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  • January 2025

    • January 2025

    AHR 2025 Returns to Orlando, IWSH Joins NKBA Global Connect, Contractor of the Year: Terry Plumbing Co., Q&A with ASPE President Brian Hutton, Industry Econ Forecast 2025, and much more.
    John Mesenbrink
    Members of the TPC Plumbing crew on the job site.

    Thinking Global – Talking Local

    Jan. 7, 2025
    In 2025, CONTRACTOR will be trying to publish more stories with a regional and local perspective.
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    Industry Econ Forecast 2025

    Dec. 30, 2024
    Which way is the construction market heading in the coming year, and what are the chief economic factors that might affect mechanical contractors?
    John Mesenbrink
    A group shot of the Terry Plumbing Co. team.

    Contractor of the Year Terry Plumbing Co.: A Family Affair

    Dec. 27, 2024
    Purchasing the assets of the company in 2010, Kelly Castrogiovanni’s diverse professional background put her in a strong position to lead a successful full-service plumbing business...
    A. O. Smith
    ctr2502_aosmith

    Weekly Product Gallery: A. O. Smith, Noritz, Milwaukee Tool, Duravit, MAC Faucets, Isuzu

    Dec. 27, 2024
    This week the gallery includes an air-source heat pump water heater, a hybrid heat pump water heater, an expanded line of jobsite apparel, a showerhead, a flushometer, and an ...
    ID 344948712 © Irina Ukrainets | Dreamstime.com
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    Expanding Your Home Service Portfolio: Why a Restoration Franchise is the Perfect Addition

    Dec. 26, 2024
    Here is a closer look into the benefits that plumbing entrepreneurs can expect when expanding into restoration.

    More content from January 2025

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    Small Contractors Can Now Offer Big Incentives to Attract and Retain Gen Z Employees

    Dec. 26, 2024
    Independently-owned businesses need to be more creative in offering incentives that mirror the options their larger competitors are able to provide.
    Service Experts
    The Jones with Montel Williams.

    Service Experts Lends a Hand as Military Makeover with Montel Completes 40th Home Renovation

    Dec. 24, 2024
    Military Makeover with Montel is a television series dedicated to honoring deserving military families by providing home renovations.
    Jimmy Hiller and members of the Hiller family prior to beginning their shopping spree.

    Hiller Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical’s Gives to Toys for Tots for Fifth Consecutive Year

    Dec. 24, 2024
    Hiller has purchased over $50,000 in toys to donate to underserved families in the community.
    HTP
    Walter Terry, right, who owns the restaurant with his wife, Jennifer, confers with Ansley Houston, Vice President of Sales for Ariston USA.

    Rapid Response Rescues Georgia Restaurant

    Dec. 23, 2024
    Contractor’s quick work helps owners comply with inspector’s directive.
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    5 Times When Your Business Can Celebrate

    Dec. 23, 2024
    Companies that make an effort to celebrate, perform better over time. Their workforces tend to be more engaged and loyal.
    AHR Expo
    Attendees lining up for the 2024 AHR Expo.

    AHR Expo 2025 Returns to Orlando

    Dec. 20, 2024
    The big show returns to the Sunshine State to deliver the latest technology, innovation and education.
    Hastings
    ctr2501_hastings

    Weekly Product Gallery: Hastings, General Pipe Cleaners, Lync, Xylem, RefrigiWear, Dornbracht

    Dec. 20, 2024
    This week's gallery highlights the bath with a luxury tub and a ceiling shower rain panel. Also featured are small-pipe drain cleaning machines, a commercial water quality solution...
    A. O. Smith
    Left to right, Mark Gierla, Matt Patterson and Jerry Lapour.

    A. O. Smith Announces North America Water Heating Sales Team Changes

    Dec. 19, 2024
    A. O. Smith announces three significant updates on the North America Water Heating sales team.
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    United Rentals Launches New Excavation Safety Training Program

    Dec. 19, 2024
    The program has activities for the learner to apply their knowledge in key areas tailored to one of most hazardous tasks in construction.
    Rinnai
    Army SGT Christopher Leverkuhn (pictured with his family) will receive the 5 millionth product, a SENSEI® RX Series, for his home currently under construction in Kerrville, Texas.

