PHCP-PVF Top Stories

Connected Plumbing: An Intelligent Choice

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 12:00:00 -0400

From AI-powered leak detection to smart faucets, water heaters, and bottle filling stations, connected plumbing is reshaping how water systems are managed. Learn how intelligent plumbing technology is reducing maintenance costs, conserving resources, improving hygiene, and creating new opportunities for contractors and distributors.

Water Heater Shipments Stay Under Pressure Through May

baylesk@bnpmedia.com (Kristen R Bayles) — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 08:00:00 -0400

The latest numbers indicate that residential demand remains under pressure, particularly for electric storage water heaters, while commercial shipments present a more mixed picture.

Getting Valve Selection Right in Commercial Buildings

bellolih@bnpmedia.com (Hannah Belloli-Oster) — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 09:00:00 -0400

As sustainability goals, labor shortages, and connected building technologies continue to reshape the market, valve selection has become more strategic than ever. Manufacturers say successful valve selection requires looking beyond initial cost and considering how the valve will perform as part of the overall piping system throughout the life of the building.

Are You Registered for NETWORK, Our Industry’s Biggest Event?

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 17:00:00 -0400

From economic insights and contractor research to AI, innovation and workforce strategies, NETWORK2026 promises three days of education and connections for PHCP-PVF industry leaders. Here's why this year's event is shaping up to be the biggest yet.

Made in America: A Commitment Beyond the Product

baylesk@bnpmedia.com (Kristen R Bayles) — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 09:00:00 -0400

At a time when supply chains, workforce development and economic resilience remain top concerns, many manufacturers are reaffirming their commitment to producing products in the United States. Beyond supporting local jobs, domestic operations can offer greater quality control, shorter lead times, closer collaboration between engineering and production teams, and stronger connections to customers and distribution partners.

Is the Industry Ready for Heat Pump Water Heaters?

baylesk@bnpmedia.com (Kristen R Bayles) — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0400

For many contractors, heat pump water heaters still feel like a niche product; something tied more closely to rebates, energy programs or high-efficiency upgrades than to everyday water heater replacement work. But, according to Gregg Holladay of Bradford White, that perception is about to change quickly.

Retention: The Best Exit Strategy

baylesk@bnpmedia.com (Kristen R Bayles) — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 13:00:00 -0400

Buttenham says plumbing business owners should start thinking about retention years before a sale, especially if they want the company to thrive after they step away.

The Next Level Leader: Building a Company That Runs Without You

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 10:56:51 -0400

The next-level leader does not do everything. They build the people and the systems that make everything work, long after they step away from the day-to-day. Read the latest from the Blue Collar Coach, Kenny Chapman.

Meet the 2026 Showroom of the Year: DJ Bath Plus

baylesk@bnpmedia.com (Kristen R Bayles) — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 08:00:00 -0400

Luxury fixtures may draw visitors in, but it's the experience that keeps them coming back. Named Supply House Times' 2026 Showroom of the Year, DJ Bath Plus has built its reputation on authentic relationships, personalized service and a showroom designed to inspire, not overwhelm. Discover how the San Francisco luxury showroom continues to thrive by putting people at the center of every project.

Riding the Ripples: How Reps Are Navigating Consolidation Without Losing Their Footing

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 07:00:00 -0400

While consolidation is undeniably reshaping the channel, it hasn’t reduced the importance of strong rep firms. What it has done is raise the bar. The role of the rep is evolving — and the firms that are thriving are the ones that have adjusted their approach.

Empowering Women to Lead: Why Joining ASA Women in Industry Matters

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 14:34:03 -0400

Within our industry, women continue to play an increasingly vital role bringing innovation, leadership and perspective that strengthen companies and communities alike.

PHCP-PVF Price Increases: July 2026

bellolih@bnpmedia.com (Hannah Belloli-Oster) — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 12:33:35 -0400

While many manufacturers implemented modest increases in the low-single-digit range, some select product categories saw increases of 10% or more.

