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.”

On July 1, 1976, President Gerald Ford dedicated the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum as “a perfect birthday present from the American people to themselves.” More than 1 million visitors passed through its doors in the first six weeks.

It’s hard to move forward toward the future without understanding our history and where we have been. In 1776, America declared its independence from England and, in doing so, defined freedom in a way the world had never known before.

The history of backflow prevention is a story of public health incidents over the years, in which health officials and members of the plumbing industry learned the dangers and health hazards associated with cross-connections after investigating backflow incidents that sickened and killed many people. 

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. 

Across the United States, Plumbing Manufacturers International (PMI) is seeing enthusiasm for the skilled trades gain momentum — with governments increasingly focused on investing in career and technical education and on establishing new training initiatives.

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.

For independent wholesale distributors across North America, succession planning has become one of the industry’s most pressing conversations.

As our nation celebrates the 250th anniversary of the United States, it also serves as a reminder that the strength of our country has always been shaped by the individuals willing to serve and protect it.