BY THOMAS RENNER, SPECIAL TO CONTRACTOR
PA — Atriums have been incorporated into ar-
plans for
The challenges in maintaining proper thermal comfort in buildings that include them have been around just as long. That issue faced Bakery Square, a commercial property development in Pittsburgh.
The main Bakery Square building, built in 1918, operated for ➤ Turn to Radiant, page 12
BY STEVE SPAULDING OF CONTRACTOR’S STAFF
WASHINGTON, DC — Over May 20th and 21st, 107 members of the Plumbing-Heat ing-Cooling Contractors - National Associa tion gathered in the nation’s capital to share their top legislative concerns, then marched to the congressional office buildings to com municate those concerns with members of the House, Senate and their respective staff. To complicate matters, this conference took place against a backdrop of intense activity as the Congress continued negotiations over Presi
Turn to PHCC, page 40
BLOOMINGTON, MN — The “Ex plore The Trades Skills Lab, Built by Ferguson” equipment grants were announced on May 7, 2025, in celebration of National Skilled Trades Day.
Ten schools are the newest recip ients of the Skills Lab equipment grants, which are projected to ➤ Turn to Explore, page 14
BY STEVE SPAULDING OF CONTRACTOR’S STAFF
WASHINGTON, DC — On May 9th, the White House issued a memorandum to the Secretaries of Energy and the Interior, and the Deputy Assistant to the President and the Director of the Office of Legislative Affairs directing them to rescind — or, as appropriate, amend to revert to the standards required by statute—a host of energy and water regulations for faucets, showerheads, water closets, urinals and dishwashers.
➤ Turn to Memorandum, page 42
BROOMFIELD, CO — The role of the foreman is evolving, a fact demonstrated clearly at the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association (PHCC) Educational Foundation’s recent Creating Super Foremen workshop, held May 2–3 at the Viega Seminar Center in Broomfield. With instruction led by Purdue University Professor Emeritus Kirk Alter, the event brought together twenty-seven foremen from the contracting companies nationwide for ➤ Turn to PHCC, page 45
DALLAS, TX — Ahead of Construction Safety Week 2025, Balfour Beatty announces a groundbreaking safety initiative recognizing live traffic as a fifth fatal risk in construction which expands beyond OSHA’s long-established Fatal Four. The initiative acknowledges the unique and substantial hazards posed by vehicles traveling through work zones and Balfour Beatty’s national com-
➤ Turn to Live Traffic, page 46
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STUDSON, the Oregon-based safety helmet and equipment maker, is moving into its new headquarters and warehouse space in Sherwood, Oregon. The new space will provide more than 28,000 additional square feet of warehouse space compared to its previous location in Tigard, affording the company to continue its growth well into the future.
The American Welding Society (AWS) has been named a 2025 South Florida Top Workplace by the South Florida Sun Sentinel. The honor is based entirely on employee feedback gathered through a thirdparty survey that measures several aspects of workplace culture— including alignment, leadership, communication, and engagement.
McElroy was recognized for its commitment to workplace safety and its participation in the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP).
Oklahoma Labor Commissioner Leslie Osborn presented the company with a proclamation commending leadership and employees.
Copeland is expanding its partnership with Mysa in the US after adding Mysa products to its portfolio in the Canadian market. While Copeland’s Sensi smart thermostats offer solutions for conventional HVAC and heat pump systems, Mysa enables homeowners in the US who have infloor, mini-split and baseboard heating systems to also access energy savings and sustainability benefits.
CEC Facilities’ Founder and Chairman, Ray Waddell has been named a finalist to Ernst & Young’s prestigious Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2025 Southwest Award as a result of his entrepreneurial spirit and vision as the creator and leader of one of the fastest-growing specialty contractor companies in the region. Waddell was selected among a group of 42 other CEOs and founders.
Ibukun Awolusi, Ph.D., a respected educator in the environmental health and safety field and member of the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP), is the Society’s 2025 William E. Tarrants Outstanding Safety Educator. Awolusi is an associate professor in the School of Civil & Environmental Engineering, and Construction Management, at the University of Texas at San Antonio.
The Dan Beard Council is breaking ground on a new, 9,200 sq. ft. Skilled Trades Education Center.
BY STEVE
MIAMI TOWNSHIP, OH — The demand for skilled workers only keeps increasing. It is estimated that 2.4 million skilled trades positions will go unfilled by 2028 due to the lack of qualified and trained candidates.
One project hoping to address this critical need is happening now in Miami Township, Ohio, where the Dan Beard Center is breaking ground on a new, 9,200 sq. ft. Skilled Trades Education Center at Camp Friedlander. Through workshops and skilled instruction, the Center will expose young people to the trades and hopes to set many of them on the path to good-paying careers in plumbing, carpentry, electronics and more.
Moreover, it is hoped the Center will become a hub for collaboration, where Greater Cincinnati businesses will be able to sponsor and teach classes in their industry’s sector to interested young men and women which will encourage students to explore career options and industries from a young age.
When finished the Center will include six bays for specialized work in specific skill areas: Welding, Automotive, Metalworking/Plumbing, Carpentry/woodworking, Electricity/Electronics, and Robotics.
The Dan Beard Council is the administrative body of Scouting America in the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky area. With a geographic area of 12 counties in Southwestern Ohio and Northern Kentucky and an average annual membership of 10,000 families, the Dan Beard Council is one of the larger metropolitan councils in the country and the largest youth organization in the Cincinnati area.
The Council administers the Scouting program through seven districts, providing volunteer support, training, program opportunities, and administrative services such as membership and advance-
ment records, new unit development, and unit fundraising opportunities.
A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, council operations are completely funded by the Friends of Scouting annual giving campaign, corporate sponsorships, and activity revenue such as the annual popcorn sale.
Keith Lawrence is on the Dan Beard Council Board of Directors and is Head of the Skilled Trades Education Center Steering Team. After a 32-year career at Procter and Gamble, Lawrence started teaching at local high schools and got involved in the Scouts. His interest in skilled trades runs deep, since his father was a machinist at General Electric and started a machine trades school in Schenectady, New York back in the 60s.
“I would run into people who had been Eagle Scouts, and find out that, back when they were 12-13 they went and earned a skilled trades merit badge that got them so excited they ended up going to a trade school,” Lawrence explains. “For example, Matt Plessinger recently graduated from high school and is now working for CAT Ohio, making $75,000 a year with great benefits.”
The last year has been given to fundraising the $2.5 million needed
to make the idea a reality. “It couldn’t have happened without many, many local company businesses and individuals contributing money, equipment, manpower and people to come teach the trades to the students,” Lawrence says. “We’re expecting 500 or so students to be able to go through this facility beginning next year.
Dan Beard hopes to raise still more money through contributions from residents and the Ohio business community to add staff and expand what the center will offer. “We also have summer camps and a skilled trades fair,” Lawrence says. “I can’t count how many companies show up because they get to meet students, expose them to exciting
careers, and get the students’ names. This is all about building the future pipeline of great talent.”
May 22nd is the official groundbreaking with shovels in the dirt. The building’s grand opening—as well as first classes—are scheduled for November. Hands-on education, mentorship, and leadership development will be the hallmarks of this first of its kind initiative.
The Center is still seeking contributions to help continue its mission. To learn more about how you can contribute to the future of the Skilled Trades Education Center, visit https:// danbeard.org, or contact the CEO of the Dan Beard Council Andy Zahn at Andy. Zahn@scouting.org
TACOMA, WA — Harts Plumbers, Electricians and HVAC Technicians has announced it has raised nearly $13,000 for Seattle Children’s Hospital Uncompensated Care Fund through a collaboration with the Seattle Kraken, a professional National Hockey League team, and iHeartRadio, a division of iHeartMedia Inc.
“We are honored that we can provide this donation to ensure that families whose children need the hospital’s services can focus on caring for their loved ones instead of worrying about the costs of care,” said Dan Hartsough, Co-Owner of Harts Plumbers, Electricians & HVAC Technicians. “At Harts, it’s our priority to give back to the community. By spotlighting a popular sports team in our donation efforts, we are also able to increase awareness about the Uncompensated Care Fund and its goal to care for this area’s children regardless of their families’ ability to pay.”
As part of the collaboration, Harts donates $50 for every goal scored by the Kraken. During the 2024-25
season, the Kraken scored 253 goals, resulting in a total donation of $12,650.
In 2024, Seattle Children’s Hospital provided $310.6 million in uncompensated care. The Uncompensated
Care Fund allows the hospital to recover some of those costs through private donations.
In addition to its fundraising efforts with the Kraken, Harts has also developed an independent $50/$50 offer to encourage its customers to join them
in supporting Seattle Children’s Hospital. When a customer donates a minimum of $50 to the fund during a service call, they receive a $50 discount on that day’s services.
“This encourages our customers to donate all year long,” Hartsough said. “We enjoy working with the community to help families get the care or services they need. Opportunities like this help us create a bond with the community we serve.”
Harts Plumbers, Electricians & HVAC Technicians provides residential plumbing services, electrical services, and heating and cooling services throughout the greater Seattle, Tacoma and now Tukwila areas. Earlier this year, the company was named to the Inc. 5000, a ranking of the fastest-growing private companies in America, for the fifth time.
For more information visit www.hartsservices.com.
PHCC CONNECT is coming to Grand Rapids. For three days, contractors will be immersed in focused education and valuable networking opportunities.
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BROOKFIELD, WI — Each year, more than 150,000 construction workers are injured on the job in the US—a sobering reminder that even as the industry navigates challenges like rising material costs and shifting trade policies, the protection of frontline workers must remain a top priority.
Milwaukee Tool is taking bold steps to meet that challenge, investing more than $10 million annually in the trades. Among other things, this investment is being used to advance safety education, provide hands-on training, and create real-world solutions that reduce risk on the jobsite. During Construction Safety Week (May 5–9, 2025), that commitment came to life in powerful ways.
In just five days, 385+ Milwaukee Tool employees led safety-focused efforts in partnership with jobsites, unions, and training centers across the country. The result:
• 635+ safety training sessions conducted
• 100,000+ workers reached through hands-on demonstrations and expert-led instruction
• 850+ hours of training provided throughout the US
From engineering personal protective equipment (PPE) that increases comfort and compliance, to designing tools that reduce fatigue and repetitive stress injuries, Milwaukee Tool continues to build safety into every corner of the jobsite.
“Our mission is simple: empower the men and women who build our nation with the knowledge and equipment to do their jobs safely,” said Scott Teson, Senior Vice President of Sales for Milwaukee Tool. “During Construction Safety Week and every week, we’re proud to partner with the trades to turn that mission into measurable impact.”
“The compromise and preparedness leading up to Safety Week are unmatched,” said Jason Garcia, Safety Manager for Turner Construction in Houston, Texas. “[Milwaukee Tool’s] consistent interaction with the team and trade partners on site, not only during construction week but throughout the year, is exceptional.”
Milwaukee Tool has a bold goal of investing a total of $200 million in the skilled trades by 2030—continuing their unwavering support for the future of the
industry. Milwaukee Tool’s long-standing commitment to union and non-union trade organizations, apprenticeship programs, and workforce development initiatives has helped attract thousands of men and women across the US into the skilled trades.
Milwaukee Tool is a global company with manufacturing, distribution, and operations presences across North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. The company has been headquartered in Wisconsin and has designed, engineered, and manufactured products in the United States for more than 100 years. Over the past five years, Milwaukee® has invested more than $750 million in domestic capital expenditures (CAPEX). The company employs over 10,000 people in the US, reflecting its significant growth and commitment local impact. Milwaukee Tool’s domestic presences include Greenwood, Grenada, Olive Branch, Byhalia, and Jackson, MS, as well as Brookfield, Menomonee Falls, Milwaukee, West Bend, Mukwonago, and Sun Prairie, WI; Cookeville, TN; Chicago, IL; Pittsburgh, PA; and Greenwood, IN.
80 years as a Nabisco factory. Walnut Capital spearheaded a historical renovation project that included 233,000 square feet of office space, 165,000 square feet of retail space and a 120-room hotel. Bakery Square’s first tenants opened their doors in 2010.
One of the newer spaces is a courtyard that includes a variety of restaurants and shops. The two-story atrium is a hub that connects multiple restaurant areas and offers a shared dining and multipurpose space for guests.
The existing radiant system was originally designed to provide minimal heat. “It was only a few years old and was used to take the chill off the atrium during the colder months,’’ said Jason Giovanelli of W.G. Tomko Contractors.
Working with Garett Selestow of Emerson Swan, Giovanelli and Tomko installed a high-efficiency condensing boiler from NTI and integrated it with an existing radiant in-floor system and new circulators that delivered heat to the atrium year-round.
Architects favor atriums in many projects. They are often found in office buildings, hotels, libraries and convention centers and act as a central hub that can connect a wide range of users.
At Bakery Square, the atrium serves as a central hub connecting multiple restaurant areas and offers a shared dining and multipurpose space for guests.
The appeal is a sense of openness and grandeur, making the building feel more spacious and inviting. They also allow for natural light and ventilation.
