By Heather Ripley As a local home service business owner, you no doubt value having a lot of positive online reviews. But, outside of some kind words from customers on Google or Yelp, is your local reputation positive? Does it reflect what you consider your company’s brand values? Your reputation influences the public’s perception of Read more
Industry Blogs
By Heather Ripley
As a local home service business owner, you no doubt value having a lot of positive online reviews.
But, outside of some kind words from customers on Google or Yelp, is your local reputation positive? Does it reflect what you consider your company’s brand values?
Your reputation influences the public’s perception of your company, and every business has one. The trick is to ensure that your employees and other company representatives know your company’s core values and what it means to live by them every day.
Perception Versus Reality
When you first started your plumbing company, chances are your business consisted of you, a helper and a truck.
During those early days, it may have been difficult to find the time to chart your vision and create a business plan so that you could scale your growth. But as you grew, you had to take the time to build a game plan that would help you work on your business and not just in it.
At this point in your business development, you began to list and define your company’s core values. Your goal was to embed these values into your company’s standards, norms, processes and behaviors.
Developing a clear mission statement and a consistent brand voice are key to boosting your reputation. Not only does it help your employees understand your vision for the future, it also gives you something to measure your capabilities against.
You may believe that quality service and commitment to community are two of your top five values, for example. But unless you are regularly monitoring your online reviews, surveying your customers and educating your employees on what sets you apart from your competition, your perception of your company’s standing might not be the reality.
Find Out Who You Are
Recent studies have shown that as many as 92% of consumers read online reviews before deciding to do business with a company. If sales are faltering or you’re not meeting customer needs, it might be time to investigate the disconnect between what you think your reputation is and how others see you.
Here are a few steps to take:
- Track your social media. Take a look at what customers are saying on your posts or see if they are saying anything at all. If you have a lot of complaints on Facebook or your marketing department’s posts aren’t aligned with your vision, it may be time to retrain your employees on your key values.
- Read your online reviews. Most home service companies understand how important online reviews are to the growth of a company. You may have instructed your team to ask for positive reviews, but if they aren’t following up to ensure complaints are answered, you’re opening your company up as a target for trolling behavior.
- Get involved in your community. If you volunteer for local events or sit on the board of an area nonprofit organization, you’ll have the opportunity to meet new people and get a first-hand look at how others perceive you.
If what you read, see and hear doesn’t match up with what you expect your reputation to be, you may need to concentrate on some reconstructive training and reputation management.
Build a Winning Reputation
Once you’ve determined where you stand in the community, you may need to either repair any damage in the worst-case scenario or simply build up your reputation in the best scenario.
To do this, you might need to do two things: retrain your employees to better represent your brand values and hire a reputable public relations agency that can help you get your message out to the general public.
Training your employees to embody your company’s values and brand identity should be a part of your onboarding process, but it never hurts to have refresher courses. But when it comes to boosting your positive reputation among the community, a PR professional is the expert at building relationships and telling your story.
Virgin Group founder Richard Branson once said, “Your brand is only as good as your reputation,” and ensuring that your local reputation reflects your brand values is a must in the home services industry. Customers have to trust the skilled trades technicians that come into their homes, so if your reputation is suffering in the community, you will lose business.
Don’t leave this to chance. Stay on top of your reputation management. It’s just a part of doing business in today’s connected world.
Heather Ripley is founder and CEO of Ripley PR, an elite, global public relations agency specializing in the skilled trades, franchising and B2B tech industries. Ripley PR is recognized as the top PR agency for the home service industry. It also has been listed by Entrepreneur Magazine as a Top Franchise PR Agency for six consecutive years and was recently named as one of Newsweek’s America’s Best Public Relations Agencies for 2024. Heather Ripley was recently named as a 2024 PRNews Top Women honoree in the business entrepreneur category. She is also the author of “NEXT LEVEL NOW: PR Secrets to Drive Explosive Growth for your Home Service Business,” which is now available on all audiobook platforms. For additional information, visit www.ripleypr.com.
