Most of the plumbing contractors I know got into the business because they love the trade itself. They enjoy working with their hands. They are passionate about problem-solving. They like making a difference in the lives of their customers.

One of the issues I often write about is the necessity for you, the contractor, to properly identify and calculate the true operational business costs you incur to run your business — in total and as those costs pertain proportionately to any given task.

Nobody said 2026 would be easy.  The refrigerant transition that reshaped purchasing patterns last year did not simply resolve itself when the calendar turned.

At the time of this writing, we are about one month removed from the 2026 Fab Forum hosted by The Hill Group in Franklin Park, Illinois. Hill is a full-service mechanical contractor that includes fire protection, testing/adjusting/balancing and an architectural group.

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. 

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.”

Disruption has become a permanent feature of leadership conversations in wholesale distribution. It shows up in discussions about technology, workforce dynamics, regulation, and shifting customer expectations. 

When the pandemic cast many people out of their workplaces and into their home offices, dining rooms and kitchen nooks, an argument began to spread that it was impossible to develop a strong culture remotely. 

The HVACR industry has never lacked for complexity. Changes to regulations, evolving technology, and the constant pressure of a competitive market have always kept distributors on their toes.