Reeves Journal articles from March 2004

Reeves Journal archives from March 2004

Weathering the insurance crisis.(Pipeline)
March 1, 2004... It seems like everyone in California is talking about insurance these days. Small business owners, especially contractors, are feeling the pinch of the "hard insurance market." Most small businesses have experienced a 300 to 1000 percent...

Mechanic's liens and bankruptcy.(Legal Corner)
March 1, 2004... From time to time, we are called upon to assist clients with regards to mechanic's lien issues in a bankruptcy setting. As most of you probably know, any time a party files for bankruptcy protection, there is an automatic stay against...

Tracking your cost-management performance.(Executive Briefcase)
March 1, 2004... After last month's discussion of cost management strategies, you may be interested in ways you can track your cost management performance. One of the easiest methods of tracking performance is to compare actual results with your budgeted...

Little Yellow Secrets.(Business Strategies)(yellow pages investment)
March 1, 2004... One necessary evil that is unavoidable as a contractor in the demand service business is the Yellow Pages. If a homeowner has a problem, they turn to the Yellow Pages unless they've established a relationship with a company they know and they...

Exhibitors respond positively to ISH-NA format change.(News Connection)(International Sanitation and Heating North America)
March 1, 2004... Exhibitors have been booking space for the 2004 ISH-North America (ISH-NA) show in Boston at a pace well surpassing that of last year's show at this time, indicating a positive response to the recent announcement of a biennial show format,...

2004 Radiant Flooring Guide now available.(News Connection)(Book Review)
March 1, 2004... Want to understand the relationship between radiant heating systems and flooring materials? You'll find answers to your questions in the 2004 Radiant Flooring Guide, an updated publication co-produced by the Radiant Panel Association (RPA) and...

PSI Summit attracts 350 contractor attendees.(News Connection)(Plumbers' Success International )(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... The latest Plumbers' Success International (PSI) Summit in San Antonio, Texas, was attended by more than 350 independent plumbing contractor members, including 48 companies making their first trip to a summit since joining PSI. The...

RPA to host regional "RadFest" in Colorado.(News Connection)(Radiant Panel Association)
March 1, 2004... The Radiant Panel Association (RPA) announced it will host a Rocky Mountain RadFest, a kind of "radiant festival" designed for industry enthusiasts to gather on a regional basis, May 21-22 in Loveland, Colo. The RadFest is not exactly a...

MCAA offers new 2004 Planning Guide.(News Connection)(Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA) released "Education 2004: Your Planning Guide,")(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... The Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA) released "Education 2004: Your Planning Guide," designed to help those in the mechanical construction, service, plumbing, and pipe welding industries better educate themselves on a...

System Sensor hosts fire protection seminars.(News Connection)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... System Sensor, a leading manufacturer of smoke detection and notification technology, announced it is hosting free half-day seminars throughout the United States to educate professionals on the latest laws related to fire protection, advancing...

AMPAM finalizes sale of Sherwood Mechanical.(News Connection)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... American Plumbing & Mechanical Inc. (AMPAM) announced the closing of an agreement to sell AMPAM Commercial Sherwood Mechanical Inc. to Sherwood Mechanical Inc., which was formed under the existing management group. The Poway, Calif.-based...

Falcon Stainless names reps.(News Briefs)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Falcon Stainless, Inc., manufacturer of corrugated stainless steel flexible water connectors, recently contracted with manufacturers representatives in 21 states and the territory of Puerto Rico. Washington, Montana, Oregon, Alaska, Idaho and...

WQA announces online education program.(News Briefs)(Water Quality Association )(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... The Water Quality Association (WQA) announced a new, cost-effective, and convenient e-learning program. Initially the program will cover fundamentals but eventually will include courses covering the latest science and treatment options for...

New IAPMO unit begins operations.(News Briefs)(International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... IAPMO Evaluation Service, which will evaluate building products, designs and materials to the requirements of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 5000 Building Construction and Safety Code, began operations at the start of this...

PHCC wants plumbers' feedback.(News Briefs)(Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors (PHCC) has learned of a recommendation within the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that could affect businesses using independent contractors and is seeking feedback from plumbing contractors in...

NAHB unveils risk management and insurance course.(News Briefs)(National Association of Home Builders)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... The National Association of Home Builders' (NAHB) University of Housing used the recent International Builders Show in Las Vegas as a platform for launching a new course to educate builders about risk management and liability issues, one of the...

SFI offers nonchemical water treatment systems.(News Briefs)(Scale Free International )(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Scale Free International (SFI) introduced the "Scale Defender" and "Tower Defender" water treatment systems, which it said totally eliminate the need for chemicals in boilers, cooling towers, chillers and heat exchangers. According to SFI,...

