Growth is supposed to make a plumbing or HVAC business stronger. But as service calls increase, so does the administrative work behind them. 

When plumbing contractors talk about company culture, the conversation often turns to the things employees enjoy, such as company cookouts, team outings, bonuses or the occasional free lunch.

One morning, when microbreweries were starting to pop up, a brewer called and asked if I knew brewery steam systems.

When considering water use, most of us initially consumption. For example many gallons a fixture is using or what could be to limit leak.

The NFL season is up and running. Those of us who enjoy watching football get to sit back in our easy chairs at home or join other enthusiasts at the local pub to view the games.

Margin pressure in distribution is nothing new, but prices are being pushed down by intense competition and price transparency, while costs are being driven up by soaring operational, supply chain and labor costs.

The PHC wholesale industry — like many skilled trades and their supply chains — has long been dominated by men.

One such law, known as Proposition 65 (Prop 65), requires that consumers in California be warned of the health risks associated with hundreds of chemicals used in everyday products and environments.

In this industry, results are earned on the front lines: deliveries, customer relationships, safety and service all depend on people. 

CRM is meant to create efficiency. However, when every department uses it in their own way (or not at all), it has the opposite effect.