Reeves Journal articles from April 2008

Reeves Journal archives from April 2008

Sometimes hype helps.(pipeline)
April 1, 2008... There is certainly a lot of confusion swirling about the topic of environmentalism and the "greening" of various products, services and activities these days. The construction industry in general, and the plumbing industry in particular, are no...

It's the law in 2008: an overview of the new laws affecting California business.(legalcorner)
April 1, 2008... [AUTHOR'S NOTE: The following are "shorthand" explanations of new laws affecting contractors--it is not comprehensive. The list was prepared as being representative of other laws. You should seek the aid of a construction attorney before...

Zig when they zag: don't let a slowing economy stunt your marketing program.(marketingmechanics)
April 1, 2008... Predictions of doom and gloom often create doom and gloom. Many business owners complain, "pull up the covers," be miserable, and do nothing until the predictions of good times create the good economic times. Other business owners ignore...

Do it right: install products in their tested and approved configuration.(codeshack)
April 1, 2008... The installation of plumbing products seems straightforward to trained industry professionals. Combination temperature and pressure relief valves are installed with the vent directed down with piping to prevent injury from potential flashing...

Caroma aims to make two L.A. schools 'Green'.(news connection)
April 1, 2008... A pair of southern Los Angeles charter high schools set to open for students in September, 2008 stand to benefit from the environmental efforts of a partnership between Caroma USA and Global Green's "Green Schools" initiative. Caroma USA...

ARS acquires Las Vegas, Phoenix contractors.(news connection)
April 1, 2008... American Residential Services LLC, which operates franchised plumbing and HVAC services through the ARS and Rescue Rooter brands, Feb. 12 said it had purchased the assets of several air conditioning and plumbing businesses operating in Las...

DeWalt, Ford Motor Co. team to offer tool tracking.(news connection)
April 1, 2008... DeWalt, a manufacturer of industrial power tools, in early February announced its collaboration with Ford Motor Company and ThingMagic to launch Tool Link, a radio-frequency identification asset tracking system that enables professional...

InSinkErator, NAHB award scholarships.(news connection)
April 1, 2008... InSinkErator, a manufacturer of food waste disposers and hot water dispensers, and the National Association Home Builders Women's Council teamed up Feb. 13 to honor outstanding members with scholarships and awards as part of the 52nd annual...

Taco FloPro program launches audio podcast.(news connection)
April 1, 2008... FloPro, Taco's contractor training and support program, has launched a series of biweekly audio roundtable podcast discussion programs on the Internet aimed at hydronic contractors. Hosted by Taco's residential trainer manager John Barba,...

Toto opens Mexican manufacturing facility.(news connection)
April 1, 2008... Toto USA, a supplier of bathroom fixtures, fittings, and accessories, said it has opened its new manufacturing facility, Toto Sanitarios de Mexico S.A. de C.V. in Cienega de Flores, in Nuevo Leon, Mexico. Operating as part of Toto USA...

Mr. Rooter execs honored by International franchise group.(news connection)
April 1, 2008... The Institute of Certified Franchise Executives took advantage of its annual convention Feb. 10-13 in Orlando to recognize Mr. Rooter executives Jeff Moody and Larry Ross as Certified Franchise Executives. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Moody,...

Viega jumps aboard custom bike trend.(news connection)
April 1, 2008... The crew of Orange County Choppers, the guys who each week build a new custom motorcycle under deadline pressure while comically bickering and sniping amongst themselves for the TLC network reality program, "American Chopper," paid a visit Feb....

A.O. Smith plant sets safety record.(news connection)
April 1, 2008... A.O. Smith Water Products Company's McBee, S.C. plant has racked up two million hours without a lost-time accident. Herbert L. Pirkey, corporate director for safety, health, and environment, recently presented 380 McBee employees with a...

PPFA brings potable water to Hondurans.(news connection)
April 1, 2008... The Plastic Pipe and Fittings Association has taken a lead role in a humanitarian project in Colinas de Suiza, Villanueva, Honduras. In conjunction with the Colorado School of Mines and the Food for Poor Foundation, PPFA, along with IPS...

