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  • January 2026

    • January 2026

    What's in Store at the 2026 AHR Expo in Las Vegas; Contractor of the Year; Skills Expo Draws 3,000+ Students to Explore the Trades; Greater Boston PCA Donates $35,000 to Support Local Charities; Nation's Best Plumbers Compete for National Title; Forum: A Year After the Fire; and much more.

    More content from January 2026

    Plumbing Outfitters
    Today, Plumbing Outfitters has grown into a team of 28 members operating multiple trucks across Central Texas
    CONTRACTOR magazine’s Contractor of the Year, Plumbing Outfitters, relies on character, humility, accountability, mindfulness, precision and service as operational expectations...
    Dec. 19, 2025
    ID 111071525 © Chuyu | Dreamstime.com
    Steel frame workshop is under construction against a blue sky
    ABC analysis shows September construction unemployment at 3.8%, with labor shortages and rising costs still pressuring contractors.
    Dec. 19, 2025
    Pat Linhardt
    The red valves only allow water to flow in one direction.
    A mixed-up boiler valving job has Done Somebody Wrong. Can the author ensure there will be Trouble No More?
    Dec. 18, 2025
    AHR Expo
    Crowds at the 2025 AHR Expo in Orlando.
    We preview the big show as it returns to Las Vegas: events, exhibitors, products, education sessions, and how to get the most out of your time.
    Dec. 18, 2025
    GF logo
    Veteran finance leader brings 25+ years of global experience supporting growth, operational discipline, and long-term value creation.
    Dec. 17, 2025
    Pro-Tec logo
    Plumbing and HVAC contractor donates memberships, hosts toy drive, and supports pet adoption.
    Dec. 17, 2025
    Northern Tool + Equipment
    LaVergne High School CTE juniors and senior.
    New RACER Network series tracks CTE students transforming a Harley-Davidson into a flat-track racer.
    Dec. 17, 2025
    ID 366985161 | Industry © Cherdchai Chawienghong | Dreamstime.com
    an engineer working on table in site office with hardhat
    ServiceTitan’s first AI in the Trades report reveals nearly half of contractors are using AI tools to boost productivity, streamline operations, and grow revenue.
    Dec. 16, 2025
    ID 9639823 | Industry © Endostock | Dreamstime.com
    dreamstime_s_9639823
    ABC survey shows modest backlog decline, with sales expectations still pointing to growth.
    Dec. 16, 2025
    ID 8073427 | Industry © Pavel Losevsky | Dreamstime.com
    buildings under construction
    ABC analysis shows steady year-over-year growth, driven by specialty trades and institutional projects.
    Dec. 16, 2025
    CxPlanner
    The planning and overview dashboard from CxPlanner.
    CxPlanner offers software that keeps the user in control—and results verifiable—while automating tasks that can slow the commissioning process down.
    Dec. 16, 2025
    AWS
    Young welding professionals.
    Funding supports technical, associate, and bachelor-level welding education across North America.
    Dec. 15, 2025
    ID 157750000 © Alexandra Barbu | Dreamstime.com
    Concept for freedom, success, victory, joy, happiness, accomplishment.
    Decide to make this year a great one and it will be. Do not accept anything less. Push harder if you need more effort.
    Dec. 15, 2025
    Thryv
    The Thryv marketing center.
    Reviews of the Thryv marketing platform, the Tofu Premium productivity app, and the Arcsite mobile sales tool.
    Dec. 15, 2025
    ID 5760147 © Brian T. Young | Dreamstime.com
    Man taking inventory.
    What do you know about inventory and inventory control? Whether you are a service shop or a major commercial/industrial contractor, that is an area where a little attention can...
    Dec. 15, 2025
    ServiceTitan
    ServiceTitan logo with background
    ServiceTitan and trade businesses nationwide highlight giving-back projects—from HVAC upgrades for shelters to wish-granting support for local families.
    Dec. 12, 2025
    Buyers Products
    Buyers Products truck bed tool box
    This week's gallery features heavy-duty toolboxes for flatbed trucks, heavy-duty closet augers, rigid couplings with visual and tactile verification, a flexible frost-free sillcock...
    Dec. 12, 2025
    ID 152979591 © Ezumeimages | Dreamstime.com
    Pipe wrench
    By prioritizing transparency and exceptional customer experience, a more robust and trustworthy ecosystem can be built to the benefit of both customers and contractors.
