Reeves Journal articles from February 2007

Reeves Journal archives from February 2007

Visit our web site.(pipeline)
February 1, 2007... So, there are some pretty significant changes on tap for our Web site at www.reevesjournal.com. You might want to surf on in if you get a few minutes and check them out. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] First up is something new (to us,...

Subcontractor employees can't sue prime contractor for wages.(legalcorner)
February 1, 2007... Under the ruling in Violante v. Community Southwest Development and Construction Co., the answer was no--an employee of a subcontractor who hasn't been paid prevailing wages can't sue the prime contractor to obtain the prevailing wages. ...

Overcoming the fear factor: Part 1 raising your hourly rate isn't something to dread.(service sense)
February 1, 2007... Nearly everyone in the trades industry cringes a bit when it comes time to raise his or her hourly rate. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Is the new rate too high? Will we be pricier than our competition? Will our customers leave us? Is it...

Deja vu all over again as times change, so do plumbing codes.(codeshack)
February 1, 2007... We've all heard the old adage, "The more things change, the more they stay the same." With the rapid pace of modern technology, it is easy to forget that the challenges we in the plumbing and mechanical industries face today are often the same...

California learns tough realities of new lead law.(news connection)
February 1, 2007... First, the good news: There is a faucet that complies with California's new legal lockdown on the amount of lead contained in faucets sold for sale in the state. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Now, the bad news: The faucet, stainless steel...

Unlicensed 'contractors' face stiff fines, jail time.(news connection)
February 1, 2007... Illegal contractors who try to skirt the law by operating with someone else's license number face new tougher penalties. This is one of the new laws that took effect last month at the Contractors State License Board. The law created by AB...

ICC moves into new D.C 'green' building.(news connection)
February 1, 2007... The International Code Council is set to move its world headquarters to the heart of Washington, D.C., and into the only Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design-certified building in the nation's Capitol. "Our new world headquarters...

BNP Media debuts Clear Seas Research.(news connection)
February 1, 2007... Reeves Journal parent company, BNP Media of Troy, Mich., has announced the creation of Clear Seas Research, a separate entity designed to deliver superior business-to-business market research. Clear Seas Research competes in multiple b2b...

U.S. Green Build L.A. Recieves $25K grant.(newsbriefs)
February 1, 2007... The U.S. Green Building Council's Los Angeles Chapter was the recipient of $25,000 in grants in January from the Piping Industry Progress & Education Trust Fund, the California Plumbing and Mechanical Contractors Association and the...

Cal-Steam acquired.(newsbriefs)
February 1, 2007... Wolseley plc, the world's largest specialist trade distributor of plumbing and heating products to professional contractors and a leading supplier of building materials, announced Dec. 29 its acquisition of Cal-Steam Supply, Inc. and affiliated...

Bradford White donates.(newsbriefs)
February 1, 2007... Bradford White in December anted up $15,000 to the Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Contractors-National Association. This year $7,500 went to the organization's Apprenticeship Program and another $7500 was earmarked for the National Auxiliary...

J-M, PW Eagle in merger deal.(newsbriefs)
February 1, 2007... J-M Manufacturing Co., Inc. and PW Eagle, Inc., manufacturers of plastic pipe, fittings and tubing products, Jan. 15 said they have signed a definitive merger agreement under which J-M Manufacturing will acquire all of the outstanding common...

Name the valve.(newsbriefs)
February 1, 2007... Arrowhead Brass Products of Los Angeles has just introduced the first hose bibb with a built-in integral vacuum breaker. And, the company said, the plumber who comes up with the coolest name for the new bibb stands to win $10,000. Eliminating...

Enterprise Fleet Services changes name.(newsbriefs)
February 1, 2007... Enterprise Fleet Services, a division of Enterprise Rent-A-Car, has changed its name to Enterprise Fleet Management. The fleet management company as more than 170,000 vehicles on lease from 53 branch locations and a network of more than 90,000...

State Water Heaters in NASCAR sponsorship.(newsbriefs)
February 1, 2007... State Industries, Inc. and Morgan-McClure Motor-sports announced a deal today to sponsor the NASCAR #4 Chevy Monte Carlo. The announcement was made complete with the signing of Ward Burton as the driver for the 2007 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series....

