Reeves Journal articles from April 2005

Reeves Journal archives from April 2005

'Tis The Season ...(pipeline)(trade shows)(Brief Article)(Editorial)
April 1, 2005... Now don't go thinking that this a column recycled from the December issue. "The Season" I'm talking about is the one when everybody's travel schedule starts to spool up and we're all off hither and yon to attend trade shows and seminars. ...

More on the Federal Arbitration Act.(legalcorner)
April 1, 2005... As we have previously written, the Federal Arbitration Act can be used in almost any kind of dispute, if the dispute involves "commerce" and as I previously pointed out, the courts have interpreted "commerce" to be extremely broad. In this...

Managing employee costs: getting to the meat of the matter.(executivebriefcase)(Outback Steakhouse Inc.)(Column)
April 1, 2005... This month I thought it would be interesting to do something new by analyzing something specific about a well-known company. Through this it may be possible to learn from the successes (or failures) of others without having to "reinvent the...

Your growth happens first.(businessstrategies)(Column)
April 1, 2005... I hear it all the time. Plumbing contractors approach me to talk about how their business isn't growing. They tell me how nothing ever seems to change in their company. That is, nothing ever seems to change for the better. They still can't find...

What do you really need to know to run a profitable business? (Part 1 of 3).(service sense)(Column)
April 1, 2005... Everywhere I go I'm asked the same question: "What do I really need to know to run a profitable business?" The answer to that question will be covered in this three part series. I'm sure you all have heard the story about the guy who bought...

Upfitting your vehicle to suit to your needs.(vehicle maintenance)
April 1, 2005... Now that you've purchased the right vehicle; what should you consider when upfitting the vehicle with the necessary equipment to meet your needs? Proper upfitting relies on how closely you've examined your application, such as payload, annual...

What's your message to your clients?(marketingmechanics)
April 1, 2005... What you are selling is probably not what you think you are selling. Debbi Fields built an incredibly large cookie empire. According to Debbi, she was selling smiles. How? By making people happy with great tasting cookies. Sure, your...

Green building with radiant.(gettin'green)
April 1, 2005... American consumers are becoming more knowledgeable and involved in the construction practices in their homes. High on the list of this new involvement is the concern for building healthy, efficient, and beautiful homes. Part of this new...

Plumbers burned in gas explosion.(news connection)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... A gas explosion at a Los Gatos, Calif., auto dealership left two plumbers severely burned earlier this year. Jeff White, 49, and Victor Gomez, 25, were rushed to the Santa Clara Valley Medical Center Jan. 7 where White was in critical...

RPA announces two Radfests.(news connection)(Radiant Panel Association )
April 1, 2005... The Radiant Panel Association will hold two Radfests this year, the first this month and another near Washington, D.C. this October. RadFest West will take place April 26-27, Denver, Colo., featuring speakers, seminars and a trade show. The...

PHCC-GLAA show draws 'decision-makers'.(news connection)(Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors )(Greater Los Angeles Area Southern California Industry )(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... Organizers of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors of Greater Los Angeles Area Southern California Industry Trade Show said pre-registrations for the Feb 26 event were up some 12 percent over the 2004 version of the show. However,...

ASA, PHCC NA spool up for Network '05.(news connection)(American Supply Association)(Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors National Association)
April 1, 2005... The American Supply Association and the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors National Association announced plans to co-produce Network '05, Sept. 7-10 at the Disney Swan and Dolphin Hotel in Orlando. Network '05 will combine both associations'...

Colorado's IPC Plumbing Code effective July 1.(news connection)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... After a Public Hearing held last May, the Examining Board of Plumbers voted to adopt the 2003 edition of the International Plumbing Code (IPC). The Colorado Plumbing Code becomes effective July 1, 2005. Until last year, Colorado had adopted...

Contractors honor TLC Plumbing & Utility.(news briefs)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... The Associated Builders and Contractors New Mexico Chapter recently honored TLC Plumbing & Utility of Albuquerque with its 2004 Member of the Year Award. Steve Reinhart, ABC's 2004 chairman, presented the award to TLC president, Dale Armstrong,...

In-Sink-Erator ups the ante.(news briefs)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... In-Sink-Erator of Racine, Wis., announced Feb. 22 that it will increase its support of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractor's annual "Invest In Your Future" fundraiser by providing a one-third matching gift to each individual contribution....