Large glass surfaces in the atrium can cause issues for HVAC installers. During the colder months, heat escapes quickly through the glass, making it difficult and energy-intensive to maintain a comfortable temperature. In warmer months, glass allows excessive solar heat into the space, leading to overheating.
They also create a “chimney effect,” which occurs when hot air rises and becomes concentrated at the top of the space. The disparity is striking, with the top of the atrium much warmer than the lower level.
“Buildings with atriums often present heating challenges due to their large open spaces and extensive glass surfaces, which contribute to significant heat loss,’’ Giovanelli said.
The existing radiant system at Bakery Square was only a few years old but was originally designed to provide minimal heat, primarily to take the chill off the atrium during the colder months.
“The initial design included plans for supplemental heating, but during the value engineering process, this
additional heat source was eliminated,’’ Giovanelli said. “It was assumed that the space would primarily be used during the spring, summer and fall. As a result, the system was not equipped to handle the full heating demands of the atrium during colder months.”
In Bakery Square, Giovanelli said calculations found heat loss at approximately 400,000 BTUs. That amount of BTUs can effectively heat nearly 13,400 square feet—about the size of more than five average-sized United States homes.
“Our goal was to maximize the BTU output of the existing in-floor radiant system to effectively meet the heating demands of the space,’’ Giovanelli said. “Given that the structure was primarily composed of glass, we faced significant heat loss challenges and needed to ensure optimal performance from the existing system.”
Giovanelli and the Tomko team installed an NTI TFTN399 high efficiency condensing boiler. The unit packs a heating punch with 380 MBH along with a 95 percent thermal efficiency rating.
“By integrating the NTI boiler with the existing in-floor radiant system and new circulators, we delivered a highly efficient heating upgrade,’’ Giovanelli said. “The atrium now has a warm, usable space even in the coldest winters all while maintaining energy efficiency and comfort.”
Selestow said several factors played into the selection of the NTI unit. The boiler’s versatility proved especially important.
“The TFTN series boiler offers flexible piping configurations, including both top and bottom connections,’’ Selestow said. “This adaptability made it an ideal solution given the space constraints within the mechanical room, allowing for an optimized installation.”
The boiler also features an intuitive user interface that that includes the “EZ” setup wizard to expedite initial commissioning and provides building maintenance personnel and end users with easy access to programming, trend monitoring and fault history. The user-friendly interface enhances operational efficiency and simplifies troubleshooting.
The TFTN Series can also be integrated with the building’s automation system, ensuring smooth communication with the facility’s system for improved monitoring and control. With NTI Net, the TFTN is Wi-Fi enabled to allow remote diagnostic and 24/7 monitoring. Contractors can remotely manage single and multi-boiler TFTN installations, access data such as boiler readings, settings, history and statistics, track history and investigate service issues.
“Efficiency also factored into the decision,” Selestow explained. “With a large heating system comes significant utility costs,’’ he said. “The high efficiency was a crucial factor in reducing energy consumption, aligning with the end user’s goals for operational costing savings and sustainability.”
Thomas Renner writes on building, construction and other trade industry topics for publications throughout the United States.
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reach over 1,500 students this upcoming school year. This dynamic program has experienced rapid growth since it began in 2021 and has now delivered equipment to 32 high schools and three middle schools in 17 states across the country.
These grants are funded by Ferguson, a leading value-added distributor in residential and commercial construction, which also provides the equipment and support to help schools establish or expand their skilled trades labs. The initiative reflects Ferguson’s long-term commitment to closing the skilled labor gap through education and workforce development partnerships.
➤ Continued from page 1 and electrical trades,” said Kate Cinnamo , Executive Director of Explore The Trades. “We’re excited to see the ‘Explore The Trades Skills Lab, Built by Ferguson’ program continue to expand—now reaching a new milestone with the selection of its first-ever electrical lab. This lab is being sponsored directly by Explore The Trades and we’re proud to see the broader initiative grow beyond its original scope. This year, we also welcomed SkillCat as an in-kind donor, whose technical content will further enrich students’ education in the trades. As we celebrate our 20th anniversary in 2025, there’s no better way to honor two decades of supporting skilled trades education in schools across the country!”
“Strong partnerships between industry and education are essential to the growth of the plumbing, HVAC,
Melissa Hazelwood , Director of Social Impact at Ferugson commented: “We’re seeing a pivotal moment for
the skilled trades. More young people—especially Gen Z—are recognizing the advantages of a career in trades, from economic stability to long-term growth. With this momentum building and an urgent need to address the industry’s labor shortage, the time is now to invest in the next generation. Through our partnership with Explore The Trades, we’re helping schools turn student interest into hands-on opportunities. These labs are more than just equipment—they represent pathways to promising futures.”
• Abraham Lincoln High School –Plumbing (Denver, Colorado) • Atlantic County Institute of Technology – HVAC (Mays Landing, New Jersey) • Burlington County Institute of Technology - Westhampton – HVAC
(Westhampton, New Jersey) • Craig Middle School – Plumbing (Craig, Colorado) • Lansing Technical High School – HVAC (Lansing, Michigan) • Lincoln County High School – HVAC (Eureka, Montana) • Newark School of Architecture & Interior Design –Plumbing (Newark, New Jersey) • Toms River High School South – HVAC (Toms River, New Jersey) • West Orange High School – Plumbing (West Orange, New Jersey)
New this year, Explore The Trades is proud to sponsor the first electrical lab in the Skills Lab program. Congratulations to the following recipient:
• Cape May County Technical School District – (Cape May Court House, New Jersey)
To see a list of all Skills Lab equipment grant recipients visit explorethetrades.org/explore-the-trades-skills-lab
WASHINGTON, DC — On April 23rd, President Trump signed an executive order directing the Secretaries of Labor, Education, and Commerce to review all federal workforce programs to “modernize, integrate, and re-align programs to address critical workforce needs in emerging industries.”
The hope is that the departments will coordinate to produce a streamlined, integrated plan to re-orient these programs to take advantage of opportunities created by reshoring and re-industrialization.
The federal government invests over $700 billion a year in American higher education, but only about half of new college graduates find jobs that require college degrees. The federal government spends $4.1 billion on the Workforce Investment and Opportunity Act and $1.4 billion on Career and Technical Education through the Perkins Act, but the current administration considers neither of these programs properly structured to promote apprenticeships or meet the nation’s current workforce training needs. In 2024, there was a shortage of 447,00 construction workers and 94,000 durable goods workers. The Bureau of Labor Sta-
tistics projects that the annual shortage of skilled tradesman over the next decade will be close to half a million—and grow as the years go by.
In response to the executive order, the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors-National Association released the following statement:
“PHCC appreciates President Trump’s recent executive order regarding work-
force development and the use of Registered Apprenticeships,” said PHCC - National Association President Dan Callies. “This association looks forward to working with the US Department of Labor’s rulemaking process and supports these efforts to streamline the pathway to apprenticeship. PHCC has over 40 years of experience in the use of apprenticeships and sees this as a positive step toward producing the skilled workers needed for the future. PHCC and the
PHCC Educational Foundation will continue to deliver premier education and training solutions for plumbing and HVAC professionals, setting the industry standard for excellence.”
The training and education arm of the PHCC issued a similar statement, saying in part:
“The PHCC Educational Foundation supports President Trump’s Executive Order on skilled trade development. The plumbing and HVACR industry are integral to the construction sector, and we remain committed to equipping our workforce with the continuing education they need to thrive at every stage of their career. From pre-apprenticeship courses, continuing technical education, to business management and leadership resources, the Foundation is committed to fostering a highly skilled and knowledgeable workforce through the PHCC Academy®...
“The Foundation is grateful for the recognition workforce development programs have received and looks forward to collaborating with the Secretary of Labor, the Secretary of Commerce, and the Secretary of Education to further the cause.”
CONTRACTOR will continue to follow this story as it develops.
WASHINGTON, DC — Associated Builders and Contractors reported May 13 that its Construction Backlog Indicator rose to a 20-month high of 8.7 months in April, according to an ABC member survey conducted April 22 to May 6. The reading is up 0.3 months since April 2024. Backlog has increased significantly over the past year for contractors with greater than $100 million in annual revenues. While backlog has also risen modestly for the smallest contractors, it is down on an annual basis for those with $30 million to $100 million in annual revenues.
ABC’s Construction Confidence Index reading for profit margins improved in April, while the readings for sales and staffing levels fell, though the outlook for sales is higher than a year ago. The readings for all three components remain above the threshold of 50, indicating expectations for growth over the next six months.
“Nearly 22% of contractors had a project delayed or canceled in April due to tariffs, up from 18% in March, while 87% have been notified of tariff-related materials prices increases,” said ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu
“Contractors remain busy despite these
headwinds; backlog rose in April and is now at the highest level since September 2023. While ABC members remain upbeat about the near-term outlook, the share of respondents that expect their
sales to decline over the next six months rose to 19% in April, up 6 percentage points since the start of the year.”
[Note: the reference months for the Construction Backlog Indicator and Construction Confidence Index data series were revised on May 12, 2020, to better reflect the survey period. CBI quantifies the previous month’s work under contract based on the latest financials available, while CCI measures contractors’ outlook for the next six months. Visit the ABC website to view the methodology.] View ABC’s Construction Backlog Indicator and Construction Confidence Index tables for April by visiting www.abc.org
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by Al Schwartz
Name recognition is the holy grail of advertising and marketing in this day and age. We are constantly bombarded with catchy slogans, jingles and the like, on every media outlet there is, for every conceivable product or service. Advertising space is even being bought on people’s private autos, homes and even their bodies, all in an effort to persuade someone to purchase a particular thing. The really good ones stick in your memory like super glue. Most of the others simply fall by the wayside. The sole purpose of all that effort and money is to get your attention!
Advertising is something that all contractors do, to one degree or another. Attracting new business and keeping established clients is what it is all about. Even if there is no coherent, conscious effort on the part of a business to “advertise,” per se, the mere fact that one is in business and does a particular job is advertising. When someone sees the work you do, whether it is done by one man or by a large crew, they form an opinion about your company. Good, bad or indifferent, you are advertising your business.
Whether or not you have an advertising plan and/or a budget for it, you must be aware of how you and your company are perceived by your clients (both existing and prospective).
Let’s face it, if you are in business you want and need a steady income stream(s). Even if you aren’t interested in repeat clients (unusual, but possible) you still need to get new business in order to keep your doors open.
So, what is the very best advertising a business can have? The answer is startling in its simplicity: word of mouth. That’s right, your reputation is the very best advertising you can have, and it costs you less than any other kind. Whether you are a service-oriented company or a commercial/industrial shop your reputation is your calling card. We’re not talking about your personal reputation exclusively either. How you handle the day-to-day operation of your company is one facet. How you and/ or your employees interact with your clients is another. Further, how you
Your reputation is the very best advertising you can have, and it costs you less than any other kind.
and your company interact with other trades, the project owners, architects and sub-subcontractors also colors how your company is viewed and evaluated.
It is, or should be, a point of personal pride when you get a referral phone call from someone who was sent to you by a satisfied customer, architect, engineer, general contractor or supplier. That type of referral is what sets a company apart from the crowd.
A service company lives and dies by its reputation. Mr. or Mrs. Homeowner or small businessperson can be your best salesmen or your worst nightmare. It all depends on how they perceive the service you rendered to them. Did you arrive on time? Did you have all the material you needed to affect the repair? Did you work “clean” (drop cloths, shoe protection, vacuum up after completion, etc.)? Did you explain everything to their satisfaction? Did
you warranty your work? If you get a call back, do you execute it promptly with the same vigor of the original call, and with a smile on your face?
None of the foregoing requires anything more in the dollars and cents category, but the perception of your client is like money in the bank. How likely a customer is to refer you to a friend, neighbor or relative is directly linked to how well you present yourself and your service to them. It’s not nuclear physics. It’s just good business.
As a commercial contractor, you are no less susceptible to this kind of scrutiny. When you work in the commercial realm, contracts are king, but relationships are the lingua franca of your business. You can grab a set of blueprints from a general contractor off of the Dodge Reports and, maybe, you’ll get the job on your price alone… maybe. More often than not, good general con-
tractors work with subcontractors that they have worked with before, or whose work they have seen or heard about from other general contractors, architects, engineers and/or owners.
Having a reputation as a solid, performance-oriented company is the difference between “street bidding” and getting on those short list bids that are much more lucrative. When a general contractor knows that you’ve done a particular type of project successfully before, he is more likely to want you bidding on his job. If you’ve worked with this particular general before, you are even more likely to be able to negotiate the project without having to bid against a long list of competitors.
Reputation for quality workmanship, on time performance, personal and professional integrity will always open doors. It is the very best way to grow your business.
The Brooklyn, NY-born author is a retired third-generation master plumber. He founded Sunflower Plumbing & Heating in Shirley, NY, in 1975 and A Professional Commercial Plumbing Inc. in Phoenix in 1980. He holds residential, commercial, industrial and solar plumbing licenses and is certified in welding, clean rooms, polypropylene gas fusion and medical gas piping. He can be reached at omeletman01@gmail.com.
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shifting contractor needs comes an investment in technological innovation.
