Reeves Journal articles from August 2002

Reeves Journal archives from August 2002

Is your company a good one or a great one? (Pipeline).(Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap...and Others Don't)
August 1, 2002... During the recent Pacific Coast Builder's Conference, I had the pleasure of listening to Jim Collins' keynote speech. Collins' latest book "Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap...and Others Don't" compares how 11 companies made the...

Letters.
August 1, 2002... Determining a C-36's Jurisdiction Most of us tend to believe that the rules ("Golden State to Overhaul Water, Backflow Protection Regulations" TechTopic, June) by which our lives are governed are consistent with all rules in all areas....

Adhesion contracts get sticky. (Legal Corner).(legal remifications of withdrawing from a contract)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... Most contractors enter into "form contracts" with another party. This could be a subcontract between a prime and a sub, or a prime contract between the prime and the owner. Typically, those terms and conditions are not negotiated. Most often...

California home building stays strong. (Contractor News).(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
August 1, 2002... California's housing market is expected to remain strong throughout 2003 with no price "bubble" developing as job growth continues a strong demand for new homes, reported the chief economist for the National Association of Home Builders. ...

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration published in the Federal Register a final rule revising the criteria for recording hearing loss cases in several ways. (Briefly).(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
August 1, 2002... The Occupational Safety and Health Administration published in the Federal Register a final rule revising the criteria for recording hearing loss cases in several ways. The new rule requires the recording of Standard Threshold Shifts (10 dB...

OSHA also has a new "e-tool" for selecting eye and face protection for construction projects. (Briefly).(Occupational Safety and Health Administration)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
August 1, 2002... OSHA also has a new "e-tool" for selecting eye and face protection for construction projects. Check out www.osha.gov/SLTC/eyeandface_etool/index.html. Thousands of people are blinded each year from work-related eye injuries that could have been...

National Fire Protection Association. (People).(Arthur E. Cote)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... Arthur E. Cote, P.E., has been promoted to the newly created position of executive vice president of the National Fire Protection Association. Most recently, Cote was senior vice president of operations and chief engineer at NFPA. In his...

Quality Service Contractors. (People).(Mike Maynard)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... Mike Maynard, a 26-year veteran of the PHC industry and business management coach, joined the Quality Service Contractors on July 1. He will provide on-site consulting, unlimited phone, fax and e-mail support and will be available for a variety...

ServiceMaster Co. (People).(Robert D. Erickson retires)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... Robert D. Erickson, executive vice president of The ServiceMaster Co., announced his retirement after 36 years with the company. Erickson served as director from 1981 to 1984 and again from 1987 to 1993; as general partner in the ServiceMaster...

Calculating labor rates: a review. (Service Sense).
August 1, 2002... Editor's note: This is the last in a series on management development. For the last several months, we've focused on how to become an effective manager. We have talked about the seven attributes of effective managers, the four ways to...

Capturing mental real estate. (Business Strategies).(marketing)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... How do you implant your company's identity in people's minds? To find the answer, you have to delve into brain science. Your company name, logo and message are the three key elements that makeup your corporate identity. If you want to...

What's wrong with this picture? (Contest).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... More than 50 contractors participated in RJ's first "What's Wrong With this Picture" Contest, which was sponsored by Milwaukee Electric Tool Corp. Al Beirhardt (retired), Woodacre, Calif., won first place and received a Jobsite Radio, a newly...

Can software save your business? Packages abound to help you better manage your company. (Enterprise Management Technology).(Statistical Data Included)
August 1, 2002... Combine every pipefitting, thermal expansion valve, bolt, screw and nut with hundreds of mechanics, technicians, subcontractors, purchasing agents and dispatchers, and a major HVAC or piping project can be risky business. Because of this...

Pulling large rabbits out of small hats. (Marketing Mechanics).(managing a marketing strategy)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... Plumbing and HVAC contractors need to look at themselves as magicians. We don't have huge budgets to spend on marketing so we need to be extra careful how we spend those dollars. In essence, we need to be magicians--able to pull large rabbits...

Forging a new era of products, productivity and profits. (ISH North America).
August 1, 2002... October 31 - November 2, 2002 National Trade Centre (at Exhibition Place) Toronto, Ontario Canada You are invited to be a part of an important event in our industry's history -- the debut of a brand new trade show, representing a new...

Engine basics. (Vehicle Maintenance).(automobile and truck engines information for purchasing)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... How many times have you heard phrases like these when you were looking for a new truck? "More horsepower than the competition." "Most power in its class." "Highest available torque." When you are deciding on an engine for your...

Breaking down barriers: after 10 years, Marc Mendelsohn's efforts to promote universal design are finally paying off. (Q & A).(developed BOMARC Design and Construction)(Interview)
August 1, 2002... While growing up in South Africa, Marc Mendelsohn's interest in designing "universal space" started early Because one of his friends had cerebral palsy, he was exposed to people living with disabilities and understood that regardless of their...

