies, and grants to promote energyefficient systems.
• Technological Advancements: Integration with smart thermostats and home automation systems is allowing homeowners and businesses to control heating more precisely, leading to greater
comfort and cost savings. Innovative materials, such as pre-insulated piping, have also simplified installation, reduced costs and making the technology more accessible.
• Growing Residential and Commercial Construction: The expansion of the construction industry, especially in residential and commercial sectors, is
Rinnai PRO APPRECIATION Sweepstakes Winner
PEACHTREE CITY, GA — Rinnai America Corporation has announced the grand prize winner of its PRO APPRECIATION Sweepstakes. The winner travelled to Georgia and visited Rinnai’s manufacturing facility in Griffin, Georgia and was later greeted at the company’s headquarters in Peachtree City by Rinnai leadership and city officials including Mayor Kim Learnard .
Dave Koval of Dave Koval Plumbing & HVAC, located in Mountain Top, Pennsylvania, was presented a new Ford F-150, valued at $70,000, during a live-stream event.
“I’m very fortunate to have won this incredible truck,” said Koval. “A huge thank you to Rinnai for this remarkable opportunity. We’ve recommended and installed Rinnai tankless water heaters for many years because they manufacture the best quality product, provide excellent customer service and an industry-leading warranty.”
“Our PROs play a critical role in both the development and the launch of our products in the North American Market, and the PRO Appreciation Sweepstakes is our way of recognizing and thanking them for their support of Rinnai, said Frank Windsor, President, Rinnai America Corporation. I’m thrilled for Dave and the many
other sweepstakes winners.”
In addition to the Ford F-150, Rinnai also awarded hundreds of other prizes, including a first-place prize of a Tony Stewart Racing Experience trip to Las Vegas.
To learn more about the SENSEI RX/ RXP visit https://www.rinnai.us/residential/sensei-rx
driving demand for hydronic heating systems. New buildings are increasingly incorporating advanced heating solutions to meet modern energy standards. The residential segment, in particular, is expected to register substantial growth as homeowners seek to reduce energy bills with sustainable solutions.
• Europe Leading the Market: Europe is projected to lead the hydronic underfloor heating market, with its value surpassing USD 4.3 billion by 2032. The region’s stringent energy regulations are a key factor, with many countries incentivizing energy-efficient buildings to meet ambitious carbon reduction targets. Company profiles working in this space -
Major players in the market include Amuheat, Daikin, Danfoss, Eberle by Schneider Electric, H2O Heating Pty Ltd., Honeywell International, Inc., Hunt Heating, Hurlcon Hydronic Heating, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, Polypipe, GF Piping (Georg Fischer) and REHAU AG, among others. Leading companies such as Danfoss, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, and Daikin dominate the market with their advanced, energy-efficient heating solutions and strong global presence. Their ongoing innovations in hydronic systems and smart heating technologies are setting new benchmarks in the industry, positioning them as key players in this evolving market.
Hydronics & R adiant
Presented in partnership with Radiant Professionals Alliance
Recipe for a Heating & Cooling System Rescue, Part 2
A
rescue project doesn’t come with a solution
or an install manual—we have to figure
out
what is going wrong and figure out how to make it work right.
By BRIAN NELSON, SPECIAL TO CONTRACTOR
In October, Nelson discussed Step 1: What the System Should Look Like, Step 2: Mapping the Infrastructure, and Step 3: What Do the Laws of Physics Tell Us? Visit contractormag.com for the full story.
My previous rescue stories have dealt with the HVAC and hydronic system rescue itself— the work we have done to a failed system to restore proper operation and improve efficiency and reliability.
It is worth taking a look at the part of our rescue process that happens before we start to make changes to the failed system. A rescue project doesn’t come with a solution or an install manual— we have to figure out what is going wrong and figure out how to make it work right. We get calls to do a rescue because the solution isn’t always obvious or straightforward; many times the installing contractor can’t figure out what is wrong or doesn’t know what to do to make thing work the way they should.
Because our trade is dedicated to achieving success (that is how we all get paid!) we sometimes get tunnel vision and have difficulty in zooming out to get a better vantage point when a system is not working well. That is when time should be spent on understanding “why” a system works, “how” it is designed to work effectively, and “what” is causing the issue.
I know in my career I learned a lot of things the hard way—struggling with an HVAC installation that just wasn’t working right—knowing that I wouldn’t get paid if I couldn’t get it right—and finally investing the time into studying system failures to improve our install process and avoid system issues in future installs. By definition, a rescue involves someone in the trades losing money over a system they can’t figure out. Ideally we can make some lemonade out of these lemons.
Performing and studying rescues is a great opportunity to learn, to improve, and to inspire (after all, the goal of learning about rescues is to never need one yourself). When people talk about difficulty in attracting young people into the trades, perhaps they haven’t seen the excitement that rescues create.
Currently we have three rescue projects in motion, and we have four of our techs under the age of 25 vying to be part of our rescue teams. Their bright minds are attracted to the challenge and the understanding that as our trade gets more and more complicated—seemingly every day—rescues will become more challenging and rewarding.
Recipe for a Successful Rescue
After doing enough rescue projects, we have developed the “recipe,” or important steps to take to achieve our goal of a functioning HVAC or hydronic system.
Firstly, we must understand what a correct install should look like and be able to identify where the failed installation deviates from the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Secondly, our diagnostic process must start with a sound understanding of the laws of physics that govern the operation of this failed system—this is the “why” of our investigation.
We must then look at what the “robot” (this is my term for the computer embedded on the equipment control boards) tells us through error codes, understand the limits of what the robot knows or is aware of, and do our independent testing to verify operation— we need to know “where” to start our investigation.
Thirdly, combine the above ingredients to come up with some approaches to resolving the issues facing the system—this is where our experience and skill set come into play. This is the “how” of our investigation.
Lastly, we must discuss pros and cons with the homeowner and arrive at a path forward—this is the critical time to explain the limits of our knowledge and the consequences of each rescue approach. This is the risk of doing rescue projects.
Step 4: Diagnostic Process - What is the Robot Telling Us (What Does It Really Know?)
In our rescue process, we encounter error codes spit out by modern equipment. Each control board (I call it the “robot”) directs the operation of the equipment it is connected to and does its best to understand what is going on while the equipment is operating. If operation outside of normal parameters is detected, the robot generates an error code. These error codes can be very helpful in guiding our rescue effort or they can be quite misleading.
An awareness of “what” the robot actually “knows” is quite valuable in determining how much weight to put into any error code the robot spits out.
Young folks understand better than
most the role of computers in every aspect of heating and cooling, and their healthy skepticism in what the robot has to say will be important in achieving rescue success.
Because new equipment—especially inverter driven equipment—has such a comprehensive network of sensors and inputs, the perception is that the robot “should” know a lot about equipment and system performance. But much of that information is inferred or indirect. For example, the robot doesn’t know the diameter or length of the line sets between inside and outside units or the amount of refrigerant in the system. It does its best to scan system operation (compressor speed, amps, voltage, refrigerant pressures and temperatures) to determine if there may be an issue, but it doesn’t actually “know.” The error code that it generates will be from a table of likely suspects—it may give us an error code of a faulty pressure sensor when the system is actually undercharged.
Because the robot that lives in new equipment gives us so many possible
These chilled water pumps have no pressure gauges.
Comfort … beyond endless hot water.
Tempra® Plus & DHC-E Plus with Advanced Flow Control™
Tempra® Plus and DHC-E Plus electric tankless water heaters ensure the hot water temperature asked for … is always delivered. Regardless of other hot water uses in the house.
Advanced Flow Control™ delivers a shower with constant hot water. There are no cold water “surprises.”
www.StiebelEltron.us | 800.582.8423
Advanced Flow Control™ was invented by and is only available from Stiebel Eltron. Awarded German patent DE 3805441 C2 and others.
Hydronics & R adiant
Presented in partnership with Radiant Professionals Alliance
Recipe for a Heating & Cooling System Rescue, Part 2
error codes, sometimes our techs assume that the robots in older equipment and controls know more than they actually do. Knowing how much communication is actually going on between equipment can be a critical part of interpreting the error codes.
Recently, we had a bank of five water to water heat pumps that were freezing up. The staging control was able to start and stop the heat pumps, but had no idea they were freezing up (as it couldn’t understand the heat pump error codes) so it kept calling on more heat pumps. If the robot in the staging control and the robots in the heat pumps were able to talk to each other, they could have guessed that the sensor had failed in the buffer tank. But they didn’t, so the staging control kept turning on heat pumps. The tech noted that the buffer tank was actually at 32°F and the staging control thought it was at 48°F, hence the freezing heat pumps.
Step 5: Diagnostic Process - Independent confirmation of information
Our rescue process has so far been informed by knowing what the manufacturer wanted, what was actually installed, what the laws of physics are telling us, and what the robot is telling us. Now we do our own independent investigation into what the system is doing to better understand system operation. We have mapped the infrastructure—now we need to map the performance across the entire system. To do this we need a good baseline. Typically, we recover the refrigerant charge so that we have absolute confirmation of how much refrigerant is in a system. This helps to better interpret the error codes given to us by the robot in the inverter driven heat pumps.