UA endorses training path.(news connection)
April 1, 2008... The industry-supported training program for education and certification of HVACR installers and technicians was endorsed by the main HVACR labor union in an agreement signed by industry and union representatives in New York City, in late...

ASA introduces showroom course.(newsbriefs)
April 1, 2008... The American Supply Association has announced the availability of "Essentials of Profitable Showroom Sales," the newest addition to its series of "Essentials" training courses. Emphasizing the importance of treating showrooms as an upscale...

Applications being accepted.(newsbriefs)
April 1, 2008... The PHCC Educational Foundation Scholarship Programs are now accepting applications for $100,000 in funds for school. Foundation scholarships range between $2,500 and $12,000 and are awarded to students enrolled in an approved plumbing or HVACR...

PSI Summit comes to L.A.(newsbriefs)
April 1, 2008... Nearly 400 contractors gathered in Los Angeles in mid-February for the latest Plumbers' Success International Summit, which produced several business-enhancing products and strategies for those in attendance to use. The event also contained a...

DVD highlights Chicago Faucets' history.(newsbriefs)
April 1, 2008... Chicago Faucets of Des Plaines, III., has announced the availability of a new DVD that provides in-depth information on the company's manufacturing process and features an overview on the company's history. The "Manufacturing" segment of the...

Three industry players in merger.(newsbriefs)
April 1, 2008... American Standard America, Crane Plumbing LLC and Eljer, Inc. announced Feb. 14 plans to merge companies. The new organization will have operations in the United States, Mexico and Canada, and its headquarters will be in Piscataway, N.J. Once...

NIBCO redesigns Web site.(newsbriefs)(Website overview)
April 1, 2008... NIBCO, Inc., has rolled out a redesigned Web site at www.nibco.com. The company said the new design offers visitors better access to new product information, career opportunities, and a "What's New" area that will highlight pertinent corporate...

SJE hosts sales reps.(newsbriefs)
April 1, 2008... SJE-Rhombus, a provider of water and wastewater controls, recently hosted more than 50 factory representatives from independent sales rep agencies throughout the U.S. and Canada at national sales meetings held in Las Vegas, Atlanta and Detroit....

Watts awards 'Golden Regulator'.(newsbriefs)
April 1, 2008... Watts Regulator Co. Feb. 11 announced the recipient of its 2007 "Golden Regulator" Representative of the Year Award, Disney-McLane and Associates of Cincinnati. The award was presented by Dave Johnson, Sr. Vice President of Sales at Watts' 2008...

EWS announces Giveaway winners.(newsbriefs)
April 1, 2008... Environmental Water Systems recently announced the top three winners of its 20th Anniversary $20,000 Giveaway. The lucky winners with the most whole-home filtration units sold, were: * 1st Place -- $5,000 Brian Dulin, Interior Trendz,...

RSES celebrates 75th anniversary.(newsbriefs)
April 1, 2008... The Refrigeration Service Engineers Society of Des Plaines, III., is celebrating its 75th anniversary during 2008. In celebration, the group has plans for a host if member incentives, including airline tickets, special reduced dues rates, cash...

Calendar.(Calendar)
April 1, 2008... Apr. 9-13 PHCC of California 118th Annual Convention The Silverado Resort Napa Valley, Calif. (916) 925-7390 www.caphcc.org Apr. 10-13 NKBA K/BIS 2008 McCormick Place Chicago (800)...

Caroma.(people)
April 1, 2008... Caroma, a supplier of dual flush toilets and bathroom sinks, Feb. 4 announced the appointment of Rose Swanson as its new business development manager for the Southeastern U.S. Swanson's responsibilities will include developing sales and...

Julien Home Refinements Division.(people)
April 1, 2008... San Francisco-based Julie Lemieux was recently named the new regional sales manager for the Julien Home Refinements Division. Initially, Lemieux will be carrying out responsibilities for the company's three divisions and her role will be...