BY MEGAN KONIECZKA
Customer and homeowner demands are driving the water heating industry to advance water heating technology to both fulfill their needs and meet the industry-wide shift toward more sustainable technology. These changes are reshaping how manufacturers design, produce and market their products. With efficiency and sustainability at the forefront of customer needs, manufacturers are focused on technology that meets these demands. This shift has resulted in the introduction of more decarbonized water heating solutions than ever before. These products are designed to meet the needs of environmentally conscious customers. One of the best examples of this is the ongoing expansion and adoption of heat pump water heaters (HPWH). Heat pump water heaters are seeing a rise in demand over recent years. In 2022, sales of HPWHs grew by 26% and are projected to continue to increase in the coming years.
Along with shifting industry trends comes an investment in technological innovation that meets the ever-changing needs of contractors and homeowners.
Companies that are investing in developing new technologies can offer customers enhanced features that not only meet new standards but also make installation, service and use of the units easier.
New products from A. O. Smith and Lochinvar showcase the technological advancements shaping the industry. A. O. Smith recently launched the Voltex® MAX Smart Hybrid Electric Heat Pump Water Heater, which combines sustainabiliuty with user-friendly features and delivers homeowners up to 40% more hot water than similarly sized electric water heaters and heat pump water heaters. The unit features A. O. Smith’s leak detection technology. The Voltex MAX HPWH is also equipped with iCOMM™ Smart Connectivity to give the ability to monitor or adjust their water heater remotely.
Commercial heat pump water heaters are not only sustainable, high efficiency solutions, but they also provide customer-forward features that make installation and servicing simple. Lochinvar’s Veritus® Air Source Commercial Heat Pump Water Heater features a high coefficient of performance, a modular design and the SMART TOUCH™ operating system. To support larger commercial water de-
mands, up to 64 Veritus HPWHs can be banked together to match the capacity to the demand. Additionally, the control box can be installed in one space while the heat pump units are installed elsewhere, providing installers with control accessibility and installation flexibility. Emerging HPWHs offer solutions for a wide range of applications. Interest in this technology has only continued to increase in recent years, with many building managers and homeowners adopting the technology to meet their decarbonization goals while still providing the necessary hot water output.
Manufacturers must remain committed to providing customers with a wide range of options to meet their needs and preferences. This includes offering products in various sizes, configurations and efficiency levels, ensuring that there is a solution for every application and budget.
The commitment to customer support also extends beyond product development as manufacturers continue to provide technical support, training and educational resources. By empowering industry professionals with the knowledge and tools they need, manufacturers can
ensure that their products are installed and maintained correctly, maximizing performance and customer satisfaction.
Through A. O. Smith University, professionals can access live training courses that allow them to stay up-to-date on changing technology. Similarly, LochinvarU offers on-demand educational resources for both in-depth training and in-the-field quick tips. The mission of educational offerings like these is to equip HVAC professionals with the expertise to understand, install and maintain the latest water heating technologies.
The water heating industry will continue to change, driven by customer demand, technological advancements, shifting market trends and more. Manufacturers must remain at the forefront of these developments with a common goal of supporting industry professionals and consumers as they navigate this evolving landscape.
Megan Konieczka Darr is Product Manager, Residential Heat Pump Water Heaters for A. O. Smith.
Rhea-Anne Pedley is Senior Product Manager, Commercial Water Heating for Lochinvar.
By John Mesenbrink, Editor-at-Large
Full disclosure, I didn’t understand today’s “aura” reference until I consulted with my teenage children. In today’s modern vernacular, to have aura means, well, that you are “cool.” In any event,
A fourth-year apprentice, Valerie Butler works both in the field and in the office for P.I.P.E., Indianapolis, and she’ll be getting her Journeyman’s License as soon as she’s eligible. In the past eight years, it’s been a whirlwind of living for such a short time span. After graduating high school in 2017, Butler was unsure of her career path, dropping out of college after one semester. She then joined the military, but after an unfortunate injury, she came back to civilian life where she became a preschool teacher.
Butler’s father, a boiler and water heater salesman— with whom she was living at the time—was trying to convince her brother to join the trades, but he had no interest, “but he was catching my interest,” recalls Butler. In her current position, Butler has the ability to build her own schedule so she spends a lot of time focusing on her career, as well as spending time in the office. If that wasn’t enough, she also sits on two state plumbing executive boards for the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC), and she’s the chairman of one of her own committees for the PHCC. Oh yeah, she also volunteers—about once a week at her school—and takes additional courses on top of her apprenticeship.
aura, crushing it, or any other way you would describe them, these four Under 30 All-Stars are leading the next generation, and they are making the plumbing trades cool again.
One day, Butler would welcome the opportunity to become an instructor at her school, making an impact for in the trades at that level. “Especially for women. To be able to show the women that yes, we are fewer, but it is possible to be in this industry and succeed,” says Butler. “I love the idea of helping the future of this industry, and the livelihood of others, so we can find more individuals with the same passion.”
For her role on the PHCC board, she was “voluntold” to be placed on the board back in August of 2022 where she was officered in as a “Member at Large” on the executive board, which translates down to the state board. According to Butler, the executive board typically meets every two to four months, and the state board meets two to three times a year (depending on the needs of the board). “But we do a lot outside of our board meetings. For example, I brought up an idea to our Executive Director here in Indiana about creating a safety program through the assistance of the Georgia PHCC because one of its members brought it up to me. Since Indiana didn’t have a program like this, and we are the largest state PHCC in the nation, it felt right creating one. I am the Chairman of the Committee program,” says Butler.
Butler realizes that she has been extremely fortunate to have all the opportunities that this industry has given her in such a short amount of time. “I am incredibly grateful for it, and I want to give back in any way that I can to this industry and all the individuals who have supported my journey,” says Butler.
There are times, however, when Butler finds it difficult to be the youngest person—and the only woman— in a room. “I walk into a room, and I start talking about plumbing, and everyone’s like, ‘she has no idea what she’s talking about,’ so they don’t take me seriously. Initially, it does take time to work past that, but then people come around eventually,” says Butler.
Finally, Butler participates in a lot of high school career fairs, and when the kids say, “‘I don’t know what I want to do,’ I just simply say you’ve got time; there are so many options out there.” Butler also emphasizes that there are companies that do summer internships. “There are so many options, so many ways forward.
There is no reason you have to settle for a life you’re not happy with,” adds Butler.
Fun Fact: Butler has worked part time for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) as one of their facilities service plumbers for the past three years. “I like working at IMS because it is not my typical work, and it has given me that much more respect for service plumbers. I will be sticking to my commercial installation/remodel world, but I do like getting to experience another aspect of plumbing every now and then,” says Butler.
A manager at Motherflushers Plumbing, a residential and commercial service and repair company located in Southern California, Evan Berns is a 24-year-old service plumber and content creator who has definitely tapped into the social media algorithm. “I was fortunate enough to have my videos gain a lot of traction early on which opened a lot of doors for me inside the plumbing industry,” says Berns. Berns has several brand partnerships, and according to Oatey, he is their youngest-ever brand ambassador, and he is the number one top-performing Oatey Ambas-
sador. Featuring a robust social media presence, Berns goes by the username @re.plumb on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, and has become one of the plumbing industry’s most prominent social media influencers.
By incorporating humor and educational content in his videos and images to make plumbing fun and less intimidating, Berns uses his platform to demystify plumbing and create a connection with his audience, and by doing so, he is contributing to the industry’s acceptance as a career.
“I get a lot of comments from guys asking where they should start, or thanking me for showing them a career path they hadn’t thought of. I feel so proud when I see the comments saying ‘I’m a year in or two years in and loving it,’” says Berns.
Berns fell into plumbing by accident and had a great opportunity with a family friend to be trained to take over his day-to-day operations. Initially, he just needed to get paid, but quickly found out that he enjoyed service plumbing and felt a great sense of purpose in the smallest tasks. “Plumbing sparked my interest because the skill set could be learned quickly and be used everywhere,” says Berns.
When he’s not turning wrenches, Evan is hanging out with his beautiful wife and two daughters; he is grateful to be able to provide for his family by doing something he loves. “As a plumber, content creator, and family man, the words work, life, and balance don’t exactly go hand-in-hand,” says Berns. “The key is setting reasonable expectations with your spouse—I spend a ton of time working and my wife is super supportive. When I can, I prepare content early so I can take days off from social media. It doesn’t always work out perfectly, and my wife is there to provide for the family’s needs when I have to pull a late night. But being intentional with my time helps me stay present both on the job and at home.”
As far as advice for someone just entering the trades? “Be consistent and learn something new every day. You can go as far in the trade as you want to—what you put into it is what you’ll get out of it,” says Berns. Berns loves the fact that the trade is always changing, offering new challenges and opportunities. “Just this morning I was in the gas station—not in uniform— and the owner says ‘hey, you’re a plumber, right?’ and leads me to a leaking hose bib. There’s always a need for people in the skilled trades,” says Berns.
Fun Fact: Going skydiving or taking a bunch of tropical vacations might be more fun in the moment, but Berns’ idea of fun is making an extra mortgage payment. “Building lasting wealth and leaving a legacy for my children would be the ultimate thing to cross off my bucket list.”
Finally, while Berns is working, he always has a diverse playlist going. “Some albums in heavy rotation include K.I.D.S. by Mac Miller, Higher by Chris Stapleton, and Red by Taylor Swift,” says Berns.
Omega Flex, Inc. has led the piping industry with its high-quality construction and commitment to exceed the industry’s product and safety standards. The flexibility and long lengths of CounterStrike® CSST make it perfect for remodel and repair work. It can be pulled like wire, which minimizes the need to remove and replace walls, while at the same time potentially reducing both construction cost and shortening lead times. Omega Flex currently has over 100 patents registered worldwide and is a product and engineering driven company committed to meeting our customers’ performance requirements.
David Williams, Owner, Plunger Pros & Drains, holds a passion for residential plumbing, which shines through his work and social media presence, where he shares insights and tutorials that engage a growing audience of fellow plumbers and inspire aspiring tradespeople.
Williams began his plumbing career as plumbing apprentice while in high school, as he would go to school for a half day, get out early for the work program, go to work, and then go to
football or track practice afterward. He stayed with plumbing while attending night classes at a community college for business administration.
Williams tested for his Journeyman’s License, and at 27 years old he tested and passed his Master Plumbing License, and eventually started his own plumbing company shortly thereafter, recently hiring his first employee. “My goal once I knew I was going to stay with plumbing as a career was always to start my own plumbing company,” says Williams. “As soon as I passed my Masters Plumbing license, I already had my mind made up
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that I was going to take the risk and go out on my own.”
One thing that Williams learned throughout the ownership start-up process was that it was a good idea to have a mentor or a relationship with a few other people who have already gone through it. However, “My situation is a little different from most because of my social media accounts. I was making enough money from this to support my family while I got everything ready to go and slowly built up a reputation,” says Williams.
Using social media platforms to showcase the trade and promote it to others is the game changer. Allotting a large chunk of his time to social, Williams believes it is the number one way to drive
the younger generation toward entering the trades. “I have people messaging me daily who are graduating high school and are wanting to enter the trades or others who are just looking for a career change later on in their life. I try to respond to these messages and encourage others to get into plumbing if they like to work with their hands, be challenged and make a good living,” says Williams. And while the trades can require hard work and long hours, you can make good money. “There is no cap on how far you can go with it. If you want to stay an apprentice your entire career, you can, or if you want to own a multi-million-dollar company, you can. It’s all up to you,” says Williams.
Fun Fact: While he’s not turning wrenches, Williams enjoys spending time with his family, traveling and video games, with the ultimate goal of traveling around the world with his family.
Tucker Baney has made significant contributions to the plumbing trade through his passion for the craft, his dedication to sharing knowledge, and his active engagement both on the job and within the online community. Based in North Carolina, Tucker has accumulated six years of experience as a plumber. His journey in the trade is marked by a commitment to excellence and a deep-seated passion for plumbing. Beyond his professional achievements, Tucker values his role as a husband and father to two daughters, emphasizing a balanced approach to both work and family life.
Baney started working for a small company when he was 21 years old. “I loved working with my hands, doing hard work, learning water systems of all types, and, of course, I love all of the new tools,” says Baney.
As part of the next generation of tradespeople himself, Baney welcomes the mentorship role that comes with his work. “At my job, I do a lot of onboarding for new hires and I really try to stay connected and help them grow.”
One of Baney’s notable contributions to the industry is his active presence on social media, where he shares his experiences, insights, and expertise with a growing community of followers. “Social media is extremely important to me. I’ve gotten to work with amazing companies, met some incredible people that I would call friends, and they have taught me so much about business, plumbing, social media and life,” says Baney.Beyond social media, he participates in industry events and local initiatives to promote plumbing education and professionalism, en -
hancing his expertise and supporting the advancement of the trades. “I hope to showcase my love for the trade and inspire others to get into a trade themselves,” says Baney.
Throughout his experiences in the trades, “People are what matter. Your ability to communicate, be honest, and to care about their needs and solve problems, is all that matters. The ‘work’ and the ‘skills’ come second. Focus on relationships,” emphasizes Baney.
