Construction activity will increase as the need to attract young people to the trades grows. Last month, Supply House Times interviewed Viega LLC CEO and President Dave Garlow at his office in Wichita, Kan., on issues facing the plumbing-and-heating industry.

After walking the Greenbuild 2013 exhibitor hall Nov. 20-21 it became evident that major manufacturers did not pack as many new products or technologies for the Philadelphia incarnation of the premier sustainable building trade show.

If the preshow buzz is any indication, the co-locating of the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show and the International Builders’ Show already is a smash hit. The two major industry trade shows go under the same roof for the first time Feb. 4-6 at the Las Vegas Convention Center as part of what is being billed as Design & Construction Week.

Lauren Regan appreciates knowing exactly where she will be enjoying dinner on Thursday nights. That is if the Southampton, N.Y., weather plays nice.

When my wife, Carol, and I started The Plumbery some 30 years ago we built a business plan that was not dissimilar to what I’m about to describe.