    Dec. 11, 2025
    ID 80221990 © Scyther5 | Dreamstime.com
    smart home control.
    Smart home integration is quickly developing systems that anticipate, optimize and self-correct. Here’s what’s changing hydronic heating for the better.
    Dec. 11, 2025
    HFI logo
    Investment supports HFI’s service upgrades, geographic growth, and acquisition strategy in HVAC and plumbing markets.
    Dec. 11, 2025
    Strauss
    Man in high-end work apparel.
    Elite Trades Championship Series brings high-pressure plumbing challenges to primetime with STRAUSS outfitting competitors.
    Dec. 11, 2025
    PHCC logo
    New coach-led groups give plumbing and HVAC service leaders a trusted space for problem-solving, strategy, and growth.
    Dec. 10, 2025
    ID 130185366 © Ekkasit919 | Dreamstime.com
    engineer uses virtual reality in education and training
    Interplay Learning study finds simulation and VR-driven platforms making technician development faster, more flexible, and more effective.
    Dec. 10, 2025
    Greater Boston PCA
    (Left to right) Greater Boston PCA Executive Director Andrew DeAngelo; Maureen Rogers, Christmas in the City; and Greater Boston PCA President Kenneth Reagan.
    Union plumbing contractors give back to seven organizations aiding the homeless, hungry, and underserved across Greater Boston.
    Dec. 10, 2025
    Jack Rabbit Air, Plumbing and Electric
    Jack Rabbit volunteers at work.
    Contractor volunteers deliver meals and winter gear to more than 80 unhoused residents in downtown Ocala.
    Dec. 10, 2025
    ID 29120247 © Dimasobko | Dreamstime.com
    man pouring beer.
    Epic Cleantec’s new beers show how reclaimed water from showers and laundries can drive both conservation and creativity.
    Dec. 10, 2025
    Bradford White
    Brian Gruber, Kate Baumgardner, Jason Heist and Kelly Kroll.
    Award recognizes manufacturer’s investment in workforce development and manufacturing career pathways across the region.
    Dec. 10, 2025
    NTEA
    An audience member during an educational session at Work Truck Week 2025.
    The four-day event combines a massive trade show with in-depth education on ADAS, alternative fuels, AI, and fleet operations.
    Dec. 9, 2025
    ID 700782 © Valdore | Dreamstime.com
    Construction cranes on the job site.
    Despite indicators, ABC confidence index has contractors upbeat about their hiring intentions over the next six months.
    Dec. 9, 2025
    ID 258269314 © Yuri Arcurs | Dreamstime.com
    Contractor on laptop.
    Here are seven office-side functions where AI is poised to provide meaningful relief and efficiency gains in 2026.
    Dec. 9, 2025
    ID 179539030 © Graphixchon | Dreamstime.com
    disgruntled worker.
    One journeyman walking out the door can cost $5,000+ in recruitment and lost billable hours—more than most contractors spend on engagement all year.
    Dec. 9, 2025
    ID 188706520 © BiancoBlue | Dreamstime.com
    Digital customer service application concept.
    An empathetic experience can still be delivered with the right mix of resources, as long as businesses meet clients wherever and whenever they may be.
    Dec. 9, 2025
    ID 255670084 © Forkosmos | Dreamstime.com
    AI and machine learning.
    Most businesses lack the necessary data structures and processes for AI to work effectively.
    Dec. 8, 2025
    ID 342887747 © Korn Vitthayanukarun | Dreamstime.com
    Construction worker using a VR headset on the job site.
    The trades have always been built on grit, skill, and showing up when it counts. That hasn’t changed. But the tools are changing.
    Dec. 8, 2025
    Watts logo
    Contractor-focused manufacturer recognized again for employee engagement, leadership, and culture.
    Dec. 8, 2025
    IAPMO logo
    Contractors, inspectors, engineers, and manufacturers invited to help shape the next generation of plumbing and mechanical codes.
    Dec. 5, 2025
    Golden Arm Award
    Vanderbilt’s Diego Pavia in action.
    Backed by presenting sponsor A. O. Smith, the award highlights Pavia’s breakout season and leadership within the Commodores program.
    Dec. 5, 2025
    PPFA logo
    Comprehensive life-cycle analysis backs the latest declarations, helping builders meet rising sustainability and documentation requirements.