Peerless Pump Co.(people)
April 1, 2008... Peerless Pump Co. has promoted Mike Cates to serve as vice president of operations. Mike is being promoted from his current role as the leader of Peerless' Business Excellence and Procurement organizations. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Plumbing Manufacturers Institute.(people)
April 1, 2008... There has been a pair of appointments at the Plumbing Manufacturers Institute. First, John Hasemann has joined the association as operations director, assisting with PMI's day-to-day operations, public relations efforts and meeting planning....

Rheem Manufacturing Co.(people)
April 1, 2008... Rheem Manufacturing Co., Feb. 26 announced the appointment of industry veteran Peter Reynolds to vice president and general manager of the Water Heating Division. In his new assignment, Reynolds will lead the division through the implementation...

Sloan Valve Co.(people)
April 1, 2008... Sloan Valve Co., said Bill Madison has been promoted from northeast regional sales manager to national sales manager. In his new position, Madison will manage and direct the regional sales managers and the national repair parts manager....

Amy Berg-Ferguson Mar. 3 joined the Plumbing Manufacturers Institute as association manager.(people)
April 1, 2008... Amy Berg-Ferguson Mar. 3 joined the Plumbing Manufacturers Institute as association manager. Berg-Ferguson joins PMI following a temporary administrative assignment at Elkay Manufacturing Company. She will be responsible for hands-on day-to-day...

Amazing fact.(newsconnection)
April 1, 2008... The Plastic Pipe and Fittings Association says plastic pipe fittings can be stored outside--but only if they're properly covered and not exposed to sunlight or extreme weather conditions.

Water heaters get "green": the industry responds to rising energy costs.
April 1, 2008... The water heater is probably one of the simplest appliances in a house. It sits there in the garage or closet day after day just heating the water in its tank, monitoring the temperature and re-heating it once it drops below a certain point....

Logical extension: valves are joining fittings in push-fit applications.
April 1, 2008... Much like the ever-updating Web browser and operating system your computer uses, innovations in plumbing are expanding into areas as fast as they are evolving. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] It's no longer enough to offer the latest...

Radiant for the common man: Alaska is a thriving market for smart radiant hydronics.
April 1, 2008... There are a lot of folks in Alaska who can thank Kurt Wilken for the warmth and comfort they enjoy each winter. Life gets tough in the Anchorage area when temperatures drop way below zero for weeks at a time and it seems that even the sun is...

The ABCs of CSST: everything you need to know about this flexible material.(techtopic)(Interview)
April 1, 2008... The benefits of corrugated stainless steel gas tubing can depend on your geography. The flexible piping is used to transmit fuel gas in residential, industrial and commercial buildings. A hot property for decades in Japan because of its...

Efficient boilers.(newproducts)
April 1, 2008... Bryan Steam has introduced HE-RV Series of forced draft gas fired, "Flexible Water Tube" boilers. The HE-RV Series offers a guaranteed efficiency of 85 percent, with the high combustion efficiency resulting from an integrated surface heat...

Spouting off.(newproducts)
April 1, 2008... Danze has added more style options to its popular Fairmont Collection of bath and powder room fixtures. The collection now includes a single-handled center-set faucet, a single-handled vessel filler faucet and two wall mount faucets. All...

Variable speed.(newproducts)
April 1, 2008... The New Electric Eel Model CT features a variable speed motor control that allows for maximum cable control and exceptional cleaning power from 75 to 350 RPM with constant torque. Professionally engineered to clean drain lines between...

Self-feeding bits.(newproducts)
April 1, 2008... The wood-cutting line of power tool accessories at The M. K. Morse Company has expanded with the addition of self-feeding wood bits. With a hardened, sharpen-able cutting edge on a single-chip lift design, the self-feed wood bits offer fast...

Tool Link.(newproducts)
April 1, 2008... DeWalt and the Ford Motor Co. have teamed up to launch Tool Link, a radio-frequency identification asset tracking system that enables contractors to track tools and equipment stored in the pickup box or van. Available on the 2009 F-150 and...

