Industry News

A. O. Smith’s new training blitz will prepare contractors to work on new tankless and heat pump water heating technology

A. O. Smith, a leader in water heating and treatment, announces the introduction of the brand-new Learn and Earn training series. The set of courses rewards participants for learning the latest A. O. Smith technologies—the Voltex® AL Heat Pump Water Heater (HPWH) and the Adapt™ Tankless Water Heater.

“A. O. Smith is constantly pushing the boundaries of innovation, and with these new and exciting technologies we want to ensure that our customers have the tools they need for success. Our goal this summer is to get as many contractors certified as possible because we know that expertise in evolving technologies propels business growth,” said Betsy Curran, A. O. Smith Director of Marketing & Customer Engagement. “Every participant will leave with extensive knowledge of how each product works, features and benefits, how to install the units and more.”

Live trainings for the Voltex AL HPWH are offered every other Thursday at 2 p.m. CT through August 22, 2024. All participants who attend a Voltex AL HPWH training and complete the online certification will be entered to win a 65 QT Wyld Gear cooler, and the first 350 people will receive a free solar power bank.

Meanwhile, live trainings on the Adapt tankless water heater are offered every other Tuesday at 2 p.m. CT through August 20, 2024. All participants who attend an Adapt Tankless training and complete the online certification will be entered to win a Pit Boss 1100 Pellet Grill & Smoker, and the first 350 people will receive a free multi-tool.

All classes can be found on the A. O. Smith University website. For more information on the Voltex AL HPWH, Adapt tankless water heater and other A. O. Smith products, visit www.hotwater.com.

WaterFurnace International, a leading innovator in geothermal and water source heating and cooling solutions, broke ground on a significant expansion of its Fort Wayne, Indiana headquarters on May 30th. The 173,000 square foot building expansion will more than double its current size, offering more flexibility to increase operating efficiencies and production capabilities to meet growing customer demand. It will also be equipped with multiple features that allow for future state-of-the-art enhancements as the company continues to grow.

Despite the considerable increase in space, the entire facility will continue to be 100% heated and cooled by WaterFurnace geothermal heat pumps that draw from the renewable energy of its existing pond. This commitment parallels the societal shift away from fossil fuels towards more sustainable energy solutions and underscores WaterFurnace’s dedication to environmentally friendly practices.

“This expansion reflects our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and the community. We’re investing in this 14-million-dollar project because we’re committed to growing as a renewable technology leader from right here in Fort Wayne,” said

John Thomas, CEO with 30 year WaterFurnace employees (from left to right) Bob Brown, Tonsha Woods, Elaine Shearer, Curt Morton, Julie Mllage, Suzanne Cross, Tom Kinder, Chris Mann, Gregg Tapp, and Luke Goings.

CEO of WaterFurnace International, “With 320 dedicated employees, we are poised to lead the industry with our advanced products and exceptional service as the demand for sustainable energy solutions continues to rise.”

WaterFurnace’s expansion comes on the heels of two record-breaking years, driven by a growing demand for renewable energy technologies and the currently available 30% federal tax credit for geothermal systems. The company has built a reputation as an industry leader, known for its exceptional production efficiency, with unmatched lead times of just 3-5 days from order to shipment.

The trusted manufacturer announces $10,000 donation and two $3,500 scholarships to support Women in Plumbing and Piping

Bradford White Corporation, an industry-leading manufacturer of water heaters, boilers and storage tanks, announced today a partnership to support Women in Plumbing and Piping (WiPP), an organization dedicated to empowering and advancing the role of women across all levels of the plumbing and piping industries.

The partnership includes a $10,000 donation from Bradford White Corporation’s Industry Forward® charitable giving program to advance the organization’s ongoing mission and key pillars that support workforce development. Additionally, the Bradford White Women’s Network is offering two $3,500 scholarships as part of the Women in Plumbing and Piping Scholarship Program. The scholarship program is specifically designed to support and encourage women pursuing careers in the plumbing and piping industries.

“Bradford White is committed to supporting the essential skilled trade industries and educating the public on the value of a career in those fields,” said Rebecca Owens, senior communications manager for Bradford White. “We are thrilled to partner with WiPP to support their program and the opportunities they are offering to women in the industry, and helping them foster shared experiences through networking, education, and mentorships. Our partnership helps them build the next generation of talent that will continue to provide the critical services that keep us all comfortable, healthy and safe.”