On ducted systems, we check pressure across the blower motor to see where the system fits with manufacturer’s parameters for air flow.
We map the temperature rise across the DX coil and the discharge and return air temperatures. We measure
superheat and subcool directly from our gauge block so we can know what is in the liquid and vapor lineset.
On hydronic systems, we double check system pressure with our calibrated test gauge—we routinely find clogged boiler pressure gauges that have been misleading the previous contractor.
We use our test gauge on a circulator so we can determine system flow from the pump curve. We see far too many circulators with either no gauges or two gauges. No gauges means you have no clue and two gauges means you don’t know how big your gauge error is. We routinely map pipe temperatures to reveal ghost flow, sticking check valves, and incorrectly piped connections between primary and secondary systems.
We get a baseline of incoming propane pressure to our boiler or furnace gas valves.
On control systems, we map out the existing control wiring and confirm
These circulators have no pressure gauges either.
voltage drop going to other equipment. We commonly run temporary control wires to remove intermittent control operation as a variable so we can confirm system operation.
All of this diagnostic information starts to create a picture of system operation and leads to our last step: creating a rescue plan.
Step 6: Rescue Plan –Creating a Plan That Restores System Operation
After completing the above steps, we have a much better idea of what is right about the system and what is wrong. We typically start our rescue plan by mapping out the ideal rescue scenario. For example, redoing all of the undersized ductwork, or opening up walls to replace line sets or hydronic supply and return pipes.
We then have to adjust that scenario to accommodate the budget expectations from the homeowner and their
appetite for disruption inside the home. During this iterative process, thinking outside the box can be very helpful.
The thoroughness of our diagnostic process and the clarity of our understanding of why the system hasn’t been working correctly goes a long way towards reassuring the homeowner that our plan will be successful.
Their goal is to end the bleeding after spending months or years of struggle with the first contractor as they applied band-aid after band-aid in an effort to get the system to work.
At this stage, we clearly state (CLEARLY STATE) the limitations of our investigation, our rescue plan to achieve the desired system performance, and any possible consequences of decisions to not upgrade the infrastructure as necessary. We can then proceed with the rescue, document our work, and ultimately commission the correctly operating HVAC system. Another successful rescue.
The staging control robot didn’t know the heat pumps were freezing up!
Presented in partnership with Radiant Professionals Alliance
Bradford White Attends ASPE Convention 2024
AMBLER, PA — Bradford White Corporation showcased its wide range of high-performing, energy-efficient and innovative products at the ASPE Convention and Expo 2024 October 18-2 in Columbus, Ohio.
The ASPE Convention and Expo is the ultimate platform where plumbing engineers, designers, specifiers, and contractors converge to explore cutting-edge innovations in the field.
“The ASPE Convention and Expo is a unique event for the plumbing industry,” said Neal Heyman , Director of Marketing for Bradford White. “This is an exciting time for the industry. Bradford White’s commitment to the professionals in our field has never been more important than it is today.”
Representatives from Bradford White were stationed at booth 501 during the Expo to share information, insights and expertise about the company’s products, including the following:
• Infiniti® GR Series Tankless Gas Water Heater With Built-in Recirculation: ENERGY STAR®-qualified, AHRI-certified, low-lead compliant tankless gas water heater can be installed indoors or outdoors for both residential and commercial application. Includes bottom water connections, stainless steel heat exchanger, ultra low NOx system and a built-in recirculation pump.
• AeroTherm® Series Heat Pump: With 50-, 65- and 80-gallon capacity units available, the ENERGY STAR®-certified AeroTherm® Series offers value, efficiency and versatility. The AeroTherm® Series water heaters are easy to install and maintain and feature the AeroTherm® integrated smart control panel.
• eF Series® 120T Ultra High Efficiency: The ENERGY STAR®-certified eF Series® Ultra High Efficiency Gas Water Heaters
feature BMS integration, protective powered anodes, thermal efficiency up to 97%, and ICON HD® controls.
• ElectriFLEX HD™: With available advanced features such as rugged Incoloy® low-watt density elements, field conversion kits to fit demanding application needs, Vitraglas® lining with Microban® antimicrobial product protection, ElectriFLEX HD™ water heaters are designed for heavy-duty commercial applications.
For more information about Bradford White Corporation, visit https://www. bradfordwhitecorporation.com.
by Patti Feldman
Efficiency in the Field
Workiz ( http://workiz.com , 855/790-7363), a communications and field service platform for home services/ field businesses with a single or multiple locations (covered in the September 2019 column with an update in July 2020), recently introduced Workiz Genius, which provides AI-enhanced capabilities and is offered as an add-on option to the Standard plan and is included as a part of its Ultimate plan. The new feature enabling the solution to act as a virtual personalized smart assistant for service professionals, providing suggestions and insights designed to help boost a user’s productivity.
The AI-enhanced capabilities include Smart Messaging, Call Insights, and Genius Leads. Smart Messaging enables quick-click composing of new messages, accessing existing relevant replies and editing existing messages for grammar and to read more professionally. The editing takes advantage of built-in contextual awareness, the conversation, your client, and your history with the client.
Call Insights allows you to transcribe your calls, search works in a call, provide a call summary and extract such details as job type, addresses, and pricing. Genius Leads automatically detects details of incoming lead emails, website emails, and warranty requests, and maps them to the corresponding lead field in Workiz. The Ultimate plan, in addition, includes the ability to utilize flat rate pricing for your clients.
Workiz Genius is also presenting Call Insights as part of its Genius offering, enabling operational managers to instantly pinpoint overlooked opportunities and risks within dispatcher phone conversations, potentially saving time that would otherwise be spent listening to complete calls. Every recorded call is analyzed and processed, giving users the full context of their customer interactions—key topics being discussed, top questions, upsell opportunities, customers at risk, team training opportunities, and more. Call Insights highlights crucial sections
Reviews of AI enhancements to the Workiz field service platform, FieldEdge management software, Linxup GPS tracking and more.
of phone conversations, providing a high-level summary and actionable suggestions for post-call follow-ups. With every interaction, Workiz Genius becomes smarter, allowing users to focus on growing their businesses.
FieldEdge by Xplor
FieldEdge by Xplor field management software ( www.fieldedge.com , covered in the September 2018 column, updated in May, 2024) recently entered a partnership with Social Jazz, a content marketing tool (www.socialjazz.com ) to help HVAC service contractors generate HVAC-specific automated social media posts designed to help attract and retain customers, with the online messages posted periodically throughout a year. As a preferred vendor for Carrier, Bryant, and International Comfort Products (ICP), Social Jazz offers pre-loaded social media posts for those brands, alongside a catalog of ready-to-use posts on topics like preventive maintenance, indoor air quality, and repair advice within the Social Jazz platform. Purposefully honed ready-made posts are avail -
able on a variety of topics including benefits of mini splits, ductless mini splits, and tips on open registers, fixing drafts, and optimal humidity for homes.
Pricing: fee per month.
Linxup GPS Tracking
Linxup GPS Tracking for HVAC Companies (www.linxup.com, 866/485-0171) is a GPS tracking solution, available in a range of scaled plans, that offers fleet vehicle tracking for commercial fleets, asset and equipment tracking, ELD tracking for FMCSA compliance, and optional add-on dash-cams.
How it works: plug or wire in the tracker (2.0” x 1.8” x 1”) to the OBII port and to your device (in vehicles manufactured after 1996) to monitor and track the vehicle from the app on your smartphone, tablet laptop, or desktop. You can get real-time information on the app’s dashboard to view location of the vehicle and track maintenance information, generate safety reports, and receive safety alerts and detailed reports including geofence alerts and reports on unsafe action/braking
such as harsh acceleration/braking (determined by an algorithm based on change in velocity) straight to that computing device.
With the Linxup Diagnostic Trouble Code Monitoring feature, you will be alerted to check engine lights, as an icon in map view, when they happen, via text, email, or app notification.
The solution, which can provide accurate ETA to customers, also has capability to streamline dispatch by locating the most convenient vehicle.
Pricing: fee per month/available by quote.
Update
Update: Verizon Connect ( www.verizonconnect.com, 855/891-0005), a platform for tracking vehicles in the field, suitable for small and medium-sized fleets (covered in December 2015 column) now includes AI driver and rear-facing dash cams that, depending upon the user’s plan, enable a near real-time 360-degree view of a fleet’s daily operations, viewing video clips of harsh driving events within minutes of happening; asset tracking of heavy equipment and other assets; compliance and electronic logging devices (ELDs) and driver vehicle inspection reports (DVIRs).
The dashcam video enabled plans, Verizon Connect Reveal and Verizon Connect Fleet, utilize artificial intelligence for real-time detection of distracted driving, tailgating, and road hazards. The cameras use natural ambient light in the environment and artificial light from streetlights and a vehicle’s headlights.