With a “family first” philosophy, Baney says that the money will always be out there. “My kids are young, and
it goes by quick. I prioritize my time to spend more of it with my family, and do my best to be efficient on all my jobs so I’m not stuck working late. Also, I never work weekends. My children are my biggest accomplishment and are my main focus in life,” says Baney.
Fun Fact: Baney’s hobbies include snowboarding, rock climbing and soccer, and his bucket list items include climbing El Capitan and backpacking in Patagonia, which reflect his adventurous spirit. Jobsite musical faves include Childish Gambino, Chris Stapleton and Fleet Foxes.
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by Patrick Linhardt
Last month I wrote about early steam heating and how experimentation led to new piping techniques. This time I will be writing about the early days of gravity hot water heating systems, when people were testing new ideas to be more competitive with steam systems.
I am writing again from the chemotherapy chair, getting treatment through an IV drip. In my world of hydronics, it is gravity feed. The bag is higher than the point of entry into the body, so the fluid treatment flows right in at the rate determined by the medical staff.
After four hours, I’m discharged with a chemotherapy pump, which works on the principal of the pump producing a positive pressure to get the treatment into my body. I’m always distracted by tubes and pumps.
Before 1928, hot water heating systems did not have a pump, because it wasn’t invented yet. In the years before, pipe fitters/ designers usually ran a separate supply and return pipe in the basement to circulate hot water from the boiler to the radiators, with tees in the main to branch off to the individual radiators upstairs.
If the pipes were large enough, water flowed with ease. But that was the problem: those two big supply and return pipes came with a high price. A hot water system would be more expensive than steam. This was at a time when there was competition between hot water systems and steam systems. The radiators are bigger and more expensive than steam. The piping of a two pipe steam system would be less expensive because it has a large supply pipe, but much smaller return pipe. One pipe steam would be the cheapest, but the homebuyers back then didn’t like the hissing air vent at every radiator. What if you could use one single supply/return main distributing steam in the basement to the branch circuits? Well, it turns out that it was possible. The photos are from a house built around the turn of the century. The era when steam and hot water contractors competed for the opportunity to cut and fit large pipes, assemble radiators on site, and install a giant coal fired cast iron sectional boiler.
What if you could use one single supply/return main distributing steam in the basement to the branch circuits?
A contractor contacted me about this job to see if he was understanding what he was looking at. I had him send a few pictures, and they confirmed what he was describing, a vintage one pipe gravity hot water system.
I rarely run across these one pipe hot water systems. The first time it took me a while to figure out how it worked. The trick is getting hot water to flow out of the branch of a tee on the supply/return main to the radiator, to displace the cooler water in the radiator, forcing it down and back into the main.
Today we use a pump and a special tee in the supply/return main that diverts a certain amount of flow out of the branch. The pump is sized to overcome the resistance to flow through the now smaller main, branch lines, radiator and boiler.
Back then, since the pump hadn’t come along yet, they sized the pipe so there was virtually no resistance to gravity flow. The hot water in the boiler moved up because it was lighter than the water in the system while the cooler water fell because it was heavier. All the water moved
at the same time, again, if the pipes were large enough.
What I figured out was the different orientations of the branch circuit off the main determined the flow. If the branch is pointing up, the hot water naturally moves up. So that was always the tee that was closest to the boiler, while the return from the radiator would be the next downstream. In the first photo, flow is from right to left. In that photo, it looks like both tees have the branch pointed up, but the second photo shows the return tee laying on its side.
The orientation of the return tee is to the side of the pipe to discourage flow up to that branch. This side orientation of the return tee is something you normally see on the two pipe gravity flow hot water systems.
The contractor that installed this job thought, why have an expensive return line when you can have the return piping combine with the supply piping? Same amount of tees, just a lot less large pipe. It must have worked at this house since the piping hasn’t changed for over a hundred years.
The problem with one pipe systems is the water temperature drop in the supply/ return main. Say water leaves the boiler at 180°F. In a two pipe hot water system, gravity or pumped, the water temperature to each branch tee is pretty consistently the same. There isn’t enough difference to consider when selecting radiation. However, in a one pipe system, gravity or pumped, the water temperature is not the same at each branch, because the cooler water from the radiation is mixing with the warmer water. The result is progressively cooler water to the end of the supply/return main.
If the main is long enough and with enough radiation, then the supply water temperature could drop as much as 30°F. This is okay if the guy selecting radiation knows this is happening. He can then use decreasing supply water temperatures for selecting radiation.
I want to give a shout-out to the contractor that I suspect may have installed this job, Oliver Schlemmer and he named his fitting for himself, the O.S. fitting. Here’s a guy who was trying to improve the cause of one pipe gravity hot water systems, he was a plumber that installed systems in that era, and he was local.
Patrick Linhardt is a forty-one-year veteran of the wholesale side of the hydronic industry who has been designing and troubleshooting steam and hot water heating systems, pumps and controls on an almost daily basis.
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PEACHTREE CITY, GA — Rinnai America Corporation welcomed US Secretary of Energy Chris Wright to its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Griffin, Georgia, on Friday, May 2, as part of the Department of Energy’s “First 100 Days of Unleashing American Energy Victories” initiative.
Secretary Wright toured the facility and delivered remarks recognizing Rinnai’s role in strengthening American energy leadership, protecting consumer choice, and advancing domestic manufacturing. His visit underscored the Department’s commitment to preserving US-based innovation and production in the face of previously proposed regulations that had threatened both.
“Rinnai America is a perfect example of what’s at stake when Washington pushes reckless regulations, bureaucrats tried to end hundreds of jobs with a rule no one asked for, slipped in the day after Christmas—without a single consideration for the people it would hurt. But these workers stood strong. They didn’t back down and because of their courage and hard work, we won this battle together. What they build here changes lives—millions of people choose these products to make their lives better. That’s worth fighting for. Let’s stand together for our dreams, for the American Dream,” said Secretary Wright.
Rinnai is the only company producing non-condensing tankless water heaters in the United States. A Bidenera rule, which was postponed by Secretary Wright, would have effectively banned these energy-efficient products jeopardizing hundreds of local jobs, limiting consumer options, and placing US manufacturers at a competitive disadvantage.
“We were honored to host Secretary Wright and are grateful for the Department’s decisive actions to support American manufacturing and consumer freedom,”
said Frank Windsor, President of Rinnai America Corporation. “By preserving access to high-efficient, cost-effective tankless water heaters, the Department is helping companies like ours continue to innovate, grow, and serve American families.”
The Griffin facility is located in Congressman Brian Jack’s district. The congressman championed the legislative wins needed to save jobs at Rinnai.
“It was an honor to welcome US Secretary of Energy Chris Wright to Georgia’s 3rd Congressional District to celebrate the repeal of a job-killing Biden regulation that endangered Rinnai America Corporation’s manufacturing plant in Griffin,” said Congressman Brian Jack. “Secretary Wright is the first Cabinet Member to make an official visit to Spalding County, and I am excited to continue making history with him throughout President Trump’s second term!”
Rinnai’s non-condensing tankless water heaters are up to 50% more efficient than traditional storage tank models, ensuring that consumers have access to energy-efficient options that reduce long-term costs and energy use. Rinnai’s investment in Georgia represents an opportunity to strengthen American manufacturing and ensure the US remains competitive in the global market.
To watch Secretary Wright’s full remarks, visit www. youtube.com/watch?v=UeJTwwqM0uw
Strategic move allows company to focus on
LANCASTER, PA — Burnham Holdings, Inc. (BHI), parent company to leading manufacturers of boilers and related HVAC products and accessories, today announced its decision to divest substantially all of the assets of its Thermo Pride (TP) and Norwood Manufacturing (NMI) business subsidiaries. This strategic move aligns with the holding company’s long-term vision to strengthen its core boiler business while expanding its commercial and industrial rental and service operations.
The TP and NMI businesses are being acquired by the R.W. Beckett Corporation (RWB) of North Ridgeville, OH, in exchange for all-cash consideration of $27.6 million, subject to customary adjustments. These acquisitions will enable RWB to expand their offerings for the liquid fuels industry.
The divestiture allows BHI to focus its resources and efforts on enhancing its position as a leading provider of comprehensive boiler solutions for the residential, commercial and industrial sectors where they offer an industry leading portfolio of high-quality hydronic
solutions, including cast-iron residential boiler products, hydronic heating accessories and advanced high efficiency condensing boilers. BHI will continue to concentrate on its boiler subsidiaries, leveraging their strong management teams to drive synergies, improve efficiencies, and support continued growth.
“Burnham Holdings is committed to meeting the ever-evolving needs of our key boiler markets. This decision allows us to further focus on and strengthen our offerings in the commercial industrial boiler service,” said Chris Drew, President and CEO of Burnham Holdings, Inc. “We are committed to providing our customers with technically advanced, reliable, high-quality boiler
solutions, and this strategic divestiture will enable us to better serve their critical operational requirements.”
“We are honored to welcome the talented teams from Thermo Pride and Norwood Manufacturing into the Beckett family,” said Kevin Beckett, CEO of R.W. Beckett. “These teams have built a legacy of craftsmanship, innovation, and integrity that has earned deep respect across the industry. We’re excited to carry that legacy forward—enhancing our offerings and continuing to serve our customers.”
The divestiture of TP and NMI Norwood Manufacturing along with the previously announced wind down of manufacturing operations at Crown Boiler in Philadelphia are part of BHI’s commitment to remain focused on their boiler operations. This represents a natural progression, building on the proven success of Thermal InMotion, enabling BHI to better meet the needs of its national base of commercial and industrial clients.
Presented in partnership with Radiant Professionals Alliance
ProBalance pumps deliver performance, speed commissioning of heating/cooling system.
HAYWARD, WI — For decades, the Lac Courte Oreilles (LCO) Tribe, located in Wisconsin, has faced declining access to healthcare. Members of the tribe have struggled with heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, arthritis and chronic diseases, many of which are preventable.
At last, an answer has developed in the form of a gleaming new facility in Hayward. It represents a nearly-$60 million investment in the healthcare future of the local Chippewa Indian community.
The new, 75,000-square-foot LCO tribal health center will replace two aging facilities elsewhere on the LCO reservation. The facility enables comprehensive health and wellness services to be provided in one state-ofthe-art location with the ability to accommodate more than 77,400 annual patient visits.
Dr. Gary Girard, the former director of the LCO Community Health Center, who helped develop the plans for the new facility said, “The new building [makes it possible] to double the number of patients served annually.”
The new health center houses medical and dental clinics, a pharmacy, behavioral health services, substance use disorder recovery resources, a chiropractor, an optometrist, a podiatrist, a clinical lab and a dedicated space for medical imaging.
LCO Secretary-Treasurer Bill Trepanier said, “The Community Health Center—with its level 4 ambulatory bay [to provide emergency care], and a host of preventive medical, mental healthcare and dental care is a beacon of innovation and resilience, reflecting not just the spirit of our community but the enduring strength of our people across Indian Country.”
Roseville, MN-based Woodstone, Inc. won the contract as the facility’s general contractor. The company is a leading national Native American-owned construction firm with a diverse offering of services and expertise. The firm specializes in a wide range of projects such as hospitality, healthcare and gaming work; multifamily, senior care and educational facilities.
Jonathan Scott, Woodstone project manager, said of their work at the LCO healthcare facility, “We were hired by LCO to help them with their vision for a new healthcare facility that would replace the existing and outdated facility they previously used.
“This new facility includes a very sensible and functional design, with optimal year-round comfort. In addition to the other services mentioned, it includes space for urgent care, a pharmacy and radiology,” added Scott. “We teamed up with Brunton Architects and Engineers to design the building; we also worked with key members of the tribe to assure their design needs were met. Our
collaborations brought their vision to life. The results are a beautiful multi-functional healthcare facility that will serve many generations.”
KBK Services, Inc., based in Ashland, WI and with offices in Medford, WI, was tapped by the general contractor, Woodstone, Inc., to install all plumbing and mechanical systems.
KBK, begun in the 1940s, provides a wide range of plan and spec, and design-build commercial and in-
dustrial work—from backflow testing and breadth of hydronic and HVAC installation and service work to welding fabrication—while specializing in educational, hospitality and healthcare work.
“This job was well within our wheelhouse,” said Shawn Lund, KBK Services project manager. KBK Services is a full-service, non-union plumbing and HVAC contractor. “We typically work within the state of Wisconsin but have licenses in Michigan and Minnesota. We employee roughly 50 plumbers, pipefitters and sheet metal workers.”
KBK crews began their rough-in work in May of 2023, and closed out their responsibilities by Christmas ’24.
The LCO facility’s hydronic heating and cooling system is a two-pipe design, with all of the cooling, and much of the heat distribution served through fan-coil air handling units (AHUs) coupled with 4-inch to 12inch single-duct Titus VAV boxes.
The exception is a substantial network of in-floor radiant heat installed for exterior rooms along the North wall. “Those areas are slab-on-grade, with no basement level below them,” explained Lund. “Winter months can be brutally cold in Hayward [WI], so the addition of radiant heat provides full assurance of comfort for those interior spaces event when winter is at its worst.”