Apprentice of the month.(Frank's Plumbing)
March 1, 2004... Name: James Love Employer: Frank's Plumbing, Amarillo, Texas Program: Currently in his fourth year of the PHCC-Texas Panhandle Chapter Apprenticeship Program. Accomplishments: Recently earned his Tradesman License. Why...

Calendar.(Calendar)
March 1, 2004... March 31-April 2, 2004 Western Mech. Labor Mgmt Conference Laguna Cliffs Marriott Dana Point, Calif. www.westernmechanical.org 702/598-1710 April 1-4, 2004 Kitchen/Bath Industry Show & Conference McCormick...

Viva Las Vegas: Nevada's phenomenal growth presents contractors with benefits and challenges.(State Lines)
March 1, 2004... Can you hear that rumbling in the distance coming from Nevada? It's not a nuclear test or a super-secret aircraft. It's the sound of people stampeding into the Silver State, setting up new residences, schools, shopping centers and hotels. ...

New trends in kitchen and bath remodeling.(Remodeling Trends)
March 1, 2004... Real estate experts tell us that two rooms--the kitchen and bathroom--are the ones that sell most homes. So it's no surprise that plenty of folks are putting more money into their homes to remodel kitchens and baths. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]...

Under pressure: pressure-assist toilet technology continues to develop, offer benefits to contractors.(Pressure-Assist Toilets)
March 1, 2004... The party is going along fine. Uncle Ed has just chowed down on a couple of plates of nachos and excuses himself to the bathroom for a minute. He wanders off and then the unthinkable happens: There's a flush, followed by a string of expletives...

Backflow testing in California: backflow testing does not require a plumbing license in California, but some contractors say it should.(Backflow Testing)
March 1, 2004... Only licensed plumbers in California can install, maintain and repair the state's many backflow prevention devices. But the Contractors State License Board does not require licensing in for non-plumbers who test these systems. "In Los...

Quarter-turn valves: as quarter-turn valves become the new plumbing standard, are multi-turn valves headed for extinction?
March 1, 2004... Almost four years ago RJ reported an upward market trend toward quarter-turn ball valve sales. That trend, which began in the early 1980s, has grown to the point where many industry insiders are calling quarter-turn valves the new standard for...

Keep the customers you paid to get.
March 1, 2004... Too many contractors serve customers, but don't ever follow up with them. You may service them once and just "expect" that they'll remember you because you did such a great job. I wish that were true. Studies show that 55% of the customers...

Residential sprinklers: balancing codes and comfort.(Tech Topic)
March 1, 2004... Once they were only mandated fixtures in commercial and industrial facilities, but today automatic fire sprinklers are steadily making their way into the residential home market. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Strict standards have already...

Evaluating service tech productivity (part III).(Service Sense)(service agreement productivity)
March 1, 2004... Our topic the last couple of months has involved non-billable time in the service department. Over the past couple of months we found out that approximately 50 percent of a service tech's time was non-billable. The non-billable hours translate...

Tankless water heaters.(New Products)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... The manufacturer is entering the instantaneous hot water market with a pair of on-demand tankless gas water heaters for residential and commercial applications. Marketed under the trade name Pronto!, these energy-saving units have no standing...

Ball valves.(New Products)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... The newest line of Apollo bronze ball valves from the company features a 2-inch copper tube extension specifically designed for faster and easier installation. The new Apollo Series 77C-200-AO full-port valves come in six sizes from 1/2 to 2...

Leak detection system.(New Products)
March 1, 2004... The new GEN-EAR blends the latest in filter, headphone and sensor technology for the most advanced acoustical leak detection system available. The versatile GEN-EAR quickly and accurately locates leaks in PVC, cast iron, copper and steel lines....

Drill bit set.(New Products)
March 1, 2004... The sturdy new Tough Case 29-piece drill bit set keeps drill bits organized in one convenient storage and display case. The Tough Case is made from ABS plastic so that it will not dent or rust. Inside the case, the bits are readily accessible...

Toilet securer.(New Products)
March 1, 2004... The manufacturer announces its revolutionary Johni Quick Bolt, the quickest, easiest, fastest and most inexpensive way in which to secure a toilet. The Johni Quick Bolt prevents "wobble" and eliminates the need to secure a bolt with other...

Steam traps.(New Products)
March 1, 2004... The new ECONOline series of steam traps are built to maximize energy savings in an extremely compact design. It is available in three different styles: thermostatic capsule, thermostatic bi-metallic and thermodynamic disc. This series fits all...

Estimating solutions.(New Products)
March 1, 2004... The company announces the release of Version 6 of its family of estimating solutions-Accubid Pro, BidWinner and BidWinner Plus. Version 6 includes a number of exciting new features and enhancements, including power substitution, temporary...

Duct hanger.(New Products)
March 1, 2004... The manufacturer introduces a new, low-cost polypropylene monofilament duct hanger that now comes in two sizes for hanging flexible dust collection hose and HVAC ducting. The DuctMaster support strap is a polypropylene monofilament webbing that...

