GREENSBORO, N.C., April 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Do plumbers who charge hourly rates always cost more? In HelloNation, Tim Martin of Jimmy’s Plumbing in Greensboro addresses this common belief and explains why it is not always true. His article highlights the differences between flat-rate and hourly pricing, showing that in many cases, hourly billing can actually save homeowners money.

Martin explains that the myth comes from a simple fear: if a job takes longer than expected, the hourly bill will climb. Many homeowners assume that flat-rate pricing protects them from surprises, since they receive a set cost upfront. However, flat-rate pricing often includes extra time buffers for potential delays. That means a homeowner may be paying for hours of work that never happen.

When structured fairly, Martin says, hourly billing can be both transparent and cost-effective. Some plumbers bill in quarter-hour increments instead of rounding up to a full hour. With this model, a repair that takes 30 or 45 minutes is billed only for that time, not for a full hour or more. For efficient plumbers who come prepared with the right tools and parts, this approach often results in a lower final bill than a flat-rate padded with guesswork.

Preparation, Martin notes, is a key factor in cost. A skilled plumber who works efficiently under an hourly model rewards the homeowner directly. Flat-rate pricing, on the other hand, creates little incentive for speed. Whether the repair takes 20 minutes or two hours, the cost remains the same. In effect, homeowners often pay for the safety margin built into the flat rate, even when it is not needed.

Still, Martin acknowledges that flat-rate pricing has advantages in certain situations. Large or complex projects, such as sewer line replacements or water heater installations, carry more uncertainty. In those cases, a flat rate provides peace of mind by locking in the cost, even if complications arise. Homeowners should weigh the nature of the repair when deciding which pricing model is more suitable.

Martin advises that routine service calls, such as clogged drains, faucet repairs, or small valve replacements, are often less expensive under an hourly system. Larger projects with unpredictable factors may be safer with a flat rate. He emphasizes that the key is not assuming one system is always better, but instead matching the billing method to the specific job.

For homeowners, the most important step is asking questions before work begins. Martin recommends confirming whether the plumber charges hourly or flat rate, whether smaller billing increments are used, and whether additional service or trip fees apply. Clear communication about costs ensures there are no surprises and helps homeowners choose the pricing structure that best fits their situation.

Martin concludes that the myth about hourly plumbers always costing more is exactly that—a myth. Efficiency, preparation, and billing practices make a far bigger impact on the final bill than whether the plumber uses an hourly or flat-rate model. By understanding the differences, homeowners are better equipped to make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary expenses on plumbing work.

His full perspective can be read in the HelloNation article, Plumbing Prices: The Myth About Hourly Rates. There, Martin outlines how hourly and flat-rate systems compare and offers advice on when each approach makes the most sense.

About HelloNation
HelloNation is a premier media platform that connects readers with trusted professionals and businesses across various industries. Through its innovative “edvertising” approach that blends educational content and storytelling, HelloNation delivers expert-driven articles that inform, inspire, and empower. Covering topics from home improvement and health to business strategy and lifestyle, HelloNation highlights leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

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SOURCE HelloNation

Webcast Panel and Survey Announced

CHICAGO, April 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — A new research study focused on one of the most critical challenges in artificial intelligence (AI) is now underway. The 2026 State of Corporate AI Talent Study, developed by the AI Leaders Council, will examine how organizations are building, scaling, and adapting their AI workforce to support continued adoption and long-term success. The study results will be previewed at a complimentary webcast panel discussion scheduled for July 23, 2026, 1 PM CST (registration link below).

As many organizations move beyond early experimentation, the ability to effectively develop and deploy AI talent is becoming a defining factor in progress. This study will provide a comprehensive view into how executives are approaching workforce readiness, talent strategy, and the evolving structure of AI-enabled organizations.

The study seeks participation from AI Directors, Chief AI Officers (CAIOs), CIOs, CTOs, HR leaders, and other executives responsible for AI, data, and workforce strategy. Participants are invited to complete a brief, anonymous, and strictly confidential survey (estimated 5 minutes). Respondents will receive early access to the full study report and an invitation to a private executive discussion reviewing key findings.

The 2026 State of AI Talent Study will provide insights into:

Current levels of AI adoption and employee usage across the enterprise How organizations are structuring AI talent strategies, including hiring and trainingThe most in-demand AI roles and hardest-to-fill positions Key skill gaps limiting AI progress across technical and business teams How AI is reshaping roles, workforce planning, and future hiring expectations 

“The conversation around AI has quickly shifted from technology to talent,” said Neil Brown, Executive Director of the AI Leaders Council. “This study will help executives understand how their peers are navigating AI workforce challenges, from hiring and training to long-term organizational design.”