    Rinnai America Joins Forces with Homes For Our Troops to Aid Injured Veterans

    Dec. 19, 2024
    Manufacturer marks Official Supplier status with 5 millionth tankless water heater donation and 50-year anniversary milestone.
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    Total of 5,283 Fatal Work Injuries in 2023, Down 3.7% From 2022

    Dec. 19, 2024
    The fatal work injury rate was 3.5 fatalities per 100,000 full-time equivalent (FTE) workers, down from 3.7 in 2022.
    harts_logo_1082024_new

    Harts Plumbers, Electricians, & HVAC Gives Back Throughout 2024

    Dec. 18, 2024
    Tacoma-based company donates time and expertise in addition to financial donations to bolster nonprofits around Puget Sound.
    Pat Linhardt
    hook_and_ackerman

    What Does That Mean? – The Art of Reading Older Boiler Tags

    Dec. 18, 2024
    The author provides some lessons in math and history that could come in handy when reading older boiler tags.
    aspe_logo

    ASPE President Brian Hutton: Helping People Get to Where They Want to Go

    Dec. 18, 2024
    The new ASPE president talks about his personal journey in the association, and what he hopes to achieve for the membership during his time in office.
    Thompson Pump
    At the VMA Award ceremony. Left to right: Amanda Smith, Ryan Intriago, Victor Nadeau, Heather Thompson, Chris Thompson, Carol Thompson and Bill Thompson.

    Thompson Pump Honored with Best Practice Award at VMA Banquet

    Dec. 18, 2024
    The Best Practice Award is given to companies that excel in a particular area of business.
    NIBCO
    Filming the fifth season of American Plumber Stories.

    NIBCO Partners With American Plumber Stories Season Five

    Dec. 17, 2024
    American Plumber Stories celebrates the lives and work of all plumbers by sharing their passion and advice to the next generation of plumbers.
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    New Hampshire Joins Growing List of Jurisdictions Accepting ASSE 5000 Cross-Connection Control Certification Program

    Dec. 17, 2024
    This important development expands the recognition of ASSE International’s certification program.
    franklinelectric_promo

    Franklin Electric Welcomes Mike Pimentel to Industrial & Engineered Systems Business Unit

    Dec. 17, 2024
    Pimentel has worked in the pumping and irrigation industries throughout most of his 25-year career.
    iwshlogo

    The International Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Foundation (IWSH) Joins NKBA Global Connect as a Strategic Alliance Partner

    Dec. 17, 2024
    The non-profit arm of IAPMO, IWSH will offer NKBA Global Connect members connections to the water, hygiene and sanitation industries in North America.
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    Keep 100% Ownership: How to Scale Your Business Without Sacrificing Control

    Dec. 16, 2024
    Here’s the truth: you don’t need to sell off a piece of your business to grow.
    Marcone
    Marcone purchased 1,500 wreaths, then employees and family members met at cemeteries in their communities to place one on each tombstone.

    Marcone Honors Fallen Soldiers

    Dec. 16, 2024
    Marcone employees were among more than two million volunteers involved in Wreaths Across America at more than 4,600 cemeteries.
    Sloan
    Intuit Dome, the new state-of-the-art home of the NBA’s LA Clippers.

    Sloan Fixtures Help Intuit Dome Achieve Sustainability Goals

    Dec. 16, 2024
    Intuit Dome is LEED Platinum certified for Building Design and Construction.
    Zuper
    The Zuper Projects dashboard.

    Productivity and Support in Office and Field

    Dec. 16, 2024
    Reviews of Zuper Projects project management solution, the Jotform app, GorillaDesk Pro field service software and Teletrac TN360 field management software.
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    Business Consultants & Marketing Gurus – Yes or No?

    Dec. 16, 2024
    Each contractor should know his (or her) business—but not every contractor knows the marketplace. That’s where the consultant comes in.
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    ABC: Wisconsin is the Top State for Construction

    Dec. 16, 2024
    Arkansas, Kentucky, West Virginia and Florida rounded out the top five states in 2024, in ranking order.
    ID 50488131 © 4snickers | Dreamstime.com
    The state flag of Washington flies over the capitol in Olympia.