Pricing: customizable plans—users can choose the initial length of commitment and contract term to suit your needs, After the initial term of commitment, the contract automatically continues on a month-to-month basis.
Patti Feldman writes articles and web content for trade magazines and manufacturers of building products. She can be reached at productpad@yahoo.com.
The Workiz scheduling dashboard.
Setting a New Standard in Venting Safety
The first PVC Flue Gas Venting System of its kind.
• Fully certified to UL 1738
• Durable and long-lasting
• Easily identifiable
• Designed for Categories II and IV gas-burning appliances
by Candace Roulo
The Work Truck Dilemma: Leasing vs. Buying
Work trucks are one of the largest and most expensive investments tied to service companies. When investing in work trucks, you need to decide if you want to buy or lease work trucks and what option suits your plumbing company the best.
There is not a one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to leasing vs. buying work trucks because plumbing companies are all unique. Some business owners will find that leasing provides them with the flexibility and low upfront costs needed, while others might find that owning work trucks gives them more control and is more cost-effective in the long run. But it’s not that easy a decision to make—there is so much to consider when you are in the market for new work trucks.
Consider All the Financial Factors
Before looking into the benefits of leasing vs. buying, you need to dive into your finances to decide what is best for your business. For example, leasing frees up capital for other business needs or investments, enabling cash flow management. However, if you are looking to add equity to your business, you may prefer to buy. If you are buying a vehicle, the cost is an investment instead of an expense. But vehicles always depreciate.
You also need to figure out the operating, maintenance, fuel and insurance costs when leasing or buying a work truck. When leasing you usually do not have to pay for unexpected maintenance, only oil changes and tire rotations. When buying you are responsible for all maintenance.
There may be tax incentives when leasing work trucks too. According to the article Leasing A Vehicle: Why Service Companies Should Lease Instead Of Buy, you can write off part of the lease financing costs on your taxes. Plus, you may be able to write off a portion of the vehicle’s depreciation. You also need to consider the wear and tear of work trucks. At the end of
There is not a one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to leasing vs. buying work trucks because plumbing companies are all unique.
the lease, you may want to turn the work truck in and lease a brand-new vehicle instead of purchasing the leased work truck. When turning in a lease you may need to pay for any damages that are not considered normal wear and tear based on your specific lease contract.
Leasing EVs
Keep in mind that leasing is a great way to test out vehicles with new technology, such as electric vehicles (EVs). Given EV technology and the yet-to-be-determined market resale values of these type of trucks, leasing EVs can help you test the integration of these new vehicles with less financial risk. Plus, there is uncertainty about how the used EV truck market will evolve in the future. Therefore, by leasing EV trucks, you can mitigate risks with resale exposure.
Buying vs. Leasing Work Trucks
Once you take stock of all financial considerations, you can then decide if buying or leasing is best for your business. Below are a few items to consider. Buying may be best if you:
• Have cash to invest in new work trucks.
• Plan to operate the trucks for longer than five to seven years.
• Have the experienced staff to properly maintain and service vehicles.
The benefits of buying are:
• You have complete control over the work truck—there are no mileage restrictions or wear-and-tear penalties.
• The total cost of ownership may be lower than leasing.
• You can sell the truck at any time once you own it outright.
• The truck counts as an asset for your business.
Leasing may be best if you:
• Do not want to invest a lot of cash in work trucks because leasing usually has a lower upfront cost.
• Want to free up capital for other business investments.
• Want to reduce unexpected vehicle maintenance costs.
• · Want the flexibility to update your trucks every three to five years with the latest models.
The benefits of leasing are:
• You can easily upgrade or downsize your fleet based on changing business needs.
• If you value having the latest models with the most advanced features
and most fuel-efficient vehicles.
• You preserve your cash flow.
Resources
The good news is you don’t have to lease all of your work trucks or buy all of them—you can do a mix. For example, you may opt to buy internal combustion engine work trucks and lease an electric vehicle. Again, it all depends on what you decide is best for your business. Ultimately you need to do your homework before you purchase or lease new work trucks. By doing so, you will be able to make the best decision for your plumbing business.
Here are some online resources for you to learn more about leasing vs. buying work trucks:
• Should Contractors Purchase or Lease Trucks for Business?
Candace Roulo is a graduate of Michigan State University’s College of Communication Arts & Sciences. She has 15 years of industry experience in the media and construction industries. She covers a variety of mechanical contracting topics, from sustainable construction practices and policy issues affecting contractors to continuing education for industry professionals and the best business practices that contractors can implement to run successful businesses.
Rush Akin CHIEF REVENUE OFFICER, ROADFLEX
5 Features of Modern Fuel Purchasing Platforms
Plumbing and mechanical contractors live in a world where the amount of business they get is often dependent on construction spending, which is up one season and down the next. When you never know when the next slump is coming or a project is going to be put on hold due to higher interest rates, every penny counts.
Fuel is an area that is full of opportunities for cost control. When you own company vehicles, your largest vehicle expense is likely fuel, which totals even more than the price of the vehicle itself. The way you purchase and manage that fuel can make that already-steep cost go up.
For instance, if you don’t have protocols in place to prevent, identify, and address fuel theft and misuse, you’re likely losing about 10-15% of your fuel budget to fraud according to industry averages. Likewise, if you or a member of your team are spending time tracking receipts, manually reconciling expenses, and reporting on fuel expenditures, you’re spending too much time (which, as we know, is money) on administrative tasks that could be better spent on marketing, bidding jobs, or billing clients.
If either of these scenarios apply to your business, you’re certainly not alone. Here’s the good news: fuel purchasing and fuel management technology has advanced to help you reduce fuel fraud and lower your fuel costs.
Even if you currently use or previously used a fuel card, those legacy cards have limited capabilities when it comes to transaction monitoring, spending controls, and security. The latest fuel cards on the market come with a fuel purchasing platform; this has paved the way for vast improvements in these areas as well as reporting and analytics that can yield cost-saving insights.
When I work with plumbing, mechanical, and other contractors, the following are what I call the five “need-to-
The following are what I call the five ‘need-to-know’ features of modern construction fuel purchasing platforms.
know” features of modern construction fuel purchasing platforms.
Feature #1: Real-Time Transaction Monitoring
When you’re a contractor, it’s easy to lose oversight on fuel purchases for your company vehicles. You and your team have demanding schedules and I’m sure the last thing you want to do at the end of the day, week, or month is pore over fuel transactions for suspicious activity.
Plus, with legacy fuel cards, it typically takes two to three days before charges appear—that is, if you can even review them before you receive your statement at the end of the month. That gives fraudsters far too much time to spend your fuel dollars on their own purchases.
Next-generation fuel purchasing platforms remedy both issues by providing instant visibility into fuel purchases and using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to identify patterns and alert you about suspicious activity right away. This enables plumbing and mechanical contractors to track fuel expenses as they occur and take immediate action when the platform detects anomalies. The latest fuel purchasing platforms can also automatically block transactions that don’t meet the spending controls you’ve set.
This real-time oversight gives you
tighter control over your fuel budget and prevents financial losses due to misuse.
Feature #2: Telematics and SMS Authentication
If you’re not familiar with telematics, they are devices you plug into your vehicles that gather all sorts of information about the status of the vehicle, including location, odometer readings, fuel tank capacity, and fuel gauge, amongst others.
Next-generation fuel purchasing platforms integrate with telematics location data to verify the vehicle, driver, and fuel card are all located at the same fueling location. This three-point verification prior to fuel purchases is a highly effective fuel fraud prevention strategy.
For instance, if a vehicle paired with a card is more than 100 meters away, you can pre-set the platform to automatically block the transaction. Telematics can also monitor tank capacity and fuel levels for each vehicle and automatically decline transactions that exceed a vehicle’s available fuel capacity.
When the platform declines a transaction or detects suspicious activity, you can get an SMS (text) message or email alerting you to the issue.
Together, telematics and modern fuel risk management platforms offer a proactive approach to fuel security, help prevent theft, and ensure fuel is
used for legitimate purposes—while also taking a significant amount of monitoring work off your to-do list.
Feature #3: Automated Expense Management
Managing traditional fuel cards can be time-consuming and complex, requiring manual reconciliation of transactions, tracking receipts, and processing financials, budget, and paperwork. Modern fuel purchasing platforms simplify the process of reporting and reconciling fuel expenses, saving time and reducing administrative workload. Today’s advanced platforms give contractors access to comprehensive reporting capabilities to make monitoring, reviewing, and reporting on fuel expenditures easy and accurate. These reports simplify other business tasks as well, like client invoicing and accounts receivable, tracking repairs and maintenance costs, employee oversight, financial planning, and spending analysis. Additionally, modern fuel card platforms can automatically generate fuel tax reporting documents such as IFTA, free of charge.
Feature #4: Advanced Analytics Tools
Traditional fuel cards often lack detailed reporting and analytics features, making it challenging for business owners to analyze fuel consumption, track expenses, and identify cost-saving opportunities.