Support system.(newproducts)
April 1, 2008... The Caddy Pyramid Pipe and Equipment Supports from Erico support pipes, conduit and equipment on roofs and below raised floors. Aimed at reducing installation time, the Caddy Pyramid models 50, 150, 300 and 600 consist of a foam block to absorb...

Well-laid plans.(newproducts)
April 1, 2008... A new On-Screen digitizer from FastEST, Inc., allows users to import plans of many different digital formats directly into FastPIPE and Fast-DUCT software programs. By having the digital plan interface with functions on the takeoff screen,...

Ram it!(newproducts)
April 1, 2008... General Pipe Cleaners has introduced some improvements to its Kinetic Water Ram, a device that generates a shock wave created by firing an environmentally safe compressed air charge into a clogged sink, tub, or floor drain to clear clogs. The...

Heating handbook.(newproducts)
April 1, 2008... Grundfos Pumps' new Hydronic Heating and Hot Water Recirc Systems Handbook from offers insight into the proper application and installation of a broad range of hydronic and domestic hot water recirculation system components. The illustrated...

Firmly filled.(newproducts)
April 1, 2008... Hacker Industries' new Firm-Fill CSD gypsum concrete floor underlayment is formulated for use in buildings with light-gauge steel framing and a corrugated steel deck. Firm-Fill technology can provide a significant scheduling advantage, the...

Flexy showers.(newproducts)
April 1, 2008... Hansgrohe has developed two shower systems that can be used to turn any bathroom into a wellness oasis. The Hansgrohe Showerpipe offers supreme flexibility and features a Raindance AIR showerhead and hand shower as well as three integrated body...

Commercial Mod-Con.(newproducts)
April 1, 2008... The new, 94 percent-efficient ModCon Commercial Condensing Boiler from Heat Transfer Products features an Inconel load-matching gas burner with a five-to-one turndown ratio to meet the variable needs for space heating and domestic hot water in...

Eco-friendly.(newproducts)
April 1, 2008... Rheem Water Heating has unveiled an 18-model lineup of ultra low NOx residential gas water heaters featuring a newly developed, patented stainless steel radiant burner the company said offers a 75 percent reduction from previous low NOx models....

Instant hot water.(newproducts)
April 1, 2008... InSinkErator has introduced its new line of instant hot water dispensers, the Series 2200. The Series 2200 incorporates two faucet styles to appeal to homeowners wishing to combine traditional elegance with modern convenience: the Country model...

Sub-Compact Driver.(newproducts)
April 1, 2008... Milwaukee ElectricTool has introduced a new professional-grade 12-volt Sub-Compact Driver that pumps out 100 lb. in. of torque while weighing only two pounds. The company said the 2401-22 can drive 130 3-inch screws with a single charge of its...

Chomping at the bit.(newproducts)
April 1, 2008... Reed Manufacturing Co.'s Self-Feed bits provide clean, accurate holes in wood for pipe, conduit and tubing. The bits feature hardened, sharpen-able cutting edges and an aggressive self-feed lead screw to help draw the bit into the wood without...

A-1 bracketry.(newproducts)
April 1, 2008... Sioux Chief's new A-1 Pipe Bracket allows installation of both supply line stub outs off of a single stud. Available in both copper plated steel to solder directly to the bracket, or available in galvanized steel for use with Sioux Chief Pipe...

The Law of Money: grab that cash with both hands and make a stash.(servicesense)
April 1, 2008... There is contractor by the name of Jim Brown in Mountain Home, Ark., who drew my attention to something he calls "The Law of Money." The Law of Money says that any budget, be it personal or business, will absorb every dollar placed in it. Put...

Recession? What is this economic condition and are we in one?(executivebriefcase)
April 1, 2008... Many people talk of recession without really knowing what it is or what kinds of things actually indicate that we are in one. It seems like the "R" word is everywhere these days. The question of whether the U.S. is in a recession--or in the...

Endorsements as marketing: sometimes it pays to have someone else brag about you.(businessstrategies)
April 1, 2008... While "change" has been a big buzzword this political campaign season, there's another, no less important one out there, too. Endorsements, of course, are all the rage as voters decide whom they're going to vote for in each of their primaries....