Lund explained that equipment specifications for the heating and chilled water systems were made by Brunton Architects and Engineers, based in North Mankato and Minneapolis. A 186-ton Daiken chiller was chosen as the source of chilled water, serving two large air handling units and 68 area-specific terminal units. Connected to the AHUs for provision of heat are two 1500 MBH Riello boilers. Year-round comfort is achieved with hydronic flow managed by four Taco SKV Series (model 4007D) SelfSensing vertical in-line pumps connected to Danfoss VFDs.
“SelfSensing with ProBalance pumps can be run in a constant-flow mode when governing primary chiller and boiler circulation—just as they’ll do at this facility,” added Lund. “Or, they could be applied to provide variable flow mode for secondary pumps, and constant pressure mode for booster pumps. A key advantage is efficient and accurate system balancing.”
Pump performance curves are embedded in the Danfoss VFD controller’s memory. During operation, pump power and speed are monitored, enabling the controller to establish the hydraulic performance and position in the pump’s head-flow characteristic. This allows the pump to continuously identify required head and flow at any point, providing accurate pressure control without the need for external sensor feedback. With built-in diagnostics, the VFDs (variable frequency drives) continuously monitor the system and provide early warning alerts, reducing downtime and enhancing system performance, important for a health care facility.
ProBalance pinpoints true system resistance without inducing false head, balancing internally and automatically. This means lower installed cost, no errors in setpoint, and a simplified construction schedule.The pumps include automatic alerts for no-flow, dry-run and end-of-curve operation, and are electronically protected for overload and locked rotor conditions. SelfSensing SKV pumps—like those used for this job—are available in sizes from 1.5 hp to 60 hp (Taco’s SKS line is available from 1.5 hp to 250 hp).
“A real benefit for us, as installers, is that these pumps offer the ability to see all facets of system performance,” continued Lund. “And, if adjustments are needed, they have the ability to easily balance pump curves to precisely fit system resistance. This greatly reduces system
During operation, pump power and speed are monitored, enabling the controller to establish the hydraulic performance and position in the pump’s head-flow characteristic.
The LCO facility’s hydronic heating and cooling system is a two-pipe design.
balancing and commissioning time while moving that capability to the installer, instead of an expensive add-on control or commissioning agent.”
Previously, commissioning agents would need to invasively insert differential pressure sensors at a furthest point from the control VFD to accomplish flow metering, in addition to requisite programming, hardware and wiring—all at substantial cost.
“For building owners, this means custom integration with dramatically reduced installed cost, greater system intelligence, and continuous monitoring and control of system performance, and energy management for the life of the building,” added Lund. SelfSensing pumps do not require sensors installed in the pipe and come with the VFD factory-tuned to that specific pump model. Pre-programming of the Danfoss VFDs to precisely control pump speeds and match system demand means the facility’s HVAC system operates at peak performance, delivering reliable comfort while minimizing energy use.
The pumps include automatic alerts for no-flow, dry-run and end-of-curve operation, and are electronically protected for overload and locked rotor conditions.
To simplify installation further, the drives are factory-wired and mounted directly to the pump or can be alternatively wall-mounted, depending on the mechanical room design.
“With SelfSensing pumping, there are no holes in the pipes for tubes or taps connecting remote, differential sensors together with the pumps,” said Richard Medairos, Director of Commercial Training at Taco. Self-sensing pump system design offers superb accuracy for variable flow, higher energy efficiency, lower installed costs and improved system stability.”
“This is one we can take pride in,” said Steve Kohn, Fluid Handling, who helped with specification of the pumps. “We formed a great design team, with the goal to deliver a hydronic system, with radiant delivery in primary patient rooms, worthy of the facility’s noble cause: first class healthcare for the Chippewa Indian community of Hayward. We’re confident that we’ve ensured reliable, energy-efficient, sustainable system operation for generations to come.”
Patti Feldman
On The Clock (www.ontheclock. com, 888/753-5999) is a versatile Internet-based time clock GPS-based software solution for small businesses to keep track of employee clock-in/out at jobs. Employees can be restricted to one punch location, or they can utilize multiple locations.
Features include an online time clock, mobile time clock, payroll, and GPS tracking. You can require punching in/out using only specific authorized devices—e.g. mobile phones, tablets, desktops, and/or laptops. A Who’s In punch map using employee location pin drop indicators helps identify who is working and where that person punched in. The software also has geofencing and workplace Wi-Fi recognition to ensure clock in/out Wi-Fi internet connections match what you have set. An easy-to-use dashboard enables you to include time off policies and gives you the ability to view up-to-date totals. The software handles all deductions and payments, minimizing errors and helping ensure accuracy.
Pricing: subscription-based and scalable, plus a monthly fee for each wireless carrier and additional fee per employee when using a biometric fingerprint reader for sign-in, if you incorporate one yourself. Free 30-day trial.
StructShare (www.structshare.com) is a modern procurement platform purpose-built for specialty contractors to streamline materials management and purchasing workflows. It automates the full procurement cycle—from field requests, through RFQs, POs, deliveries to invoice reconciliation—by connecting field teams, purchasing, warehouse, and accounting in one unified system. The platform features a mobile app with a searchable item database and supplier catalog, real-time notifications, and built-in chat for seamless communication. Key capabilities include multilevel requisitions and PO approvals, three-way invoice matching, inventory tracking, and real-time dashboards that offer drill-down insights into material costs, quantities, and usage trends.
Reviews of On The Clock time clock software, the StructShare procurement platform, The Service Program scheduling solution, and the ServiceDirect Marketplace lead gen platform.
StructShare integrates effortlessly with leading accounting and project management systems, including Procore, Sage 300 CRE, QuickBooks, Foundation, Vista, and Spectrum.
Pricing: subscription, tiered by company size and volume
The Service Program (www.theserviceprogram.com, 866/480-1879) is a customizable software solution configured and populated with capabilities geared, at its core, to the needs of service-based contractors.
The cloud-based system streamlines scheduling and has route optimization tools, improves communications between office staff and field techs, and provides real-time insights into operations. It also has a customer portal which allows clients to view service history, upcoming visits, and invoices.
The Software Program includes a mobile web app that keeps technicians connected from the field, no downloads
required. Techs can, from a smartphone or tablet, view assigned work orders, capture customer signatures, update job statuses, add photos, and record parts used.
It also enables customizable reports, service agreement tracking, and the ability to generate branded service forms.
The Service Program also has a customer portal, which allows clients to view their service history, upcoming visits, and invoices.
In addition, The Service Program integrates directly with QuickBooks Desktop and QuickBooks Online. Work orders, invoices and payments sync automatically, helping ensure accurate records and fast billing cycles.
Pricing: subscription plan scaled fee per month, with on boarding fee scaled by plan selected (differentiated by the number of users), plus a separate fee for adding the Mobile Solution, which requires use of a smartphone or table for each user. The monthly subscription includes technical and customer support.
ServiceDirect Marketplace (www. servicedirect.com , 877/978-1099) is a pay-per-call local lead generation platform for service based businesses that is dedicated to connecting smaller and/or relatively new companies to potential local customers in real-time through an in-bound phone call sent directly to you.
How it works: the user inputs the types of customer leads you are interested in and the zip codes of your service area; select “your Cost Per Lead”—the amount you will pay for each Billable Lead generated for the campaign. (You can refine—increase or decrease—either criterium anytime.) Service Direct then generates exclusive in-bound leads for you to pursue. You can set a monthly budget and can pause your account anytime. There is no set-up fee—you create your account for free and pay only for valid leads—and no term contract.
Service Direct Marketplace finds potential customers in your area who appear to need HVAC service or installation through search engine marketing, social media advertising, mobile apps, and direct mailers. A Billable call is defined as one you get from a potential customer seeking service your business provides or that results in a booked appointment. An Affiliate Health Dashboard gives insights to the efficiency of your account based on key metrics that impact buyer and consumer outcomes (payout). Among the data tracked: trendline metrics for such KPIs as Service Needed Rate, comparison against peer performance, and the ability to filter calls to identify quality calls and flag underperforming ones.
Service Direct also offers two other similarly operating plans: Select, which is geared to larger, more established companies with bigger ad budgets and Enterprise, for franchise or many-location businesses.
Patti Feldman writes articles and web content for trade magazines and manufacturers of building products. She can be reached at productpad@yahoo.com.
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.
by Crystal Williams
Iwant to tell you about this little sweet lady that lives in my neighborhood. She’s the most lovely lady I’ve ever met.
She’s in her 60s, and I’m in my 40s, but we are fast friends. She makes the most delicious chicken and dumplings—I get to taste them at all of our church potluck dinners! Her grandsons sing in our children’s choir, so we see each other often because she is always where her grandkids are.
She and her husband love to travel, so they’re always looking for quick getaways in their RV. It’s the perfect size for them and their little dog, Precious. He’s a dachshund and goes everywhere with her husband! She’s always cooking and serving others—everyone just adores her. Her name is Linda, and she is my perfect avatar.
When we’re considering marketing for our home service company, we can’t just waste time trying to make our messaging reach everyone. Instead, we need to define one specific type of person that we want to really resonate with—someone we want to grab the attention of and pull on their heartstrings. We want that person to fall in love with us, trust us, and become a loyal customer.
Here’s the deal: when considering your ideal target market, the internet is your friend. Finding out the who, what, when, where, and why is easier than ever these days. You must take the time to identify the one segment of your market that deserves all of your energy. All of your creativity. Honestly? They deserve all of your marketing budget.
Because when you know who you’re talking to, you talk differently. You write differently. You show up differently.
When you craft your messaging, it’s almost impossible to pull on the emotional strings of a 35-year-old and a 70-year-old at the same time. These two age groups are typically in completely different phases of life. A 35-year-old might be in the thick of raising kids, juggling work schedules, and building a home. A 70-year-old might have grown grandchildren and be enjoying the quiet of empty nesting.
When marketing our home service company we need to define one specific type of person that we want to really resonate with.
Of course, there are exceptions. There are 35-year-olds without kids and 70-year-olds starting new careers. But we’re talking about the average customer in your area. We’re talking about who your business serves best.
Your marketing has to be intentional and directed at someone in particular. It should feel like it’s speaking to your aunt, your cousin, your neighbor, or your best friend.
Now, here’s where it gets really fun. I want you to take a minute and create this person in your mind. Really visualize who they are. What do they look like? What kind of clothes do they wear? What does their living room smell like? What stresses them out? What makes them smile? What would make their day easier, better, or more comfortable?
Your ideal customer is more than just a demographic—they’re a real person. They live in a real house, they scroll on real social media platforms, they love their family, they worry about bills, they think about comfort, safety, and peace of mind. And you have a service that can meet one of those deep needs. That’s who you want to build your brand for.
Target markets can get really clunky with tons of data and big terms flashing everywhere.
But in reality? We are just talking to people. Real homeowners. Real moms. Real dads. Real friends. Real neighbors. Real people.
When we identify our target markets, we’re able to do so many things more intentionally. We start asking better questions:
· What kind of home do they live in?
· What kind of cars do they drive?
· Where do they shop?
· Where do they go on vacation?
· Where do they eat out?
· What’s their opinion on home comfort and indoor air quality?
· How do they feel about technology—smart thermostats, mobile apps, scheduling online?
These are important questions. They help us shape our message, pick the right platforms, and create the kind of connection that makes someone say, “This company gets me.”
When you run gift-with-purchase promotions or giveaways, don’t just throw something out there and hope it sticks.
Think about what would excite your ideal customer. A wireless headphone giveaway might be great for someone in their 20s, but it won’t appeal to someone like Linda. Instead, something like a free 85inch TV with a system purchase? Now that gets her attention. She knows just the grandkid who needs a new TV—or maybe she wants to watch those gospel music specials in high definition!
Even your social media strategy should be guided by your ideal avatar. A younger audience might connect with pop culture memes or TikTok trends. But an older, more traditional audience? They’ll connect with throwback photos, community involvement, or posts that highlight your company’s values. Nostalgia goes a long way when you’re speaking to someone who values “the good old days.”
Let me be clear—just because Linda is my perfect avatar, it doesn’t mean every single customer will look and act just like her. But she’s the bullseye. She’s the center of the target. And if we build around her, we’ll catch a whole lot of people who are close to her.
Linda values quality. She loves her family. She supports local businesses. She wants to feel safe when someone comes into her home. She doesn’t need the cheapest price—she wants to know she’s in good hands.
And that’s what we should all want for our businesses—loyal customers who see us as trustworthy, dependable, and the kind of folks they’d recommend to their neighbor down the street.
So, who’s your Linda? Get to know them. Name them. Build for them. Because when your brand feels like it was made just for them, that’s when the real magic happens!
As the founder and creative director of Lemon Seed Marketing, Crystal Williams has an out-of-the-box way of thinking that draws attention to her strategies. Her demonstrated history of working in the marketing and advertising industry and her enthusiasm is reflected in the rejuvenation her clients feel towards growing their business. When she’s not designing creative strategies, she’s the mother of two sons and a member of the local Rotary Club. To learn more about Lemon Seed Marketing, visit www.lemonseedmarketing.com.