TOTO takes efficiency award.(newsbriefs)(TOTO USA Inc.)(Brief article)
February 1, 2007... TOTO USA said it has earned one of the first-ever national Water Efficiency Leader Awards from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The EPA cited TOTO for its leadership in water-efficient product development, sustainable manufacturing...

Mr. Rooter 'Franchise 500' list.(newsbriefs)
February 1, 2007... Entrepreneur magazine has named Mr. Rooter, a full-service plumbing and drain cleaning company, to its 2007 "Franchise 500" and "Top Global Franchises" lists. The Waco, Texas-based franchiser ranked No. 164 on the "Franchise 500" list and No....

Ferguson donates $10K to PHCC.(newsbriefs)
February 1, 2007... Ferguson, a Newport News, Va.-based wholesale distributor of plumbing supplies in December made a $10,000 contribution to support the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Educational Foundation's "Invest In Your Future" Annual Giving Campaign....

Price increase.(newsbriefs)
February 1, 2007... Taco, Inc., Jan. 19 said it has raised its prices on various commercial products and parts between 3- and 7 percent. Taco commercial products and parts include base-mounted inline pumps, vertical multi-stage pumps, suction diffusers, commercial...

Online surplus inventory outlet.(newsbriefs)
February 1, 2007... A new web site gives contractors an easy way to buy and sell surplus mechanical, electrical and plumbing inventory online. Contractors visit www.MEPSurplus.com and subscribe as either a buyer, or a buyer/seller. Once a contractor is verified...

Lochinvar hosts weekly Pocket PC giveaway.(newsbriefs)
February 1, 2007... Lochinvar Corp., a manufacturer of water heaters and boilers in Lebanon, Tenn., is hosting a weekly giveaway as part of its VIP Contractor Program. With each registered purchase of a fully modulating and condensing Knight Heating Boiler,...

Mr.Steam Web site takes Davey.(newsbriefs)
February 1, 2007... Web development firm Interactive Media Associates has won a Silver Davey Award for its work in redesigning the Mr.Steam Web site at www.mrsteam.com. The Web site redesign was launched to coordinate the site with Mr.Steam's new branding...

Freebie helps save water.(newsbriefs)(Waterless Co. develops waterless urinal systems)(Brief article)
February 1, 2007... Facility managers may now take advantage of a free evaluation sheet to determine if waterless urinal systems will help them save money, along with water. Developed by Waterless Co., makers of Waterless No-Flush urinals in Vista, Calif., the...

The Service Roundtable releases 'Knowledge Pak'.(newsbriefs)(Service Roundtable Inc.)(Brief article)
February 1, 2007... The Service Roundtable of Grapevine, Texas, has released it's "Service Roundtable Business Knowledge Pak," a library of 24 eLearning courses selected specifically for the contracting businesses. The courses were selected to cover a wide variety...

Everett Wilcox dies at 89.(newsbriefs)(Obituary)
February 1, 2007... Everett C. Wilcox, chairman of the board of the Leonard Valve Co., died Dec. 15 at the age of 89. He began his employment at Leonard in 1938, acting as salesman, assistant sales manager, and member of the board of directors. He was elected...

Clarification.(Correction notice)
February 1, 2007... In our September issue, ("Get The Grease Out," pg. 48), a source stated the PDI-G101 standard is the, "only national standard" for grease interceptors. In fact there are two: PDI-G101 and ASME A112. 14.3.

Affiliated Distributors.(people)
February 1, 2007... Affiliated Distributors has appointed Peter Classon as vice president of information Technology. Classon joins Affiliated Distributors from LiquidHub. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Bradford White Corp.(people)
February 1, 2007... Bradford White Corp., has announced the promotion of Mark A. Taylor to the position of director of commercial and technical sales. In his new position, Taylor will be responsible for developing and executing Bradford White's commercial sales...

Lux Products Corp.(people)
February 1, 2007... Lux Products Corp., has hired James M. Keefer as its new Western sales manager. Keefer will oversee sales throughout the Mountain and Pacific Time zones in the U.S. while leading a team of independent sales representatives.