Home generator technology has evolved significantly over the past few years, and the next decade promises even more exciting advancements. As trades professionals, staying informed about these trends is crucial to offering the best solutions to clients. Here, we explore the upcoming innovations that will shape the future of home generators. These include integrated solar Read more
Home generator technology has evolved significantly over the past few years, and the next decade promises even more exciting advancements. As trades professionals, staying informed about these trends is crucial to offering the best solutions to clients. Here, we explore the upcoming innovations that will shape the future of home generators. These include integrated solar power and battery storage, increased efficiency with cleaner fuel options, and the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in optimizing performance and maintenance.
Integrated Solar Power and Battery Storage
One of the most significant trends expected in the whole house generator market is the integration of solar power and battery storage systems. As the world shifts towards renewable energy sources, the demand for sustainable and efficient power solutions is increasing. Future home generators are likely to incorporate solar panels and advanced battery storage technologies. Homeowners will be able to harness and store solar energy for use during power outages.
Benefits of Solar Integration
- Reduced Reliance on Fossil Fuels: Integrating solar power can significantly reduce the need for traditional fuel sources, making generators more eco-friendly.
- Cost Savings: Solar energy can lower operational costs over time, providing homeowners with a more economical power solution.
- Energy Independence: Homeowners can become less dependent on the grid, ensuring a reliable power supply during outages.
Increased Efficiency and Cleaner Fuel Options
Another critical advancement in home generator technology will be the focus on increased efficiency and the use of cleaner fuel options. Traditional generators often rely on diesel or gasoline, which can be expensive and harmful to the environment. However, the next decade is expected to bring generators that are more efficient and capable of running on alternative fuels.
Emerging Fuel Options
- Natural Gas: Generators powered by natural gas are becoming more popular due to their lower emissions and cost-effectiveness.
- Propane: Propane is another clean-burning alternative that offers long shelf life and reduced environmental impact.
- Biogas: Produced from organic waste, biogas is a renewable fuel source that can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The Role of Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence is set to revolutionize home generator technology by enhancing performance, efficiency, and maintenance. AI algorithms can analyze data from various sources to predict potential issues and optimize generator operations. This technology can provide real-time insights and automate maintenance schedules, reducing the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns.
AI Applications in Generators
- Predictive Maintenance: AI can monitor generator performance and predict when maintenance is needed, preventing costly repairs and downtime.
- Energy Management: AI systems can optimize the use of stored energy, ensuring that power is available when needed most.
- Remote Monitoring: Homeowners can monitor and control their generators remotely through AI-powered apps, enhancing convenience and peace of mind.
Smart Home Integration
The future of home generators will also see greater integration with smart home systems. This means generators will be able to communicate with other smart devices in the home, providing seamless and automated power management. For instance, a smart generator could automatically start when it detects a power outage and send alerts to the homeowner’s smartphone.
Advantages of Smart Integration
- Enhanced Control: Homeowners can have greater control over their power systems through smart home interfaces.
- Improved Efficiency: Smart systems can optimize power usage, reducing waste and improving overall efficiency.
- Convenience: Automated operations and real-time notifications make managing power supply easier and more convenient.
The next decade promises significant advancements in home generator technology, driven by the integration of renewable energy sources, cleaner fuel options, and artificial intelligence. For trades professionals, understanding these trends is essential to staying ahead in the industry and providing clients with the most advanced and efficient power solutions. By embracing these innovations, tradesmen and women can help homeowners achieve greater energy independence, cost savings, and environmental sustainability.
As the technology evolves, staying informed and adaptable will be key to leveraging the full potential of these advancements in home generators.
Joel Scott Bennett is Director at Canter Power of Mark Systems, a leading residential generator installer. Bennett is trained as an industrial designer, empathetic and personable, he leads the creation of business opportunities through the fast-changing energy sector.
By Jonathan Simon The 2024 plumbing and mechanical codes contain a subtle but significant change all plumbers should know. For the first time, green-colored solvent cement has been approved into the model codes for use with copper-tube size CPVC. Here’s how that change came about and what it means to plumbing contractors. The Need for Read more
By Jonathan Simon
The 2024 plumbing and mechanical codes contain a subtle but significant change all plumbers should know. For the first time, green-colored solvent cement has been approved into the model codes for use with copper-tube size CPVC. Here’s how that change came about and what it means to plumbing contractors.
