News

PHCC Highlights Future of Skilled Trades at America250 Celebration

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 13:15:14 -0400

PHCC vice president Tony Bertolino represented the plumbing and HVAC industry at a Great American State Fair event on June 30 on the National Mall.

Kevin Wheeler to Retire as Executive Chairman of A. O. Smith

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 11:52:11 -0400

Wheeler joined A. O. Smith in 1994 as a regional sales manager for the former Water Products Company and held various senior leadership roles across the business before becoming president and CEO in 2018 and chairman in 2020.

Sonnhalter Continues Tradition with 17th Annual Tool Drive

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 13:09:06 -0400

Sonnhalter’s Annual Tool Drive will run throughout the month of August.

Watts Releases its 2025 Sustainability Report

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 16:43:44 -0400

Watts Water Technologies, Inc. announced the release of its 2025 Sustainability report, which highlights the company’s dedication to environmental, social, and governance practices and continued commitment to creating high-performance solutions that promote sustainability and efficiency.

Does Buying a Company Make Sense?

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 11:06:59 -0400

Thinking about acquiring another company? Growth can be appealing, but an acquisition may create more challenges than opportunities, especially if you plan to sell your business in the near future. Learn why debt, integration hurdles, operational risks and buyer perceptions can impact your company’s value, and what business owners should consider before making a move.

IAPMO Publishes 2027 Editions of UPC, UMC

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 11:14:28 -0400

IAPMO has published the 2027 editions of the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) and Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC) in both hardcopy and electronic versions.

Solving Comfort Challenges in Warehouses and High-Bay Spaces

baylesk@bnpmedia.com (Kristen R Bayles) — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 07:00:00 -0400

As warehouse and industrial construction continues, contractors are looking for solutions that improve airflow, reduce stratification and enhance energy efficiency.

Watts Named One of Newsweek’s World’s Greenest Companies

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 14:12:32 -0400

In the past year, Watts has been recognized by TIME, USA Today, Barron’s, Top Places to Work and Handshake, in addition to multiple Newsweek awards.

Epicor Appoints Rachel Barger as Chief Revenue Officer

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 13:11:37 -0400

Barger joins Epicor with more than 20 years of experience leading high-performing go-to-market organizations across the Americas, EMEA, and APAC.

VMA Names New Plumbing Advisor

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 08:00:00 -0400

With more than 40 years of industry experience, Specht brings a deep and well-rounded understanding of the trades, having worked across nearly every facet of the plumbing and HVAC industry — from a family-owned contracting business to national service providers, manufacturing, and private equity.

Your Best Sales Rep Just Retired. Now What?

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 16:32:44 -0400

The PHCP-PVF supply chain is facing a generational shift in its sales workforce. Retirements are outpacing new hires, and the institutional knowledge that veteran sellers carry is not the kind that fits neatly into an onboarding document.

BAC Opens First Latin American Manufacturing Plant

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 10:55:36 -0400

The new facility aims to strengthen BAC’s regional presence and expands support for customers across Latin America.

Johnstone Supply Eliminates Manual Billing Across 450-Plus Locations

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 14:53:54 -0400

National accounts distributor replaces fragmented, manual processes with end-to-end automation.

Legend Valve Mourns the Passing of David Hickman, Chairman, CEO, and Former President

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 12:00:37 -0400

David’s legacy lives on through the company he helped build, the values he championed, and the many lives he influenced along the way

ASA University MDM Program Drives Critical Leadership Development Principles

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 10:56:42 -0400

Whether you’re focused on building your own leadership capability or thinking about succession planning within your organization, this ASA program is designed to prepare you for what’s next.

The State of Talent Attraction in the PHCP/PVF Industry According to ASA Members

Fri, 29 May 2026 13:30:05 -0400

ASA recently conducted a survey of its members to gauge the current condition of recruitment in the PHCP/PVF industry.

PDI Appoints Fielding Alderman as President

Tue, 26 May 2026 14:37:44 -0400

Prior to this appointment, Alderman served as Chief Operating Officer, where he led PDI's operations, purchasing, and supply chain functions.

