https://www.phcppros.com/rss en-us 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. 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.

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/24166 Thu, 01 Oct 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/24166-building-a-company-culture-your-team-can-rely-on iStock-2162383464.jpg 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. 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.

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/24161 Thu, 01 Oct 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/24161-10-steps-for-sound-business-plans-and-successful-results iStock-2193616687.jpg 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. 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.

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/24151 Thu, 01 Oct 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/24151-margin-maximization iStock-905819004.jpg The PHC wholesale industry — like many skilled trades and their supply chains — has long been dominated by men. The PHC wholesale industry — like many skilled trades and their supply chains — has long been dominated by men.

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/24149 Thu, 01 Oct 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/24149-from-mentors-to-allies-why-phc-wholesale-needs-active-support-for-women TW0726_businesswomen speaking to colleagues.jpg In this industry, results are earned on the front lines: deliveries, customer relationships, safety and service all depend on people. In this industry, results are earned on the front lines: deliveries, customer relationships, safety and service all depend on people. 

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/24144 Thu, 01 Oct 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/24144-driving-business-success-with-people-centered-leadership TW0726_building trust.jpg 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. 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.

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/24141 Thu, 01 Oct 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/24141-why-crm-success-depends-on-cross-functional-communication-and-clarity TW0926_customer relationship management-CRM.jpg If you have been following our reinvention-based series of columns here in The Wholesaler, I have surely been trying to drive home the point that the competitive landscape could not be more different than what it was only a short time ago. If you have been following our reinvention-based series of columns here in The Wholesaler, I have surely been trying to drive home the point that the competitive landscape could not be more different than what it was only a short time ago. 

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/24140 Thu, 01 Oct 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/24140-a-framework-for-thriving-in-the-long-run-part-1 TW0726_celebrating business success.jpg Years ago, in my plumbing company’s infancy, I got a call from an unhappy customer. One of my technicians had handled a routine service call differently than I would have. Years ago, in my plumbing company’s infancy, I got a call from an unhappy customer. One of my technicians had handled a routine service call differently than I would have. 

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/24018 Tue, 01 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/24018-figure-it-out-yourself-training-may-cost-more-than-you-think PHCN0926_plumber examines kitchen sink piping.jpg Ken Smith, RPG Plumbing Services, Virginia Beach, Virginia, will become president of PHCC-National Association at CONNECT 2026, Oct. 19-22, in Milwaukee. Ken Smith, RPG Plumbing Services, Virginia Beach, Virginia, will become president of PHCC-National Association at CONNECT 2026, Oct. 19-22, in Milwaukee. 

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/24017 Tue, 01 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/24017-q-and-a-with-incoming-phcc-president-ken-smith KenSmithHeadshot 1.jpg There is an age-old question that every business owner has to contemplate: Should I grow my business? There is an age-old question that every business owner has to contemplate: Should I grow my business? 

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/24015 Tue, 01 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/24015-let-consumers-know-you-exist iStock-2247448308.jpg In 2011, I moved to North Carolina, unaware of the ticking time bomb hidden behind my walls. Like many transplants, I knew very little about the unique quirks of local homes and infrastructure. In 2011, I moved to North Carolina, unaware of the ticking time bomb hidden behind my walls. Like many transplants, I knew very little about the unique quirks of local homes and infrastructure.

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/24014 Tue, 01 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/24014-the-questions-your-customers-ask-before-they-call iStock-2226250906.jpg In October, a contractor walked into a supply branch holding a competitor’s quote. In October, a contractor walked into a supply branch holding a competitor’s quote.

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/24001 Tue, 01 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/24001-when-temporary-pricing-stops-being-temporary iStock-1072055834.jpg Terms that I see everywhere today are influencer and thought leader. I do not purport to be one, but in reflecting on my long industry career, I certainly benefited from many of them. Terms that I see everywhere today are influencer and thought leader. I do not purport to be one, but in reflecting on my long industry career, I certainly benefited from many of them.

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/23998 Tue, 01 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/23998-the-lessons-that-still-guide-me-today TW0926_business lessons learned.jpg In the trades, most owners learn a simple lesson early: Good work gets rewarded with more work. You start out in the field. You solve problems. Customers trust you. In the trades, most owners learn a simple lesson early: Good work gets rewarded with more work. You start out in the field. You solve problems. Customers trust you.