To take the brief, anonymous and confidential survey, 2026 Corporate AI Talent Study, link to: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/the-state-of-AI-talent-2026

To register for the complimentary webcast panel, 2026 Corporate AI Talent Study – Webcast, link to: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/8511587146710609244/?source=news

ABOUT the AI Leaders Council
AI Leaders Council™ is a global platform and community for AI Directors, CAIOs, CTOs, CIOs and related executives focused on training and career development, best practice resources and programs, peer networking and more. Programs include the AI Innovators™ Interview Series, and strategic research studies including the annual Corporate AI Outlook™ Study, the State of Corporate AI Talent™ Study, the AI Spend Index™, and the upcoming AI 2030™ Predictions Panel. Resources include the AI Insiders™ newsletter, numerous webcasts and roundtable panels on trending topics, and informative articles and whitepapers. For more information, visit www.AiLeadersCouncil.org.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/2026-state-of-corporate-ai-talent-study-302746592.html

SOURCE AI Leaders Council

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn., April 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — TrxNow, a leader in the roadside assistance and service logistics space, today announced a significant expansion of its strategic partnership with Pep Boys, one of the nation’s leading automotive service networks. Building on a successful nine-year collaborative history, TrxNow will now serve as the roadside assistance company managing Pep Boys’ nationwide Commercial Fleet Towing and Roadside Assistance program.

This expansion marks a new chapter in a relationship that began in 2017. For nearly a decade, TrxNow and Pep Boys have delivered reliable automotive solutions to drivers across the continent. By expanding from traditional roadside support to dedicated commercial fleet management, the two organizations are streamlining how commercial and service vehicles are maintained and recovered across the United States and Puerto Rico.

“We’re proud to expand our long-standing partnership with TrxNow to manage a comprehensive Commercial Fleet Towing and Roadside Assistance program. This launch reflects our commitment to keeping businesses moving, delivering fast, reliable support and a transparent digital experience that keeps fleets running when every minute matters,” says Chris Magana, SVP Commercial.

TrxNow has spent the last decade evolving from a specialized roadside dispatch service into a full-stack logistics powerhouse. By bridging the gap between traditional mechanical support and modern digital fleet management, the company has redefined what assistance looks like for the commercial sector. This growth has been driven by a relentless focus on reducing downtime and leveraging data-driven insights. With a heritage rooted in transparency and rapid response, TrxNow’s expansion with Pep Boys represents the natural progression of a company that has consistently mastered the art of keeping North American commerce in motion.

“TrxNow is excited to have been selected as the administrator for Pep Boys’ new Tow2Pep Fleet Program – an initiative that reflects a meaningful investment in the future of their fleet services. This partnership underscores our ability to deliver tailored, technology-driven solutions while maintaining a fully in-house service model that prioritizes quality and control. We look forward to supporting Pep Boys in executing this strategic program and continuing to demonstrate value to leaders across the fleet ecosystem,” says Lucas Carey, SVP Revenue and Client.

As a leading roadside assistance provider, TrxNow offers a robust suite of capabilities designed for the modern logistics landscape:

Expansive Footprint: Seamless coverage across the US and Canada, servicing light, medium, and heavy-duty weight classes.

Specialized Modalities: Expert management for Rail, Refrigerated (Reefer), Over-the-Road (OTR), and specialized EV (Electric Vehicle) support.

Bilingual Strategic Hubs: Complete North American solutions anchored by 4 state-of-the-art command centers in Johnson City, TN, and London, Ontario.

Tech-Forward Infrastructure: Utilizing a cloud-based, Salesforce-integrated platform, TrxNow delivers highly tailored, bolt-on solutions. This gives corporate clients an internal lens into their external programs, ensuring total transparency and real-time dispatch visibility.

About TrxNow

TrxNow is a premier roadside assistance and service logistics provider dedicated to transforming the emergency vehicle service experience. Assisting drivers 24x7x365, TrxNow combines industry-leading technology with a massive network of service provider partners providing jumpstarts, lockouts, tire changes, fluid deliveries, towing, and winching. This powerful infrastructure allows the company to manage complex logistics for everything from passenger vehicle tire changes and fuel delivery to heavy-duty commercial towing and recovery. By prioritizing transparency, speed, and reliability, TrxNow continues to set the gold standard for roadside assistance management in the modern era.

For more information about TrxNow’s roadside assistance and solutions, visit https://trx-now.com/.

View TrxNow’s Demo Video: TrxNow Demo Video – Click Here

Additional Links:

Watch WJHL – DayTime Tri-Cities Here: A Visit to TrxNowTrxNow Celebrates 11 Years of Innovation in the Automotive Solutions IndustryDominion Automobile Association Celebrates 75 Years of Serving Drivers with Trusted Auto SolutionsTrxNow Roadside Assistance Thrives in Johnson City, Tennessee, a Top Destination for 2025. LinkedInTrxNow Website

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/trxnow-expands-long-standing-strategic-partnership-with-pep-boys-to-manage-comprehensive-commercial-fleet-towing-and-roadside-assistance-program-302747542.html

SOURCE TrxNow