The Plumbing and Mechanical Podcasts

On this 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 contractors need to start preparing now.

In this episode of And So It Flows, Kristen sits down with Roland Ligtenberg, co-founder of Housecall Pro, to explore how technology, AI and shifting workforce dynamics are reshaping the skilled trades. Roland shares insights on the growing appeal of trade careers —especially among Gen Z! — as economic uncertainty and automation reshape traditional white-collar paths.

Upselling is often seen as a bad word in this business, and even the antithesis of why many people joined the trades. Editor Kristen Bayles spoke with Blake Turner, master trainer at Nexstar, to discuss the misconceptions surrounding "upselling," and how through a few simple steps — focusing on communication, presenting options, and helping customers make informed decisions — contractors can impro...

As spring approaches, plumbing contractors across the country are preparing for one of their busiest seasons of the year. In this episode of And So It Flows, Kristen Bayles spoke with Jane Blanchard, head of brand and marketing at Service Forge, about a challenge many contractors underestimate: the true cost of missed calls.

LG Director of Heating Sales Renae’ Turnbaugh outlines how high-efficiency water heating solutions provide an effective means to upgrade today’s homes. She clarifies misconceptions about high-efficiency water heating and explores benefits beyond water savings including smart home integration, aesthetics and user-friendly technology. Sponsored by:

In this episode of And So It Flows, Jennifer Harrison, vice president of merchandising, and Kaytee Gray, vice president of fulfillment operations at SupplyHouse.com, offer a behind-the-scenes look at how digital merchandising and fulfillment strategies are evolving to meet the needs of today’s contractors. Harrison explains how online merchandising removes friction for pros in the field by putting...

In this episode of And So It Flows, Tim Savage, electrical outside sales representative at Lock Supply Co., shares a ground-level view of how artificial intelligence is actually being used in distribution today. With firsthand experience in the trades — including electrical, HVAC and general contracting — Savage understands the urgency contractors face when materials, answers or substitutions are...

In this episode of And So It Flows, host Natalie Forster sits down with Spencer Pope, manager of technical support and training at Bradford White, to explore how education and workforce development are evolving across the plumbing, HVAC, and mechanical trades. Drawing on nearly 15 years with the manufacturer—and a background as a service contractor—Pope outlines the industry’s most pressing skills...

How can the plumbing and mechanical industries close the skills gap and build a stronger workforce for the future? In this episode, we talk to SVP of Marketing at Oatey, Katherine Lehtinen, about the power of collaboration: from manufacturers and educators to trade nonprofits and influencers.

Newly inducted into the Women in Manufacturing Hall of Fame, Taco's CEO, Cheryl Merchant, tells all in this podcast conversation. From her humble beginnings to working her way up the manufacturing ladder in various industries, her thankful nature and risk-taking business mindset has led the Taco Family of Companies to continued success.

Xylem’s Derrick Oberdorf and Jennifer Freres unpack the trends driving smarter, more sustainable commercial building systems, and the solutions helping design them, including smart pumps powered by Xylem’s hydrovar® X motor. Sponsored by:

Listen as Matt Baranuk, the Portfolio Director at A. O. Smith, discusses the latest trends in commercial water heating and how A. O. Smith is leading the way with upcoming product launches and innovations. Matt is committed to helping the industry, and A. O. Smith deliver hot water to those who need it—whether heating water, driving sustainability, or finding new ways to improve how we all interact...

Plumbing & Mechanical Editorial Director Natalie Forster moderates a discussion on all things radiant with our incredible panel of Radiant All Stars: John Barba, director of sales training at Taco Comfort Solutions; John Siegenthaler, consulting engineer and principal of Appropriate Designs in Holland Patent, New York; Max Rohr, director of marketing and education, Caleffi Hydronic Solutions;...

With demand spiking and over 480,000 skilled trade jobs currently unfilled, plumbing contractors are scrambling to secure qualified talent ahead of peak season. Jessie Barrack, SVP of Business Development at Xplor FieldEdge, speaks about how top contractors are navigating this growing labor crunch—and the smart hiring moves they’re making now to stay ahead.

Stephanie Radel discusses how Uponor AquaPEX® and Uponor ChlorFIT® Schedule 80 Corzan® CPVC (Uponor ChlorFIT) blend flexibility, strength, and chemical resistance to handle high-demand commercial domestic-water applications. Stephanie is the Director of GF’s Hot and Cold Water Category for the Americas, where she leads strategy and product development for plumbing systems that support safe, effici...

IAPMO's Christoph Lohr, PE, vice president of technical services, dives into water safety in heating systems, IAPMO's recent acquisition of ESPRI and what this means for research efforts moving forward, plus changes to be aware of in upcoming code cycles.  

Lisa Lyon, general manager for Webstone, shares her insight on all things leadership and learning new sides of the business as a valve expert who has worked in every facet from marketing and sales, to product management and now general management.

Aware of the industry need for business intelligence training, the PHCC Educational Foundation has partnered with Goalmakers to develop Business Leadership Essentials, a 10-week, peer-based learning program through its online PHCC Academy for current and future managers of plumbing and HVACR businesses. Natalie Forster talks with Dan Quinonez, executive director of the PHCC Educational Foundation...

Sustainability is a hot topic in the plumbing industry today, and water reuse is one of many ways that the plumbing industry is innovating to become more sustainable. From graywater reuse to rainwater harvesting, how are experts in the industry incorporating water reuse into their strategies, and why is it important? Associate Editor Kristen Bayles sat down with Christopher Peterson, National Sale...

As the Sustainability manager for GF Building Flow Solutions Americas, Chrissie Walsh leverages her climate-focused skillset as an Atmospheric Scientist to help further the company’s vision of becoming the global leader in sustainable water systems. Editorial Director Natalie Forster sits down with Chrissie to chat about the importance of transparency, collaboration and systems thinking in order t...

The plumbing industry is at the forefront of water conservation, safety and quality, with virtually all manufacturers working toward a shared goal of increased efficiency and accessibility to clean water. Even so, the U.S. has an alarming water quality problem. One in four Americans’ water is unsafe to drink and 45% of tap water contains PFAS. As end users become more aware of and knowledgeable on...

Plumbing professionals play a vital role in helping homeowners achieve the perfect balance of comfort and efficiency. Grundfos hot water recirculation pumps provide your customers with instant hot water while conserving resources—up to 12,000 gallons of water saved annually per home. Live from the AHR Expo 2025 in Orlando, Fla., Curtis Maderios discusses why plumbers should consider installing hot...

With a focus on energy efficiency, continuous improvement, and innovation, Matthew Baranuk, Portfolio Director, Commercial for A. O. Smith, is committed to helping the industry and A. O. Smith deliver hot water to those that need it. Join Matt Baranuk as he discusses the upcoming DOE regulatory changes, and the measures A. O. Smith has put in place to ensure a smooth transition. Additionally, lear...

Chris Forth, VP of Regulatory Codes and Environmental Affairs at Johnson Controls discusses sustainability trends and decarbonization regulations to keep an eye on.

Plumbing & Mechanical Chief Editor Nicole Krawcke moderates a discussion on all things radiant with our incredible panel of Radiant All Stars: John Barba, director of sales training at Taco Comfort Solutions; John Siegenthaler, consulting engineer and principal of Appropriate Designs in Holland Patent, New York; Max Rohr, director of marketing and education, Caleffi Hydronic Solutions; and Dav...