M.K. Morse Co.(people)
February 1, 2007... M.K. Morse Co., a manufacturer of professional quality saw blades, has named Peter Heenan as vice president of marketing. Heenan will be responsible for continuing the growth of Morse market share.

MJSI, Inc.(appointment of Tony Maranto)(Brief article)
February 1, 2007... MJSI, Inc., maker of the HydroClean water fill valve, has hired Tony Maranto as its domestic sales manager. In this newly created position, Maranto will be responsible for supporting and coordinating sales efforts to distributors, co-ops,...

Moen Incorporated.(people)
February 1, 2007... Moen Incorporated recently promoted Mark Loeper to vice president and general manager of Creative Specialties International, a manufacturer of decorative bath accessories and bath safety products. Previously, Loeper held the position of vice...

F.A. Williams, Inc.(people)
February 1, 2007... Francis A. "Fran" Williams, President of F.A. Williams, Inc., in Belmont, Mass., has been named chairman of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Educational Foundation Board of Governors. His term began Jan. 1. The Board of Governors is...

Reed Manufacturing Co.(people)
February 1, 2007... Reed Manufacturing Co., has appointed Brian Gunderson as regional manager. Brian has 30 years of industry experience with over 25 years selling pipe tools and vises. He resides in Clayton, Calif. and can be reached at (877) 666-3691 ext. 1406,...

SFA Saniflo, Inc.(appointment of Christopher Peterson)(Brief article)
February 1, 2007... SFA Saniflo, Inc. recently announced three key managerial appointments for its U.S. operations. The new West coast regional sales manager is Christopher Peterson, who will manage its network of independent sales representatives in the 23 U.S....

Watts Water Technologies Inc.(people)
February 1, 2007... Watts Water Technologies Inc., has said Bruce Parrott has been promoted to the position of vice president of sales administration for its wholesale markets. He will be responsible for all programs, pricing and contract administration, in...

Calendar.(Calendar)
February 1, 2007... Feb. 18-23 Alaska Mechanical Contractors Association Convention Rio All Suites Resort and Casino Las Vegas (907) 677-8588 E-mail: amca@gci.net www.amcaanc.org Feb. 22-24 QSC Power Meeting XXVI ...

Tool Bin.
February 1, 2007... It would be seriously difficult to run a plumbing business without tools. They're the capital goods used as a means of making a profit and a living. Besides, they're cool--almost everybody enjoys seeing what's new in tools and this, Reeves...

Many choices in pipe materials: there's a pipe and a material for every application.
February 1, 2007... There are plenty of choices available when a contractor or builder considers the materials to use when designing and installing plumbing systems in residential and commercial properties. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] And among those options...

From the old school: plumbers are still plumbers at San Diego's Preferred Plumbing, Inc.(Interview)
February 1, 2007... Fred Lara sits behind his desk nursing a sore shoulder and reminiscing about the old days. His trip into the plumbing business doesn't seem planned as he tells his story, but somehow it seemed inevitable. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Lara...

Talkin' toilets.(techtopic)
February 1, 2007... There are lots of things in the plumbing industry that can be considered works of art--wash basins, faucets, heck, even a mechanical room with perfectly sweated pipes can be considered art. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Argue for toilets as...

What to do when it's slow.(marketingmechanics)(ways to increase the sales during slack season)
February 1, 2007... Our industry is cyclical. There are busy times and slow times. Most of the cycles depend on the weather. What can you do to engage your clients during slower times of the year? [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] In busy times or crises, people...

Wellness programs.(executivebriefcase)
February 1, 2007... Considering that this is the month of New Year's Resolutions, I thought that a look at company wellness programs was fitting. Many of you have probably heard of wellness programs, and may even have gone as far as researched them a little bit....

Get a grip on new tire technology.(vehiclemaintenance)(the importance of tires in vehicles)
February 1, 2007... When it comes to getting a grip on the road, all vehicles depend on tires. Because tires are the vehicle's only system that has direct contact with the road, they are affected by every maneuver of the steering wheel, brake or gas pedal. And,...