The Need for Change
Plumbers who work with CPVC appreciate its ease of installation, reliability, and the straight, professional appearance that showcases the plumber’s craftsmanship. But in recent years, plumbers have become increasingly concerned with the risk of dry-fit failures that occur when a joint is not properly solvent welded. The team behind FlowGuard Gold CPVC received feedback from plumbers that the lack of contrast between the yellow cement and the tan pipe could make it difficult to see the solvent cement when visually inspecting installations.
That’s important because CPVC pipes and fittings have an interference fit in which the fitting socket is tapered, so the outer diameter of the pipe is slightly larger than the inside diameter at the bottom of the fitting. When solvent cement is applied and the pipe is bottomed out in the fitting, the two components are fused into a single piece of CPVC and create a joint that is extremely strong and reliable.
But with a tight interference fit, a dry joint can still be strong enough to withstand a pressure test without being solvent welded. Because of this extreme joint strength, even an unwelded CPVC joint can hold for a long time under everyday operating conditions, but eventually natural movement and stress on the system will cause an unwelded joint to fail. These dry-fit installation errors are extremely rare but can be very frustrating.
Eliminating Dry Fit Errors
There are two steps plumbers can take to eliminate dry-fit errors. One is to weld each joint as it is assembled. This helps ensure every joint is solvent welded and has the added benefit of enabling faster, more efficient installation than pre-assembling the entire system and then coming back through with solvent cement.
The other is to visually inspect the system after installation to ensure solvent cement is visible around each joint. Visual inspection is a critical step in any piping installation process, so when contractors told us that visual inspection was more challenging than it could be due to the color of the cement, we began exploring solutions.
Because the plumbing and mechanical codes required that one-step solvent cement be yellow in color, FlowGuard Gold first worked with our solvent cement partners to develop a cement that includes a UV indicator. This allows the contractor or installer to verify solvent welded joints using a UV flashlight. This solution proved effective, but we recognized there was an opportunity to make the process even easier for plumbers.
Changing the Plumbing Code
In 2020, we asked our solvent cement partners to support the manufacture of a new color solvent cement that would provide high contrast when used with FlowGuard Gold pipe and fittings and they agreed. By listening to the voice of plumbing and mechanical contractors across the country, we identified the color green as the ideal solution for a high contrast CPVC solvent cement.
The next step was to get code approval for the green-colored cement. We developed and presented a proposal to the leading code organizations requesting that the green-colored cement be approved as an alternative to yellow for copper-tube size CPVC. Because the color change did not impact the installation process or the performance of the cement, the proposal met no resistance in technical committees or in the public comment stage of the process.
The proposals were approved in 2023 and high-contrast green solvent cement is now included in the 2024 International Plumbing Code, section 605.14.2; the International Mechanical Code, section 1203.3.4; the Uniform Plumbing Code, section 605.2.2; and the Uniform Mechanical Code, section 1211.3.2.
A Welcome Addition
Because our solvent cement partners were involved in the process from the beginning, they were prepared to bring green-colored, one-step solvent cement to market as soon as the proposed changes were underway. Simultaneously, the team communicated with state, county and local code officials across the U.S. informing them of the pending change and the reason behind it so they could feel confident approving installations using the high-contrast cement in the period between when the changes were approved and published.
These steps allowed contractors, with approval from the appropriate official, to begin using the green-colored cement as early as 2021. Feedback from early adopters was uniformly positive. A number of contractors transitioned to high-contrast green solvent cement for all their projects before the new codes were even published and use of the green-colored solvent cement continues to build momentum in the market.
Even though green-colored cement is now included in the published 2024 codes, it is recommended that contractors verify local codes and approvals prior to installation and always follow the manufacturer approved instructions.
A Small Addition with Big Benefits
Plumbing contractors working with CPVC now have three choices in manufacturer-authorized and code-approved FlowGuard solvent cement: traditional yellow, yellow with UV indicators, and high-contrast green. While the addition of green-colored cement represents a small addition to the FlowGuard Gold CPVC product family, it is a significant advancement giving contractors working with CPVC greater peace of mind and improved jobsite quality control. For more information on FlowGuard Gold CPVC, visit FlowGuardGold.com.
Jonathan Simon is the North American residential plumbing manager for Lubrizol Advanced Materials Inc., the parent company for FlowGuard Gold Pipe and Fittings.