Lochinvar takes manufacturing award.(news briefs)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... Lochinvar Corp., a manufacturer of water heaters and boilers in Lebanon, Tenn., was awarded the 2005 "Excellence in Manufacturing" Award from the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Nashville Business Journal. The company took top honors...

Comfort Systems acquires KeySpan subsidiary.(news briefs)
April 1, 2005... Houston-based Comfort Systems USA, a national HVAC contractor, acquired Granite State Plumbing & Heating from KeySpan Corp., a New York-based natural gas and electric utility in January for $2.8 million in cash. Located near Manchester, N.H.,...

Gerber hosts education program.(news briefs)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... Gerber Plumbing Fixtures LLC, a 73-year-old manufacturer of china plumbing fixtures and special finish faucets based in Lincolnwood, Ill., recently hosted more than 25 individuals from across North America as part of an intensive, two-day...

New Web presence for LA-CO.(news briefs)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... LA-CO Markal has revealed it has "greatly expanded" it's Web site for 2005, and now it serves as a complete resource for the company's line of products for the plumbing, welding, industrial and agricultural markets, and a resource for industry...

Money earmarked for EPA decreases.(news briefs)
April 1, 2005... Part of the federal budget earmarks $7.6 billion for the EPA, a 5.6 percent decrease. Of that portion, the Orange County, Calif., Water District expected $3.5 million to convert waste water into drinking water, but the Bush budget is cutting...

Ferguson buys Mecko Supply.(news briefs)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... Ferguson Enterprises Inc. has acquired the assets and accounts of Charlotte-based Mecko Supply Co. Inc., a plumbing wholesale distributor. Mecko, which serves the residential and commercial markets, had sales of $7.4 million in 2003. Financial...

Environmental skyscraper.(news briefs)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... When completed in 2008, the 54-story Bank of America tower in NYC is expected to be the most environmentally friendly skyscraper in the world. Collectors on the building's rooftops will pipe rainwater into four storage tanks, where it will be...

City brings water Recovery Plant online.(news connection)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... Southwest Water Company and San Juan Capistrano, Calif., officially dedicated the city's new, $25 million Groundwater Recovery Plant at a ceremony last month. The event marked the completion of a two-year construction project, which Southwest...

PHCC backs AHP legislation.(news connection)(Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors-National Association)(Association Health Plans)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... The Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors-National Association hailed the House of Representatives' Feb. 2 bipartisan introduction of the Small Business Health Fairness Act (H.R. 525), which would allow the creation of Association Health Plans....

2005 AHR 75th Expo sets records.(news connection)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... Organizers of the 75th Annual AHR Expo, held Feb. 7-9 in Orlando, Fla., said the event set a new record for number of exhibiting companies with 1,871 exhibitors taking up 372,955 square feet of exhibit space. The show also drew in more than...

Wash. inspectors check for gas leaks.(news connection)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... Inspectors hired by Puget Sound Energy in Washington will complete a second round of testing on its natural gas lines in the Spiritridge neighborhood of Bellevue, Wash., the site of an explosion in February that resulted in the death of a...

John Garvelink.(awards)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... John Garvelink, co-owner of Commercial Design Engineering in Colorado Springs, Colo., and founding chairman of the North American Technician Excellence program, received the 2004 Ted Rees Leadership Awards from the NATE Board of Trustees during...

Frank Blau.(people)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... Widely known for being the first contractor to use flat rate pricing and his business management training. Frank Blau was presented with the Service Roundtable's "Servant Leader Award" in recognition for a lifetime's service to others in the...

Staco Energy Products Co.(appointed Dave McElvein )(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... Staco Energy Products Co., of Dayton, Ohio, has promoted Dave McElvein to the position of Eastern regional sales manager. In his new role, McElvein is responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with business partners who promote...

Steril-Aire, Inc.(people)
April 1, 2005... Steril-Aire, Inc., of Burbank, Calif., has appointed David C. Kueneman to the position of food industry sales manager. Kueneman joins Steril-Aire with more than 20 years of international management experience in the food processing industry. He...

David George.(joins System Sensor)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... System Sensor, a manufacturer of fire detection and notification devices based in St. Charles, III., announced Mar. 1 the appointment of David George as Leader of Corporate Communications. He is responsible for all communication, events and...

