As market uncertainty, rising costs, and labor challenges continue to impact the trades, many plumbing contractors are rethinking what growth should actually look like. Rather than chasing volume, industry insights suggest that sustainable success is increasingly tied to operational efficiency, disciplined budgeting, and strong customer relationships. Structuring teams for productivity, clearly defining roles, and aligning compensation with performance can help reduce inefficiencies while improving overall profitability.

At the same time, contractors are finding that financial visibility and community presence are becoming key competitive advantages. Closely tracking expenses, adjusting budgets in real time, and investing in local relationships can help stabilize business performance even during slower periods. In a market where larger competitors and shifting demand create pressure, companies that focus on consistency, trust, and operational discipline are better positioned to grow without sacrificing stability. Click here to read more.

PHCC—National Vice President Tony Bertolino (pictured to the left of Congressman Derrick Van Orden (R-WI)) and PHCC of North Carolina Executive Director Stephanie Blazek represented PHCC at an event at The White House addressing the growing energy demands of AI data centers. Their presence ensured policymakers heard directly from the plumbing and HVAC industry, as skilled trades help build the infrastructure behind this next generation of technology.

Artificial intelligence tools are becoming increasingly accessible for small businesses, including plumbing and mechanical contractors. Platforms like ChatGPT, Canva, HubSpot, and Zapier are making it easier to automate routine tasks such as customer communication, marketing content creation, scheduling, and workflow management. Many of these tools offer free or low-cost entry tiers, allowing small companies to experiment without major investment.

For contractors, AI can support everyday business functions such as responding to customer inquiries, drafting emails or estimates, generating social media posts, and analyzing basic business data. While these tools are not a replacement for skilled trades or hands-on expertise, they can help small companies improve efficiency and stay competitive as digital technology becomes more common across the construction and service industries. Click here to read more.

The IRS will host a webinar titled “Understanding the One Big Beautiful Bill: Business Tax Provisions” on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Eastern. This session is designed to benefit small business owners and will provide an overview of key business tax provisions enacted under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB). The 120-minute webinar will also include a live Q&A session for participants.

During the webinar, attendees will learn about updates to business information reporting requirements, changes to cost recovery and expensing provisions, and modifications to business interest deduction rules. The session will also review updates affecting partnerships and small businesses, including changes to qualified small business stock exclusions and the qualified business income deduction (QBID), along with revisions to certain business-related credits and deductions such as employer-provided childcare credits, paid family and medical leave credits, dependent care assistance programs, and business meal deduction exceptions.

Small Businesses: Click here to view the webinar listing and register

As construction activity ramps up across Florida, spring often brings a surge of new projects, groundbreakings, and site work. With more excavation taking place, contractors are reminded that safe digging practices play a critical role in preventing damage to underground utilities, protecting workers, and avoiding costly project delays. Proper utility locating and coordination before excavation remain essential steps for maintaining safe and efficient job sites.

Contractors are also encouraged to use this busy season to reinforce their commitment to safety with clients and project partners. Resources from Sunshine 811 help contractors follow Florida’s damage-prevention requirements and promote awareness during National Safe Digging Month. Highlighting safe digging practices on job sites and during project announcements can demonstrate leadership while helping reduce the risk of underground utility damage. Click here to read more.

The IRS will host a webinar titled “Understanding the One Big Beautiful Bill: Business Tax Provisions” on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Eastern. This session is designed to benefit small business owners and will provide an overview of key business tax provisions enacted under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB). The 120-minute webinar will also include a live Q&A session for participants.

During the webinar, attendees will learn about updates to business information reporting requirements, changes to cost recovery and expensing provisions, and modifications to business interest deduction rules. The session will also review updates affecting partnerships and small businesses, including changes to qualified small business stock exclusions and the qualified business income deduction (QBID), along with revisions to certain business-related credits and deductions such as employer-provided childcare credits, paid family and medical leave credits, dependent care assistance programs, and business meal deduction exceptions.

Small Businesses: Click here to view the webinar listing and register

This is to inform you that the Commission will be holding a rule development workshop for the purpose of accepting public input regarding the proposed Supplements to the 8^th Edition (2023) Florida Building Code. 

The workshop will take place via conference call/webinar on March 13, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. or as soon thereafter as the matter is brought before the Commission. The combination of the 8^th Edition (2023) FBC and the proposed Supplements comprises the draft 9^th Edition (2026) update to Florida Building Code (FBC) “the Draft” in conformity with the triennial update process specified in sections 553.73(3)&(6), Florida Statutes. The Supplements consist of all modifications obtaining a 75% majority vote of the Commission, together with amendments and modifications previously adopted by the Commission. 

The Supplements and the 8^th Edition (2023) FBC are available for review via the Commission website, www.floridabuilding.org, at the following link: Click Here

In addition, the list of comments received to date on the draft 9^th Edition (2026) update to the Florida Building Code for consideration by the Commission at the March 13^th workshop and the outcomes of the Commission’s Technical Advisory Committees (TACs) review of said comments are now available for review via the Commission website www.floridabulding.org at the following link: Click Here

The Commission meeting agenda for the March 13^th workshop is available for review from the following link: Click Here

Should you have questions, we can be reached at (850) 487-1824.

Thank you!

Mo Madani, Technical Director

Building Codes and Standards Office

Growth can present both opportunity and risk for mechanical contractors. Expanding into larger projects or new markets can strengthen long-term stability, but if growth outpaces operational capacity, it can quickly strain finances, schedules, and the workforce. In today’s construction environment—marked by labor shortages, tighter margins, and increasing project complexity—contractors must carefully balance ambition with operational discipline to scale successfully.

Industry experts note that responsible growth begins with careful project selection and realistic planning. Contractors should evaluate whether new opportunities align with their operational capacity, workforce availability, and financial resources before pursuing additional work. Strong workforce development, clear communication with employees and partners, and a continued focus on safety and productivity can also help companies expand sustainably while maintaining stability and protecting the long-term health of the business. Click here to read more.