Gas water heaters.(newproducts)
February 1, 2007... A. O. Smith has introduced an all-new line of ProMax Power-Vent residential gas water heaters. The 40-and 50-gallon models are equipped with the company's patented Corderite Combustion Containment (C3) Technology FVIR design, which is combined...

Condensing boilers.(newproducts)
February 1, 2007... AERCO has introduced its Modulex line of condensing boilers. Available in six different sizes, the light commercial boilers have unmatched turndown to maximize seasonal efficiency and bring an unprecedented level of operating reliability to...

Bit Clip.(newproducts)
February 1, 2007... Bosch has announced the availability of its Self-Feeding Bit Clip, complete with 15 Bosch No. 2 Phillips 1-inch titanium screwdriver bit tips. The Bit Clip provides fast and easy bit removal while simultaneously offering secure transport. To...

Ball valves.(newproducts)
February 1, 2007... Conbraco Industries has announced that Apollo Valves is taking orders for its new line of three-piece, full-port ANSI Class 600 ball valves. Designated the 83B and 86B Series, the new valves are fully rated to Class 600 in every size. The new,...

Stainless steel clamps.(newproducts)
February 1, 2007... Consolidated Plumbing Industries has introduced a redesigned stainless steel clamp with improved pull-off performance and better gripping force that can be installed at low temperatures with confidence. It exceeds ASTM F2098 with significantly...

Pull-out faucets.(newproducts)
February 1, 2007... Danze has announced the addition of two new pull-out faucets to its kitchen faucet collection. The Anu Pull-Out Faucet features a single control valve located near the base of the faucet, and its pull-out spout rises high above the sink for...

Drain Line Inspection System.(newproducts)
February 1, 2007... Electric Eel has introduced its new EC-5 Mini Camera Drain Line Inspection System. The system offers a 5-inch black-and-white monitor, a 1.2-inch black-and-white camera, 100 feet of push cable and a 512-hertz in-line transmitter, all...

Trailer jet.(newproducts)
February 1, 2007... General Pipe Cleaners has announced the availability of its J-2512 Typhoon trailer jet, which blows away blockages in big lines and long runs. The Typhoon delivers 12 gallons per minute at 2,500 pounds per square inch to blast lines clean of...

Water-free urinals DVD.(newproducts)
February 1, 2007... Falcon Waterfree Technologies has announced the release of a new DVD that demonstrates how water-free urinals work. The DVD also provides step-by-step instructions for the installation and maintenance of water-free urinals. The installation...

Hose bibb.(newproducts)
February 1, 2007... Arrowhead Brass Products has just introduced the first hose bibb with a built-in vacuum breaker specifically designed for backflow protection. All of Arrowhead's hose bibbs are cast in Los Angeles using red brass that consists of 82 percent...

Gas-fired boilers.(newproducts)
February 1, 2007... HydroTherm said its new KN Series commercial gas-fired boilers (KN-6, KN-10 and KN-20), with a self-adaptive design tolerant to changing conditions, are ideally suited for use in applications with water source heat pumps. The new KN Series...

Product catalog.(newproducts)
February 1, 2007... Mill-Rose has introduced a new 44-page catalog describing Clean Fit Products' complete line of brushes, abrasives, Teflon sealants and specialty tools used by contractors. The four-color literature includes product photographs, illustrations...

Tape measure.(newproducts)
February 1, 2007... Milwaukee Electric Tool has introduced a new heavy-duty tape measure. Featuring a patented magnetic tip, this tape measure increases productivity by making it easier for one person to take and record measurements over longer spans. In addition,...

Showerhead.(newproducts)
February 1, 2007... Moen announced it has created a way to channel water pressure into a total body, rain-soaking experience with its new Velocity rainshower showerhead. This oversized 8-inch showerhead features Moen Immersion Technology, a self-pressurizing...

Are you a manager or a leader?(businessstrategies)
February 1, 2007... At one of our past Plumbers' Success International Summits, there was an entire day devoted to general management training, and the topic that started everything off was the distinction between management and leadership and how you can identify...

Water heaters ...(then & now)
February 1, 2007... Water Heaters are probably THE product category in this industry that has undergone the most changes over the years. While they still basically consist of gas flames or electric elements heating water sitting in a tank or running through coils,...