Bathroom collection.(New Products)
March 1, 2004... The Bannockburn Collection features a transitional style of faucets that complement either a contemporary or a more traditional environment. It also showcases a softer new finish, brushed brass, which reaches a higher level of quality and...

Water heater.(New Products)
March 1, 2004... The Top Down BoilerMate EZ hot water heaters are designed with the heat exchanger mounted from the top of the tank, making installation and maintenance fast and easy. This new line provides both easy installation and easy maintenance under...

Lavatory tempering valve.(New Products)
March 1, 2004... The company brings total temperature and pressure protection to the entire bathroom with its new HydroGuard T/P e480 lavatory-tempering series. Designed to provide safe water to lavatory faucets, the e480 is listed to the Type T/P performance...

Measuring tape.(New Products)
March 1, 2004... The company's new MAG-TAPE 25-foot measuring tape features a magnetic tip that sticks to metal surfaces for fast, hassle-free measurements that can be made by one person. The MAG-TAPE's tip acts as a "second person," gripping tightly onto steel...

Product brochure.(New Products)
March 1, 2004... The manufacturer, a leader in providing quality liquid level controls for the water and wastewater industry, introduces its new all-product brochure. The brochure provides quick and easy access to information on the company's products,...

Hole saw arbors.(New Products)
March 1, 2004... The company's new Posi-Lock, 1/4-inch, universal shank hole saw arbors feature positive-lock nonslip jaw slots that accept the jaws mechanism on power drill chucks. These new Posi-Lock hole saw arbors fit 1/4-, 3/8- and 1/2-inch chucks as well...

Magnetic-powered gloves.(New Products)
March 1, 2004... The unique design of SilverBack magnetic-powered gloves consists of a half-finger glove with powerful Zeta6 magnets mounted on the back of each hand. Small parts, fasteners and tools can be held on these strong magnets, ensuring that valuable...

Steam and water boilers.(New Products)
March 1, 2004... The F Series atmospheric gas-fired steam and water boilers are offered in a range of sizes, from 250,000 to 850,000 BTUH input. All of these boilers feature the company's exclusive "flexible water tube" design that ensures rapid internal...

Copper plated bracket.(New Products)
March 1, 2004... The new Secure-All[TM] copper plated bracket gives the contractor the best solution for flat brackets. The bracket is made of heavy gauge copper plated steel and is available in 20" and 26" lengths. Stiffening ribs on the top and bottom make...

Temp flush tool.(New Products)
March 1, 2004... The tool was designed to flush out unwanted debris such as copper shavings, sawdust, solder, flux, sand, and grit, which may result in damage to the cartridge or a drastic reduction in water flow--which normally results in a return of the...

Self-cleaning showerheads.(New Products)
March 1, 2004... The Act-O-Matic[R] 2.5-gpm flow showerheads combine self-cleaning capabilities with a luxurious spray. The showerheads use a pressure-compensating flow control that provides a consistent and powerful flow at low pressures, which saves water....

Descaling system.(New Products)
March 1, 2004... The product eliminates formation of limescale deposits in water pipes, cooling towers, boilers and hundreds of other applications without the need for chemicals, salt or maintenance. The system produces a complex modulating frequency wave-form...

Pipe protectors.(New Products)
March 1, 2004... Stubbies are universally sized pipe covers that offer an innovative way to protect plastic and copper pipes from damaging chemicals found in lacquers, polyurethane, paints, and drywall. Eliminates labor intensive cleaning, and guess-work on the...

Pipe & tubing cutter.(New Products)
March 1, 2004... The new spring loaded pipe and hose cutter cuts P.E., PVC and P.B. through 1-3/8". the easy grip handle is made for comfort and makes multiple cutting jobs simple. The cutter comes with a reversible stainless steel blade for clean cuts. Since...

Walk in tub.(New Products)
March 1, 2004... The Independence[TM] has a revolutionary walk-in door that lets you enter the tub without stepping over the rim so you can get in and out easily and safely. Simply open the latch, walk in, and close the door. The tub features a water-tight door...

Product price book.(New Products)
March 1, 2004... The new bath waste and trim kit 2004 product illustration and price book has been released by the company. The 32-page catalog includes the full line of bath wastes and trim kits along with a complete parts list and 2004 prices for the full...

The power of referral programs.(Marketing Mechanics)
March 1, 2004... Last year a contractor told me that he had increased his replacement sales by over $100,000 and decreased his advertising cost by $30,000 at the same time. How did he do it? Using a referral program. And, not only was his referral business up;...

Warranties deserve attention.(Vehicle Maintenance)
March 1, 2004... Controlling maintenance and repair costs for a fleet of vehicles is a challenge for any business. In addition to trying to secure the most economical, timely and high-quality repairs, it is important not to pay for unnecessary repairs or those...