    Rinnai America Applauds Associations and Washington State Voters Efforts to Protect Energy Choice

    Dec. 13, 2024
    Rinnai has always been a vocal advocate for PRO and consumer choice by opposing rules that limit tankless water heater options.
    Watts
    ctr2501_watts

    Weekly Product Gallery: Watts, Lochinvar, Delta Faucet, Duravit, Smith & Loveless, Ergodyne

    Dec. 13, 2024
    This week's gallery highlights backwashing filtration systems, a light commercial electric boiler, a high-arc kitchen faucet, a bathroom faucet, an advanced grit removal system...
    armstrong_international_steam_trap__81339

    Armstrong International: Making It Easier for the Customer for 125 Years

    Dec. 13, 2024
    CONTRACTOR talks with Brian Armstrong, Director of Armstrong International’s Hot Water Group.
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    Department of Labor Releases Case Data on Workplace Injuries, Illnesses

    Dec. 13, 2024
    Details available from 890,000 injuries and illnesses at more than 91,000 workplaces in calendar year 2023.
    Rheem
    screen_shot_20241212_at_4

    Rheem and Plumbing Express Donate to Sarasota Families

    Dec. 12, 2024
    Rheem’s donation effort provided new water heaters, along with free product installation and removal services by the team at Plumbing Express.
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    Monthly Construction Input Prices Unchanged in November

    Dec. 12, 2024
    Overall construction input prices are 0.5% higher than a year ago, while nonresidential construction input prices are 0.3% higher.
    Nelson Mechanical Design
    Actuators were slow opening with spring return.

    Geothermal Rescue - Owner Plagued by Intermittent, Inconsistent Operation

    Dec. 12, 2024
    Confused heat pumps, angry electricians, faulty control boards—can Nelson Mechanical find a solution?
    osha_logo

    Department of Labor Finalizes Rule on Proper Fit Requirements for Personal Protective Equipment in Construction

    Dec. 11, 2024
    Changes align construction industry with general industry standards.
    nibco_logo

    NIBCO Promotes Edds to Director of Product Management

    Dec. 11, 2024
    Edds originally joined NIBCO in 2006 as a product manager and held various positions of increasing responsibility.
    aseban_logo

    ASEBAN and NKBA to Collaborate on International Business Development

    Dec. 11, 2024
    ASEBAN’s mission is to advocate for the interests of its members, promoting Spanish brands and products of its members outside of Spain.
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    IAPMO’s Dain Hansen Recognized Among The Hill’s Top 100 Lobbyists for Third Time

    Dec. 10, 2024
    In 2023, The Hill estimated there are more than 12,500 active lobbyists in Washington, DC.
    xylem_logo

    Xylem Acquires Majority Stake in Idrica to Deliver Intelligent Solutions to Water Utilities

    Dec. 10, 2024
    Companies will further integrate solutions that help utilities accelerate digitalization and tackle critical challenges such as water scarcity and aging infrastructure.
    Western Rooter
    The comprehensive renovation included demolition, reconfiguration of plumbing systems, electrical upgrades, drywall and framing, and the installation of modern fixtures and mirrors.

    Western Rooter Leads $20,000 Bathroom Remodel for New Youth Center

    Dec. 10, 2024
    Western Rooter partners with the Salvation Army to deliver modern facilities for Pasadena, CA youth.
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    Department of Labor Extends Public Comment Period for Proposed Heat Injury, Illness Prevention Rule

    Dec. 10, 2024
    The comment period will now remain open until Jan. 14, 2025.
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    ABC’s Construction Backlog Indicator Holds Steady in November

    Dec. 10, 2024
    ABC’s Construction Confidence Index readings for sales, profit margins and staffing levels improved in November.
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    Boosting Loyalty and Referrals Through Customer Appreciation

    Dec. 6, 2024
    Appreciation programs can turn satisfied customers into enthusiastic brand advocates
    Noritz
    ctr2501_noritz

    Weekly Product Gallery: Noritz, Zurn Elkay, Niagara, General Pipe Cleaners, NIBCO, Newasia

    Dec. 6, 2024
    This week's gallery features residential condensing tankless water heaters, a built-in filtered water dispenser, an electric bidet seat, a line of sewer cameras, a line of large...
    ID 340036286 © Dzmitry Auramchik | Dreamstime.com
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    Construction Adds Just 10,000 Jobs in November

    Dec. 6, 2024
    On a year-over-year basis, industry employment has risen by 211,000 jobs, an increase of 2.6%.
    ID 31129262 © Adam121 | Dreamstime.com
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    3 Ways Contractors Can Future-Proof Their Business with Job Order Contracting

    Dec. 5, 2024
    This article will explore three core benefits of JOC for contractors and subcontractors, illustrating how this approach can help firms secure more work and grow their businesses...
    rectorseallogorgbhighrespng

    RectorSeal® Expands Midwest Plumbing Market Coverage with Balfrey & Johnston in Wisconsin

    Dec. 5, 2024
    Headquartered in Michigan, Balfrey & Johnston has been a leading manufacturers’ representative of quality HVAC and plumbing products for several decades.
    Plastics Pipe Institute
    PP-R and PP-RCT polypropylene pressure-rated pipes and fittings discussed in the new ASTM Standard Practice F3722-24 are available in diameters from 16 mm to 710 mm, also known as nominal diameters 3/8 to 28 inches.

