https://www.phcppros.com/rss en-us If you have been in this business long enough, you have seen a sale that looked great on the day it was booked and became a problem everyone else had to carry. If you have been in this business long enough, you have seen a sale that looked great on the day it was booked and became a problem everyone else had to carry.

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/24406 Mon, 02 Nov 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/24406-are-you-paying-for-the-sale-or-the-consequences iStock-943401146.jpg When home service contractors talk about technician retention, the conversation usually centers on pay, benefits, training and opportunities for advancement. When home service contractors talk about technician retention, the conversation usually centers on pay, benefits, training and opportunities for advancement.

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/24403 Mon, 02 Nov 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/24403-the-dispatch-disconnect-how-poor-communication-drives-techs-away PHCN1126_technician on phone.jpg Before setting profitable selling prices, you must identify and calculate all the tangible and intangible expenses required to operate your business. Before setting profitable selling prices, you must identify and calculate all the tangible and intangible expenses required to operate your business.

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/24402 Mon, 02 Nov 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/24402-tangible-and-intangible-costs-your-true-operational-business-expenses PHCN1126_plumber discussing work with customer.jpg Two supply house owners are in a similar situation but end up with different outcomes. Two supply house owners are in a similar situation but end up with different outcomes.

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/24398 Mon, 02 Nov 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/24398-succession-planning-the-conversation-nobody-wants-to-have TW1026_passing on the torch-business.jpg People do matter, even more so now in the age of artificial intelligence (AI). My family is acutely aware of this, and they often have asked, “Why do you talk to people?” People do matter, even more so now in the age of artificial intelligence (AI). My family is acutely aware of this, and they often have asked, “Why do you talk to people?” 

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/24397 Mon, 02 Nov 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/24397-my-mantra-people-matter TW1126_trust is the true currency of business-wh.jpg About 25 years ago, I rode with a sales rep in the Midwest who worked for an industrial distributor. About 25 years ago, I rode with a sales rep in the Midwest who worked for an industrial distributor.

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/24396 Mon, 02 Nov 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/24396-the-worst-sales-rep-i-ever-rode-with TW1026_man in suit with dog.jpg A new employee is trying to figure out how to log into the company training portal again, someone got a splinter from a pallet, a driver called out sick, and three trucks backed up to your dock to be unloaded at the same time, one with an appointment and two without. A new employee is trying to figure out how to log into the company training portal again, someone got a splinter from a pallet, a driver called out sick, and three trucks backed up to your dock to be unloaded at the same time, one with an appointment and two without.

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/24395 Mon, 02 Nov 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/24395-pressure-in-distribution-what-strong-leaders-do-before-burnout-sets-in TW0726_business stress and anxiety.jpg School districts frequently expand existing campuses to accommodate enrollment growth, modern educational programs and aging infrastructure. School districts frequently expand existing campuses to accommodate enrollment growth, modern educational programs and aging infrastructure.

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/24355 Mon, 02 Nov 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/24355-modern-plumbing-strategies-for-k-12-school-additions-and-renovations PE1126_Schools Main image.jpg Fire sprinklers are used in all types of occupancies to help keep people and property safe should a fire incident occur. Fire sprinklers are used in all types of occupancies to help keep people and property safe should a fire incident occur.

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/24353 Mon, 02 Nov 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/24353-3-standards-for-residential-fire-sprinklers-which-one-do-you-use PE1126_residential fire sprinkler and smoke alarm.jpg “Negative, Ghost Rider, the pattern is full.” You may recognize this famous line from “Top Gun,” starring Tom Cruise as Navy pilot Pete “Maverick” Mitchell. “Negative, Ghost Rider, the pattern is full.” You may recognize this famous line from “Top Gun,” starring Tom Cruise as Navy pilot Pete “Maverick” Mitchell.

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/24352 Mon, 02 Nov 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/24352-negative-ghost-rider iStock-940989812.jpg Growth is supposed to make a plumbing or HVAC business stronger. But as service calls increase, so does the administrative work behind them. Growth is supposed to make a plumbing or HVAC business stronger. But as service calls increase, so does the administrative work behind them. 