August 20-21, 2025
Grand Sierra Resort & Casino
Reno, NV
September 30 - October 1, 2025
Santa Clara Convention Center
Santa Clara, CA
October 29-30, 2025
Irving Convention Center
Irving, TX
by Lynn Karam CEO OF LEK MANAGEMENT
The Internal Revenue Code outlines and identifies individuals and businesses who have a tax obligation to report income. A preeminent provider of news for tax and accounting professionals* published an article last year regarding the growing problem of tax compliance and the ways in which the IRS was developing strategies to crack down on non-filers. Whether they are individuals or businesses, these efforts are meant to fix the problem of non-filers by getting them to meet their tax obligations.
In life’s journey, there are certain situations that occur which force some individuals and businesses to veer from their intended financial and emotional path. These could include health problems, loss of a job, death, divorce, or some other family issue. Sometimes in the midst of these life-altering moments, taxpayers fail to meet their annual tax filing obligations; this brings with it several consequences that can add fuel to the fire of an existing bad situation.
Contractors whose companies are pass-through entities should be aware that the profits and losses from their corporations must be reported on their individual returns. Pass-through entities include Single Member LLCs, Partnerships, and Sub-Chapter S Corporations, and for all of these types of business structures, the corporate taxes can affect the owner’s personal taxes.
1. Forfeited Tax Refund
The United States Internal Revenue Code (IRC) established the Refund Statute of Limitations (RSED) which limits the time a taxpayer has to request a refund. The stated limits are three years from the tax filing due date or two years from the time when the tax was paid. If the taxpayer misses this deadline, they will forfeit the refund request on their returns.
2. Penalties and Interest Imposed
If upon completion of the taxpayer’s individual tax returns there is a balance due, penalties and interest will be imposed. The Failure to File penalty is 5%
Sometimes in the midst of life-altering moments, taxpayers fail to meet their annual tax filing obligations.
monthly, with a maximum of 25% of the tax liability. The Failure to Pay penalty is 0.5% monthly up to 25%. There may also be an additional Failure to Pay penalty if quarterly estimated tax payments are required by the taxpayer, but not paid. To avoid these penalties, the taxpayer should pay at least 90% of the current year’s tax liability or 100% of the previous year’s tax liability. The IRS imposes interest on both the tax liability and the penalties imposed. The interest rate charges varies as they are revised regularly by the IRS.
3. Substitute for Returns
In some instances, the IRS will use the information available to them to file returns on behalf of the taxpayer. This is typically not in the best interest of taxpayer as there may be credits the taxpayer is entitled to that the IRS either is not aware of, or will overlook. If the filing of the substitute returns result in a tax liability, the taxpayer will receive a “Demand for Payment” letter, and if there is no response to the letter, a lien will be filed on the taxpayer.
Here are a few things you can do if you become aware of any years when you had a filing requirement, but you did not file a return:
1. Obtain all the required tax documentation for that time period, whether for one year or a number of them. This may include a profit and loss statement or your K-1s form from your corporate tax returns. If you have not filed your corporate tax returns for that year, then these returns must be prepared and filed before you can proceed with filing your current tax returns.
2. If the tax documentation is not in your possession, contact the issuing company and/or organization to request a copy of the document, which they had reported to the IRS and/or State Revenue/ Taxation and Finance Departments. This is the best alternative.
3. If the tax documentation is still not available, request wage and income transcripts from the IRS and State(s) Revenue/Taxation and Finance Departments. For corporate returns, the
company’s financial statements will be required. The company’s owner(s) and/ or shareholder(s) are responsible for getting them created. They can generate the financials themselves or hire a professional to create the financials.
4. If you, as an individual or business owner, are having issues obtaining the required tax documentation, seek a tax professional to assist in obtaining the documentation and preparing the tax returns. As the IRS continues to push for compliance programs that get non-filers to fall in line, they keep on investing in people, technology, and infrastructure that can help them strategically enforce the law and make certain that non-filers from prior years begin complying and paying their fair share of taxes. By following the steps outlined here, you can address any unfiled tax returns in the most straightforward way possible and get back in compliance with the IRS as soon as possible.
*Source: Thomson-Reuters, March 2024
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 Mary Scott Nabers PRESIDENT AND CEO OF STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS, INC.
The beautiful state of California is a vibrant and enticing place to live, but its stringent water regulations—designed to conserve water and promote sustainability—pose significant challenges for almost every industry sector. Numerous factors have impacted the state’s water resources and likewise the regulatory environment including weather, wildfires, historic population growth, environmental preservation, aging systems, and legal frameworks.
The agriculture industry is suffering because of very strict limits on irrigation. Construction, commercial development, and real estate firms are struggling because of water scarcity. Manufacturing companies are being forced to adopt water recycling and treatment technology to continue operations. But arguably, no industry group has been impacted more than the companies that contract with the government to deliver public water projects.
The impact of tighter water restrictions on plumbing and hydronic heating contractors has been classified as significantly painful. These companies are on the front line when it comes to dealing with water restrictions and mandates. They are dealing with new requirement standards and changes that call for more expertise, costly new tools and technology, and ongoing innovation.
There is high demand for water technology of all types. New equipment comes with water-efficient fixtures, leading-edge technology and expanded capabilities. Contractors are expected to have expertise related to every type of new device and be innovative enough to match the capabilities with project requirements while maneuvering around regulations. Firms that offer hydronic heating systems must find innovative ways to deliver minimized water use. Retrofitting of older plumbing systems now requires even more from contractors—a deep understanding of how to meld new technology and equipment with legacy systems and hold down costs while complying with regulatory mandates.
The marketplace for water projects will be filled with contracting opportunities for the next decade.
There is no doubt that as regulations tighten and demands change plumbing contractors will begin to adjust to the challenges. The ongoing promotion of expertise and talent may become the gold standard for getting hired.
As projects become more complex, costs will escalate, and contractors will be called on to justify the increase. This provides another responsibility for contractors because they will be asked to explain their cost estimates to others who are not as well versed in technology, smart equipment, the basics of upgrading or replacing aging systems, or what is required to transport water from one location to another one.
Cost increases are never positive so a public-facing message that is easily understood will be another task for contractors to manage. Public entities, homeowners, private sector businesses, and all industries with needs for plumbing will be introduced to higher costs as conservation and water restriction goals stabilize.
Contracting firms will also be required to invest in new tools, techniques, and
ongoing education for employees. California, however, is but the tip of an iceberg because other states will soon need to implement many of the same types of regulations. Companies that are already staffed to handle the new mandates will fare well in all states because water resources and water infrastructure are top of mind challenges for all public entities. Very few states are untouched by water resource shortages and many states are already mandating some of the same types of regulatory changes that are occurring in California.
New challenges always result in new opportunities, as is currently being seen in California. The marketplace for water projects will be filled with contracting opportunities for the next decade.
A very large statewide water modernization project, known as the California State Water Project or the Delta Conveyance Project, is on the launch pad now. A tunnel system will be required, and the project will be designed to move water from one location to another by cap-
turing and transporting water from the Sacramento River to other areas in need of water, particularly the Bay Area and San Joaquin Valley. This project is part of the state’s Water Resilience Portfolio, and it will address anticipated water supply reductions resulting from climate change. Plans call for it to launch in late 2025 or 2026 and the cost could be as high as $20 billion by the time it is completed. Many different types of contractor expertise will be required.
Another project currently in the planning and permitting stages is a reservoir expansion effort and the construction of a dam near Gilroy, California. The project is known as the Pacheco Reservoir Expansion Project. Officials at Clara County have tagged the effort with a cost projection of $2.5 billion. When completed the work will have expanded the existing Pacheco Reservoir enough to improve water storage capacity while also delivering flood protection, environmental benefits and habitat restoration upgrades. The Monterey Peninsula Water Project, a large project to construct a new desalination plant with diversification solutions is currently in the pre-design phase. This new plant will utilize slant wells to draw seawater through a pipeline, cleanse it and then provide it for use by people in the Monterey Peninsula. It will reduce reliance on the Carmel River and Seaside Groundwater basin. A cost of $322 million has been estimated for the project which has a planned launch date of 2026. Opportunities of every type and size will continue to be announced for contractors in California. They will all require compliance with California’s stringent water regulations, but savvy contractors will be in extremely high demand for many years.
As President and CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc. Mary Scott Nabers, a former statewide office holder in Texas, has decades of experience in the public and private sectors. Her unique expertise is her success in connecting the two sectors. Strategic Partnerships, Inc. publishes Government Market News, the premier platform for connecting public and private sector leaders in the government marketplace.
Continued from page 1
dent Trump’s signature legislative package, the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.”
The stakes for the conference were outlined by PHCC President Dan Callies in his introductory letter to the members, saying, “Our message to the new Congress and administration: plumbing and HVAC contractors protect the health and safety of the American people. We provide clean water and indoor air to ensure the comfort and well-being of our customers. We depend on a regulatory scheme that ensures we can do our job effectively, providing these essential services so Americans stay healthy.”
Coordinating messaging for the conference was Mark Valentini, PHCC’s Vice President of Legislative affairs. Valentini stressed the unique opportunity the conference presented: association members from around the nation would be (typically) visiting their own Representatives and Senators, allowing them to speak not as lobbyists, but as constituents.
Still, Valentini emphasized that the best way to get a message across to legislators was to keep that message simple and to keep repeating it. To that end he urged the assembled members to stick to the association’s talking points:
On energy policy, the PHCC wanted freedom of energy choice for its customers and was in support of Representative Nick Langworthy ’s (RNY) “The Energy Choice Act,” a bill that would prohibit any state or local regulation from banning an energy connection based on the type of fuel used.
While making it clear that the PHCC was in favor of both the EnergyStar and WaterSense programs, the association also wanted common-sense legislation that would allow contractors to supply the equipment and systems that best suit their customers’ needs and budgets.
On tax policy, a top concern was certain tax provisions that were set to expire, which would result in automatic tax increases for many families and businesses. Key among those provisions, section 199A of the tax code (introduced in 2017), the so-called “pass-through” provision, which per -
mits owners of sole proprietorships, S corporations, or partnerships to deduct up to 20% of the income earned by the business.
With PHCC representing so many family-owned businesses, the Estate Tax was an important topic (with the hope that it be reduced or eliminated) as was continuing with a low corporate tax rate (or lowering it still further). For contractors selling high-efficiency equipment, the preservation of credits or deductions surrounding energy efficient buildings (25C and 179D) was also a talking point.
On workforce development, the association and its members wanted to stress to legislators the desperate need for trained workers most contracting companies are experiencing, and the incredible opportunities there are for young people in the skilled trades; a four-year college is simply not everyone’s best path to prosperity.
To that end, the PHCC was strongly in favor of registered apprenticeship programs, and funding for those programs through the 2014 “Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.” Other important measures included expanding Pell Grants to include shorter-term, skills-based training, and re-working the 529 college savings program as a “career” savings program through the “Support the Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act.”
Valentini hoped the assembled association members would illustrate these talking points using their own stories—that they would talk about their own businesses and families and the challenges they were facing.
He also urged the group to keep to lobbyist best-practices: dress to impress; keep the focus on policy, not politics; and be polite to the staffers. “These young people,” Valentini said, “are remarkably well-informed, not just on how Congress works, but on our industry. And remember, the staffer of today could be the House Member or Senator of tomorrow.”
Lastly, he asked members to stick to the Three Bs: Be Brief, Be Brilliant, and Be Gone.
The keynote speaker for the conference was former US Congressman Tom Davis , (R-VA), who during his seven terms authored more than 100 bills that became law. Davis now works as a public speaker and is the co-author of The Partisan Divide: Congress in Crisis His keynote presentation was sponsored by Bradford White.
Combining an encyclopedic knowledge of recent government history with self-deprecating humor, Davis discussed the current state of US politics. He said that much of the dysfunction in evidence in today’s politics is the result of the president’s party becoming an extension of the executive branch.
What the framers of the Constitution designed to be a balance of power system instead looks more and more like a parliamentary system.
Political polarization, he agreed, was a driving force for this change. Yes, Davis said, gerrymandering—the manner in which House districts are drawn up—has a role to play. Another factor has been unexpected outcomes from the Voting Rights Act; when minorities are concentrated into certain districts, they tend to bleed out of the surrounding districts.
But there are simpler reasons behind polarization. People tend to self-sort— we simply like to live around people who share the same views as ourselves.
Exacerbating those natural tendencies has been changes in the way people consume media. Since the end of the Fairness Doctrine media and social
‘And remember, the staffer of today could be the House Member or Senator of tomorrow.’
media channels have proliferated at an astounding rate. There is no longer a single source for authoritative truth (with Walter Cronkite often held up as the last great example). Instead, people seek out news sources that affirm, rather than challenge their world views.
As a result, people now vote more for the political party they support than they do for the candidate.
Currently, Davis continued, the Republicans are in control of government. They have inherited a bad debtto-GDP ratio. Currently, we are spending more money on the interest on the national debt (14% of the budget) than we are on national defense.