Today’s AI-powered fuel purchasing platforms use advanced analytical tools to give you valuable insights into spending patterns, which helps you reduce costs and operate more efficiently. For instance, if you notice a vehicle has been slowly increasing fuel consumption over time, that might indicate it needs maintenance or that the operating costs have become so high that it’s more cost effective to replace the vehicle.
With AI in play, fuel risk management platforms can analyze vast amounts of data quickly and accurately
➤ Turn to 5 Features page 45
by Lynn Karam CEO OF LEK MANAGEMENT
Tax Strategy to Build on Success
Tax obligations are of course part of any business, no matter the size or the entity. For some contractors the thought of paying taxes is an afterthought that sometimes gets forgotten until after the due dates. However, this does not negate the obligation to pay, and penalties will continue to be imposed because of failure to file and/or pay the required taxes.
From years of experience working with contractors, we know that the construction industry is known for large cash outlays prior to receiving payments which are tied to percentage completed. This makes cash management a necessary practice for contractors seeking to minimize risk and stay on budget. A tax bill which is unaccounted for will limit the availability of cash and can result in unwanted surprises down the line. To avoid the shock of receiving a large tax bill that you were not expecting, here are a few recommendations.
Be Consistent
Account for and pay employment taxes in a timely fashion. Deposits must be made according to one of two schedules, either monthly or semi-weekly. The schedule used for your current calendar year depends on the amount of employment taxes you reported during your lookback period. Under the monthly deposit schedule, employment taxes on any given payments made during a month must be paid by the 15th day of the following month. If you are unsure of which schedule to follow, or have questions regarding your lookback period, it’s always wise to consult a professional.
In some cases, for instance during a cash crunch, contractors are forced to devise creative ways to meet some employment taxes immediately and defer the balance until additional revenue is received. The issue with this approach is that payroll obligations consist of the employment taxes in addition to the net wages to the employees.
As a business owner, you are certainly entitled to defer deposit and payment of the employer’s share of Social Security tax, prior to applying the Research
To avoid the shock of receiving a large tax bill that you were not expecting, here are a few recommendations.
Payroll Tax Credit against the employer’s liability for the employer’s share of Social Security tax.
Minimize the Accounts Receivable
There are several practical strategies to minimize your Accounts Receivable.
One key procedure is to send invoices as soon as possible after completing a project. This can prevent delays, enabling you to get paid faster. If your company is still sending out paper copies of invoices via the US mail, it’s probably time to start billing digitally.
Even if this seems out of your comfort zone, you can always start by sending a digital invoice and following up with a hard copy later, noting on the electronic version that there will be a paper copy sent “upon request.” Most recipients are happy to receive digital copies, to reduce the clutter in their own office, and all parties will be doing something environmentally-friendly for the planet.
Quite importantly, ensure your invoices are transparent—meaning the recipient won’t have a lot of guesswork when it comes time to pay—and always establish clear payment terms. Offer multiple payment options: electronic payments are sometimes immediately received, as opposed to waiting for
payment to be sent. Surely, never hearing the words “the check’s in the mail” would be welcome to any contractor.
If despite all your best efforts, some bills remain unpaid for longer than you’d like, then the next logical steps must include sending timely reminders. Remember the old adage “You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar”? No matter how frustrated you feel upon not receiving payments in a timely manner, it’s important to take a polite tone and to use appropriate l anguage when contacting the payer.
If you have staff trained to do the reminding, ensure that they have the right demeanor. Even while being courteous, a good collections person can still be firm when requesting overdue payments.
Automation (and everything that falls under that large umbrella) will benefit any business, as long as everyone who is using it is properly trained and knowledgeable regarding new protocols. Automation can reduce human error by improving accuracy, as well as speed up the billing and collection processes.
Engage in Tax Planning
The process of tax planning and financial management (in this case a business’s income, expenses and activity)
will minimize the company’s tax liability and maximize its success. Smart tax planning practices never leave money on the table.
It’s never too early to plan. Make an appointment with your tax professional to discuss getting your tax down to the ideal number as soon as your taxes are filed. If you owe a significant amount, there are plenty of strategies to reduce that bill, but you must plan ahead to achieve more predictable results.
Some sets of data stay the same yearto-year or may fluctuate very slightly. For example, requirements often found at the top of the tax preparer’s list can be retained in a file separate from those that contain the “variable” information. All of what’s needed can be easily retrieved via reports from a good accounting program. Necessary planning reports include a Balance Sheet, Income Statement, Cash Flow Statement, and a General Ledger. If you use QuickBooks or a similar system, these reports can be created with a few simple steps and then set aside in an electronic file.
Other crucial information to prepare for tax season includes monthly bank and credit card statements saved from the bank’s website or scanned. Inventory counts should be taken periodically and depreciable asset purchases and disposition records must be maintained. Getting back to where we began, make sure to have access to payroll reports, including wages, employment taxes paid, and workers’ compensation coverage.
Having all your company’s information organized will prevent stress year ‘round, but especially at tax time. Keep in mind that a professional tax advisor will not only prepare your taxes, but they will also help you plan ahead for the months and years to come.
Founder and CEO of LEK Management Inc., Lynn Karam has two decades of experience in finance, operations, and strategic planning. Karam is an Enrolled Agent authorized by the United States Department of the Treasury to represent clients who are undergoing an audit and to negotiate with the IRS on her clients’ behalf.
by Anand Subbaraj CEO OF ZUPER
Field Service Platform Study: What Buyers Really Want
Companies with field service teams are ubiquitous. They’re found in energy, manufacturing, technology, telecommunications, and other industries. Many companies view field services as key to customer satisfaction (46.2%) and business retention (39%).
That’s why investment in field service management (FSM) platforms is nearly doubling, from $4B in 2023 to $7.3B by 2028. Workers gain mobile tools that offer streamlined access to customer data and intelligent services, enabling them to speed issue resolution and maximize first-time fix rates. Organizations benefit by increasing operational efficiencies, asset utilization, predictive maintenance, and resource optimization, among other gains.
However, many people in charge of buying and using FSM software have concerns. A recent study of field service leaders from Zuper and WBR Insights finds that about a third are not very satisfied (23%) or not satisfied at all (13%) with their current FSM solutions. Meanwhile, another 40% are only somewhat satisfied. The reasons these leaders cited for their disappointment include a non-intuitive user experience, insufficient customer support, technical glitches, and poor value for their investment. So, it’s not surprising that 73% of respondents plan to switch or upgrade solutions within the next 12 months. The study offers insights into what leaders really want and need from their field service technology.
5 Ways to Improve the FSM Experience
The study identified five areas that field service leaders would like addressed: 4 Optimizing operations: A majority of field service leaders say their FSM platform must optimize critical operations such as work order management (83%), compliance and safety (83%), spare parts/inventory management (72%), technician productivity (65%), and integration with financial systems and business processes (53%). These findings indicate that compa-
The study offers insights into what leaders really want and need from their field service technology.
nies with field service organizations seek comprehensive solutions that optimize multiple processes and accelerate workflows. And they are willing to double down on investments to achieve this goal. Nearly half (40%) plan on investing 31% to 40% of their technology budgets on new or upgraded FSM solutions. Another 4% will allocate 41% to 50% within 12 months. As they seek to purchase or upgrade a solution, field service leaders are also prioritizing artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities.
Most (75%) of their customers plan to spend somewhat more on AI technologies over the next two years, while 10% say this spending will increase substantially. This AI investment will enable leaders to gain predictive capabilities to improve decision-making as well as natural language interfaces that guide workflows and make it easier for teams to get work done.
4 Enabling seamless integrations: FSM platforms should integrate with various solutions, including customer relationship management, ticketing, payments, tax management, and more, to provide users and the businesses and individuals they service with a seamless experience. However, only 53% of respondents believe their FSM performs
well in this area. Field service leaders will want to review the list of APIs and connectors their platform providers offer before making a purchase decision. With RESTful APIs and connectors, they can integrate their FSM platform into both modern systems and legacy tools alike, optimizing financial and operational processes end-to-end and improving their ability to benchmark results and assess progress.
4 Boosting technician productivity: Improving technician productivity remains a significant challenge, with only 65% of respondents indicating their FSM solution helps optimize this aspect. Offering features such as automated scheduling, route optimization, and work order management is a given. Beyond that, buyers also want to use AI to gain predictive maintenance and resource optimization capabilities, so that they can accurately forecast equipment issues and customer needs and align workforces and resources accordingly. This capability helps leaders avoid emergency spending on parts and equipment, hire and develop the right talent, and avoid spending on overtime.
4 Transitioning to a platform: Transitioning to a new FSM platform is challenging. Leaders prefer to
transition over a one- to three-month timeframe (29%) or over three to six months (50%), highlighting the need for a smooth and efficient migration process. Buyers will want to review vendors’ onboarding experience: learning how technology providers will support them by deploying and integrating the platform, training teams, providing troubleshooting resources, and ensuring adequate call center staff to triage issues and answer questions. In the survey, buyers mentioned customer service as a pain point, so reviewing technical support coverage, including escalation policies, is essential.