The Women in Plumbing and Piping Scholarship Program is open to all active members of Women in Plumbing and Piping who are enrolled or plan to enroll in an accredited trade or vocational school or related program, and who demonstrate a commitment to pursuing a career in the plumbing and piping industries.

“We’re grateful for this partnership and generous donation,” said Kim Gill, executive director, WiPP. “Bradford White has demonstrated a profound commitment to the hard-working people who are the foundation of the industries we serve, and their mission aligns seamlessly with our commitment to fostering diversity, providing educational opportunities and promoting professional growth within the plumbing and piping fields.”

Each $3,500 Bradford White Women’s Network scholarship may be applied to tuition at a trade or vocational school, educational fees, textbooks, or class supplies.

Applicants must submit an essay between June 3 and July 15 with the prompt, “Why I Am Choosing a Career in the Trades.” Essays will be evaluated based on clarity of expression, grammar, demonstration of passion for the trade, depth of insight into the industry, and the persuasiveness of the argument regarding long-term commitment.

For more information, visit www.womeninplumbandpipe.org/scholarships.

For more information about Bradford White, visit www.bradfordwhitecorporation.com.

New research and insights report uncovers industry shifts and trends for legal and home services across consumer preferences, the rise of artificial intelligence, and the digital marketing landscape

Scorpion, the leading provider of digital marketing and technology solutions for local businesses, today announced the launch of its new insights report: The Scorpion Pulse. Results show that with advancements in technology, especially generative AI, consumers expect businesses to give timely, same-day responses, be transparent, and make search and discovery easier than ever.

Looking at the latest digital marketing trends and insights for the home services and legal industries, the spring 2024 report found that 70% of consumers favor home services companies that accommodate multiple contact options such as phone, text messaging, and online chat. In the legal industry, 66% of consumers expect a response within 24 hours of submitting an inquiry, a metric that is amplified in certain practice areas such as criminal defense.

“The ability to adapt quickly to changes in customer expectations, technology, and market dynamics is critical to success for legal and home services professionals. The Scorpion Pulse reveals that consumers today expect immediate responses and seamless interactions, making it crucial for home services and law firms to be proactive and highly responsive,” said Jamie Adams, Chief Revenue Officer at Scorpion. “Local businesses are facing significant challenges, including, the rising cost of online advertising, increased competition, and economic conditions impacting consumer demand. This report gives businesses the insights they need to make informed marketing and advertising decisions, leverage new technology like AI to their advantage, and optimize their digital marketing campaigns effectively, based on our proprietary data and research.”

Published data from Scorpion illustrates key insights that those in the home services and legal industries must understand to help grow their businesses.

For Home Services Businesses: Getting Inside the Minds of Today’s Consumers. Speed isn’t the only thing that matters. Today’s home services customers demand transparency and quick solutions straight from reliable sources.

• 54% of consumers will decide on a home services provider within four hours of researching options.
• Transparency and word of mouth are important for consumers with 67% checking at least three different review sources before making a decision and 64% only considering providers with at least a 4 out of 5 star rating.
• The top three qualities consumers look for in a home services provider are affordability (58%), dependability (56%), and knowledgeability (35%).

For Legal Providers: Consumers Are Doing Their Due Diligence. Potential clients are becoming more meticulous in their research for law firms. They want fast responses, good reviews, and tech-driven experiences.

• Two-thirds of people expect law firms to respond within one day of reaching out to them. A critical insight is that 45% of people make a decision on an attorney within 3 days.
• Due diligence is increasingly important with 40% of consumers saying they read at least 7 reviews when deciding on an attorney to work with.
• Consumers are also seeking technology-driven legal experiences including digital document sharing (48%), online billing (47%), and the use of client portals (40%).

In AI We Trust. Consumer understanding, acceptance, and adoption of AI is growing. The intersection of AI and traditional Search on Google and other search engines is changing how people see, trust, and use AI-generated results.

• When it comes to AI search results on Google and other search engines, 75% of consumers feel it improves the experience of looking for and researching local businesses.
• 67% note having some experience using AI with top categories being education and research, gaming and entertainment, and shopping.
• 33% of consumers say they trust AI-generated search results, depending on the source those results come from.

To see the full report and gain valuable insight on navigating digital marketing, the future of search, and AI in home services and legal, please visit scorpion.co/pulse.