The problem with the debt problem is, where do you cut? The Department Of Government Efficiency (DOGE) was looking for $1 trillion in cuts—but that kind of money, Davis said, is simply not to be found in government operations. It’s in things like Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security—all highly popular programs.
Looking at the midterm elections, the Democrats have the advantage in enthusiasm (the party out of power usually does, Davis said). Adding to Republican problems is that Trump voters are hard to get to the polls when Trump isn’t on the ballot. The big battle for power will be in the House, given that most Senate races are not competitive.
Davis concluded by saying that right
now, government was a tough place to be, no matter what role you served in or what party you belonged to. “There are no easy choices.”
Aside from the actual day of lobbying, the conference included networking events. A Joint Advocacy Reception was held the first day in the Cannon
Office Building where the PHCC was joined by members of the Air-Conditioning Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) and Heating Air-Conditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI). Several members of Congress were in attendance. For even more on the PHCC Legislative Conference, visit us online at www.contractormag.com.
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The memorandum, titled “Rescission of Useless Water Pressure Standards,” accuses water efficiency standards with creating a class of products that are more expensive, more breakable and less useful, all of which works to create a burden for American consumers. The memorandum refers to the legislation and regulation behind such standards as, “unnecessary radical green agenda policies.” Lastly, the memorandum requests recommendations to submit legislation before Congress that would rescind a wide swath of federal energy conservation standards, even going so far as to repeal the Energy Policy Act of 1992 in its entirety.
This is not the first time a Trump Administration has sought to repeal water standards. In December 2019, after meeting with small business owners, Trump ordered a federal review of water efficiency standards pertaining to bathroom fixtures. The first Trump Administration also famously repealed the Clean Water Rule and rewrote the EPA’s pollution-control policies. Most of these standards were later put back in place by the Biden Administration.
The Alliance for Water Efficiency is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting sustainable water use. The Alliance’s network of over 500 organizational members works through research, education and advocacy to
0-250 PSI Gage & Differential Pressures
Associated High Side & Low Side Pressures -67 to 260 °F Temperature
100 Reading Memory with Sequential Recall English & Metric, Auto-Read
WaterSense, a voluntary partnership program sponsored by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is both a label for water-efficient products and a resource for helping consumers save water.
The WaterSense label makes it easy for consumers, installers and specifiers to find water-efficient products that meet EPA’s criteria for efficiency and performance. WaterSense-labeled products and services are certified to use at least 20 percent less water, save energy, and perform as well as or better than regular models.
Since its inception in 2006, the WaterSense program has saved 7.5 trillion gallons of water, has reduced the amount of energy used to pump, treat and heat water by 880 billion kilowatt hours, and saved American consumers more than $171 billion in water and energy costs. It is by any metric one of the most successful public-private partnerships in the nation’s history.
promote water management policies that save money, strengthen communities and preserve the environment. Ron Burke has served as President and CEO of the AWE since 2021. He finds the memorandum, “disappointing, but not terribly surprising.”
Burke is quick to note that the memorandum, while a clear signal of intention, has yet to actually create any changes in policy. Also, if standards were to change, it would still be months or years before manufacturers would begin producing those higher-flow, less efficient faucets, showerheads, urinals and toilets, even if they chose to do so (which many might not). Additionally, most state and local water efficiency standards would remain unchanged.
Still, if those changes did come into effect, it would mean higher water bills for millions of Americans,
along with stressed water systems. “We have communities all around the country that are struggling already to meet water demand,” Burke says, “and that challenge would only be exacerbated by the introduction of less efficient appliances and fixtures… so that’s worrisome.”
Many municipalities across the Southwestern states have had to deal with water scarcity, but even areas that have not historically faced scarcity are now having to cope with a groundwater supply that is being depleted faster than it is being replenished. Saltwater intrusion in the nation’s coastal communities is becoming a more significant problem with every passing year. Sensible water management is a national concern—not a regional one.
“Moving the marketplace away from water efficient products and appliances is not good for anyone,” Burke says. “It’s not good for our pocketbooks, not good for communities that really struggle to provide adequate water supplies, and, ultimately, it’s not good for the environment either.”
The struggle between the administration and water efficiency advocates will in all likelihood continue to play out in Congress and the courts. CONTRACTOR will continue to report on this story as it develops.
COLUMBIA, SC — Apogee Equity Partners (Apogee) has announced a strategic partnership with Nexstar Network. Through this partnership, Apogee will help Nexstar members navigate the sales process and secure the best possible outcome should they decide to sell their business.Apogee provides professional sell-side advisory services tailored specifically for home service companies.
“We’re proud to partner with Nexstar Network and
support their mission of empowering business owners,” said David Yezbak, President of Apogee Equity Partners. “We are committed to helping our clients secure the best possible outcome.”
Nexstar members interested in understanding the value of their business or exploring potential exit options are encouraged to reach out to Apogee Equity Partners at info@apogeeequitypartners.com.
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CHARLOTTE, NC — This year, Aalberts celebrates a remarkable milestone: 50 years of engineering mission-critical technologies that power a clean, smart, and responsible future.
Founded in 1975 by Jan Aalberts as an aluminum precision extrusion company, Aalberts has grown into a global leader operating in over 50 countries. The entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to progress that Jan Aalberts instilled remain the foundation of the company today.
To honor this milestone, Aalberts is launching a special Earth Day campaign, titled “Our Power, Our Plant.” This global, 50-day initiative highlights the company’s ongoing commitment to sustainability by encouraging every employee to take meaningful action toward energy efficiency and environmental responsibility.
Running through June 11, 2025, the campaign invites all Aalberts employees to join together in simple but impactful actions—turning off idle electronics, switching to LED lighting, optimizing HVAC usage,
and participating in sustainability workshops. These activities reflect our shared mission to “do more with the same, or the same with less.”
Participants can log their progress by scanning a QR code, helping to track their collective impact across the globe. Employee stories, ideas, and accomplishments will be featured throughout the campaign to celebrate and inspire further innovation.
“We are proud to celebrate our 50th anniversary not just by looking back, but by moving forward—together,” said Jaimie Kenney, Vice President of Marketing at Aalberts integrated piping systems Americas. “The ‘Our Power, Our Plant’ campaign is a symbol of how we can all play a part in shaping a better, more sustainable world.”
Aalberts remains committed to “engineering technologies that matter and leaving the world better than we found it.”
For more information visit aalberts-ips.us.
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an immersive two-day training experience.
This year’s program emphasized the foreman’s critical role as the first line of company management; the individual on the jobsite responsible for aligning field performance with their company’s business goals. A key part of that alignment is leveraging technology and innovative tools to drive communication, planning, and accountability.
In one standout activity, attendees worked hands-on with an artificial intelligence platform to build a career progression roadmap for a new hire, outlining a clear path from apprentice to journeyman to foreman. The incredibly detailed eight-year plan featured technical and soft skills to be mastered each month, plus quarterly goals, and structured evaluation checkpoints.
Participants also used AI to craft messaging to address concerns they would hear from an 18-year-old considering a career in the trades—such as the per-
‘A.I. is another incredibly powerful tool that you must learn how to use.’
ceived length of time it takes to grow into a leadership role. The generated answer compared the extended training process to pressure testing an incomplete piping system; explaining that it takes time to ensure that all the necessary pieces fit together properly.
“You are used to being the most productive field worker on your job,” Kirk Alter told the attendees. “But now as a foreman, you are getting paid to help the members of your crew to be the most productive workers on that jobsite. Your tools are now your computer and your brain. And you are seeing how A.I. is another incredibly powerful tool that you must learn how to use to be successful today.”
In addition to exploring new technologies, the course also reinforced the importance of thorough planning, clear documentation, and ongoing communication with office staff. These foundational skills allow foremen to provide timely updates that help project managers and contractor business owners make informed decisions and deliver the support needed to complete jobs efficiently and profitably.
Viega generously sponsored and hosted the event at their Seminar Center in Broomfield, Colorado. “We’re proud to support this training and share in mission of empowering the attendees to take on bigger career roles through the education they gained here,” said Michele Passaretti, National Account Manager for Viega.
Contractors and foremen looking to participate in future construction management courses can sign up for notifications at https://phccfoundation. org/essentials
NEW YORK, NY —(BUSINESS WIRE)— Garnett Station Partners (“Garnett Station” or “GSP”), a New Yorkbased principal investment firm that manages over $3.5 billion of assets, has announced the launch of its newly formed Commercial Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (“Commercial MEP”) services platform, Grizzly MEP, in partnership with industry veteran Kelly Romano, who will serve as Chairman of the Board.
The Grizzly MEP platform partners with high-quality service providers to support outsized growth and drive increased efficiency, reliability and customer satisfaction in the highly fragmented Commercial MEP market.
As part of the launch, Grizzly MEP also announced its first partnership with Stiles Heating & Cooling (“Stiles” or “Stiles Services”), a founder-owned leading provider of HVAC, building controls and plumbing services across Georgia and South Carolina. Through this partnership, Grizzly MEP will leverage Stiles’ reputation for high-quality service, long-tenured customer base and strong market position to accelerate growth and expand its reach across geographies, customers and end markets.
“Commercial MEP is an approximately $500 billion market with strong growth drivers, room for consolidation and resilient demand bolstered by an increasing need for sustainable and energy efficient solutions,”
said Jordan Garay, Partner at Garnett Station. “We see tremendous potential in Grizzly MEP, and we are thrilled to be launching this platform in partnership with Kelly. Her 30+ year track record of successfully building businesses across the HVAC and building services space will be a great asset as we scale the platform and source additional targets across the industry.”
Romano commented, “Grizzly MEP is an exciting opportunity to realize the vast untapped value in the Commercial MEP sector. Through our partnership with Stiles, we are fortunate to have a strong market position in the Southeast with a recognized brand, long-term customer relationships and a reputation for high-quality service. I look forward to working with the GSP team to scale the Grizzly MEP platform and provide customers the reliable, high-quality mechanical, electrical and plumbing services they need to run their operations comfortably and efficiently.”
Doug Stiles, Owner of Stiles Services, added, “We have found a trusted partner in Kelly, Jordan and the entire Garnett Station team. We look forward to partnering with Grizzly MEP and leveraging the platform’s resources to expand our business, while furthering our commitment to providing our Georgia and South Carolina communities with best-in-class service.”
Croft and Bender served as financial advisor to Stiles. For more information about Garnett Station Partners, visit garnettstation.com
mitment to eliminating live traffic risks, so everyone goes home safely at the end of each day.
While the construction industry has traditionally focused on OSHA’s Fatal Four (falls, struck-by objects, electrocution, and caught-in/between), Balfour Beatty’s analysis of industry data and internal safety reports identified live traffic as a significant threat warranting equal attention and mitigation strategies.
According to the Federal Highway Administration, there are approximately 105,000 vehicle crashes in work zones resulting in approximately 42,000 injuries per year. The Department of Transportation also reports that approximately 900 people lost their lives in work zone crashes in 2024. Additionally, the Bureau
DOT reports that 900 people lost their lives in work zone crashes in 2024.
of Labor Statistics reports that 94 to 143 construction workers per year lose their lives from vehicle incidents in work zones.
“The statistics are staggering, construction workers in roadway work zones face life-threatening dangers every day from the driving public,” said Richard Ryan, Balfour Beatty US SVP, Safety & Sustainability. “By elevating live traffic to a fatal risk, we’re taking action to eliminate these incidents to make our job sites safer. This is about protecting our people, the public and fundamentally changing how our communities approach work zones and
understanding that safety is a two-way street that requires awareness and responsibility from both workers and motorists.”
Balfour Beatty has executed several innovative approaches and advocacy measures across its operations to actively eliminate live traffic risks in work zones:
• Advanced Warning Technology: Implementation of Safety Cloud ® by HAAS Alert systems across highway projects, providing digital alerts to approaching drivers through navigation apps and connected vehicles.
• Enhanced Visibility Systems: Deployment of specialized strobe lighting systems mounted on equipment and worn by workers, increasing visibility in all weather conditions and at night.
• Legislative Advocacy: Partnering with Carolinas Associated General Contractors (CAGC) and legislators in North and South Carolina to incorporate work zone safety education into driver training programs and testing requirements for new drivers.
• Acknowledgement of differing traffic types: Buildings and Civils project teammates are working across businesses to un-
derstand the ways people come in contact with work zones—whether that’s pedestrian access near a building project, vehicle traffic alongside a highway or bridge construction, or train operators navigating rail projects—and developing targeted safety protocols for each scenario.
Balfour Beatty’s commitment to recognizing live traffic as a fatal risk also aligns with their ongoing sponsorship with Construction Safety Week and its 2025’s theme of All in Together, reflecting on the collective effort and shared responsibility in promoting safety on job sites.
Commenting on the safety initiative, Balfour Beatty US president and CEO Eric Stenman said:
“Acknowledging live traffic as a hazard in construction represents teammates’ unwavering commitment to our Zero Harm safety culture. We’re not just identifying this as a crisis, we’re taking meaningful action to protect lives. When workers leave for their jobs each morning, families expect them to return home safely. By addressing live traffic with the same rigor as OSHA’s Fatal Four, we’re helping secure that promise is kept. We need the public’s help in this mission and our message is simple: slow down, make room and help us save lives. These three simple actions by every driver can prevent tragedy and help everyone return home safely at the end of the day.”
