O.J. Laughlin Plumbing Company, Inc.
Spring 2013
  
  

March Check List: 

  
Daylight Savings  - Begins at 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, March 10th.  Remember to "spring forward" and set your clocks up an hour.
  
Sign Up for Electronic Payments - Starting March 1st, all Social Security, VA and other Federal Benefits will be paid only by direct deposit or direct express debit card.  More information: (800) 333-1795 or www.godirect.org.
 
O.J. Laughlin Plumbing Company, Inc. has received the 2012 Angie's List Super Service Award.  This is the 9th consecutive year O.J. has won this award which is based off of customer reports to Angie's List.  
ASA Midwest Council 
O.J. Laughlin Plumbing Company, Inc. has been nominated for a Subcontractor Award by the American Subcontractor Association.
  
The past General Contractor of the Year winners and nominees were sent a ballot to select outstanding Subcontractors in the Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing (MEP) category.  O.J. Laughlin Plumbing has been selected by these General Contractors as meeting or exceeding the nomination criteria.  Winners will be announced Saturday, April 13th at the ASA Awards Dinner.  
  
 
     
  
   
 
  
O.J. Laughlin Plumbing Begins 3rd Generation
  
Bob Laughlin and his nephew Dan Laughlin have agreed on terms of the purchase of O.J. Laughlin Plumbing Company, Inc.  The closing was December 28, 2012.  Dan has been elected President and will run the day to day operations.  Bob will continue as a Consultant until December 2017.
  
Bob started in the business in 1972 as an Apprentice Plumber and, over the years he secured both his Journeyman and Master Plumber's Licenses.  He took control of the business in 1982 due to the illness of his Father, Oliver J. Laughlin.  Bob has been President for 31 years.
  
During his tenure, he feels the biggest accomplishment has been keeping up the reputation developed by his Father, 30 years before him.
Overhead

 

  ~ A Letter of Thanks ~
  
To all of our contractors and customers, I personally want to thank you for your loyal support over the years.  It's hard to believe that I have been at O.J. Laughlin Plumbing for 41 years.  As I step down as President, I leave you in very capable hands with my  nephew Dan.  He also has grown up in the business and knows what it takes to keep the reputation going under his leadership.
  
I look forward to spending time with my family, and chasing that little white golf ball.  It's been a pleasure dealing with everyone over the years.
  
I can still be reached at the office (636) 225-0992 or through my email at: [email protected]
  
Sincerely,
  
Bob Laughlin

  
A Brief Statement from the New President
  
I would like to personally thank Bob for the opportunity to lead O.J. Laughlin Plumbing Company, Inc. into it's 3rd Generation, and for all his trust and support given to me during the 27+ years that I have been a part of O.J. Laughlin Plumbing.
  
We will be launching a new and improved website soon which will be highlighted by a full statement at that time.
  
Thank you,
  
Daniel P. Laughlin
  
 Housing Thaw?
  
In a bit of good news for residential designers and builders, the years long trend of declining house sizes may be bottoming.  As recently as last year, 60% of respondents to the annual American Institute of Architects (AIA) "Home Design Trends Survey" reported declining home sizes, according to AIA chief economist Kermit Baker.  This year, the number fell to 52%.
  
According to Baker, the upper end of the market seems more stable, ahead of entry-level homes.  "Except for those aimed at first time buyers, homes at all the major price points (are leveling off in size) compared with a year ago."
   
What Buyers Want
  
Even though home sizes aren't shrinking as much as in past years, very few designers and builders - only 5% in the survey - say they're getting bigger.  This implies that smaller homes are probably with us in the foreseeable future.
  
In a sign that the market has adapted to smaller homes, clients now prefer their floor plans to have rooms and features that satisfy their wants as much as possible in less space.  Some once popular features have become rare, while more practical choices have been growing in popularity.
  
The AIA survey found that special purpose areas such as craft, media, exercise rooms, pet kennels and wine cellars are disappearing.  Homeowners continue to demand home offices and outdoor living spaces throughout the country.  Baker notes that the outdoor space trend has stayed strong since it first hit the market 10 years ago.  He believes the reason is because buyers see outdoor space as a place to entertain guests in a smaller home, even if they can only do so in the summer.  Other features with broad appeal include accessibility and flexible, multi-use spaces. 
  
Accessibility in and around the home is a continued interest.  People want to age in their current home, so accessibility is a growing concern.  In fact, 58% of residential architect respondents in the survey stated that in-home accessibility was in demand among their clients.
  
Buyers have become more focused on making their homes more workable.  As their family dynamic changes, they can stay in their home longer.
  
For more information on the AIA study, go to: www.aia.org/practicing/AIAB089805.
  
  
Housing Thaw? Retrieved February 25, 2013 from http://pro.moen.com/news-and-insights/trade-tips/cms/article?id=143  
  
O.J. Laughlin Plumbing Company, Inc.
306 St. Louis Avenue
Valley Park, Missouri 63088
(636) 225-0992