Hey... where did my tools go? Tool-tracking software can reduce your tool expenditures and tighten up job costing. (Tool Inventory).
August 1, 2002... Earlier this year, AMPAM Commercial Sherwood Mechanical got lucky. An officer from the San Diego County Sheriff's office called to say that it had recovered a couple of tools. The rotary hammer and band saw were easily identified because...

Wall-hung toilets maturing in U.S. residential market. (Techtopic).(difference between US market and European)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... When one sees or hears the words "wall-hung toilet," images of the fixtures used for public restrooms in airports, stadiums and shopping malls across North America come to mind. While commercial installations have been the major market for...

Geberit buys Chicago Faucet to build commercial side. (Manufacturer/Wholesalernews).(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
August 1, 2002... Looking to expand its U.S. presence, the Switzerland-based Geberit Group has acquired The Chicago Faucet Co. for $33 million, most of it in stock. Geberit stated that it "will combine its existing product line with Chicago's line to form a...

Masco revs up acquisition machine; buys five. (Manufacturer/Wholesalernews).(Masco Corp. acquires home improvement products companies)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
August 1, 2002... In June, Masco Corporation acquired five home improvement products companies with combined annualized 2002 sales of approximately $200 million. The cash and stock consideration for the five companies, which aggregates approximately $220...

Delta unveils distribution, finishing expansion. (Manufacturer/Wholesalernews).(Delta Faucet Co. finalizes plans to build new distribution center)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
August 1, 2002... Citing an increased number of new products and higher production, Delta Faucet Co. has finalized plans to build a new central distribution center in Jackson, Tenn., at its existing manufacturing plant. Concurrently, work will begin at the plant...

Vanguard celebrates silver anniversary. (Manufacturer/Wholesalenews).(Vanguard Piping Systems Inc.)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... Vanguard Piping Systems, Inc. a manufacturer of PEX tubing for hot and cold plumbing and radiant heating applications, recently celebrated its 25th anniversary. Vanguard was one of the first flexible tubing manufacturers in the plumbing...

American Standard Companies Inc. (Briefly).(chooses Foote, Cone & Belding as its advertising agency)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
August 1, 2002... American Standard Companies Inc. announced its selection of Foote, Cone & Belding as its advertising agency to represent its North American air-conditioning business. Previously, American Standard's commercial and residential air...

U.S. Industries, Inc. (Briefly).(relocates corporate office)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... U.S. Industries, Inc. has closed its corporate office in Iselin, N. J., and relocated to a smaller facility in West Palm Beach, Fla. The move, according to U.S. Industries officials, is part of a plan to reduce corporate costs, resulting from...

Jacuzzi Whirlpool Bath. (Briefly).(restructures sales staff)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... Jacuzzi Whirlpool Bath reported that it has restructured it sales staff. "Over the last three months, we have implemented several software solutions that will improve our customer's ability to access order status, order placement and product...

AQUASAFE. (People).(Alan Larson promoted to AQUASAFE brand manager by Uponor Wirsbo)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... Uponor Wirsbo has promoted Alan Larson to AQUASAFE brand manager. He joined the company in September 2001.

TOTO USA. (People).(announces personnel changes)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... Several personnel changes have been reported by TOTO USA: Koji Nakano, who joined the company in Japan in 1984, has been named senior vice president of sales and marketing; Jim Hass, who came aboard as district sales manager for the Pacific...

Brasstech. (People).(Chuck Molina)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... Decorative plumbing manufacturer Brasstech has named Chuck Molina to the position of product development manager. He'll be responsible for all aspects of getting new products to market and implementing improvements for existing products....

Prices go up, choices go down. (Executive Briefcase).(health insurance for plumbing companies)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
August 1, 2002... Several recent studies indicate that the rate of health care spending has begun to accelerate, and many plumbing companies are starting to see extraordinarily large health insurance cost increases. Although spending has exploded for a variety...

Gas water heater. (New Products).(advertisement)
August 1, 2002... The new Sandblaster combines a patented design with an advanced fan-assisted combustion system for low NOx emissions. Sealed combustion eliminates the effects of negative air pressure that impair water heater performance. Eight SBX models are...

Boiler. (New Products).(advertisement)
August 1, 2002... A state-of-the-art control board uses high-end mathematics to modulate the boiler's firing rate to match the actual heating needs for the building. The control board arid the Honeywell Gas Valve-venturi system provide a precise and accurate...

Air conditioner. (New Products).(advertisement)
August 1, 2002... The HSX15 air conditioner contains a new patent pending fan blade design and a Hushtone Cabinet featuring an insulated compressor compartment, all designed to reduce noise. The unit has a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio of up to 15.75 cooling...

Power drive. (New Products).(advertisement)
August 1, 2002... The manufacturer's new 700PD is a portable, electric, heavy-duty power drive, which provides power for threading pipe and conduit up to 2 inches in diameter. It uses R12+ segmental dies and dropheads or Rigid 12R dies and dropheads. The unit...

