Greetings to our loyal Supply House Times audience. While I haven’t appeared on these pages very often throughout the years, I was honored that our Chief Editor, Natalie Forster, asked me to “pen a column” while she was out on maternity leave. Congratulations to Natalie and her husband on the birth of their beautiful baby girl — Andi!

As part of the plumbing industry since the late 80’s, I have seen a lot of changes. But one consistency is the people and the welcoming nature of the industry. That applies to all involved — wholesalers/distributors, reps, contractors, engineers, and the manufacturers/suppliers. There is a comradery that is noticeable — especially if you are sincere about what the industry stands for. And what do we stand for?

First and foremost, this industry is routed the old plumber motto, “Protecting the Health of the Nation.” And while that may sound cliché, it actually takes on a new meaning to the new generations coming in. It is more than protecting health — it’s a multi-pronged approach and attitude covering water quality, safety and conservation of our most precious resource.

When we talk about where we will find and how we will attract that next generation of talent into our industry, one important tool and message is to convey what the industry does and stands for. For those of us that have been doing this for decades, we sometimes take that for granted. Yet, it can mean a lot to the younger recruits coming into the plumbing industry, knowing that they are part of a bigger cause in helping the planet and humanity.

Later in my career, I’m feeling that same sense of pride, knowing that every day, we are reporting on and creating content that is highlighting the good things we as an industry are doing in protecting our most precious resources.

A recent example of this is the annual eBook we published - Water Conservation, Quality & Safety eBook . Our Chief Editor’s, Natalie and Nicole, did an incredible job assembling some of the foremost names, stories, and case studies showcasing our industry making a difference. Please take a moment to read this important content.

Another highlight of showcasing our industry is the annual Next Gen All Stars Awards. Every September, we honor “The Top 20 under 40 years old” — and we do that across all three brands/audiences in our group.

You can read who won across our three brands this past year via the three links here:

Plumbing & Mechanical - (Plumbing/Mechanical Contractors)

Supply House Times - (Wholesalers/Distributors & Reps)

PM Engineer - (Mechanical/Plumbing Engineers)

However, please note, we do not just limit these awards to the readers of the above brands. The Next Gen All Star awards are open to anyone affiliated and making a difference in our Plumbing, Heating, Hydronics, Piping and HVAC industry. So, if you know any wholesalers/distributors, reps, contractors, engineers, manufacturers/suppliers, or anyone making a difference to the industry and their company — and they are under 40 years old, please click on this link to nominate them for the 2024 Next Gen All Star Award.

Plumbing & Mechanical

Supply House Times

PM Engineer

As I mentioned at the top of this column, let’s continue the comradery and support of each other — no matter what role or stage of your career. Being successful is truly gratifying if you know you helped someone achieve success too. Thanks to everyone who supports our endeavors in helping us lift and bring the industry together. I am forever grateful.