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Watts has unveiled a new Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) for use with its existing line of R48 Series commercial Reverse Osmosis (RO) systems.

This PLC provides extensive user flexibility, including an embedded Ethernet port for enhanced connectivity performance not found with traditional serial ports. The PLC also includes a color touchscreen (7” diagonal) for displaying system statuses, operating pressures, and feed and product conductivity. The new PLC also features 14 each digital inputs (six high speed), eight each analog (4-20 ma) inputs, and ten each relay outputs (24 VAC).

The PLC is compatible with SCADA applications for supporting Modbus over serial applications. Additional options include a larger touchscreen, Variable Frequency Drive (VFD), and permeate shutdown flush.

Watts’ R48 RO systems are assembled in the U.S.A. and can be installed with other Watts water quality products for complete water quality and conditioning solutions.

A March 2011 study by Colloquy showed that 75% of people will let people know they are unhappy with a product or service, compared to 42% who share products and service that they are happy with.

The study goes on to say that even those who are happy consumers who recommend companies to others, will share bad news. 31% claimed they are more likely to share an unhappy experience than a positive one.

The study goes on to share that there are three distinct groups we need to be aware of:

 Advocates: will recommend favorites, but not a lot of followers.

 Connectors: they have lots of followers, but are not vocal about their experiences.

Champions: they are vocal and well-connected, have followers they frequently contact, both family and friends.

So about 1/3 of the population falls into the Champion category, which is good to know. What is not good is to realize that we have a sub-set of the Champion group who are far more likely to spread a bad experience than a good one, a group that can wreak havoc on your brand very quickly.

Here are some statistics to be aware of.

• It is 6-7 times more expensive to acquire a new customer than it is to keep one you already have.

• Increasing customer retention rates by 5%, increases profits by up to 95%.

• 83% of customers say that a loyalty program makes it more likely to continue doing business with a company.

• A company has a 60-70% probability of converting an existing customer to a sale, on a new prospect, only 5-20%.

• Existing customers spend 67% more than new customers.

They already know you, your products, your services, and you have a relationship in place. So it is easier for them to open their wallets for your products rather than a new customer.

Here are some lessons from this information to apply to your plumbing business. First, make sure you recognize the Champions, they have a voice in the marketplace, and will use it to share experiences.   Second, it is the bad experiences that impact our lives and maybe even survival as a human being. We are mesmerized by accidents, floods, earthquakes, sometimes thinking we are glad it is not us, but we just can’t look away. In fact, the brain detects negative information faster than positive.

In a business relationship, it typically takes 5 positive events to match up to 1 negative. The old “Atta-boy” rule. We want to share the bad and wait to share the good. That is why websites like Yelp have such power; even we go to them to see how a painter, roofer, and landscaper does in the real world. Not just how good “they” say they are but what the “customers” say.

The harsh reality is that the customer has a lot of power today. Thus, the phrase “The customer is always right!” This phrase is not always true of course. What is true, however, is that they always “believe” they are right, even when they may be wrong!   In some cases, it may even be best to fire a customer, one who is taking up too much time and causing strife in your team. But it must be done politely and gently today to avoid poor publicity and reviews on social media sites and review sites like Yelp and on Google. But you should always have a plan on how to deal with mean or threatening customers.

So if a bad experience occurs, and they will from time to time, handle it fast. Make sure your team has the tools and authority to make decisions necessary to make the customer happy. You want to keep the customer in the family, customers who had a problem that was solved fast bought more and became more loyal than ones who had a problem that was not addressed. Even more important, only 1 in 26 complain, the other 25 take their business somewhere else.

Finally, realize why customers leave:

• 1% die
• 3% move
• 5% buy from a friend in biz
• 9% buy at lower price
• 14% lost to unadjusted complaints…
• 68% leave because of an attitude of indifference an apparent lack of interest by any one employee!

Lesson here: everyone is in sales! Let each employee know how important they are to keeping customers and growing the business. Employees tend to follow the lead of their leaders, which starts at the top.

Greenlee Textron Inc. has launched a new line of Gorilla™ pressing tools designed for joining pipe safely by eliminating the need for an open flame and a hot work permit on the jobsite.

The new Gorilla™ pressing tool line features two separate tool platforms: the inline battery pressing tool (INLNPRESS-TOOL19kN) and the pistol grip battery powered pressing tool (PSTLPRESS-TOOL32KN). Both tools quickly press watertight connections in three to four seconds. The tools can be used while a system is still wet, unlike with soldering, so the contractor does not have to drain the system and wait for it to dry before pressing. The inline pressing tool has a fitting capacity of 1-1/2” (38.1mm) on PEX and 1-1/4” (31.8mm) on copper and stainless steel, and the pistol grip pressing tool has a fitting capacity of 2” (50.8mm) on PEX and 4” (101.6mm) on copper and stainless steel. The tools have a patented twist and release pin, making jaw exchange even easier. The kits come with four jaws for the inline and six for the pistol grip.

These new pressing tools utilize intelligence for accurate pressing and are designed with autostop technology, which automatically stops the piston when the optimal force is reached, sealing the fitting properly. Precise pressure monitoring and diagnostics ensure appropriate specifications for each fitting. The quickstop feature built into both tools elicits an immediate stop to the piston once the trigger is released safeguarding the user’s hands from pinch points. The lightweight design, 350-degree rotating head, and LED work light allow for both products to be used in dark tight spaces.

The Gorilla pressing tool line is a high quality solution for Faster, Safer & Easier® fitting installations from Greenlee. For more information, visit www.greenlee.com or call 1-800-435-0786.

The F.W. Webb Company is pleased to begin offering an innovative new fire protectant for contractors, plumbers, welders, HVAC installers, handymen and similar trade professionals. A must for every toolbox, FireIce® Shield™ is a proprietary, non-toxic, eco-friendly, non-corrosive versatile gel that prevents ignition from welding flames, sparks and other construction ignition sources that could otherwise lead to an accidental structure fire.

FireIce Shield is highly effective, yet sprays on and cleans up easily with water, leaving no residue. The colorless, odorless gel blocks heat transfer, prevents ignition, and cools treated materials on contact for immediate handling. It protects virtually any material, including wood, sheetrock, cloth, wires, insulation, plastic, vinyl and metal. It is also works on painted and finished surfaces.

“Many structure fires may be prevented if contractors take proper precautions,” said Michael Matros, an active firefighter and Fire Protection and Prevention Specialist for FireIce Solutions. Noting the Back Bay fire that claimed the lives of two Boston firefighters in 2014 was started by a welding accident, Matros added, “As a firefighter, I believe this product has tremendous potential to save lives and property.”

Professionals who see the product demonstrated are impressed; a contractor attending a recent live demo at an F.W. Webb location called it “miraculous.”

Made in the USA by GelTech Solutions, Inc., FireIce Shield in a convenient spray bottle is available at F.W. Webb locations throughout the Northeast. Visit fwwebb.com.