Episodes
89
Latest episode
Apr 2026
Language
EN-US
In this episode of And So It Flows, Kristen sits down with Roland Ligtenberg, co-founder of Housecall Pro, to explore how technology, AI and shifting workforce dynamics are reshaping the skilled trades. Roland shares insights on the growing appeal of trade careers —especially among Gen Z! — as economic uncertainty and automation reshape traditional white-collar paths.
Upselling is often seen as a bad word in this business, and even the antithesis of why many people joined the trades. Editor Kristen Bayles spoke with Blake Turner, master trainer at Nexstar, to discuss the misconceptions surrounding "upselling," and how through a few simple steps — focusing on communication, presenting options, and helping customers make informed decisions — contractors can improve both the customer experience and their business outcomes, without ever feeling like a salesperson.
As spring approaches, plumbing contractors across the country are preparing for one of their busiest seasons of the year. In this episode of And So It Flows, Kristen Bayles spoke with Jane Blanchard, head of brand and marketing at Service Forge, about a challenge many contractors underestimate: the true cost of missed calls.
LG Director of Heating Sales Renae’ Turnbaugh outlines how high-efficiency water heating solutions provide an effective means to upgrade today’s homes. She clarifies misconceptions about high-efficiency water heating and explores benefits beyond water savings including smart home integration, aesthetics and user-friendly technology. Sponsored by:
In this episode of And So It Flows, Jennifer Harrison, vice president of merchandising, and Kaytee Gray, vice president of fulfillment operations at SupplyHouse.com, offer a behind-the-scenes look at how digital merchandising and fulfillment strategies are evolving to meet the needs of today’s contractors. Harrison explains how online merchandising removes friction for pros in the field by putting expert-level product information directly at their fingertips. By leveraging customer search behavior, curated product data, and simplified navigation, SupplyHouse.com helps tradespeople quickly identify the right products without becoming overwhelmed — reducing “analysis paralysis” and supporting confident, on-the-job decision-making.
In this episode of And So It Flows, Tim Savage, electrical outside sales representative at Lock Supply Co., shares a ground-level view of how artificial intelligence is actually being used in distribution today. With firsthand experience in the trades — including electrical, HVAC and general contracting — Savage understands the urgency contractors face when materials, answers or substitutions are needed immediately.
In this episode of And So It Flows, host Natalie Forster sits down with Spencer Pope, manager of technical support and training at Bradford White, to explore how education and workforce development are evolving across the plumbing, HVAC, and mechanical trades. Drawing on nearly 15 years with the manufacturer—and a background as a service contractor—Pope outlines the industry’s most pressing skills gaps, particularly the growing shortage of technical expertise as experienced technicians retire and fewer new workers enter the field with hands-on foundations.
How can the plumbing and mechanical industries close the skills gap and build a stronger workforce for the future? In this episode, we talk to SVP of Marketing at Oatey, Katherine Lehtinen, about the power of collaboration: from manufacturers and educators to trade nonprofits and influencers.
Newly inducted into the Women in Manufacturing Hall of Fame, Taco's CEO, Cheryl Merchant, tells all in this podcast conversation. From her humble beginnings to working her way up the manufacturing ladder in various industries, her thankful nature and risk-taking business mindset has led the Taco Family of Companies to continued success.
Xylem’s Derrick Oberdorf and Jennifer Freres unpack the trends driving smarter, more sustainable commercial building systems, and the solutions helping design them, including smart pumps powered by Xylem’s hydrovar® X motor. Sponsored by:
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