Video. (New Products).(advertisement)
August 1, 2002... A new, comprehensive video for high-rise applications assists plumbing contractors in the proper installation techniques for commercial applications. The video examines product specifications, installation requirements and available pipe sizes,...

Body spray. (New Products).(advertisement)
August 1, 2002... The Relexa Plus line now features a low-profile body spray that is easily adjustable from a Nide soft spray to a hard "needle" spray. It lets the user determine which parts of their body need more or less water pressure for a soothing or...

Wall box. (New Products).(advertisement)
August 1, 2002... The new XR Series Outlet Box combines all the components an installer needs to build a safe and secure termination point for gas-appliance connections using flexible, corrugated stainless steel tubing. The wall box can be recessed into the...

Showerhead. (New Products).(advertisement)
August 1, 2002... The 9-inch diameter ceiling mounted snowflake showerhead features 85 water jets. It is shown in polished chrome and is available in more than 33 split finishes; it features state-of-the-art engineering and solid brass construction with the...

Radio. (New Products).(advertisement)
August 1, 2002... The model 49-24-0200 Job Site Radio is designed with high performance in mind. Powered by a two-way Rockford Fosgate sound system with a three-stage Punch EQ bass boost, the radio provides both dominating audio energy and clarity. It's equipped...

Leak detector. (New Products).(advertisement)
August 1, 2002... Megabubble's unique formula allows the detection of the smallest leaks by spraying the product on the pipe material to expose leaks of air, natural gas, refrigerants, CO2 and almost all know gases. The high-viscosity product produces large,...

Water coolers. (New Products).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... The manufacturer's pressure coolers are now powder-coated on galvanized steel for a more durable, attractive exterior. With a three-year warranty, the coating resists cracking and chipping around the edges, resists corrosion, chemicals,...

Tubing literature. (New Products).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... The literature highlights the manufacturer's new AlumiPex domestic water press fitting system. AlumiPex comes with fitting choices for both radiant and potable systems. The radiant fitting system, which is interchangeable with Weil-McLain's...

Connector kits. (New Products).(advertisement)
August 1, 2002... All SureConnect universal kits include a Speedi Plumb PLUS flexible water connector-appropriate adaptors that allow a connection to almost any water valve outlet and convenient hand tighten wing nuts on the connectors. There are five universal...

Skid steer loader. (New Products).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... The loader comes equipped with a 48 net hp Cat 3024C engine, which is engineered for high horsepower and torque thereby allowing part-throttle operation at lower sound levels for work in residential areas. The pilot-operated joystick controls...

Welding helmets. (New Products).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... The new lightweight, auto-darkening welding helmets have variable shade control, lens sensitivity and delay control, auto-on/auto-off circuitry with reset function, a self-charging Solarcell lithium battery and a 3.85 x 1.85-inch viewing field....

Whirlpool bath. (New Products).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... The new TMU therapeutic air baths feature a cedar shelf and optional cedar step that bring a natural element to the bath. The 6060 model is a side-by-side air bath, measuring 60 inches x 60 inches x 21 inches. Benefits include a large bathing...

Caution caulking agent. (New Products).(advertisement)
August 1, 2002... Once a bead of caulk is drawn along a seam, the user sprays the tooling agent onto the bead. After he drags his finger over the bead, it's finished. There's no residue to clean up or seams to touch up. It's fast, economical and the product is...

Control valve handbook. (New Products).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... This new manual details the manufacturer's complete product line of general and service control valves, which includes linear, rotary, three-way and electric actuated. The handbook describes valve sizes ranging from 1/2-inch to 16 inches with...

Gasket booklet. (New Products).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... The manufacturer is offering plain facts about improved gaskets and tips on boiler maintenance in a new booklet. The booklet emphases the safe operation of boilers with properly installed no-leak, rubber gaskets. It also covers boiler from...

Cordless tools. (New Products).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... The WH9DM impact driver and the WR12DM impact wrench feature 800-inch lbs. and 1,330-inch lbs. of torque, respectively. The WH12DM can tighten a 4.5mm x 90mm screw in hemlock spruce in 3.8 seconds; the WH12DM can tighten a 5.3mm x 120mm in the...

Tool bag. (New Products).(advertisement)
August 1, 2002... The ToolTote is built with a ridged bottom, padded handles and 14 external pockets to keep you organized. The product's soft sides eliminate dents and gouges from that clunky old toolbox. An over-sized opening for easy access can be quickly...

Faucets. (New Products).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... The Opulence Collection is the newest line of kitchen and bath faucets from the manufacturer with matching bath accessories. Faucet options in the line include a centerset two handle lavatory faucet, a widespread lavatory faucet and a Roman tub...

Demolition hammer. (New Products).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... The heavy-duty electric SDS Max demolition hammer has a powerful 14-amp motor with Anti-Vibration Control. The hammer has spring-loaded dust seals and is specifically built to keep dust out for longer motor and tool life. It produces 3.7 to...