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Every plumbing contractor knows what it’s like to have a technician who stands out from the crowd on day one, immediately demonstrating immense talent and limitless potential.
Why technical skill alone isn’t enough to build a profitable contracting company — and how disciplined pricing, sound math and business judgment separate real operators from those merely getting by.
If you search the Internet for the definition of the word “business,” you’ll find a version of this idea:
“Business is an organization that provides goods and services to the community in exchange for money, with the goal of becoming profitable.”
Discover how mechanical contractor Cox Engineering uses creative social media marketing to bridge communication gaps, build trust, and successfully recruit the next generation of tradespeople.
J&K Sales is entering its 45th year in business after being founded in 1981 by Karl Grabowski
May 4, 2026
Celebrating its 45th year, J&K Sales discusses its growth, commitment to technical support, and the invaluable role of the AIM/R peer network in its long-term success.
Discover the "Five Cs" that separate managers from leaders in the skilled trades and learn how shifting your focus from technical skill to intentional leadership can stop the hidden costs of employee turnover.
Consistent leadership, clear expectations, mentoring, regular check-ins and a deliberate 30-day review help new hires feel supported and confident, significantly improving retention.
Discover why the first 30 days of a technician's employment are the ultimate "make-or-break" period and learn how intentional leadership and clear expectations can prevent early turnover.
Modern distribution leaders must go beyond relationships and product knowledge and drive profitable growth, make financially grounded decisions, build a culture of operational excellence, and hire/develop the right talent in an increasingly digital and data-driven industry.
April 1, 2026
Beyond traditional product knowledge, discover the four critical pillars of modern leadership—from financial literacy to operational excellence—that are defining the next generation of elite distribution professionals.
In today’s era of constant, overlapping disruptions, organizations can no longer treat change as a one-time project; they must build reinvention and adaptability into their core operating systems to survive and thrive.
If you sometimes feel like me, that you’re facing nonstop disruption, you may not be imagining it. In particular, it’s a question that over the past few years I’ve asked myself as each year ended.