Calendar.(Calendar)
April 1, 2005... Apr. 10-13 PMI 2005 Spring Meeting Westin Savannah Harbor Resort Savannah, Ga. www.pmihome.org (847) 884-9764 Apr. 15-16 PHCC-NA Leadership Conference Key Bridge Marriott Hotel Arlington, Va....

ServiceMagic debuts matching service.(news connection)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... ServiceMagic, Inc., of Golden, Colo., an online marketplace connecting consumers with prescreened and customer-rated contractors and home service professionals, today announced the launch of its new one-to-one matching service in partnership...

Grainger continues SoCal expansion.(news connection)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... Distributor giant Grainger has opened a new full-service branch in the Sorrento Valley area of San Diego and relocated its Ontario branch to Rancho Cucamonga. The new Sorrento Valley branch will bring the company's offerings closer to...

RectorSeal acquires Smoke Guard Corp.(news connection)
April 1, 2005... Specialty chemical products manufacturer RectorSeal acquired Boise, Idaho-based Smoke Guard Corporation late last year. No terms were disclosed. Smoke Guard manufactures a patented, code compliant smoke and draft control assembly that when...

Contractors, suppliers rebuild family home.(news connection)(Ace Plumbing, Rocky's Plumbing and Bradford White )(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... Ace Plumbing, Rocky's Plumbing of the Seattle, Wash., and Bradford White are three of the 96 companies that donated time, resources and supplies to help the Dore family rebuild after their Kingston, Wash., home was destroyed by fire last year....

Sun Capital invests in Crane Plumbing.(news connection)
April 1, 2005... A private investment firm in Boca Raton said one of its affiliates has bought a controlling interest in Crane Plumbing, a manufacturer and distributor of plumbing fixtures and products. Sun Capital Partners said Reed Beidler, the president...

Cruisin' the mean streets: an day in the field with The Drain Surgeon.(Brief Article)(Cover Story)
April 1, 2005... It's cloudy and cool in Van Nuys, Calif., this morning. But, at 8 a.m., there's activity in the industrial park across the street from the airport. Behind the door of The Drain Surgeon, dispatcher Julio Benavidez is busy organizing the day's...

Warming up to PEX pipe radiant heating systems.
April 1, 2005... Radiant systems have been used to deliver heat to buildings since the time of the Roman Empire. One of the more recent modern examples involves Frank Lloyd Wright, who incorporated hydronic radiant heat into his designs in the 1930s. With the...

Residential water heater market matures.
April 1, 2005... The residential water heater market is a mature business in the United States, currently growing at between 1.5 and two percent a year over the past couple of decades, according to one estimate. But even in this mature business climate,...

Plumbing valve trends: valve technology advances provide new opportunities for improved margin.(tech topic)
April 1, 2005... It's safe to say that Average Joe Homeowner never considers the range of plumbing valves that keep his household comfortable, safe and sanitary. And yet more than a dozen valves of all types operate in a typical domestic system. With new...

Basement sump pump.(new products)
April 1, 2005... Little Giant Pump Company has introduced a self-diagnostic submersible sump pump for plumbing contractors. The TSW sump pump incorporates several design features that provide greater assurance against pump or switch failures. First, the TSW...

Hole saw kits.(new products)
April 1, 2005... The M. K. Morse Company has introduced seven new hole saw kits to their Master Cobalt line of hole saws. The new kits offer professional tradesmen, such as plumbers, electricians, locksmiths and industrial users the most popular hole saw...

Keep it tight.(new products)
April 1, 2005... Devcon has introduced a series of Superlock anaerobic machinery adhesives designed to provide reliable locking and sealing of nuts, screws, and other fasteners. They require no primers, exhibit excellent capillary action and gap-filling, cure...

Easy abrasives.(new products)
April 1, 2005... Bosch has expanded its accessory offering with a complete new professional sandpaper line; including belts, discs, detail and sheets color-coded specifically for paint, wood and metal applications. The new line, a first from Bosch Power Tools...

New control panels.(new products)
April 1, 2005... SJE-Rhombus Controls has introduced its new Installer Friendly Series control panels the company said offers an affordable way to install and operate control systems. The IFS control panels provide a reliable means of controlling one or two...

New pumps.(new products)
April 1, 2005... American Plumber has added a new line of Sump, Sewage and Multi-purpose pumps to its filtration and water treatment products. These pumps are designed for the majority of residential and light commercial applications including basin systems,...