4 Driving ROI for implementations: Field service leaders look at total cost of ownership to evaluate solutions. These costs include licensing fees, implementation, maintenance, and the cost of reallocating their employees from their duties to assist with the implementation. They’ll also consider financial gains they achieve from the solution, such as the ability to drive field force throughput and retain more customers. Buyers want to implement a solution that’s modular and scalable. They’d like to implement the features and integrations that provide the greatest impact first, adding optional features after teams have gained experience with new ways of working and their companies have achieved partial payback on their investment. In addition, solutions should scale easily with growth, whether that means adding new users and customers, integrating new business functions, or entering new regions.
Acting on Insights
Operating field service functions is a demanding job, but one that adds significant value to organizations. Teams meet face-to-face with customers, learning about their experiences with solutions, including what’s working well and what they need to fix.
Similarly, this study provides deep insights into what field service leaders
Turn to Field Service, page 45
“When you’re here you get to feel the tool and see how it actually works. That gives you confidence when buying in the future.”
Level up at the event for HVACR.
FEBRUARY 10-12, 2025
PHCC Awards Its Highest Honor to Keith Bienvenu
➤ Continued from page 1
Col. George D. Scott Award
Inspired by PHCC’s inaugural president, Col. George D. Scott , the award acknowledges a PHCC member who has provided years of service and unselfish devotion to the association and to the industry, and whose industry efforts have provided many benefits to other p-h-c contractors.
“Keith has been a true trailblazer within PHCC, the PHCC Educational Foundation, and the plumbing and HVAC industry, involved at every level of our association as well as within the legislative and regulatory arena,” says 2023-2024 PHCC President Joe
Cornetta. “He takes our mission of serving as a proud protector of public health, safety, and the environment quite seri-
position for both PHCC of Louisiana and PHCC of Greater New Orleans and has chaired multiple committees.
Col. George D. Scott, the award acknowledges a PHCC member who has provided years of service and
ously and is passionate when it comes to growing and improving the profession.”
Legacy of Service
The list is long when it comes to Bienvenu’s service to PHCC. Most notably, he has served in every officer
For PHCC—National, Bienvenu spent decades on various task forces and committees, served as a Zone Director, was 2003-2004 National Secretary and 2011-2012 President.
Bienvenu also was a founding member of Quality Service Contractors
Michael Carter of Virginia Named PHCC’s Plumbing Instructor of the Year
BIRMINGHAM, AL — Honoring those who have dedicated their careers to enriching the lives of plumbing students, the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association (PHCC) named Michael Carter its 2024 Plumbing Instructor of the Year. The award—sponsored by PHCC Corporate Partner Milwaukee Tool—was presented at PHCC CONNECT 2024.
Changing Lives
An instructor at Gar-Field High School in Woodbridge, Virginia, “Mike Carter is the kind of instructor who changes lives,” write those who nominated him for this prestigious award. “The school where Mike teaches faces the worst kind of challenges: poverty, language barriers, drugs, and gang violence. He offers a haven and a pathway to betterment.”
Carter’s teaching approach is rooted in his own experience, which began by working alongside his father in a comprehensive plumbing business. Over the years, he has gained extensive experience working for others and operating his own business. This background influences how he structures his classes, emphasizing practical, hands-on learning to ensure his students are prepared for real-world scenarios.
High Standards, High Demand
For the past five years, Carter has been fulfilling his dream as an instructor at Gar-Field and currently has 80 students enrolled as first- and second-year students. Last year, he had to turn away 100 students due to lack of capacity. Carter’s high expectations create a competitive and serious learning environment where students must demonstrate their commitment to remain in his class. “We have a demand for these classes, and I tell them to leave if they aren’t serious because I have a lot of other kids who want that seat,” he says. To remain in class, students must be on time, change into work-appropriate clothes, remove watches and jewelry, tie back hair, and eliminate dangling
clothing. Cell phones are prohibited, and inappropriate language is not tolerated. Carter’s immersive, hands-on approach to the curriculum ensures that his students are not only skilled but also prepared for the realities of a plumbing career.
Comprehensive Education with Limited Resources
“He has done an exceptional job partnering with PHCC, vendors, and contractors to deliver top-quality tools, materials, and job placements for his students,” says Edgar Galeano, a territory manager for Milwaukee Tool.
Indeed, by bringing in materials from his past business, engaging local contractors, and securing donations from suppliers and manufacturers, Carter ensures his students receive a comprehensive education despite a limited budget.
“If you have ever had the privilege of an instructor who introduced you to a subject, imparted knowledge, and boosted your confidence in the field, you can appreciate how special Michael Carter is to his students,” adds PHCC of Virginia Executive Director Susan Milhoan. “Mike is not only an educator in the classroom and labs but also a mentor who equips his students with essential life skills for their future success.”
(QSC), a PHCC Enhanced Service Group, when it was launched in 1993. He remained an active member for the remainder of his career and—upon retirement from Bienvenu Brothers in 2015—became the first (and only to this day) retired member. He was owner of Bienvenu Brothers, a fourth-generation family-owned and operated business that has served metropolitan New Orleans, Louisiana, since 1937.
He currently serves on the PHCC Educational Foundation’s Board of Directors and has generously supported the Foundation through the years, including on its Invest in Your Future Committee.
Speaking of education, Bienvenu has been a driver in developing statewide continuing education content required by all licensed plumbing contractors to maintain their license. He has coordinated and secured nationally recognized education to be incorporated into local conventions and seminars. His contributions are critical to the continued professional and skilled development necessary to protect public health.
Within Louisiana, Bienvenu served the State Plumbing Board in multiple capacities, including as Board Member, an appointment by the governor. In addition, he was instrumental in organizing stakeholders and legislators to create a statewide license for natural gas fitters. His diligence and expertise allowed for this bill to be drafted and passed without opposition.
Leader, Innovator, Inspiration
Bienvenu’s dedication spills into his community, as well. He has been a church volunteer for more than 15 years, sponsors community events, and personally drives nuns to stay with hospice patients overnight.
“Through Keith’s community and professional participation, he has demonstrated that a member of this industry can be a leader, an innovator, and an inspiration to grow and enhance the profession, the industry, and its impact on and protection of public health,” write those who nominated him for PHCC’s prestigious Col. Scott Award.
Michael Carter (center), PHCC’s Plumbing Instructor of the Year.
•
•
• Lightweight pipe is easier to mobilize and hang by one person
• Electric pipe cutting machine reduces messy pipe prep
• Pre-cut pipe available in 9 different lengths up to 20 feet
IAPMO Concludes 95th Annual Conference
➤ Continued from page 3
event was co-located with ARCSA International’s Annual Conference.
Elections
Steve Panelli , Chief Plumbing Inspector, City and County of San Francisco, and Jeremy Stettler , Coordinator/Inspector, Davis School District, Clearfield, Utah, were elected to second terms as President and Vice President, respectively.
Brian Hamner, Senior Plumbing Inspector, City of Des Moines, Iowa, will return as Secretary/Treasurer. Eric Gilbreath, Senior Plumbing Inspector for Public Health Seattle and King County, and Brad Elliott, Combination Plans Examiner, City of Las Vegas, were elected as District Directors, and Jeremy Diaz, UA
Local 78 Business Manager, Rick Garcia , Senior Mechanical Inspector, City of San Diego, and David Ledda, Senior Plumbing Inspector, City and County of San Francisco, will return to the Board of Directors.
Tom Gugino , former IAPMO board member and IWSH chair, served as conference host and Bill Laub , IAPMO Southern Nevada chapter, served as conference chair.
“This conference was a celebration of this association’s nearly 100 years of leadership, advocacy and stewardship of the best codes and standards in the world,” Panelli said. “This week we recognized that access to clean water, effective sanitation and safe buildings is a fundamental right, and we all deserve a safe environment in which to live, learn, work and play.”
Moen Expands Two-Decade-Long Partnership with Meritage Homes as the Wxclusive Plumbing Partner
NORTH OLMSTED, OH —
Two leading companies in the home building industry are solidifying their relationship to deliver exceptional plumbing solutions within quality energy-efficient homes to homebuyers across the country. Moen, a leader in water experiences, has signed a multi-year agreement with Meritage Homes, the fifth-largest public homebuilder in the United States, to continue as Meritage’s exclusive faucet
and bath accessory supplier.
“The partnership between Moen and Meritage has been strong for more than 20 years, and we’re incredibly proud to continue as Meritage’s exclusive plumbing provider for faucets and accessories,” said Kevin Campbell , President, Moen Americas. “We prioritize developing innovative and stylish products that emphasize beauty and functionality in every kitchen and bathroom space.
As Meritage focuses on their values of creating ‘Life Built Better,’ Moen shares the same principles through thoughtful details, prioritizing sustainability and creating peace of mind to deliver elevated experiences in the home for customers.”
Moen will provide a tailored selection of kitchen and bath faucets, showerheads, and bath accessories ensuring homebuyers achieve on-trend designs while enjoying unparalleled quality and durability. Moen bath faucets also meet EPA WaterSense® criteria, helping customers reduce overall water usage for a positive impact on the environment. Through this partnership, Meritage homebuyers will have a home built with exceptional expertise and enhanced plumbing experiences from North America’s number one faucet brand.