    Dec. 5, 2025
    Sloan
    Sloan commercial sink system
    This week's gallery features a commercial integrated sink system, a brushless handheld vacuum, a metric service wrench line, a series of centrifugal pumps, a self-leveling pipe...
    Dec. 5, 2025
    A. O. Smith
    Washington and Lee University in Lexington, VA, was established in 1749 as Augusta Academy, making it one of the oldest institutions of higher learning in the US.
    The split design enabled crane-assist installation on a top-floor mechanical room while meeting ambitious energy and emissions goals.
    Dec. 4, 2025
    Community Food Bank of New Jersey logo
    The company reinforces its ongoing commitment to community wellbeing and support for local anti-hunger efforts.
    Dec. 4, 2025
    Foundral logo
    Platform brings together respected mechanical contractors, modern back-end systems and experienced leadership to meet rising infrastructure and data-center demand.
    Dec. 4, 2025
    NIBCO logo.
    The AHR Expo initiative brings tradespeople together for two days of live builds, skill-sharing, and industry networking.
    Dec. 3, 2025
    JLG
    TCAT students.
    Manufacturer builds a people-first talent strategy across PA and TN, growing welders, painters, technicians and operators to strengthen the trades.
    Dec. 3, 2025
    ID 3420530 © Brandon Seidel | Dreamstime.com
    The Texas state capitol in Austin.
    New funding mechanism supports drought resilience, reduces water loss, and prepares Texas utilities for rapid population growth.
    Dec. 3, 2025
    ID 19937647 © Hxdbzxy | Dreamstime.com
    data center
    Increased magmeter production and a new Beverly, MA, engineering hub streamline measurement support for mission-critical hydronic and process systems.
    Dec. 3, 2025
    Duravit
    The state-of-the-art facility is one of the first plants in the world to fire sanitary ceramics with electric kilns powered almost entirely by renewable hydropower.
    The CAD 90 million plant uses 99.6% renewable energy to fire sanitary ceramics, reducing CO₂ emissions and delivering faster, more reliable supply for the North American market...
    Dec. 2, 2025
    ID 405909152 © Oleksandr Rado | Dreamstime.com
    Hydronic radiant floor system
    This article explains the benefits of hydronic heating systems, challenges professionals should consider during the design process, and best practices for integration.
    Dec. 2, 2025
    Sonnhalter
    Matt Sonnhalter (right) with Rosemarie Ascherl receiving the award.
    Award recognizes a multi-channel campaign celebrating NIBCO’s 120th anniversary and the opening of the Rex Martin Interactive Museum.
    Dec. 2, 2025
    Hard Hats for Detroit
    A fully welded metal hard hat created by Detroit artist Josh Welton of Brown Dog Welding.
    Milwaukee Tool, LuxWall, and Carhartt team up with local makers to auction one-of-one hard hats supporting apprenticeships and technical training.
    Dec. 1, 2025
    Dunkirk
    ctr2601_dunkirk
    This week the gallery features a new boiler platform, a classroom sink, a commercial drain pump, a single-stage in-line pump, a deep well pump, and a steam-to-water heat exchange...
    Nov. 28, 2025
    ID 19480849 © Pancaketom | Dreamstime.com
    Turkey carcass.
    Home cooking, bigger gatherings, and stressed, aging systems are driving emergency plumbing calls and search spikes nationwide.
    Nov. 26, 2025
    Quick Pic Tours, Heather Kolasinski Tucker, Courtesy of NKBA
    Clients are prioritizing colors, materials, and storage solutions that better support their daily routines.
    NKBA’s 2026 Trend Report shows technology, wellness, and durable materials steering homeowner decisions in the year ahead.
    Nov. 26, 2025
    GF logo
    Design tech turned field representative built his career on helping contractors succeed—from jobsite support to hands-on training.
    Nov. 26, 2025
    Kohler
    A Kohler storefront.
    Flagship locations continue to deliver product discovery, technical comparisons, and finish guidance for homeowners and design pros.
    Nov. 26, 2025
    ID 21979675 © Arenacreative | Dreamstime.com
    shattered glass.
    Brutal workplace crime against young welder has both associations calling for change in jobsite culture.
    Nov. 26, 2025
    Famous Supply
    The entrance to the new training center.
    With 12 labs, CEU courses and industry partnerships, the Jay Blaushild Training and Education Center expands technical development for HVAC, plumbing and hydronics professionals...
    Nov. 25, 2025