Business - Articles - Page 29

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Q&A with Thomas ‘Plumber-Tom’ Hicken, Professional Practice Assistant Professor, Utah State University

‘It’s funny since I started out thinking that plumbing would be a great thing to do in the summer when I wouldn’t be teaching.’

October 1, 2025

Steve Smith

With a passion for both plumbing and teaching, Thomas Hicken—aka “Plumber-Tom”—is reshaping apprenticeship education through hybrid learning, hands-on mentorship, and code-focused YouTube content, proving that trades education can be as innovative as the work itself.

MOMENTUM BUILDING MARKETING

Don’t Let Regulations Scare Homeowners: How PR Helps

By fostering transparency and positioning themselves as thought leaders, home services companies can build trust and enhance their reputation within their communities.

October 1, 2025

Heather Ripley

When plumbing regulations change, smart contractors use clear communication and strategic PR to build trust, educate the public, and position themselves as industry leaders.

Contractor Profit Advantage

Removing Price Phobia

By understanding true operational costs and confidently setting prices above those costs, contractors can ensure their businesses remain profitable and sustainable.

October 1, 2025

Richard DiToma

If you’re afraid your prices are too high, the real danger may be that they’re too low to keep your business profitable and sustainable.

Distribution Strategy

Entitlement Comes Here to Die: How One VP’s Kid Grew Up in My Warehouse

I may have read Jimmy accurately from the start, but I misread his dad. He knew Jimmy needed a ‘boot camp’ job to help him grow up — and it worked.

October 1, 2025

Ian Heller

When a VP’s son arrived expecting an easy summer job, it took a no-nonsense veteran’s tough love to teach him the true value of hard work — changing his life forever.

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All in the Family

Celebrating Liberty Pumps’ history and member owners.

October 1, 2025

Ruth Mitchell

From a one-man operation in a Buffalo garage to a 330-member, industry-leading manufacturer, Liberty Pumps celebrates 60 years of innovation, resilience, and employee ownership — with a legacy built on family values, customer focus, and forward-thinking leadership.

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AI in Wholesale Distribution

How leadership change and the right partner shape the future.

October 1, 2025

As distributors face rising pressure to do more with less, many are turning to AI not as a buzzword, but as a practical tool — transforming quoting, accelerating sales, and empowering teams through the right leadership and the right partner.

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The Bottom Line of Mental Health in the Workplace

By fostering a supportive environment and providing resources, employers can improve mental health, reduce costs and enhance overall workplace performance.

October 1, 2025

Mental health and well-being have become topics of increased focus in workplaces, from both employee and management perspectives.

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Building and Supporting the Entrepreneurial Spirit

The AIM/R board of directors met in Scottsdale, Arizona, for their mid-year meeting and to strengthen partnerships with Winsupply local companies.

October 1, 2025

During its mid-year meeting in Scottsdale, the AIM/R board connected with Winsupply leadership to explore how reps can deepen partnerships with local companies — aligning entrepreneurial mindsets, sharing strategies for growth, and preparing for a high-impact annual conference.

PVF Market Overview

PVF Sector Faces Uncertainty Amid Tariff Challenges, Market Shifts

From tariff rulings to oil price disputes, labor shortages and construction updates, the industry navigates a complex landscape in the fourth quarter of 2025.

October 1, 2025

Stephen Letko

With economic uncertainty, shifting tariffs, labor shortages, and major infrastructure projects reshaping the landscape, the PVF industry enters Q4 2025 navigating volatility, opportunity, and the growing need for skilled talent and strategic collaboration.

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Building Leaders: TGG’s Sales & Management Training Program

Brittini Demers, growth team director of The Granite Group, notes that the program ‘leveled up’ her professionalism.

October 1, 2025

Ruth Mitchell

Discover how The Granite Group’s immersive Sales & Management Trainee Program helped Brittini Demers transform her career, build cross-functional skills, and rise to a leadership role in one of the industry's fastest-growing distributors.