March 11th is dedicated to raising awareness about the vital role plumbing and plumbers play in our daily lives. At Sonnhalter, we deeply appreciate the hard work and commitment of plumbers everywhere. Today, we’re sharing some interesting plumbing facts to highlight the importance of this essential profession.
Did You Know? Plumbing Improves the World…
Standardized plumbing systems can be traced back to around 3,000 B.C.
Between 2000 and 2015, more than 1 billion people gained access to piped water supplies.
Approximately 0.3% of homes in the U.S. experience minor plumbing leaks.
The global population using safely managed sanitation services grew from 28% in 2000 to 39% in 2015.
A 4-minute shower can now use as little as 24 liters of water.
The dual flush toilet, developed in a small Australian town in 1980, now uses as little as 4.5 liters of water.
Today, we salute the plumbers who keep everything flowing—and prevent it from overflowing. Thank you to the dedicated professionals who answer the call, often without sharing the tales of what they’ve pulled out of pipes!
On International Women’s Day, we take a moment to celebrate the incredible women making strides in the trades industry. Once predominantly male-dominated, the trades are now seeing more women take on key roles—from plumbing to carpentry, electrical work to HVAC.
Women in trades are not only challenging stereotypes but are also helping to fill critical skill gaps in the workforce. Their talent, hard work and resilience are driving the industry forward, and they continue to inspire the next generation of women to pursue these careers.
Today, we honor the women who are breaking barriers and excelling in their craft. Thank you for your dedication, skill and leadership in the trades. Here’s to you—today and every day!
Following is a guest post from our friends over at Long & Short of It, masters of ideation, customer insights and market research. They like to say they “dig and find lots of data and then turn it into actionable insights.” Following is their guest post.
We’re not talking about what someone may say that sets you off
Instead, we’re referring to the trigger that sparks an impulse to potentially make a purchase. Interestingly, both concepts are somewhat connected. In psychology, a trigger is an external event or circumstance that elicits a reaction. It can stem from a sight, sound, smell, texture, or even being in a specific location.
These triggers often play a significant role in our decision-making process as consumers. For marketers, understanding them is crucial to crafting effective strategies that align with customer journeys.
Think about this: You don’t wake up one day and randomly decide to purchase a new car. Something sets that process in motion. Was it the funny noise your current car started making? Did your neighbor’s shiny new vehicle catch your eye? Or was it the irresistible “new car smell” you experienced in a rental? Triggers like these often serve as the initial spark that propels us toward action.
But Wait! Wasn’t it Because of My Awesome Advertising?
While advertising plays a role in this process, it’s rarely the sole reason for a purchase. Instead, advertisements often act as amplifiers, gently nudging individuals along their journey. They might inspire you just enough to click a link, visit a store, or start researching options. However, the true trigger typically lies deeper, intertwined with psychological and emotional factors. Therefore, understanding the triggers can serve as a solid strategic path or input to creating your advertising plans.
The Psychology of Triggers
The reason for this is because triggers tap into core human behaviors and emotions, creating connections that drive action. A study published in the Journal of Consumer Research found that the scent of fresh-baked cookies in a store increased impulse purchases by creating an emotional association with comfort and home. Something Disney learned a long time ago as they pumped out the smell of fresh baked cookies near their bakery shop on Main Street.
Other times, the underlying psychological component that combines with a trigger to cause action is how some marketers tap into our fears and desires. It could be our desires to be more beautiful, wealthier, healthier, or simply having some FOMO (fear of missing out), which is why at times it feels irresistible to pass up that limited-time offer or access to exclusive products.
Take a Holistic Approach
When delving into the customer journey, it’s just as important to learn what someone is thinking and doing as well as feeling when they think about what triggered the need for a product or service. This holistic view enables brands to more clearly follow that journey into what people eventually do to make a purchase, whether it’s researching online, speaking to friends, or go window shopping. Try it on yourself! Think back to a recent purchase. What was your trigger? And what were you thinking, doing, and feeling when it compelled you to take that next step towards the purchase
From Trigger to Action
Once you’ve identified your customer’s triggers, the next steps are:
Map the Customer Journey: Understand where and how triggers emerge within the broader context of the customer’s decision-making process.