    New Standard Practice Published for Heat Fusing Polypropylene Pipe

    Dec. 5, 2024
    The new standard practice was developed by the Plastics Pipe Institute and an ASTM technical committee.
    department_of_labor

    Department of Labor Seeks Nominees for Advisory Committee on Construction Safety

    Dec. 5, 2024
    The deadline for nominations is Jan. 2, 2025.
    Rheem
    A group photo of the event at the Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC).

    Design Air Donates $100,000 of Rheem® Equipment to Milwaukee Area Technical College

    Dec. 4, 2024
    Students joined a ribbon-cutting ceremony and equipment demonstration at the college’s Oak Creek campus.
    ID 164150203 © Auremar | Dreamstime.com
    Plumbing apprentices in class.

    Associated Builders and Contractors Applauds Withdrawal of Apprenticeship Rule

    Dec. 4, 2024
    The rule was part of an overhaul of government-registered apprenticeship programs (GRAPs).
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    How Specialty Subcontractors Can Use AI to Improve Bidding, Material Takeoffs, and Scheduling

    Dec. 4, 2024
    Let's explore how subcontractors can leverage AI tools to address specific problems to improve outcomes for their businesses.
    A. O. Smith
    Shedeur Sanders on the field.

    Shedeur Sanders Wins 2024 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award® Presented by A. O. Smith

    Dec. 3, 2024
    Throughout his college career, the Texas native has completed 1,217-of-1,744 passes (69.8%) for 13,707 yards with 127 touchdowns and 24 interceptions.
    bradfordwhitelogo

    Bradford White Helps Fund Expansion of ECA Internship Program

    Dec. 3, 2024
    Heat pump technology training made possible by grant from Bradford White’s Industry Forward® charitable giving program.
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    Construction Job Openings Down Nearly 40% From a Year Ago

    Dec. 3, 2024
    Industry job openings decreased by 9,000 for the month and are down by 164,000 from the same time last year.
    limbach_logo

    Limbach Holdings Acquires Consolidated Mechanical

    Dec. 3, 2024
    Founded in 1984 in Owensboro, Kentucky, CMI serves the heavy industrial, power, and commercial markets.
    ID 341954779 © Siarhei Dzemianishyn | Dreamstime.com
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    Revamping the Trades: How Advanced Technology is Shaping the Next Generation of Workers

    Dec. 2, 2024
    What if the skilled trades industry could also meet the desire to work with advanced technology?
    ID 213396935 © John Sirlin | Dreamstime.com
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    Storms Suppress Nonresidential Construction Spending in October

    Dec. 2, 2024
    Spending was down on a monthly basis in 11 of the 16 nonresidential subcategories.
    Navien
    ctr2501_navien

    Weekly Product Gallery: Navien, Chicago Faucets, Aalberts, Oatey, Bosch, Werner

    Nov. 27, 2024
    This week the gallery includes an innovative hydro-furnace, a sensor faucet collection, a butterfly valve, a reformulated plumber's putty, a laser distance measure, and a ladder...
    Pro-Tec Plumbing & Air,
    Pro-Tec Plumbing & Air HQ in Naples, FL.

    Pro-Tec Plumbing & Air Marks 17 Years

    Nov. 27, 2024
    Family-owned business has embraced innovation as it has expanded.
    Kirk Zutell
    Good’s Project Manager, Don Landis (L), and Lead Mechanic, Tom Grasse in the boiler room at Our Lady of Guadalupe.

    Good Plumbing Performs High-Efficiency Boiler Replacement for Catholic Church

    Nov. 26, 2024
    Serving religious institutions has become a 'niche within a niche' for Southwest-PA contracting company.
    iapmo_white_space

    IAPMO Standards Council Issues TIA UMC (003-24)

    Nov. 26, 2024
    UMC TIA 003-24 revises UMC Chapter 11, Table 1102.3 (Refrigerant Groups, Properties, and Allowable Quantities).
    ID 127581137 © Alexander Raths | Dreamstime.com
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    In Time for Thanksgiving: Yelp Reveals the Most Clogged Cities in the US

    Nov. 26, 2024
    “Brown Friday”—the day after Thanksgiving—is consistently among the plumbing industry's busiest days of the year.