Kristen R. Bayles is the Associate Editor for Plumbing & Mechanical and Supply House Times. With deep family roots in the plumbing industry and a Bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Montevallo, Kristen brings a unique perspective to her coverage of industry trends, emerging technologies and business insights for plumbing and HVAC professionals.

Connect with Kristen on LinkedIn or reach her at baylesk@bnpmedia.com.

Alicia Branham has over 23 years of experience in the design and marketing field. She specializes in the commercial and industrial flow control industry. She is Principal of Bran Marketing. If you want to grow your brand and social media presence, get in touch with her at alicia@getbran.com/(385) 429-6272

Sarah Harding serves as the group publisher for Supply House Times and Plumbing & Mechanical. Harding has over 25 years of extensive expertise in business-to-business media across print, digital, and event platforms. Harding has worked in numerous industries, including HVACR, construction, logistics, and manufacturing.

Patrick Maloney is the President of Coburn Supply Co. and the 2024 American Supply Association President.

Michael Mercer, Ph. D., created three preemployment tests for PHCP/PVF distributors and is the author of the book “Hire the Best & Avoid the Rest.”

Contact Dr. Mercer at drmercer@mercersystems.com or 847-382-0690. Copyright 2017, Mercer Systems, Inc. www.mercersystems.com.

Longtime industry consultant Bruce Merrifield is an expert on high-performance service management and is one of the most successful turnaround advisors for wholesale-distribution companies and channels. Each month Bruce will answer your distribution-related business questions here.

Dave Yates began his career in the PHCP-PVF trades in 1972 with F. W. Behler, a third-generation plumbing/ HVAC firm he purchased in 1985. Besides running F.W. Behler, writing articles for industry trade publications and speaking at events, Yates also is an experienced teacher in the hydronics industry, serving as an adjunct professor and on the Technical Advisory Board for the Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology. He can be reached at dyates@consultyates.com.