By Heather Ripley Do you remember the first time you received an award? Whether it was in school, after an athletic competition or through an after-school or volunteer program, you were probably elated. Getting recognized for a job well done spurs a sense of pride in most people. But as we grow into adulthood, awards Read more
By Heather Ripley
Do you remember the first time you received an award?
Whether it was in school, after an athletic competition or through an after-school or volunteer program, you were probably elated. Getting recognized for a job well done spurs a sense of pride in most people.
But as we grow into adulthood, awards are more likely to come as a result of our work performance. And, as the owner of your own plumbing or HVAC company, getting your community’s “Best of” award or winning recognition for your company’s growth rate from a national magazine is something you should celebrate with your employees and customers.
Receiving an award is not just an excuse to hold a party, though. You should also consider the public relations value that receiving that award can garner. That’s why you shouldn’t neglect sharing your award with your local media and with the trade publications that cover your industry.
Vying for Awards
Vying for AwardsThe first thing you need to do to win an award is compete for it. Many home service contractors don’t realize that they’re not simply nominated for these awards organically but rather they need to actively pursue these opportunities.
While it can be true that a pleased customer might nominate you for the local “Best of” awards, it takes some planning to net some of the bigger awards, like the Inc. 5000 or Entrepreneur of the Year.
Vying for awards should be an integral part of your marketing budget. While it may take you some time to gather financial information or work with your public relations partner to wordsmith essay questions, the PR value in winning these awards can be used in a variety of ways.
According to Best Business Awards, smaller companies that win awards can see a 63% increase in their income and a 39% growth in their sales. The truth is that consumers like doing business with award-winning companies because they view them as more reputable.
Write a Press Release
Earning a top spot as your community’s best HVAC company or winning the best customer service award as a local plumbing company is something your entire area should know about.
If your local newspaper or radio station is the entity sponsoring the award, chances are they will prepare a news article or report on your awards, but that shouldn’t stop you from issuing a press release. Winning a local award can translate into regional coverage.
By sending out a well-crafted press release to newspapers and news stations in your regional area, you can drum up attention locally, which helps you draw new customers.
But don’t forget to include the media that covers your trade.
If you net a spot on Inc. magazine’s fastest-growing companies or your young general manager becomes a Top 40 Under 40 winner, make sure the trade magazines in your industry also get a press release about your accomplishments.
Trade publications aren’t usually read by your customers, but they are still considered valuable to others in your industry. By building your critical managers up as thought leaders and by showcasing your company as a growing force, you will gain the respect and admiration of your peers.
Having your company featured and your critical managers quoted in trade publications is also a boon for your recruiting efforts. The best skilled tradesmen and women want to work for organizations that show themselves to be thought leaders.
This may not net you more customers, but if selling your business to a larger organization becomes part of your growth strategy or you are planning your exit strategy, having a good name in the industry matters.
Building Relationships
Finally, sharing your award-winning news with journalists in your local media or with trade publications helps you build relationships with these reporters and their publications.
If you have a solid reputation with your local news, you’ll be the first expert they call when there is a news story relating to your industry. If a cold snap hits your area, your plumbing company will be the one tapped to provide tips to avoid frozen pipes. If a heat wave is on the agenda, local reporters will think of your HVAC professionals if they need pointers on how to stay cool.
Being your local expert helps you build credibility with potential customers and keeps your company top-of-mind when a homeowner needs professional work done.
Having good relationships with the trades that cover your industry may also mean you’ll be asked to author opinion pieces on news within your market. These reporters will also know they can call on you if they need a quote about industry trends, or they may even want to do a feature on your milestones.
So, if your team wins an award as the best plumber in town or your HVAC company lands a great spot on the Inc. 500, don’t forget to celebrate the news by sharing it with the media. Doing so helps you build relationships with reporters and within your industry.
