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  • September 2024

    Back to Where it All Began in 1954

    Sept. 4, 2024
    For our 70th Anniversary Issue, it seems only fitting to reprint the first editorial published in our very first issue, written by founder Herbert Walther.
    bradfordwhitelogo

    Bradford White: How Company Values Inform Your Brand

    Aug. 27, 2024
    We talked with Dustin Bowerman, Senior Director, Field Services for Bradford White, about the values that have helped define and grow the company.
    carhartt

    Carhartt Makes 'For the Love of Labor' Grant to Metallica’s All Within My Hands

    Aug. 26, 2024
    Workwear brand’s bi-annual grant awards $250,000 to All Within My Hand­s’ Metallica Scholars program as it expands to community colleges in all 50 states.
    Festool
    ctr2410_festool

    Weekly Product Gallery: Festool, Watts, Zurn Elkay, Flir, iCrimp Tools

    Aug. 23, 2024
    This week's gallery focuses on a cordless rotary hammer drill, a multipurpose kitchen sink, smart duplex and wye strainers, a professional-grade thermal camera, and a copper tubing...
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    IAPMO Makes Tentative Interim Amendment (TIA) Available for Public Comment

    Aug. 23, 2024
    IAPMO invites all interested parties to review the proposed TIA on the IAPMO website.

    More content from September 2024

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    Study Finds Bathroom Remodels Most Popular Home Renovation Project

    Aug. 22, 2024
    The study, conducted by real estate company New Jersey Real Estate Network, analyzed 50 different search terms related to remodels.
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    70 Years of CONTRACTOR

    Aug. 22, 2024
    We look back at seven decades covering all aspects of the plumbing and mechanical industry.
    servicetitanlogo

    CallRail and ServiceTitan Join Forces to Help Drive High-Quality Lead Conversions

    Aug. 22, 2024
    New partnership further cements CallRail as a market leader for call tracking software in the home services industry.
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    8 Ways to Adapt to the New Economy

    Aug. 22, 2024
    To survive and prosper in a changing economy, you need to adapt.
    nibs_logo

    National Institute of Building Sciences Calls for Abstracts for Annual Meeting, Building Innovation

    Aug. 22, 2024
    The conference will focus on digital twin technology and take place December 9-11 at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center.
    silalogo_promo

    Sila Services Uses 3D Simulation Training to Upskill Field Technicians

    Aug. 21, 2024
    Interplay Learning will deliver scalable career development solution to more than 1,200 Sila Services field technicians.
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    IAPMO Seeks Water Demand Calculator® Consensus Body Members for Development of ANSI/CAN Standard IAPMO Z1403

    Aug. 21, 2024
    Industry stakeholders—including installers, manufacturers, plumbing professionals and the general public—are invited and encouraged to apply to participate.
    houzzlogo

    Houzz Invites Building, Remodeling and Design Students to Apply for Annual Scholarship Program

    Aug. 21, 2024
    Program provides aspiring residential design and construction professionals with opportunities to advance their skills.
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    SupplyHouse.com Adopts RELEX Solutions

    Aug. 21, 2024
    E-commerce leader streamlines operations and reduces costs with advanced AI-driven supply chain solutions.
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    The back end of a 1963 Corvette with its distinctive twin rear window.

    Must be ‘63 - Three Boiler Jobs Trapped in Time

    Aug. 20, 2024
    The author encounters three separate hydronic setups all using 1960s technology.
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    Bridging the AI Divide: Lessons from Integrating Technology in Skilled Trades

    Aug. 20, 2024
    AI's ability to analyze vast datasets and enhance decision-making processes marks a revolution—but not every industry is poised to embrace such a seismic shift from the status...
    Watts Water
    Dave Watson (top) and Jim Purzycki.

    Watts Announces Backflow Hero Award Recipients

    Aug. 20, 2024
    The Backflow Hero Award recognizes those who have made a significant impact in the field of backflow prevention.
    Kojo
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    Kojo Expands Warehouse Product with Prefabrication Offering

    Aug. 19, 2024
    Prefab is now available as part of Kojo’s expanded suite of features, which also include Procurement, Inventory Management, Tool Tracking, and Accounts Payable.
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    Channellock Announces Its Sixth Annual Trade School Trade-Up Winner: Central Wisconsin Christian School

    Aug. 19, 2024
    Channellock, Inc. is helping close the skilled trades gap with national competition.
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    Southern Home Services Acquires Elite Electric, Plumbing & Air

    Aug. 19, 2024
    The partnership will further secures the company's contiguous coverage along the I-95 corridor.
    CEO Warrior
    A session at a previous Service Business Live seminar.