Leverage Emotional Insights: Use storytelling and messaging that aligns with the emotions tied to your customer’s triggers. For instance, if safety is a concern, emphasize features that promote security and peace of mind.
Design Engaging Touchpoints: Create sensory and interactive experiences that reinforce the trigger. If a scent triggers nostalgia, incorporate it into your physical or digital spaces.
By understanding the interplay between external triggers and internal motivators, you can create marketing strategies that not only reach your customers but also resonate deeply with them. In doing so, you are on your path to position your brand as a solution that meets their needs in both practical and emotional ways.
In a recent article from Forbes, Influencer marketing is a booming industry worth $24 billion, and despite challenges, it’s showing no signs of slowing down. A recent report found that 40% of marketers are dedicating a significant portion of their budgets to influencer campaigns. As we progress through 2025, several trends are shaping the future of this marketing strategy:
Creators as Advisors & Consultants: Influencers are increasingly becoming integral to brands’ strategies, influencing product development and trend forecasting, not just content creation.
LinkedIn’s B2C Potential: While traditionally a B2B platform, LinkedIn is emerging as a powerful channel for B2C brands, with creators leveraging it for deeper engagement with a professional audience.
Long-Term Partnerships: Brands are shifting towards long-term collaborations with creators, viewing them as strategic partners for growth, beyond one-off promotions.
User & Employee-Generated Content: With influencer fees rising, more brands are turning to cost-effective, authentic content created by users and employees to build trust with consumers.
In-Person Events: Experiential marketing is making a strong comeback, with influencers playing key roles in promoting and co-hosting live events.
For trades and industries like ours, these trends present valuable opportunities. Influencers are not just promoting products but are becoming key figures in shaping industry trends and engaging communities. By tapping into long-term partnerships, diversifying content strategies and even involving influencers in live, hands-on experiences, companies can enhance their brand visibility. This approach can help foster deeper connections with both professionals and consumers in the industry.
Matt Sonnhalter breaks down his top five takeaways from World of Concrete 2025! From cutting-edge innovations to emerging industry trends, Matt shares key insights from the show in the video below.
It’s crucial to establish an online brand identity to stand out. A strong brand identity not only helps you attract and keep customers but also differentiates you from competitors. Here’s how to build a compelling and cohesive brand identity.
Define Your Core Values
Before you start, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of your brand’s core values. Ask yourself:
What is the purpose of your brand?
What values drive your business?
How do you want to impact your audience?
Defining these elements will serve as the foundation for all your branding efforts. Ensure that your online presence reflects these values consistently.
Design a Visual Identity
Visual elements are integral to your brand identity. This includes:
Logo: Your logo should be unique, memorable and reflective of your brand’s personality.
Color palette: Choose colors that align with your brand values.
Typography: Select fonts that enhance readability and fit your brand’s tone.
Consistency in visual design across your website, social media and other online platforms is essential for brand recognition.
Create a Cohesive Online Presence
Your website and social media profiles are often the first place for potential customers. Ensure that your brand identity is consistent across all these platforms. This includes:
Website design: Your website should be visually aligned with your brand and offer a user-friendly experience.
Social media: Profile images, cover photos and posts should all reflect your brand’s visual identity and voice.
Maintaining consistency helps in reinforcing your brand identity and making a strong impression.
Leverage Content Marketing
Content marketing is important for establishing your brand’s expertise. Create relevant content that aligns with your brand’s messaging and addresses your audience’s needs. This could include:
Blog posts: Share insights, tips and updates related to your industry.
Videos: Use videos to showcase your products, services or behind-the-scenes content.
High-quality content not only drives traffic but also helps in building credibility and brand recognition.
Monitor and Adapt
Building a strong online brand identity is an ongoing process. Regularly monitor your online presence and gather feedback from your audience. Use analytics tools to track performance and identify areas for improvement. Be ready to adapt your strategies based on changing trends and audience preferences.
Encourage User-Generated Content
User-generated content (UGC) can be a powerful way to build brand credibility and engage with your audience. Encourage your customers to share their experiences with your brand on social media or through reviews. Highlighting UGC on your platforms not only boosts engagement but also provides testimonials to your brand.
By leveraging these strategies and continuously adapting to your audience’s needs, you can establish an online presence that resonates with your target market. Start implementing these to build a brand identity that stands out.
