How Long Does it Take to Become a Plumber (By State)

Posted on June 22, 2025 (November 6, 2025) by Mandelyn Miller

On Hook Agency's website: An individual stands at a desk in a cozy, well-equipped room, intently studying a large map of the United States to research plumber licensing requirements and training pathways.

Thinking about becoming a plumber? It’s a smart move. Skilled trades like plumbing are in high demand, pay well, and offer rock-solid job security. But how long does it actually take to get licensed? The answer depends on where you live. Some states let you start working sooner through apprenticeships. Others require years of training, […]

Best Plumbing Lead Companies (Ranked & Reviewed for 2025)

Posted on June 17, 2025 (November 5, 2025) by Mandelyn Miller

Two men in safety gear and hard hats review plans at a construction site—one gestures as the other listens. Plumbing lead company trucks are parked along a dirt road, with a building and trees in the background.

Need plumbing leads — fast? Whether you’re dealing with a few slow weeks or gearing up to expand your team, every plumbing business eventually asks the same question: Where can I get high-quality leads without burning through cash? The truth is, not all lead sources are created equal. Some deliver low-cost but low-intent price shoppers. […]

Plumbing Advertising Ideas: 17 Smart Ways to Get More Calls and Booked Jobs

Posted on June 5, 2025 (June 3, 2025) by Mandelyn Miller

A middle-aged man with glasses and a gray beard sits at his busy desk, brainstorming effective plumbing advertising strategies to increase call volume.

You know plumbing like the back of your hand. But when it comes to getting the phone to ring consistently? That’s where things get tricky. Most plumbers didn’t get into this business to become marketers—but like it or not, the right advertising is what keeps the trucks moving and the jobs flowing in. In this […]

The Best First 5 Hires for HVAC and Plumbing Companies | Hiring Guide

Posted on June 2, 2025 (May 30, 2025) by Mandelyn Miller

Five tradespeople in work attire and tool belts stand confidently together in front of a white van, each with a tablet or clipboard—demonstrating teamwork and professionalism. This image captures the reliable workforce ideal for leading plumbing companies or featured in an HVAC hiring guide.

Starting a home service business is no joke. At first, it’s just you, taking the calls, running the jobs, doing the billing, and somehow remembering to eat lunch. But eventually, the question hits: Who do I hire first? We asked real contractors and trades pros to weigh in on the best order to build your […]

Trade School vs. College (The Unfiltered Truth)

Posted on May 6, 2025 (May 6, 2025) by Mandelyn Miller

A split image visually compares the trade school vs. college decision: on the left, a young man appears as a construction worker; on the right, he wears a graduation cap and gown.

Trade school vs. college. The debate isn’t going anywhere. Ask 10 people if young adults should go to college or pick up a trade, and you’ll get 10 different answers—and probably an argument. This topic recently blew up in an HVAC Facebook group with over 340 honest comments. People in the trades didn’t hold back, […]

Cheap Leads Trap: The Myth of “More Leads = More Revenue”

Posted on March 2, 2025 (November 11, 2025) by Tim Brown

Would you trust a $5 parachute? Of course not. So why do so many businesses chase the cheapest leads, hoping for premium results? The obsession with low-cost leads is a dangerous game that can silently kill your business by inflating customer acquisition costs (CAC) over time, draining resources, and leading to a flood of unqualified […]

Fixing a Revenue Plateau in HVAC & Plumbing: Hard Truths and Expert Strategies

Posted on March 2, 2025 (November 7, 2025) by Tim Brown

At Hook Agency, we illustrate the concept of the "Law of the Lid." A chaotic scene unfolds as individuals scramble over each other toward a large lid marked by limitations such as "fear" and "micromanagement." Above them, one person stands tall, spotlighted as a leader. Below, many are ensnared by obstacles like "lack of vision" and "revenue plateau." Our visual serves as a stark reminder to overcome these barriers for success.

Despite experienced hires and rebranding, many HVAC & plumbing businesses get stuck at $50K–$125K/month. They have inconsistent performance, leadership gaps, weak sales, misaligned roles, and high expenses. Fix This Now: ✔ Keep top performers selling, not installing. Let your best tech close deals while lower performers handle installs.✔ Implement call-by-call management. Daily tracking, huddles, and […]

Home Services Web Design: 7 Powerful Examples 2025

Posted on January 13, 2025 (November 6, 2025) by Tim Brown

A lot of people get their Home Services Website Design confused: They couldn’t be more wrong – after designing 100+ home service website designs and testing things with A/B tests, analytics, and User testing this is what actually works – with examples of what we’re talking about below. What works for Home Services Web Designs […]

Top Plumbing Sales Coaches to Boost Your Close Rates in 2025

Posted on December 29, 2024 (November 12, 2025) by Tim Brown

Plumbing Door Knocking - All City Plumbing Sales Training

Plumbing company owners know that technical skills alone won’t drive business growth. 1. HVAC Masters of the Hustle Overview: HVAC Masters of the Hustle is well-known for transforming sales teams in HVAC and plumbing industries. They specialize in high-energy, results-driven coaching, focusing on refining sales techniques and increasing closing rates. Unique Approach: Their method combines […]