Jumper Kits.(new products)
April 1, 2005... Watts Regulator Company has announced the introduction of a new Jumper Kit offering for its Water Pressure Reducing Valves. Watts Jumper Kits are designed to be installed in the rough plumbing stage and are sized to match the correct lay length...

Hydronic Unit Heaters.(new products)
April 1, 2005... Hazloc Heaters has introduced the Hydronic Unit Heater (HUH) series of heat-exchanger unit heaters. The HUH series of heat-exchanger unit heaters are designed for industrial applications in steam, hot water, glycol or other fluid circulating...

Water-saving urinals.(new products)
April 1, 2005... Two new urinals from Falcon Waterfree Technologies expand style and installation options for zero-water consumption urinals. European styling of the urinals offers attractive design options and the smaller size is ideal for installations with...

Key to success ...(new products)
April 1, 2005... Reed Manufacturing Co. has introduced a line of telescoping valve & curb keys designed to fit easily into today's smaller utility trucks, behind pickup seats, or in car trunks. The VKA45 is an adjustable valve key for mains with the curb key at...

New tool line.(new products)
April 1, 2005... Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation announces the introduction of V28(tm) lithium ion battery technology after nine years of research and development. A revolution in the cordless tool category, the 28 volt battery delivers increased power and...

Johni-Ring combos.(new products)
April 1, 2005... Hercules Chemical Company has announced it's Johni-Rings are now available in combo packs. Made from high-grade petroleum wax, Johni-Rings are packaged in an fully enclosed sealed "stick-free" package so they're cleanly handled and easily...

Super-Vee.(new products)
April 1, 2005... General Pipe Cleaners has increased the power and longevity of its Cordless Super-Vee power drain cleaner. The stronger 12-volt variable speed motor has lots of "kick" to easily unclogs sink, shower, toilet, and laundry drain lines ranging up...

T-brackets.(new products)
April 1, 2005... Hubbard Enterprises has rolled out the Holdrite #118-T bracket, a copper bonded heavy-gage steel bracket for supporting .5-inch and .75-inch CTS tube within a 2.5-inch wall. This bracket supports piping on both right and left side of the drain...

Control station.(new products)
April 1, 2005... Leonard Valve Co. has introduced the Megatron, a complete prepackaged control station designed to regulate and maintain water temperature for hot water systems in commercial, institutional and industrial facilities. All Megatron Complete Water...

Measure it ...(new products)
April 1, 2005... Pi Tape has introduced its precision measuring tapes. PiTape precision measurement gages are manufactured in the U.S. in temperature-controlled facilities using state of the art engraving and manufacturing techniques. Standard tapes are...

Truckin'.(new products)
April 1, 2005... Reading Truck Body has announced the launch of a new generation of their Ready Van product line. The introduction of the Ready Van II follows the debut earlier this year of the Lo-Pro Ready Van, a low-profile, "garage-able" enclosed service...

Complete systems.(new products)
April 1, 2005... The Munchpak starter modules manufactured by Precision Hydronic Products provides a complete heating system when paired with the Munchkin, or Peerless Pinnacle condensing Boiler. The Munchpak starter module is complete with boiler stand,...

Control the heat.(new products)
April 1, 2005... Selco Products Company has introduced a new Diode Type (DT) Thermistor Series, a highly reliable thermal sensor suitable for use in a variety of high temperature and household appliance applications. These new DT thermistors offer a wide...

Sloan brochure.(new products)
April 1, 2005... Sloan Valve Company has released a new brochure, "How Green is Your School's Plumbing?" The brochure highlights Sloan's full line of water conservation plumbing systems, including its sensor faucets, flushometers and water free urinals, which...

Butterfly Valves.(new products)
April 1, 2005... Anvil International has introduced its new Gruvlok Series 7700 Butterfly Valves. Designed for use in commercial grooved-end pipe systems and are available in sizes that meet industry requirements for virtually any application. The coated valve...

Ratchet cutter.(new products)
April 1, 2005... Wheeler-Rex has introduced its new Self-Feeding Ratcheting Tube Cutters. Its self-feeding and ratchet action is designed for fast, accurate pipe cutting--especially in confined spaces, the company said. Simply place the cutter onto your pipe...