Heather Ripley is founder and CEO of Ripley PR, an elite, global public relations agency specializing in the skilled trades, franchising and B2B tech industries. Ripley PR is recognized as the top PR agency for the home service industry. It also has been listed by Entrepreneur Magazine as a Top Franchise PR Agency for six consecutive years and was recently named as one of Newsweek’s Top PR Agencies 2024. Heather Ripley was recently named as a 2024 PRNews Top Women honoree in the business entrepreneur category. She is also the author of “NEXT LEVEL NOW: PR Secrets to Drive Explosive Growth for your Home Service Business,” which is now available on all audiobook platforms. For additional information, visit www.ripleypr.com.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is quickly becoming an essential partner for tradespeople, providing innovative solutions that make traditional methods faster, smarter and more reliable. As this advanced technology continues to evolve, its integration into various professions provides a competitive advantage, enhancing the quality of services delivered as well as boosting customer satisfaction. Below, we’ll explore seven Read more
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is quickly becoming an essential partner for tradespeople, providing innovative solutions that make traditional methods faster, smarter and more reliable. As this advanced technology continues to evolve, its integration into various professions provides a competitive advantage, enhancing the quality of services delivered as well as boosting customer satisfaction.
Below, we’ll explore seven different ways tradespeople across industries are harnessing the power of AI to improve precision, efficiency and beyond.
Enhanced Diagnostic Tools
For starters, AI can significantly boost the effectiveness of diagnostic tools in the trades. These tools analyze data from past projects to identify patterns and anomalies that might predict future problems. This foresight allows tradespeople to tackle issues before they worsen, reducing both downtime and expensive repairs. Plus, AI can integrate with mobile devices, providing tradespeople with immediate diagnostic feedback and recommendations right at the worksite.
Precision in Project Planning
AI algorithms can also play a critical role in refining project planning. These systems handle vast amounts of data to streamline project schedules and allocate resources like manpower and materials efficiently. This results in well-organized project timelines that reduce idle times and bottlenecks, helping projects stay on track to finish on time and within budget. What’s more, AI tools are capable of adjusting to unforeseen changes or delays, dynamically updating plans to keep projects moving forward.
Automated Administrative Tasks
One of the most common ways to utilize AI is to simplify administrative duties by automating tasks such as scheduling, inventory management and compliance documentation. Such automation frees up tradespeople to concentrate on the technical aspects of their jobs, enhancing overall operational efficiency and reducing the likelihood of human errors in administrative processes. This shift also allows businesses to better optimize their staffing and resources, focusing more on strategic decision-making and customer service improvements, which are essential for staying competitive in today’s market.
Real-Time On-Site Assistance
Another use is combining Augmented Reality (AR) with AI to transform the approach to complex installations and repairs. An AR headset provides detailed, step-by-step visual instructions overlaid directly onto the work area, indicating exactly where to place components or how to configure systems. This technology is especially beneficial for intricate tasks as it enables even novice technicians to accurately complete complex installations by following real-time guidance.
Safety Monitoring
In the realm of construction, AI can enhance job site safety by using sensors and cameras to continuously monitor for potential hazards, such as structural weaknesses or dangerous gas leaks. These systems instantly alert workers and supervisors to emerging dangers. By providing real-time data and alerts, AI-driven safety measures help prevent accidents and maintain strict adherence to health and safety regulations, thus safeguarding the workplace.
Optimized Supply Chain Management
AI can be very effective on a broader scale as well. For instance, AI excels at predicting project requirements and monitoring inventory levels. This can be a real game changer in supply chain management by minimizing project delays and controlling costs. AI can proactively order supplies before shortages arise, making sure materials are always available when needed and helping to reduce excessive storage costs and waste.
Advanced Training and Support
Last, but not least, AI-powered training platforms are helping revolutionize the training process for tradespeople. Through realistic, virtual simulations, tradespeople can practice their skills in a risk-free environment. This is particularly advantageous for complex procedures, such as an AC installation, where understanding every detail is crucial. Trainees can experiment with different installation techniques, delve into system intricacies and receive instant feedback from AI systems, all of which helps accelerate their learning and enrich their expertise.
The Future of Trades in the AI Era
The integration of AI into the trades marks a significant shift toward more knowledgeable, efficient and safer practices. Going forward, tradespeople who adopt AI tools are going to be better equipped to meet the changing demands of their industry and deliver superior service to their clients. This journey into an AI-enhanced future promises not only greater productivity and safety but also sets a new standard of excellence in the professional trades.
Tom Mascari is President of Mendel Plumbing and Heating. Providing Geneva, Illinois plumbing and HVAC services since 1985, Mendel Plumbing and Heating has a reputation for expert customer service and technical performance. The company also specializes in residential air duct sealing, remodeling and maintenance services to the Fox Valley area.