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/24378 Wed, 28 Oct 2026 10:26:22 -0400 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/24378-before-you-hire-another-office-employee-fix-these-five-workflow-bottlenecks Office Dispatch and Field Service Coordination.png 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 One morning, when microbreweries were starting to pop up, a brewer called and asked if I knew brewery steam systems. One morning, when microbreweries were starting to pop up, a brewer called and asked if I knew brewery steam systems.

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/24164 Thu, 01 Oct 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/24164-key-operational-differences-between-space-heating-and-brewery-steam-systems iStock-2165784287.jpg When considering water use, most of us initially consumption. For example many gallons a fixture is using or what could be to limit leak. When considering water use, most of us initially consumption. For example many gallons a fixture is using or what could be to limit leak.

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/24163 Thu, 01 Oct 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/24163-sustainable-water-management-starts-with-system-performance Large-AvalonBay_LifeReflectPhoto_PLU2014_028.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 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. 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.

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/24145 Thu, 01 Oct 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/24145-update-what-happens-in-california-doesnt-necessarily-stay-in-california TW1026_web cookie tracking.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 Large campuses and district energy systems are evolving from isolated mechanical plants into interconnected thermal ecosystems. Large campuses and district energy systems are evolving from isolated mechanical plants into interconnected thermal ecosystems.  

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/24131 Thu, 01 Oct 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/24131-defining-thermal-domains-for-campus-and-district-energy-systems-part-1 PE0726_Main Image_Thermal Domains.jpg Whether designing a building’s water system, installing and commissioning one, developing a water management program (WMP), or troubleshooting water quality problems, it is important to have a good understanding of the water supply to a building water system (BWS), whether the supply is from a connection to a public water system (PWS) or is self-supplied. Whether designing a building’s water system, installing and commissioning one, developing a water management program (WMP), or troubleshooting water quality problems, it is important to have a good understanding of the water supply to a building water system (BWS), whether the supply is from a connection to a public water system (PWS) or is self-supplied.

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/24130 Thu, 01 Oct 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/24130-managing-building-water-systems-the-importance-of-understanding-the-public-water-systems-supply-part-1 PE1026_BWS main image.jpg Plumbing designers have choices when selecting pressure pipe materials for commercial plumbing systems, some old and some newer. Plumbing designers have choices when selecting pressure pipe materials for commercial plumbing systems, some old and some newer.

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/24126 Thu, 01 Oct 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/24126-commercial-pex-plumbing-layouts PE1026_Uponor commercial PEX 2.jpg Fine print is important. While lawyers often get paid to read the fine print, it is important that clients — individuals and businesses — read it, too. Just as important are the documents referred to or incorporated by reference into the fine print — or what I call the “finer print.” Fine print is important. While lawyers often get paid to read the fine print, it is important that clients — individuals and businesses — read it, too. Just as important are the documents referred to or incorporated by reference into the fine print — or what I call the “finer print.”

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/24121 Thu, 01 Oct 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/24121-know-the-rules-before-you-arbitrate iStock-1033774358.jpg Cold storage warehouses present significant challenges for conventional water-based fire protection systems due to large quantities of combustible commodities, high-bay rack storage and complex storage arrangements. Cold storage warehouses present significant challenges for conventional water-based fire protection systems due to large quantities of combustible commodities, high-bay rack storage and complex storage arrangements. 

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/24119 Thu, 01 Oct 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/24119-evaluating-oxygen-reduction-fire-prevention-for-cold-storage-warehouse-applications PE1026_cold storage warehouse.jpg Retrofitting HVAC systems should be one of the most straightforward ways to improve building performance. The opportunity is enormous: Retrofitting HVAC systems should be one of the most straightforward ways to improve building performance. The opportunity is enormous:

]]> http://www.phcppros.com/articles/24115 Mon, 21 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.phcppros.com/articles/24115-the-hvac-equipment-isnt-the-hard-part iStock-2254358564.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 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