PM Magazine

For 17 years, Sonnhalter's annual Tool Drive has helped put essential tools directly into the hands of students preparing for careers in the skilled trades. 🔧

The initiative will run through August: supporting career and technical education programs by providing future plumbers, HVAC technicians, electricians and other trades professionals with the equipment they need to begin building their careers!

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Sonnhalter Continues Tradition with 17th Annual Tool Drive Sonnhalter’s Annual Tool Drive will run throughout the month of August.

Moen's Port-A-Suite turns the classic dad retreat into a luxury backyard oasis. This Father’s Day drop arrives June 20, complete with smart technology plus premium comfort. Learn more at the link.

Photo courtesy of Moen.

Moen Introduces the Port-A-Suite in Honor of Father's Day Designed as a fully elevated standalone suite, the experience blends Moen fixtures, dad-coded comforts and curated amenities into the ultimate backyard hideaway for uninterrupted peace and quiet, and mastering the art of doing absolutely nothing.

Authorities in California have arrested a man accused of posing as a contractor, collecting payment from , and failing to perform the work.

Investigators say the suspect allegedly operated under a fake company name and used a stolen license number.

Read the full story: https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107526-plumbing-contractor-arrested-on-fraud-burglary-and-elder-abuse-charges

Photo courtesy of the Riverside Police Department

Plumbing Contractor Arrested on Fraud, Burglary, and Elder Abuse Charges A Riverside, California, contractor fraud investigation has led to the arrest of a man accused of posing as a licensed plumbing contractor, stealing from an elderly resident, and using a stolen contractor license number.

Your best may not be looking for a higher hourly wage. They may be looking for better protection for their family.

In this guest column, Allison De Paoli of Altiqe Consulting examines why benefits like affordable and disability coverage have become critical tools for retaining skilled employees in the and industries.

Learn more at the link.

Photo courtesy of Pexels

The Benefits Package Your Best Technicians Are Quietly Comparing You Against 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.

Thinking about acquiring another company? Before you pursue growth through , consider the impact on profitability, operations, and future business value. Learn about this, why timing matters, and what else to consider from Business Modification Group's Patrick Lange, at the link.
Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Does Buying a Company Make Sense? Thinking about acquiring another plumbing 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....

The next generation of plumbing talent was on full display in Atlanta! 🔧👷

Top students from across the country competed in the National Plumbing Championship at the SkillsUSA Championships, showcasing the technical skills, problem-solving abilities and professionalism needed to succeed in the trades.

As the industry works to address ongoing workforce shortages, events like SkillsUSA play a critical role in developing and celebrating future plumbing professionals.
Image courtesy of PHCC Educational Foundation.
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National Plumbing Competition Draws Top Talent to SkillsUSA Championship in Atlanta The 2026 National Plumbing Competition drew 48 of the country’s top plumbing students currently enrolled in high school, vocational, technical and post-secondary schools.

IAPMO has published the 2027 editions of the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) and Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC), incorporating updates developed through the organization's ANSI-accredited consensus process.

For contractors, engineers, inspectors and code officials, these updates will help shape the future of plumbing and mechanical system design, installation and safety.

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

Should workforce shortages justify lower licensing and training requirements in the skilled trades?

Louisiana's HB953 has sparked a debate over licensure, apprenticeship standards, regulatory oversight and public safety. Supporters say the could help address labor shortages, while opponents argue it risks weakening the training and safeguards that protect consumers and public health.

We spoke with PHCC of Louisiana to discuss what's at stake, not just for Louisiana, but for the future of plumbing workforce development nationwide.

https://brnw.ch/21x3jbZ

Image courtesy of Pexels.

Louisiana HB953 Sparks Debate Over Plumbing Licensing, Training Standards and Public Safety The legislation transfers oversight from the State Plumbing Board of Louisiana and lowers training requirements, prompting debate over the future of plumbing licensure and apprenticeship.

A group of inmates in Indiana is learning and skills before re-entering the .

Through a new program spearheaded by Indiana PHCC and the PHCC Educational Foundation, participants earn valuable training, industry-recognized credentials, and a chance to build a career in the trades.

The goal is simple: create career opportunities, strengthen the trades, and help employers connect with motivated talent.

At the link, read more about this initiative.



Photo courtesy of PHCC National Association.

How a New PHCC Program is Turning Inmates into Tomorrow’s Plumbers and HVAC Techs A new PHCC-backed program inside Hamilton County Jail is equipping inmates with hands-on HVAC and plumbing skills.

What does it take to become Plumbing & Mechanical's 2026 Rep of the Year?

For Synergy Sales NW LLC, the answer isn't just . It's relationships. It's training. It's . And it's a belief that success happens when , , , and reps work together.

That philosophy helped transform a startup agency into one of the industry's most respected organizations.

See why Synergy Sales NW earned this year's top honor.

Photo courtesy of Tija Medina Photography.

Plumbing & Mechanical 2026 Rep of the Year: Synergy Sales NW Co-founders Jay Hollabaugh and Brenda Cashdollar discuss the company’s growth, hands-on training philosophy, technology investments and commitment to building long-term relationships across the plumbing industry.