EVAPCO Celebrates 50 Years

Tue, 26 May 2026 12:30:31 -0400

Founded in 1976 by Wilson E. Bradley and William E. Kahlert, the company began as a small refrigeration focused business at 3120 Frederick Avenue in Baltimore, Maryland, with a team of five employees and a single product line of evaporative condensers. This year, the company is celebrating 50 years of experience in evaporative cooling and heat transfer.

Registration Open for AIM/R 54th Annual Conference

Mon, 25 May 2026 10:18:11 -0400

The AIM/R 54th Annual Conference takes place at The Meritage Resort & Spa. The theme is The Perfect Blend. Just like a fine wine, success for the manufacturers’ rep is about the perfect blend — of experience and innovation, relationships and technology, tradition, and transformation.

PPI Backs USMCA Renewal Ahead of 2026 Joint Review Deadline

Fri, 22 May 2026 14:59:00 -0400

Public comments submitted to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) by PPI emphasized that USMCA continues to deliver meaningful benefits for all American manufacturers and workers by supporting stable supply chains, providing investment certainty for companies operating across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and long term industrial growth.

NKBA Global Connect Welcomes ABIMÓVEL as a Strategic Alliance Partner

Tue, 19 May 2026 15:56:57 -0400

This NKBA international business development initiative is designed to bring the global kitchen and bath community together by exchanging market insights, information, and product development ideas.

SJE Acquires Anchor Scientific, Expanding Its Portfolio in Water Sensors and Controls

Mon, 18 May 2026 10:45:29 -0400

The acquisition expands SJE’s portfolio of liquid level floats and related products, growing its presence within the municipal, commercial and residential markets.

Trane Technologies and Valent Announce Exclusive Supply Agreement

Thu, 14 May 2026 14:00:16 -0400

The agreement brings together Trane’s market reach, application expertise and service infrastructure with Valent’s commercial HVAC equipment solutions.

Watts Named to TIME’s World’s Most Impactful Companies 2026 List

Thu, 14 May 2026 13:35:45 -0400

The World’s Most Impactful Companies list identifies companies and organizations that demonstrate a strong net-positive impact across key dimensions, including Society, Environment, Health, and Knowledge

Bluon Welcomes Harvard Business School Professor to Board of Advisors

Wed, 13 May 2026 14:30:45 -0400

In his position with Bluon, Stanton will advise the company on its AI and data strategy, helping guide the development of Bluon’s native AI platform and related tools designed to support the trades.

AIM/R Reimagines Monthly Webinars as Short-Form Educational Video Series

Wed, 13 May 2026 13:14:35 -0400

AIM/R leadership determined that AIM/R On Tap needed to be reinvented as a “fresh” and more consumable deliverable for the Rep Agent’s busy schedule.

ASA and PHCC Members Bring Unified Industry Voice to Capitol Hill

Tue, 12 May 2026 13:41:50 -0400

Among the primary topics discussed during congressional meetings was the need to strengthen workforce development initiatives and expand pathways into the skilled trades.

Oatey Co. Presents Michael McLeod, Principal at Harry Warren of Georgia Rep Agency, with Bob Bender Legacy Award

Tue, 12 May 2026 10:15:33 -0400

Given annually, the award honors a manufacturer representative who goes above and beyond for customers, builds meaningful partnerships and carries forward the relationship-driven legacy of the late Bob Bender, an esteemed Oatey sales leader for over 40 years.

Winsupply Opens New HVAC Local Company in Growing Market

Mon, 11 May 2026 16:26:00 -0400

The HVAC parts and equipment supplier was opened in January by president/owner Conner Leahr. The company encompasses 12,000 square feet at 3111 Kitty Hawk Road.

LIXIL Elevates Impact Strategy to the Next Phase, Appoints Chief Impact Officer

Fri, 08 May 2026 12:30:22 -0400

LIXIL has adopted a three-phase approach to drive systemic impact integrating its targets into its own operations, its value chain, as well as expanding its impact to a broader societal ecosystem.