    CEO Warrior Hosts Service Business Live Seminar at New Jersey HQ in September

    Aug. 19, 2024
    The global business training, coaching and implementation organization’s workshop will provide home service business owners a roadmap to success.
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    Construction Project Managers Should Act More Like Football Coaches

    Aug. 19, 2024
    There are some unique parallels between construction companies and football teams. Here is what I have found...
    lincoln_electric_logo

    Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. Has Acquired Vanair Manufacturing, LLC

    Aug. 16, 2024
    Vanair offers a comprehensive portfolio of mobile power solutions.

    IAPMO Seeks Water Demand Calculator Consensus Body Members for Development of ANSI/CAN Standard IAPMO Z1403

    Aug. 16, 2024
    The Z1403 standard will update flow rate and flush volume assumptions that have been industry standard since the 1940s.
    ntea_logo

    Mark Your Calendar for Work Truck Week 2025

    Aug. 16, 2024
    North America’s largest work truck event returns to Indianapolis March 4–7, 2025.
    A. O. Smith
    The exterior of the new Product Development Center in Lebanon, Tennessee.

    A. O. Smith Product Development Center Sneak Preview Teases Plans for Future Production

    Aug. 15, 2024
    New facility in Lebanon, Tennessee will prioritize talent and innovation.
    PHCC
    CONNECT education session attendees.

    Educational Programming Announced for PHCC CONNECT 2024

    Aug. 15, 2024
    With over 20 education sessions, CONNECT will cover topics such as finance, business management, legislation, regulatory issues, influencer marketing and much more.
    Chicago Faucets
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    Weekly Product Gallery: Chicago Faucets, Oatey, Aalberts, H2O Degree, Toto, Keen

    Aug. 15, 2024
    This week's product gallery features a touchless commercial restroom faucet, a tankless water heater descaler kit, a flow control valve, a hot and cold water display for multifamily...
    Tweet Garot
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    Tweet Garot Expands to Phoenix, Arizona

    Aug. 14, 2024
    The Phoenix office will offer a full range of mechanical contracting services, including HVAC, plumbing, and piping installation.
    Watts Water
    The Watts Water Technologies headquarters in North Andover, MA.

    Watts Water Celebrates 150 Years

    Aug. 13, 2024
    The August 5th celebration at the company's North Andover HQ featured past and present employees, media, politicians and facility tours.
    The full group of Future Franklineers outside the company's Fort Wayne, IN headquarters.

    Franklin Electric Hosts 2nd Annual 'Future Franklineers Day'

    Aug. 13, 2024
    The company opened its HQ to more than 60 elementary, middle school, and high school students for a day of learning and career exploration.
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    As Technology Evolves, Advancements Enable Water Conservation, Sustainability and Circularity

    Aug. 13, 2024
    Back in 2008, sustainability was still in its infancy, smart products were just coming into the market, and AI was not yet mainstream.
    Aliaxis

    Aliaxis Agrees to Acquire Part of Johnson Controls’ CPVC Pipe & Fittings Business

    Aug. 13, 2024
    Both parties anticipate a completion of the transaction over the coming weeks.
    Endeavor Business Media

    Green Buildings, Scalding Water and SARS

    Aug. 13, 2024
    A few recollections from CONTRACTOR's former Chief Editor, Bob Miodonski.

    ABC: Contractor Confidence Tumbles in July - Construction Backlog Unchanged

    Aug. 13, 2024
    Only the largest contractors, those with greater than $100 million in annual revenues, have longer backlog than one year ago.
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    Construction Materials Prices Increase in July for First Time Since April

    Aug. 13, 2024
    Overall construction input prices are 1.1% higher than a year ago, while nonresidential construction input prices are 0.8% higher.

    T&S Brass Announces Key Marketing Leadership Changes

    Aug. 12, 2024
    Company announces hiring of Patrick McCurdy and the promotions of Christine Stillinger and David Scelsi.
    IAPMO

    IAPMO Seeks Technical Subcommittee Members for Development of American National Standard IAPMO Z1403

    Aug. 12, 2024
    IAPMO urges its members and other interested parties to get involved in the code development process to ensure effectiveness in preserving public health, safety and welfare.
    Bradford White

    Bradford White Hosts Annual Memorial Car Show in Honor of Former CEO

    Aug. 12, 2024
    This was the 18th year for the event and was re-named last year in honor of Bob Carnevale who served the company for nearly 60 years.
    TrackStock

    3 Solutions for Inventory, Field Service, and Enhanced AI

    Aug. 12, 2024
    Reviews of the eTurns TrackStock mobile app, ServiceTrade SmartAI, Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Interplay Learning.
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    From There to Here: Plumbing the Past 70 Years

    Aug. 12, 2024
    Knowing the how and why things work like they do is just as important today as it was seventy years ago.
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    Supply Chain 3.0: Unblocking the Flow of Material Information for Productivity and Profitability

    Aug. 9, 2024
    Technology offers a reliable path to more productive and profitable supply chain management.
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    5 Reasons to Attend CONNECT 2024

    Aug. 9, 2024
    The theme of PHCC's annual conference is “Authentic Connections,” where building trust and growing relationships will be the primary focus.
    A. O. Smith