Relationships Still Matter in a Digital World

baylesk@bnpmedia.com (Kristen R Bayles) — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 09:57:02 -0400

Technology can help us work faster and smarter. It can improve efficiency, provide insights and streamline countless processes. But, it can’t replace the confidence that comes from knowing the person on the other end of the conversation genuinely cares about your success.

Top 40 Under 40 Next Gen All-Star Competition Officially Open

bellolih@bnpmedia.com (Hannah Belloli-Oster) — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 11:54:14 -0400

Nominations are officially open for the 2026 Plumbing & Mechanical and Supply House Times Top 40 Under 40 Next Gen All-Star competition.

Your Inventory System Has Been Making Decisions Without You

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 08:00:00 -0400

When your inventory system recommends a purchase order tomorrow morning, how confident are you that the assumptions behind that recommendation still reflect today's business — and not last year's?

AHRI Data Shows Water Heater Shipments Remain Soft in 2026

baylesk@bnpmedia.com (Kristen R Bayles) — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 08:00:01 -0400

The latest numbers show that water heater shipments continued to soften in April, reflecting many of the same economic pressures affecting residential construction and remodeling activity.

The Marketing Materials Your Sales Team Actually Needs

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 12:16:11 -0400

As companies begin evaluating budgets and planning for the future, many leaders focus on lead generation and brand awareness. While those initiatives are important, it is equally important to examine what happens after a prospect enters the sales funnel.

How Have Expectations for Building Systems Changed in a Year?

baylesk@bnpmedia.com (Kristen R Bayles) — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 09:00:00 -0400

On a recent episode of And So It Flows, we welcomed back Chrissie Walsh, regional environmental sustainability lead for GF North America, for a follow-up conversation on sustainability, systems thinking and the changing expectations around modern buildings.

The View From the New Desk

bellolih@bnpmedia.com (Hannah Belloli-Oster) — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 10:32:25 -0400

In her first editor's note, Hannah Belloli-Oster shares how a carpenter father, a journalism degree, and a few career leaps led her to Supply House Times, and why she's excited to learn alongside the industry she now serves.

Heat Pump Water Heaters in Real Life

baylesk@bnpmedia.com (Kristen R Bayles) — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 12:00:00 -0400

On a recent episode of And So It Flows, Kristen Bayles sat down with Gregg Holladay, business development manager for specialty markets at Bradford White, to discuss the growing role heat pump water heaters are expected to play in the residential plumbing market and why the plumbing industry needs to start preparing now.

The Spreadsheet Your Branch Manager Is Hiding From You

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 07:00:00 -0400

The American Supply Association reports nearly 75% of PHCP-PVF companies are experimenting with AI or operational platforms, with 34% in active pilots. Most are measuring success the same way this distributor did: logins, views, completed process steps. None of it tells you whether the recommendations are changing what actually gets ordered.

The Benefits Package Your Best Employees Are Quietly Comparing You Against

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 07:00:00 -0400

In a hyper-competitive market, talent poaching happens instantly. Salary matches provide short-term retention, but fail to build long-term loyalty. The true competitive advantage comes from the daily workplace experience.

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.

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.

2026 Manufacturers Rep of the Year: Keystone Sales & Associates

bellolih@bnpmedia.com (Hannah Belloli-Oster) — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

For more than 50 years, Keystone Sales & Associates has built its reputation on a simple philosophy, one many learn in kindergarten: treat others the way you want to be treated.

PHCP-PVF Price Increases: June 2026

bellolih@bnpmedia.com (Hannah Belloli-Oster) — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 08:00:00 -0400

Manufacturers announced another round of PHCP-PVF price increases in June, with adjustments affecting insulation, valves, fittings, pumps, water heating products, and specialty plumbing components. See which suppliers raised prices and when the changes take effect.

Showcasing HVAC Excellence on a National Stage

baylesk@bnpmedia.com (Kristen R Bayles) — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 10:00:44 -0400

In this article, we cover how the annual competition highlighting the industry's top techs has grown over the years and the role events like this play in strengthening the workforce pipeline.

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.

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.