Our community keeps getting stronger—and we’re excited to welcome our newest SWFL PHCC members! Please join us in welcoming AM PM Plumbing Inc., Federated Insurance, Hershman Plumbing Inc., MPA Plumbing Inc., and Next Level Plumbing.

We’re proud to have you as part of the chapter and look forward to growing together.

A mis-hire today can ripple through a contracting business in ways that go far beyond one role—impacting customer service, reducing team productivity, and pulling leadership time away from growth and operations.

With workforce expectations shifting and competition for skilled labor increasing, hiring decisions are carrying more long-term weight than ever. It’s no longer just about filling positions, but about finding the right fit in mindset, accountability, and culture to build a stable, high-performing team. 

That’s exactly why SWFL PHCC will be hosting an upcoming session focused on modern recruiting and retention strategies for contractors. This event will explore how leadership approach, company culture, and evolving workforce expectations are shaping the future of hiring in the trades—and what contractors can do to adapt.

See below for full event details!

4 Unintended Consequences of a Mis-Hire

Water quality took center stage at our latest event, as attendees dug into one of the most talked-about challenges facing the plumbing industry today—PFAS. From filtration strategies to real-world applications, the conversation was packed with insights contractors can take straight into the field.

A big thank you to our featured speaker, Ken Jackson of Ken Jackson Consulting, for breaking down complex topics into clear, actionable takeaways and equipping attendees with knowledge they can put to work immediately.

We also want to extend a sincere thank you to our vendor sponsors—Aqua Wholesale, G&C RO Manufacturing Inc, and Safety Zone Water Systems—for their support, participation, and for showcasing solutions that help move the industry forward.

Thanks to everyone who joined us—we’re excited to keep the momentum going at the next event!

Price increases across plumbing and HVAC materials are continuing into April, with adjustments hitting key areas like plastics, copper, and brass. Instead of broad hikes, these increases are more targeted — but still impactful.

Some of the biggest jumps are being seen in PVC and CPVC pipe, along with ongoing pressure on metal-based products. For contractors, that means material costs are still shifting and can impact job pricing.

Staying on top of material trends and planning ahead will be key to protecting margins as the market continues to adjust. Click here to read more.

AI-generated websites and fake online listings are increasingly being used to mimic legitimate service companies and appear in local search results. These pages often use stolen branding, fabricated reviews, and misleading business information to capture customer calls and web traffic.

For plumbing and HVAC contractors, the risk is real. These tactics can temporarily push down legitimate businesses in search results, confuse customers, and lead to a sudden drop in calls or website traffic.

What contractors can do:

- Report fake websites through Google Safe Browsing

- Keep business listings, license info, and Google Business Profiles up to date

- Encourage real customer reviews to strengthen credibility

- Flag suspicious or fake reviews on Google and Yelp

This is an evolving issue affecting service industries nationwide and highlights the importance of monitoring your online presence closely.

Read more

The PHCC Educational Foundation is expanding its scholarship program with new investment support that will help fund more than 50 additional scholarships for students entering plumbing and HVAC careers. The funding supports apprenticeships, service technician training, and trade-related education programs designed to strengthen the future workforce.

This expansion comes at a time when many students face financial barriers to entering the trades. Even with lower costs compared to traditional college, training programs can still be difficult to afford for individuals starting out or supporting families. These scholarships help reduce that burden so students can focus on building real-world skills and advancing their careers.

With this growth, the Foundation expects to award about 80 scholarships in 2026, totaling up to $200,000 in support. Applications are due May 1, with winners selected over the summer and announced in August. The application and more information can be found here.

The construction industry showed signs of strength in March 2026, adding 26,000 jobs nationwide. Growth was led by nonresidential sectors, including building, specialty trades, and civil engineering. Year-over-year, industry employment is up by 57,000 jobs, signaling steady expansion despite ongoing economic uncertainty.

While the increase is encouraging, challenges remain. Rising fuel costs and higher borrowing rates continue to put pressure on contractors, and long-term outlooks may shift depending on market conditions. Still, the latest data points to continued demand across the industry, particularly in nonresidential work.

Click here to read more.

As plumbing companies grow, many find that technical skill alone isn’t enough to keep operations running smoothly. Communication gaps between office staff, field teams, and management can lead to inefficiencies and frustration—but often come down to differences in how people process information and make decisions.

What this means for contractors:
Improving communication across teams can reduce conflict, strengthen performance, and create a more consistent day-to-day operation.

Better communication leads to better business. Click here to read more.

Catch up on what’s happening at Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association as the year gets underway. In this quarterly update, Cindy Sheridan shares highlights from the first part of 2026 and what’s ahead for the industry.

Watch the Q1 update below.

As more contractors adopt digital tools, many are realizing that software alone doesn’t improve performance. Without clear communication and proper training, even the best systems can fall short, leading to inconsistent use and missed opportunities.

Successful companies are taking a more balanced approach by pairing technology with strong leadership. When teams understand the purpose behind new tools and receive ongoing support, adoption improves and operations become more efficient.

When leadership and technology align, performance follows.

Click here to read more.