“The exclusive agreement with Moen helps us in our mission to design and build sustainable homes with the best water experiences,” said Clint Szubinski , Chief Operating Officer at Meritage Homes. “Our homebuyers benefit from monthly water utility cost savings by using Moen-designed plumbing products.
For more information about Moen, visit moen.com.
To learn more about Meritage Homes visit www. meritagehomes.com.
Sponsors
The conference was sponsored by California State Pipe Trades Council; Rainwater Management Solutions, Inc.; Plastic Pipe Institute; Watts Water Technologies; District Council 16; NITC; UA Plumbers Local Union 78; Plumbers Local 68; Southern Nevada IAPMO Chapter; South Jersey Mechanical Contractors Association; UA Local 398; Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 9; TLD Timelockdocs; California Central Chapter of IAPMO; 1st Tee; Western States Pipe Trades Council; American Water Works Association; American Society of Plumbing Engineers; and PHCC.
Awards
During the conference’s opening session, IAPMO honored numerous individuals with awards recognizing unique contributions and long-standing support from members and industry allies. The awards and their recipients include:
• IWSH Award: Sam Woolsey, Woolsey Plumbing and Heating, UA Local 400
• Legislator of the Year: Iowa State Rep. Jane Bloomingdale
• President’s Green Oval: Jeremy Diaz, UA Local 78 Business Manager
• Joseph Kneidinger Sustainability Professional of the Year: David Crawford, Founder and CEO of Rainwater Management Systems
• American Flag Award: Bruce Pfeiffer, City of Topeka Chief Plumbing Inspector (posthumously)
• Bruce Pfeiffer Committee Member of the Year: Dan Rademacher, Viega Trades Education Network Program Manager
• Industry Person of the Year: Mike Hartley, California State Pipe Trades Council Executive Director
• Government Person of the Year: Steve Hart, Seattle and unincorporated King County Chief Plumbing Inspector
• George Kauffman Lifetime Achievement Award: Marty Cooper, retired Foster City, California, Chief Building Official
• IAPMO Fellows: Gary Boyle, Kika Bukoski, Aaron Stockwell, Dan O’Gorman, Ronnie Barbarulo, Ray Keeley, Mark Howard, Craig Loeffler, and Marty Cooper
Winners of the 14th IWSH Scholarship Essay Competition were announced. First prize was awarded to Ava Hartman, North Carolina State University, and three runners-up were Samantha Eberl, University of British Columbia; Hannah Gilmore, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary; and Stella Wang , Markville Secondary School.
IAPMO’s 96th annual Education and Business Conference will be held in Palm Springs, California, Sept. 14-18, 2025.
Building Your Plumbing Business Brand
Expert guidance and impactful strategies to build your brand into something respected, depended on, and instantly recognized.
For more information scan the QR code below.
Discover the new digital technologies changing the face of the contracting business and how they can drive efficiency, productivity and customer satisfaction.
For more information scan the QR code below.
These case studies get into the technical details of specific applications including system design, tools, equipment, problem solving and much more. For
Construction Co.s Struggle to Recruit, Retain
➤ Continued from page 1
leading platform for construction and specialty contractor workforce solutions, conducted and released initial results from the 2024 Workforce Survey earlier this year. Nearly 1,500 firms completed the survey, which included several questions specifically focused on recruiting and workforce management to better understand how and where the industry is attracting talent and managing the talent they have.
Key Opportunities
“Construction employers are overlooking key
opportunities that can help them strengthen their recruiting and retention efforts and, hopefully, come out on top,” said Chad Mathias, Senior Vice President of Sales and Strategy at Arcoro. “Technology, programs and resources represent a powerful combination for improvement.”
Never-before-released results of these workforce questions show that companies are making efforts to recruit from diverse candidate pools. Respondents reported actively targeting the following groups: 85% recruit new graduates, 81% recruit minorities, 80% recruit veterans, 79% recruit women,
Moen Celebrates Opening of Distribution Center
NORTH OLMSTED, OH — Moen celebrated the grand opening of its brand-new distribution center in North Las Vegas on Wednesday, October 2nd.
Known as the Prologis Speedway North Distribution Center 1, the nearly 700,000-square-foot facility has been designed to allow the company to increase inventory on the West Coast, improving lead times and reducing transportation costs. Built in partnership with the building owner, Prologis, Inc., the construction was led by Layton Construction Company, LLC, and began in February 2023. With new warehouse management systems and automated elements, customers
A ribbon-cutting ceremony at the grand opening celebration.
can expect improved efficiency and enhanced overall service to meet their ever-evolving needs.
An Operations Milestone
“The official opening of this distribution center marks an important milestone in streamlined operations for Moen and in creating even more exceptional experiences for those we serve,” said Ron Wilson, Executive Vice President and Chief Supply Chain Officer, Fortune Brands Innovations. “Thanks to the building’s high level of automation, enhanced ergonomics and other elements supporting productivity, we’re anticipating as much as a 200% increase in product volume out of the building and approximately a 30% faster lead time in serving West Coast customers.”
Operations have already begun, with work starting this past summer. To support the operations at this larger center, approximately 10% more workers were hired as compared to the previous facility in North Las Vegas.
“As a valued and longstanding member of our community, we are excited to have Moen growing in North Las Vegas,” said City of North Las Vegas Mayor Pamela Goynes-Brown.
Sustainability also will be top of mind at the stateof-the-art center. As part of Moen’s robust recycling program, the facility will feature new innovations, such as an automated machine that will optimize box sizes to minimize cardboard usage and eliminate the need for plastic air pillows.
For more information about Moen, visit moen.com
51% recruit career changers, and 35% recruit formerly incarcerated individuals.
Room for Improvement
However, there’s progress to be made in some areas central to recruiting and retention strategies in the tightest job market in decades.
When it comes to culture, 52% of respondents said they have and promote a well-defined culture, while 51% indicate their culture helps with their recruiting and retention strategy. Meanwhile, 20% said they either don’t have a defined culture or don’t promote it.
Construction employers need to think more strategically about how to incent and retain a shrinking workforce
There’s also room for improvement in training and upskilling workers. About 24% of companies haven’t implemented any upskilling techniques. Among the 76% that have, a variety of methods are being used: 45% are strengthening performance management, 27% have established new learning programs, 25% are using technology to deliver and track training, 34% are partnering with a third-party for courses, and 32% have implemented career pathing.
Surprisingly, only 14% said they use a platform to improve performance management. Survey results also indicate that companies see the value of feedback and performance management, with 53% conducting annual formal reviews. Meanwhile, 36% said they have an informal review process, and 14% reported they have no formal process.
Equally surprising is the use of analytics in the industry. 49% of respondents said they don’t use any business intelligence (BI) or other data to help with their workforce planning and management, 35% indicate they have access to and use this type of data, 10% said they would use BI if it was available to them, and 4% said they have access to BI data but don’t use it.
“This new data makes it clear that construction companies will have to up their game to recruit and retain talent in the future,” said Mathias. “However, many companies have yet to adopt modern technology for core HR processes, like training or performance management. This represents a real opportunity for the industry to take advantage of HR solutions that enable them to be more efficient and effective.” View the survey results online and read a full analysis on Arcoro’s blog.
5 Features of Fuel Purchasing Platforms
➤ Continued from page 36
to find patterns and trends that aren’t apparent to the naked eye. With current technology at your disposal, you can get real-time insights into fuel purchases and anomalies that may indicate misuse or fraud. You can also easily create performance reports to benchmark and compare fuel spending by the driver or vehicle. These capabilities make it far easier to address issues before they become significant problems and find opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
AI also powers reports and dashboards that can provide a comprehensive view of fuel usage, helping you to see trends and areas for improvement. Legacy cards typically offer reporting on an account level, but modern-day fuel platforms offer reporting by vehicle, card, and driver. Platform users also have access to retroactive fuel analyses that compare how many gallons of fuel your vehicles consumed to miles driven to identify any potential fuel fraud.
Feature #5: Comprehensive Security Features
Fuel fraud is a very real possibility when you own company vehicles. In fact, 86% of vehicle managers believe fuel fraud currently takes place in their organization.
Modern fuel risk management platforms have comprehensive security features to protect against fuel card misuse and fraud
Pre-setting spending limits by the card, driver, or vehicle is one such feature that helps prevent fuel fraud from happening in the first place.
With legacy cards, you could establish one limit for your entire fuel card account. That’s certainly better than having no control, but it doesn’t do much good if a thief goes on a spending spree and blows through the account limit using the stolen card. Now, you’ve lost one fuel card, but the ramifications don’t end there: you’ve also cut off purchases for the rest of your cards, preventing your team from purchasing fuel and crippling your business.
Modern-day fuel cards and platforms allow contractors to customize spending limits by cards, drivers, or
vehicles. For instance, if a vehicle’s tank capacity is 15 gallons, you can set a limit that says the card can’t be used to purchase more than 15 gallons of fuel in an hour, day, or week.