To learn more, visit www.balfourbeattyus.com
ATLANTA, GA —(BUSINESS WIRE)— Wrench Group announced the promotion of Dennis Laliberte to Chief Operating Officer, succeeding Paul Smith
“We’re excited to see Dennis step into this new role at Wrench Group,” said Ken Haines, CEO of Wrench Group.
“His leadership, operational expertise, and dedication to building high-performing teams have been key drivers of our success. Dennis has consistently elevated our service across markets, and we’re confident he’ll continue to lead our growth as we reach new milestones.”
With more than 30 years of industry experience, Laliberte joined Wrench Group in 2022 as a Regional Vice President of Operations. Previously, he served as President of All About Family Home Services
or 4 element models
Operating like a check valve, the Flood-Guard will seal off water backup from overloaded sewers. Installation is simple, and once in place it can prevent property damage and some very messy clean-up jobs.
Learn more by calling the Drain Brains® at 800-245-6200, or visit www.drainbrain.com/ floodguard
HEATERS from Dunkirk are American-made. Large, smooth-wall coils prevent sediment buildup, delivering full output for years. Heat loss is less than 1/2 degree per hour, and connections are on top of standard units for easy installation. Available in 30 gal. to 115 gal. capacities with high output and extra high output models. Dunkirk
WWW.DUNKIRK.COM
▲ E.S. CONCRETE ULTRA-LIGHT UTILITY SHORTS combine natural cotton, stretch material and polyamide fibers to resist wear while feeling fantastic. Multipurpose, multiclosure pockets and loops provide space for tools and a phone. On the right leg: functional, multipart ruler pocket with multipurpose loops. On the left leg: multicompartmental cargo pocket, divided into a large pocket with a Velcro fastener, a spacious smartphone pocket and a safety pocket with a zip. Strauss
US.STRAUSS.COM
BOILER features ultra-high (95%) AFUE efficiency and domestic hot water delivery of 6+ GPM at a 70º rise (first minute) and continuous delivery of 5.2 GPM at a 70º rise. Integral low loss header hydraulically separates the boiler loop from the home’s heating loop. With DHW Smart Priority, no diverter valve is required, so water is supplied for both space heating and domestic water heating simultaneously. Modulates seamlessly from 100% to 10% of input during heat demand. Laars Heating Systems Co. WWW.LAARS.COM
feature a submerged combustion chamber and a heat exchanger with a dimpled array of fire tubes fabricated entirely from durable, corrosionresistant AquaPLEX duplex stainless-steel alloy. The upgraded fire-tube heat exchanger increases thermal efficiency to 98%. The pump is now strategically positioned at the front and side of the water heaters for easier access and improved reliability. PVI
WWW.PVI.COM
from Rheem offers up to 0.90 UEF for carbon footprint and energy use reduction of up to 36%. Heats water up to two times faster than a standard gas tank. MaxMode gives the water heater the boost it needs to produce up to 15% more hot water and keep up, even if demand gets high. Built-in 360° LeakSense water leak detection system detects any leak, large or small, internal or external. Available LeakGuard accessory stops water leaks before they become a problem, limiting leaks to 20 oz. or less. Real-time service alerts with integrated Wi-Fi and control from anywhere with the EcoNet App.
Rheem
WWW.RHEEM.COM
from A. O. Smith feature patented built-in X3 scale prevention technology that provides protection for the heat exchanger. Available in 160,000, 180,000 and 199,000 Btu inputs; all models are Energy Star-certified with a Uniform Energy Factor of 0.95 and comply with ultra-low NOx regulations. Cascade up to 12 similar heaters together for larger applications; cable included. All models are field convertible from natural gas to liquid propane (kit included), offer PVC venting flexibility (2" up to 75' and 3" up to 150') and can be installed indoors or outdoors.
A. O. Smith
WWW.HOTWATER.COM
SVF STAINLESS-STEEL VERTICAL FIRE-TUBE BOILER from Weil-McLain is ideal for light commercial and large heating applications. Compact footprint for optimized boiler room floor space. Available in 500 MBH and 600 MBH corrosionresistant and durable models, with 98.0% minimum thermal efficiency and up to 12:1 turn-down ratio. Includes integrated roller casters, shipping ramp and 3-in-1 vent adapters for quick installation. Zero clearance, side-byside installation capable. The Unity 2.0 color touchscreen enables enhanced diagnostics and troubleshooting. Weil-McLain
WWW.WEIL-MCLAIN.COM
THE KNIGHT FIRE-TUBE BOILER from Lochinvar is manufactured with high-quality components, including a corrosionresistant, stainless-steel fire-tube heat exchanger and a negative regulation combustion system. Six models are available from 55,000 to 285,000 Btu/ hr., with 95% AFUE and up to 10:1 turndown ratio. The variable-speed ECM circulator improves day-to-day operational efficiency and can save up to 90% on operational costs over a conventional circulator. Lightweight with a compact footprint and easy-to-access components, the entire series is designed to make installation, setup and serviceability straightforward for contractors. Also Features SMART SYSTEM operating control and CON·X·US remote connect. Lochinvar WWW.LOCHINVAR.COM
THE BRUTE FT FLOOR STANDING BOILER features a small, space-saving footprint; high condensing efficiency (95% AFUE); Energy Star certification; a stainless-steel, fire-tube heat exchanger with welded construction; an electronic PID modulating control; large user interface; a receptacle for condensate pump (2A max); supply and return boiler sensors; and ASME 30 psi (207 kPa) working pressure. Bradford White
BRADFORDWHITE.COM
THE CARHARTT TRADESMAN SHORT-SLEEVE WORK SHIRT from Cintas features a double-front left chest, with tradesman pocket, an easy-angle pen pocket and button closure. Doublestitched construction for durability. Cintas
WWW.CINTAS.COM
CONSTRUCTION provides a limitless canvas where you can create, connect and arrange various elements, such as activities, groups and milestones. Each project level gets its own new whiteboard to keep construction project activities and milestones organized. It allows you to easily compare project baseline metrics against current construction project performance, identify potential risks and track progress through intuitive charts, graphs and progress curves. Get a real-time snapshot of various aspects, such as schedule adherence, project status and critical path health. Catch problems in your schedule with one click, fix them and see instant improvement in quality score. Create lookahead plans in a matter of seconds instead of wasting time on laborious data entry. Planera
WWW.PLANERA.IO
▲ THE AURIGO LUMINA AI PLATFORM from Aurigo Software enhances how users retrieve, collate and make decisions regarding critical capital program data. It launches with two major applications, Lumina GPT and Lumina Analytics, which provide nuanced insights, ensure predictability and improve overall productivity.
Aurigo Software
WWW.AURIGO.COM
▲ THE ROADFLEX AI-POWERED FUEL RISK MANAGEMENT
PLATFORM is one place to manage all your expenses, automate fuel management, and optimize fleet and financial reporting. Fuel cards adapt to the unique needs of fleets, enabling controlled purchases for fuel, DEF fluid, accommodations and other operational essentials. The intuitive platform enables fleet managers to monitor and control transactions instantly, including turning cards on or off, setting spending limits and tracking activity from any device. RoadFlex provides tools to verify that the card being used matches the assigned driver and vehicle location. Robust reporting tools deliver actionable insights, allowing companies to optimize operations, identify cost-saving opportunities, benchmark driver and vehicle fuel use, and mitigate potential risks.
RoadFlex
WWW.ROADFLEX.COM
▲ ASC CONNECTED TOOLS drives piping success by designing, specifying and creating a bill of materials. ASC ConnectED-Spec lets users validate specification accuracy by providing the latest ASC product data and suggesting the best choice to build submittals.
ASC Engineered Solutions CONNECTED.ASC-ES.COM
▲ CAPACITY MARKETING ENGINE is an AI-powered solution that eliminates wasted ad spend. It adjusts ad spend in real-time based on actual job availability for clients who have purchased Scorpion’s RevenueMAX and ServiceTitan’s Marketing Pro with Ads Optimizer. Scorpion WWW.SCORPION.CO
▲ THE HIGHWIRE NETWORK is a free directory featuring more than 60,000 contractors, designed to help owners and GCs find qualified subcontractors in new areas. It provides detailed risk profiles for each contractor, which include information about service areas, industries served, contract ranges, project types, experience, and much more.
Highwire
NETWORK.HIGHWIRE.COM
▲ THE ALICE PLAN
PLANNING PRODUCT helps construction teams collaborate and communicate by replacing whiteboard planning with a digital canvas for real-time, visual scheduling. The program can automatically generate an interactive 2D visual layout of the schedule and overlay it directly onto project drawings added to the canvas.
ALICE Technologies
WWW.ALICETECHNOLOGIES.COM
▲ REVIZTO FOR CONTRACTORS unifies BIM intelligence and makes it immediately accessible and actionable. By leveraging an Integrated Collaboration Platform, teams can get in sync from day one and collaborate more efficiently. Clash detection is carried out in an open and collaborative environment without the need for third-party software.
Revizto
WWW.REVIZTO.COM
▲ AUTOMATED AHJ FIRE SYSTEM REPORTING from the integration of ServiceTrade with The Compliance Engine by BRYCER streamlines fire protection contractor interactions with Authorities Having Jurisdiction and eliminates manual data entry and reporting for fire system inspection compliance. The results are increases in efficiency and more repair revenue. ServiceTrade
WWW.SERVICETRADE.COM
▲ THE HOME SERVICE FRANCHISE OWNER REFERRAL SOLUTION allows more than 4,000 Neighborly franchise owners to use XOi’s digital field service app to connect and share customer referrals across 19 of the company’s home service brands. The partnership leverages XOi’s catalog of field service data and advanced AI-driven analytics. XOi
WWW.XOI.IO
by Steve Spaulding
Iimagine there are people who only think of the federal government once a year when they pay their taxes—and I suppose there are some scofflaws who never think of it at all. But for those of us involved in any kind of business, news from Washington is an ongoing concern.
Just looking at the CONTRACTOR website (and by the way, our site, www.contractormag.com, has had a re-design and is looking very sharp—if you’re reading this in print go check it out) four of our top five stories have something to do with the feds: two on the ever-changing tariff situation, one on possible changes to water efficiency standards, and one on the recent PHCC Legislative Conference, which is also the cover story for this month’s issue.
I’ve been covering the legislative conference as news for years but had never attended. This year Mark Valentini, PHCC’s Vice President for Legislative Affairs, asked if I wanted to join the fun and I jumped at the chance.
“Lobbying” has become something of a dirty word, with connotations of influence-peddling, backroom deals and all manner of hijacking the public interest
to serve private greed. But Valentini, in his address to the gathered members, was quick to point out that what we were doing is enshrined in the first amendment: the right to petition the government. After all, a government that doesn’t have to listen to its citizens isn’t much of a democracy.
For my trip up to the congressional office buildings I joined the South Dakota
for more Career Technical Education (CTE) classes in the state, and more ways for young people to afford them. Unlike some PHCC members they aren’t worried about the possible effects of natural gas bans—the South Dakota legislature made such bans illegal back in 2023.
They also told me a about their experience with Project Labor Agreements,
My one-day tour through the marble halls of Congress with the PHCC Legislative Conference.
delegation, and I’d like to take a moment to thank both members sincerely for showing me the ropes: Kristie Brunick, Executive Vice President of the SD PHCC and Brett Kaltvedt, Vice President of Midwestern Mechanical, Rapid City. In between meetings they told me a bit about the state the industry in South Dakota. Like everyone else they are feeling the workforce shortage and are pushing
which we’ve been reporting on here in CONTRACTOR. Since there aren’t many union shops in South Dakota, PLAs in infrastructure projects drew several union outfits in from out-of-state who then proceeded to poach some journeymen causing a lot of disruption and bad feeling. As you might imagine, they welcomed the Republican takeover of government and the end of PLA requirements—and were
happy to say so to their Representative and Senators.
And about those meetings, let me just say I walked away from my trip to Capitol Hill feeling a little better about the state of American government. So many of the stories about our elected officials I see in the news seem to be about incompetence, corruption, paralysis or indifference. There was none of that on display during any of our meetings, only professionalism, a deep understanding of policy, and a genuine concern for, and desire to serve their constituents.
While I still have your attention, I would like to plug a project of Brett Kaltvedt’s, the Construction Trades Workforce Connection of the Black Hills. The CTWC works to inform students, families and educators of the career opportunities available in the skilled trades. The Workforce offers project-based learning, classroom presentations, job site and office tours, apprenticeships and more.
Those interested (or interested in copying the CTWC model) can find and follow them on FaceBook or reach out directly to Brett at brett@mwmech.com or David Wolf at david.wolf@wsfp.us
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HIGH EFFICIENCY
CONDENSING GAS FIRED BOILERS
ADVANCED HOME HEATING FOR DEPENDABLE COMFORT
Designed for optimal performance to reduce energy use - providing years of reliable operation.
8 Residential Models: 80 - 200 MBH
3 Commercial Models: 299 - 470 MBH