    Weekly Product Gallery: A. O. Smith, Niagara, General Pipe Cleaners, Matco-Norca, ThermaSol, Studson

    Aug. 9, 2024
    This week's gallery spotlights a POU electric tankless water heater, ultra-low-flow toilets, a drain cleaner for mid-size pipe, a tub and shower trim kit, and an industrial safety...
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    3 Reasons Why Your Text Messages are Being Blocked

    Aug. 8, 2024
    Why businesses struggle with SMS compliance more than a year after rule changes.
    Nelson Mechanical Design

    Cooling System Rescue – Replacement of the Dinosaur

    Aug. 8, 2024
    When service bills started to pile up, the homeowner turned to us for a complete retrofit of this system.
    Business Development Resources

    BDR Announces Keynote Speakers for SPARK 2025

    Aug. 8, 2024
    SPARK 2025, scheduled for Jan. 15-18 in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
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    7 VoIP Trends Empowering Construction Professionals in 2024

    Aug. 7, 2024
    Seven key VoIP trends are poised to revolutionize the way contractors communicate, collaborate, and ultimately, succeed.
    Cala Systems

    Heat Pump Manufacturer Cala Systems Announces $5.6 Million Seed Round

    Aug. 7, 2024
    Cala’s HPWH is poised to benefit both homeowners and installers with local, state, and federal incentives.
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    Hard and Soft Skills: What Technicians Need to Know to be Successful

    Aug. 6, 2024
    Soft skills may seem like an afterthought to some, however, they play a decisive role in the effectiveness of a technician's job.
    Bradford White

    Ron Jaworski Hosts Back to School Pep Rally Presented by Bradford White

    Aug. 6, 2024
    Jaworski’s foundation Jaws Youth Playbook donates back to school supplies to PAL students.

    Tony Furst Joins Taco Comfort Solutions as New Commercial Trainer

    Aug. 6, 2024
    Furst’s career spans significant roles across renowned organizations, including Armstrong Fluid Technology, where he served as the US Director of Application Engineering.

    RectorSeal® Acquires PSP Products, Expanding its Surge Protection Products Portfolio

    Aug. 6, 2024
    PSP Products has provided superior surge protection and load management products for over 30 years.
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    Supreme Court Ruling on Chevron Decision Likely to Further Impact Water Industry

    Aug. 6, 2024
    The American Water Works Association, the National Association of Manufacturers, and The Chemours Company have already filed challenges.
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    Easing Financial Management and Reporting For Plumbing Businesses

    Aug. 2, 2024
    Managing and reporting finances is a must for monitoring financial performance and ensuring you have enough funds to keep your business running.

    Ferguson Now Headquartered in the US

    Aug. 2, 2024
    Announcement follows the completion of the distributor's corporate reorganization.
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    Nonresidential Construction Employment Increases in July

    Aug. 2, 2024
    In the midst of expansion, some economic indicators indicate a coming recession.
    Smith and Loveless

    Weekly Product Gallery: Smith and Loveless, Zurn Elkay, Ariston, WaterFurnace, Ergodyne, Zircon

    Aug. 1, 2024
    This week's gallery highlights an above-ground wastewater pump station, a small backflow preventer, a hybrid builder heat pump, a heat pump chiller, a vented hard shell bump cap...
    REHAU

    REHAU Partners with Hugh M. Cunningham Companies to Support the Mechanical and Plumbing Market in Texas and Oklahoma

    Aug. 1, 2024
    This partnership combines the long-standing industry expertise of both companies, providing enhanced services to contractors, engineers and wholesalers.
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    Nonresidential Construction Spending Declined in June

    Aug. 1, 2024
    Spending was down on a monthly basis in 7 of 16 nonresidential subcategories. Private nonresidential spending fell 0.1%, while public nonresidential construction spending was ...
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    Eliminating the Pain Points With Progress Payments

    July 31, 2024
    Here’s a look at three common pain points that accompany progress payments, with prescriptions for how contractors can address them.
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    ABC: Two-Thirds of June State Construction Unemployment Rates Down From a Year Ago

    July 31, 2024
    33 states had lower unemployment rates over the same period, two states were unchanged (Georgia and Michigan) and 15 states were higher.

    ASSE Seeks Working Group Members for Development of American National Standards

    July 31, 2024
    Industry stakeholders—including plumbing professionals—are invited and encouraged to apply to participate.
    Rinnai

    Tankless Truth™: Tankless Water Heaters Work in Cold, Northern States

    July 30, 2024
    The truth is tankless water heaters will still deliver 5 gallons per minute of hot water with 40-degree Fahrenheit groundwater.

    Watts Announces eLearning Challenge as Part of National Backflow Prevention Day Celebration

    July 30, 2024
    From August 1-31, users will be able to earn tokens and tickets by completing backflow prevention modules on Watts Works Online.