Modern fuel risk management platforms also let users set up rules like the number of transactions in a day, the types of merchants and stores where they can be used, and the hours during which they can be used. Rules like these prevent cards from being used for purchases that aren’t business related.
Another layer of fraud protection is the ease with which stolen cards can be deactivated. If you have a legacy fuel card, it typically takes one to two business days to deactivate it. This can be disastrous when your fuel card is in the hands of a fraudster going on a spending spree. Even with spending controls in place, when a card is stolen, you don’t want to wait to deactivate it. With modern fuel cards, you can deactivate cards with just one click, in a matter of seconds.
SMS-based security offers yet another layer of protection for fuel cards. Every card is linked to a cell phone number and can only be unlocked for use following an SMS card unlock process.
A Proactive Approach Always Wins
Modern fuel risk management platforms let contractors be proactive, not reactive, about fuel purchasing, management, and security, while also reducing the administrative burden on you and your team. When a platform can make your life easier and reduce costs, it’s a win-win solution your company needs.
Rush Akin, Chief Revenue Officer, RoadFlex, is an experienced veteran in the fleet industry, with over 22+ years of experience in fleet management. Before joining RoadFlex, Rush served as the SVP of sales for Solera, where he was in charge of overseeing fleet sales and business development in North America. Prior to Solera, Rush worked with well-known brands in the industry, such as Rand McNally, Lytx, FourKytes, and Syntech Systems Fuel Master. Rush has a strong background in fleet and fuel management, as well as customer success.
Field Service Platform Study
➤ Continued from page 38
need from technology, so that they and their teams can be successful. And they’ve spoken. Leaders want full-featured solutions, AI capabilities, implementation and customer support, and the ability to achieve early and ongoing ROI to advance their business and operational goals.
With better capabilities and service, field services organizations can accomplish what they need to do: working efficiently to solve customer complaints, restoring equipment and solution operations,
and protecting and growing these valuable relationships.
Anand Subbaraj is the CEO of Zuper, provider of a leading intelligent workforce management platform for service businesses such as residential & commercial cleaning, HVAC, electrical, Internet Service Providers, plumbing, and landscaping. Anand is a seasoned product leader with over 17 years of experience in technology and 13 years at Microsoft, specializing in the areas of Big Data, BI & Analytics, Cloud Computing, Digital Transformation, and SaaS.
FloLogic’s premium smart leak control offers higher margins with every sale and install. Now even more so, with a new product line that enhances protection and plumbing system integration. Introducing:
Under the new FloLogic Gateway platform, our PinPoint™ sensors protect common leak areas allowing instant shutoff. They also monitor for water intrusion, humidity, and temp extremes. Plus they work independently in an alert-only setup — the perfect introduction to the complete FloLogic system.
Hiller Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical Partners with University of Alabama as the Provider of the Crimson Tide®
Hiller Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical (Hiller) has announced a five-year partnership with The University of Alabama’s Athletic Department and Crimson Tide Sports Marketing. As part of the sponsorship, Hiller was named the “Official Plumbing and HVAC Provider of the Crimson Tide®”
Roll Tide
The University of Alabama is one of the most established public institutions across the Southeast. In addition to its exceptional academic and research offerings, the Crimson Tide’s sports programs are deeply ingrained in the history and traditions of families across the state. With 28 national team championships in football, men’s and women’s golf, gymnastics and softball combined, and countless Southeastern Conference titles, the Crimson Tide is universally recognized as one of the biggest powerhouses among collegiate athletic programs.
Since opening its Huntsville branch in 2015, Hiller has earned a reputation among Alabama homeowners for outstanding customer experiences. As a direct result of this success, Hiller launched its second Alabama location in Birmingham earlier this year. As Hiller’s presence across the state continues to expand, a partnership of this magnitude offers a great avenue to participate in and support the areas that are sustaining the business’s growth.
Invested in Communities
“We are very excited to partner with The University of Alabama’s Athletic Department,” remarked Jimmy Hiller, Founder and Chief Executive Officer. “At Hiller, we always strive to be active participants and supporters of the communities we serve. We
Today, Hiller includes over 800 associates and 600 trucks across 17 locations.
have been invested in serving homeowners across Alabama for many years now”, he continued, “And could not be more excited to partner with an organization that creates so many opportunities for so many across the state.”
“Businesses that actively serve families in our area are ideal partners for us. We are so excited to welcome Hiller as a partner,” remarked Jim Carabin, Vice President and General Manager of Crimson Tide
Kevin Clark Named President of Del-Air Residential New Construction Division
ORLANDO, FL — Del-Air Plumbing, Air Conditioning and Electric has announced that veteran construction industry executive Kevin E. Clark will serve as the president of Del-Air’s residential new construction division. Clark originally joined the Del-Air leadership team in July as the executive vice president of the division.
“Del-Air is proud to name Kevin as president of our residential new construction division. Kevin has made a name for himself as an excellent leader in the construction industry, and we know that he can deliver excellent results,” said Rick Rogers , CEO of Del-Air. “Providing excellent service to our partners is one of our main goals as we continue expanding, and Kevin is the perfect person to lead those efforts.”
An established name in the construction industry, Clark has led several national homebuilders including MI Homes, Richmond American Homes, Beazer Homes, Ashton Woods Homes, Ryland Homes and Buffington Homes.
“Joining the Del-Air family is truly a great opportunity, and I am extremely honored to be leading such a dedicated group of individuals,” Clark said. “From builders to homeowners, Del-Air has been highly respected and supported for over 40 years.”
For more information, visit http://delair.com.
Sports Marketing. “Developing exciting experiences for fans and supporting our athletic endeavors for our student-athletes is so important to us. Long-term partnerships with organizations like this are one of the ways that we achieve those goals.”
Hiller Plumbing
Launched in 1990 with a single employee and just $500, Hiller has grown exponentially across the past three decades. Today, Hiller includes over 800 associates and 600 trucks across 17 locations and has responded to over 1.7M service calls across 7 states. Hiller is a 12-time honoree to the Inc. 5000 List, employs more than 800 associates, boasts a fleet of 600 “Happy Face” trucks across 17 locations, and has responded to over 1.7 million service calls in 7 states. For more information about Hiller, visit www. happyhiller.com.
A Hiller technician and Big Al, mascot of the University of Alabama.
TMAX 3T ALUMINUM MECHANIC TRUCK from Stellar Industries combines the benefits of lightweight construction with enhanced durability. The tandem-axle vehicle features increased payload capacity, corrosion resistance, an extruded top rail for convenient mounting, a steel crane compartment and a torsion box to withstand the toughest environments.
▲ RENEGADE LIGHTWEIGHT ALUMINUM SERVICE TRUCK BODY from Eby features a custom-extruded aluminum sub-structure, providing a strong platform that is lighter than steel. Larger cabinets and more volume in the load compartment allow contractors to store more tools. Eby WWW.MHEBY.COM
▼ DIAMOND TREAD ALUMINUM ALL-PURPOSE JUMBO CHEST from Buyers Products is a rugged truck box with generous interior dimensions to hold all your tools and equipment. It features durable, corrosionresistant, diamond tread 100in thick aluminum and a locking, stainless-steel paddle latch. The heavy-duty lid opens easily and stays open with the assistance of two gas-assisted shocks.
Buyers Products
WWW.BUYERSPRODUCTS.COM
▼ SMARTCUT TOUCHSCREEN GLOVES (BKCRT201) offer dexterity, grip, medium cut protection—and touchscreen compatibility. Special fingertips allow for touchscreen device use while providing all the safety and durability needed. The mediumduty gloves offers ANSI cut resistance level 2 protection. Brass Knuckle Safety Products
WWW.BRASSKNUCKLEPROTECTION.COM
▲ SYSTAINER3 M 187 from Systainer USA is ideal for power tools and equipment, with a carrying capacity of 44 lb. Despite its lightweight design, this durable, stackable storage system keeps your gear safe and accessible. It can be stacked on top of a Systainer³, T-Loc, or Classic, and can also accommodate another Systainer³ or T-Loc on top.
Systainer USA
WWW.SYSTAINERSYSTEMS.COM
VR401-W
from Werner fits conventional vans with rain gutters, has a load capacity of 600 lb., is easy to install with minimal tools, comes with silicone sealant for protection against rust and includes pre-drilled uprights. Cargo positioners and vinyl strips help to protect cargo while in transit. A third bar option is available for increased load capacity.
Werner
WWW.WERNERCO.COM
▼ GREEN-BEAM SELF-LEVELING
LASERS from Bosch Tools feature USB-C charging, built-in Visimax technology to monitor power consumption and power flexibility (rechargeable 3.7 V lithium-ion or AA batteries). The GLL100-42GL 3.7V green-beam selfleveling cross-line laser (pictured) emits lines up to 4X brighter than standard red beams.
