Read Al Levi’s last column to hear about the future of The 7-Power Contractor.

When considering whether to add a new trade to your company, you need to ask yourself if your company is the one people think about when they want top-notch work in the trade(s) you work in. Master this before adding another focus to your business.

Ensuring that apprentices and technicians install and repair plumbing and heating systems to your company’s way of doing things is vital to the continued success of your business. If you have a small company, this may be your job, but don’t be intimidated. Al Levi shares some tips to help you be an effective trainer. 

Contractors need to know certain pieces of information to run their businesses successfully. However, what information is critical? Al Levi has some tips on what numbers to focus on.

A hands-on training center teaches technicians how to troubleshoot and repair your company’s preferred plumbing and heating brands. Such training will make them comfortable recommending equipment and services for customers and customizing a plan for them.

What do you say when people ask why they should use your company for plumbing-heating-cooling service? Don’t wing it; write down your reasons and share them with your employees. Incorporate them in your marketing materials for a consistent message.

Rather than grow your contracting company via only marketing, you may consider purchasing another company to instantly add the right customers and increase revenue and knowledgeable employees. Read on for buying options to consider.

Business owners can react emotionally to suggestions that major changes are needed in the organization to achieve the desired success level. Read on for tips to objectively evaluate your company so you can attain your professional and personal goals.

Good publicity is good for your business, so don’t hesitate to let your local area know about sponsoring events; donating time, money or materials to a charitable cause; or providing expert, topical advice for potential customers.

When homeowners have a plumbing issue, they don’t want plumbers to waste time looking for things in their trucks. Make sure they have 80 percent of what they need for 80 percent of their customers. Al Levi has some tips for doing that.