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/23976 Tue, 01 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/23976-more-than-a-paycheck-what-the-next-generation-actually-wants-from-the-trades iStock-2225642673.jpg Upon entering my office at work, you’ll see a placard with the following succinct statements: Be impeccable with your word. Don’t take anything personally. Don’t make assumptions. Always do your best. Upon entering my office at work, you’ll see a placard with the following succinct statements: Be impeccable with your word. Don’t take anything personally. Don’t make assumptions. Always do your best.

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/23975 Tue, 01 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/23975-the-four-agreements-a-blueprint-for-safety-on-the-jobsite iStock-2199351006_1.jpg Most rep principals can tell you their commission income to the dollar. Far fewer can tell you whether their revenue per employee, collection cycle or operating margin is ahead of the pack or quietly falling behind. Most rep principals can tell you their commission income to the dollar. Far fewer can tell you whether their revenue per employee, collection cycle or operating margin is ahead of the pack or quietly falling behind.

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/23874 Mon, 03 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/23874-what-the-numbers-know-that-you-dont-the-case-for-benchmarking TW0826_Business Analytics Data Dashboard.jpg The use of Artificial Intelligence is no longer an option. It isn’t an experimental technology. The use of Artificial Intelligence is no longer an option. It isn’t an experimental technology.

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/23873 Mon, 03 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/23873-ai-in-your-business iStock-2233131222.jpg Ninety years in, the Platsky Company story isn’t defined by a milestone. It’s defined by the people who built its reputation—one delivery, one handshake and one commitment at a time. Ninety years in, the Platsky Company story isn’t defined by a milestone. It’s defined by the people who built its reputation—one delivery, one handshake and one commitment at a time.

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/23870 Mon, 03 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/23870-the-platsky-way Fathers and Sons.jpg My house has a living room with a vaulted ceiling and a loft area above it. That means in summer, the temperatures can get a little uneve So out of curiosity, I asked ChatGPT a simple question My house has a living room with a vaulted ceiling and a loft area above it. That means in summer, the temperatures can get a little uneve So out of curiosity, I asked ChatGPT a simple question

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/23854 Mon, 03 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/23854-why-some-contractors-show-up-in-ai-answers-and-others-dont iStock-2220668576.jpg 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. 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.

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/23852 Mon, 03 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/23852-how-standard-operating-procedures-save-time-and-avoid-costly-mistakes iStock-2243016790.jpg 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. 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.

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/23850 Mon, 03 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/23850-proper-profitable-selling-prices-require-common-sense-and-mathematical-prowess PHCN0826_real assumptions about business.jpg Nobody said 2026 would be easy. The refrigerant transition that reshaped purchasing patterns last year did not simply resolve itself when the calendar turned. Nobody said 2026 would be easy.  The refrigerant transition that reshaped purchasing patterns last year did not simply resolve itself when the calendar turned.

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/23821 Mon, 03 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/23821-holding-the-line PE0826_mSupply Main Pic.jpg 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. 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.

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/23704 Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/23704-the-small-contractor-advantage iStock-991837218.jpg 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. 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. 

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/23700 Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/23700-why-your-best-technicians-dont-want-to-become-managers PHCN0726_leadership career path.jpg 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.” 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.”

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/23699 Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/23699-the-spirit-of-business iStock-2273427890.jpg http://www.phcppros.com/articles/23682 Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/23682-i-am-the-perfect-leader PE0726_adaptability in business.jpg 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. 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. 

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/23662 Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/23662-disruption-resilience-and-the-enduring-value-of-discernment-in-wholesale-distribution iStock-811503234.jpg 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. 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. 

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/23661 Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/23661-distributors-have-always-built-great-cultures-remotely iStock-1213470229.jpg 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. 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.

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/23657 Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/23657-talent-as-a-differentiator Talent as a Differentiator.jpg Distributors have been offering value-added services ranging from kitting, construction equipment rental and lighting design services to full-service supply chain solutions. Distributors have been offering value-added services ranging from kitting, construction equipment rental and lighting design services to full-service supply chain solutions.

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/23654 Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/23654-stacking-value-stacking-margins-the-distributors-guide-to-service-led-growth TW0726_boxes stacked-edit.jpg