Bosch Tools
WWW.BOSCHTOOLS.COM
▼ INVADER MAX WATERPROOF COMPOSITE TOE WORK BOOT for men from Cat Footwear features a composite safety toe (ASTM F241318) for lightweight protection, slipresistant soles to reduce the risk of slips on the job, electrical hazard protection (ASTM F2413-18), and waterproof leathers and a breathable membrane to keep your feet dry in wet conditions.
Cat Footwear
WWW.CATFOOTWEAR.COM
▲ CLASSIC II ALUMINUM SERVICE BODY from Reading Truck features vertical compartment doors with nitrogen gas strut door holders, stainless-steel rotary locks with paddle handles that include a pry-resistant design with double-bitted keys, and “pooched” bumpers of galvannealed steel that improve traction and give contractors sure-footed access to the cargo area.
Reading Truck
WWW.READINGTRUCK.COM
▼ THE TECHLINER from WeatherTech safeguards truck beds against scratches, dents and paint damage by seamlessly and precisely lining it and the tailgate. Its “soft touch” material helps prevent cargo from shifting, plus it’s durable enough to withstand extreme temperatures. It is secured to the truck bed with the use of a hook and loop system that allows for an effortless fit and the ability to remove the liner if necessary.
WeatherTech
WWW.WEATHERTECH.COM
▼ ALUMINUM TRUCK SADDLE BOX (Model 127-5-04) from Weather Guard is an aluminum truck toolbox with a storage capacity of 11.0 cubic ft. The box features the 1KEY Ultralock push button lock that can code multiple boxes on a truck or entire fleet to the same key. A full weather seal on the box protects against the elements. It is coated with a gloss black ARMOR TUF powder-coat finish.
Weather Guard
WWW.WEATHERGUARD.COM
▲
STEEL VAN RACK
New Products
editor’s choice
FPS NC SERIES SOLIDS-HANDLING PUMPS from Franklin Electric Co. are versatile wastewater transfer solutions. New 4NCH models have been added to deliver performance up to 20 horsepower. They offer increased capacity and efficiency, making them suitable for storm dewatering, commercial sewage transfer and industrial wastewater applications.
Franklin Electric Co.
WWW.FRANKLINWATER.COM
▲ JALAMA SERIES BATH
FAUCET
features cylinder-shaped handles with subtle “wings” for enhanced grip. Solid brass, the series offers a choice of five treatments—smooth, knurled, hammered, pinstripe and rivulet. It also debuts the company’s intaglio technique, creating a beautiful contrast with the finish.
California Faucets Co.
WWW.CALFAUCETS.COM
7-IN-1 C-RHEX FLIP BIT SERIES from Malco Tools is compatible with any impact driver or the CONNEXT3 handle and designed with seven built-in essential functions for trade pros. Engineered to make driving fasteners more secure with a strong magnet that reduces wobbling, slipping and tipping out. Malco Tools
WWW.MALCOTOOLS.COM
▲ DUPLEX STRAINERS WITH SMART TECHNOLOGY now include differential pressure-monitoring technology. The technology is optional for wye strainers, and available with the purchase and activation of an add-on connection kit.
Watts
WWW.WATTS.COM
▼ CIRCUIT CHEF KITCHEN SINK combines prepping and cooking, serving and entertaining, and even cleanup, into one system. This stainless-steel, multiuse sink gives home cooks the flexibility to do it all at one convenient work zone. It includes cutting boards and grids.
Zurn Elkay
WWW.ELKAY.COM
▲
KHC 18 CORDLESS ROTARY HAMMER DRILL
has a brushless ECTEC motor and pneumatic hammer mechanism, delivering 2.6 joules of impact energy. Allows for seamless transitions between hammer drilling, drilling, driving, and chiseling with SDS-Plus and keyless chuck options. An electronic KickbackStop minimizes injury risk and safety lock prevents accidental starts. A dust extraction nozzle helps ensure a clean, efficient work environment.
Festool
WWW.FESTOOLUSA.COM
▼ IWS-1632AF COPPER TUBING PRESS TOOL from iCrimp Tools is good for Viega ProPress, Elkhart and Conex copper fittings. Not for corner operation. Includes 1/2", 3/4". and 1". interchangeable jaws. 360-°rotatable head for easy access. Extendable handles allow for improved leverage. Forging craft promises jaws to give pipe fittings an accurate press without scratches.
iCrimp Tools
WWW.ICRIMP TOOLS.COM
E6 PRO
THERMOGRAPHY
CAMERA from Teledyne Flir is designed for close-up, professionalgrade mechanical, building, and electrical thermal inspection scenarios. Features include a 3.5" touchscreen display, a 240 × 180 thermal resolution, and built-in 5MP digital cameras and LED lamps to help users better understand their inspection area.
Teledyne Flir
WWW.TELEDYNE FLIR.COM
▲ ALYA OUTDOOR FREESTANDING BATH FILLER from Watrline is the latest addition to the Stellar outdoor collection. It’s made from 316 marinegrade stainless steel for durability in any outdoor environment. A two-way pressure-balance valve provides precise control over water temperature and flow. An integrated hand shower is ideal for rinsing after a soak.
Watrline
WWW.WATRLINE.COM
▼ BLUE MONSTER 1-STEP CPVC CEMENT from Clean-Fit Products is a self-priming adhesive designed for copper tube size CPVC pipe and fittings with diameters up to 2" with interference fit. Simplifies installations by reducing labor and offers faster curing times before pressure testing. It is formulated for use as a one-step cement where the use of a primer is not required by local code.
Clean-Fit Products
WWW.CLEANFIT.COM
PK100 LEVELSAFE PRO EXTENSION LADDER ACCESSORY from Werner features sophisticated technology that automatically adjusts the ladder to a level position upon placement. When the ladder is positioned on soft ground, its precision microadjust system enables users to make fine modifications without the need to lift or reposition the ladder. Werner
WWW.WERNERCO.COM
by Steve Spaulding
Best Intentions—Unintended Consequences
It has been a busy month of travel for the CONTRACTOR team. First off to Birmingham, Alabama for PHCC Connect (see our feature, starting on pg. 20), then to Columbus, Ohio for the biannual ASPE Convention (more on ASPE next issue).
When I’m attending industry events, I try to find a theme—something that helps me tie everything together. It helps when I’m working up articles or editorials (like this one). If I had to pick a theme from this month of travel, it would be “unintended consequences.” Many people are working very hard to achieve important policy outcomes, such as upgraded water infrastructure, improved water conservation, better energy efficiency, and reduced carbon emissions (all good and worthy aims). But the Devil—as always—is in the details.
I was in a bar attached to a chophouse in Birmingham where I had a drink with Dale Arndt of Arndt & Son Plumbing. Dale, if you don’t know him, is a fixture in the industry. He and his company in Brooklyn, WI, have been performing
ADVERTISER INDEX
some of the most innovative plumbing and heating applications you will ever see. And that night Dale was upset about a geothermal heat pump application. And why? Because it ran on electricity in an area where electric rates were high. If it costs three cents a kilowatt hour in Missouri, it makes sense, Dale said, but
efficiency and pathogen mitigation. And Gary was upset about heat pumps, too. Heat pumps, he said, can cause condensation which can in turn promote the growth of mold. As heat pump adoption sweeps the country it’s a potentially gigantic public health problem, and no one was talking about it.
as inadequate drain carry of solid waste, blockages in sewer pipes, and backflow into drinking water. You can even get the opposite of the outcome you were hoping for—people flushing a poor-performing toilet twice, or taking twice as long to get clean under a low-flow showerhead.
if it costs 47 cents a kilowatt hour in California it just doesn’t. Better to put the money into replacing old boilers with newer, higher-efficiency boilers, even if they’re gas-fired. More money savings, more energy savings, more long-term carbon reduction. He was downright mad over the wrongheadedness of it all.
Later, on the expo floor at ASPE in Columbus, Gary Klein stopped by the CONTRACTOR booth. Gary is President of Gary Klein and Associates, a consulting firm specializing in energy
Somewhere between the two I had an interview with Kerry Stackpole, CEO and Executive Director for Plumbing Manufacturers International. PMI has started a new chapter of its “Rethink Water” initiative aimed at educating policymakers who think low-flow fixtures are the solution to all their water conservation problems.
Yes, Kerry explained, water conserving fixtures can be fantastic, but standards and codes need to be closely adhered to or serious problems can happen, such
The problem is one our management columnist, Al Schwartz , has long been sounding the alarm about. As plumbing technology and systems become ever-more complex, the people designing and installing those systems become more and more specialized, leaving a dwindling number of experts who understand how all the systems of a building work and interact together.
Now, in the wake of the Chevron decision (check out the cover story from our September issue), more and more plumbing regulation will be written, not by plumbing experts at the regulatory agencies, but by legislators who know a lot about legislating, but not very much about plumbing.
Unless we pay attention to the warning signs, all these good intentions might pave us a road to someplace very bad…
Electric Boilers
The Electric Solution for your Hydronic System
100% Effici nt, Z ro Emissions!
Available in 2 or 4 element models:
2 Element (from 6 kW to 12 kW, 20.5 - 41 MBH output)
4 Element (from 12 kW to 24 kW, 41 - 82 MBH output)
