Supply House Times

13/02/2025

The February issue us here! Our bath & kitchen focus includes a story of how the Winsupply family of showrooms often fly "under the radar." Also in this issue is out 2025 KBIS preview, an article about leveraging Google reviews for your business, a new column series from our friends at AIM/R, and a brand new monthly showroom columnist, Melissa Rasico, national showroom manager for Winsupply! Check it all out here: https://digitaledition.supplyht.com/february-2025
Moen Pfister Ruvati Niagara Conservation

12/02/2025

Congratulations to The Granite Group's Sink & Spout on it's newly remodeled showroom in Manchester, NH! For fans of the television show “Dream Home Makeover,” Sink & Spout offers a unique opportunity to add a little “Studio McGee” to a customer’s home in an affordable way. “We were one of the first companies in New England to offer a full selection of KOHLER x Studio McGee bath, kitchen, and lighting fixtures,” explains Sink & Spout Showroom Sales Director Dan Lorenz. “Our showroom team can help guide you to Shea McGee’s Malin or Seagrove vanity options, as well as her Edalyn kitchen faucet that pairs perfectly with many sinks, including Kohler’s Ironridge® design.” Find more details here:

Located off Exit 6 on Route 293, next to the Amoskeag Circle, the Manchester Sink & Spout now offers a new space built to inspire bath, kitchen, and lighting selections that fit every style and budget.

11/02/2025

07/02/2025

Decarbonization, A2L refrigerants, AI and plumbing, building automation and controls, workforce development are just a few of the trending topics in the HVACR and plumbing industries that will be on discussed and on full display at the upcoming AHR Expo, held Feb. 10-12, in Orlando, Florida.

The AHR Expo brings the best minds in the business to the same floor, notes Max Rohr, director of marketing and education for
Caleffi North America. "For our customers, they can walk around and see all the newest plumbing and hydronic system building blocks on the market," he says. "More importantly, they can have conversations with industry experts about how to apply these new pieces so all the stakeholders in a system win."

Caleffi is just one of the anticipated 1,865 exhibitors displaying new tech and products during the 2025 AHR Expo. On top of that and the vast educational program, the popular Podcast Pavillion will also be returning this year. Find more details about the show here: https://www.supplyht.com/articles/106326-ahr-expo-presents-must-see-innovations-and-unlimited-opportunities

The AHR Expo, scheduled for February 10-12 in Orlando, will showcase trends like decarbonization and A2L refrigerants, with 1,865 exhibitors including Caleffi North America. Attendees can connect with experts and explore new products, while the Podcast Pavilion celebrates its five-year anniversary.

06/02/2025

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced a delay in enforcing parts of its recently published regulation banning commonly used refrigerants. This decision, driven by the advocacy of HARDI, provides much-needed flexibility for distributors and end-users to navigate the stringent requirements, ensuring consumers maintain access to vital refrigeration products.

“We appreciate DEC granting our request to delay enforcement of their recent ban on refrigerants used in commercial refrigeration,” said Talbot Gee, HARDI CEO. “HARDI has raised significant concerns about the issues within the regulation. We look forward to working collaboratively with the DEC and industry partners to ensure continued access to refrigeration and precise climate controls essential to supermarkets, grocers, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and more. HARDI remains unwavering in its commitment to this objective.” Find more details here: https://www.supplyht.com/articles/106317-hardi-secures-enforcement-delay-amid-new-dec-refrigerants-regulations

HARDI secures enforcement delay amid new DEC refrigerants regulations

05/02/2025

Marcone has launched a customer rewards program. MyRewards, a loyalty program created exclusively for customers of PlumbMaster, Wolverine Brass and Speakman, launched as an updated program that rewards top customers for their ongoing purchases. The new program includes exclusive offers and pricing, custom product and shipping discounts, and points back from purchases that can be cashed in for a range of prizes. Find more details here:

The new program includes exclusive offers and pricing, custom product and shipping discounts, and points back from purchases that can be cashed in for a range of prizes.

04/02/2025

Kathryn Poehling Seymour has joined the Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC) Board of Directors during its biannual meeting held in Delafield in January. Poehling Seymour, the President & CEO of First Supply, joins dozens of business leaders and experienced executives to guide WMC as the voice of business in Wisconsin. “We are proud to see Katie take on this leadership role with WMC,” said Seth DePuy, Chief Strategy Officer at First Supply. “Her commitment to advancing our industry and the broader business landscape reflects her dedication to progress, collaboration, and innovation.” Find more details here:

Kathryn (Katie) Poehling Seymour joined the Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC) Board of Directors during its biannual meeting held in Delafield in January. Poehling Seymour, the President & CEO of First Supply, joins dozens of business leaders and experienced executives to guide WMC as...

03/02/2025

Great news from AD members! AD owner/member sales increased 6% to $83.3 billion. On a same-store basis, member sales in their respective currencies increased 4% in the U.S., 3% in Canada, and 10% in Mexico. Purchases by member companies from AD supplier partners were up 5% to $20.7 billion. Net distributions to owner/members increased 5% to $1.45 billion. Find more details here: https://www.supplyht.com/articles/106314-ad-owner-members-reach-a-record-833-billion-in-2024

AD owner/member sales increased 6% to $83.3 billion. On a same-store basis, member sales in their respective currencies increased 4% in the U.S., 3% in Canada, and 10% in Mexico.

30/01/2025

After serving as interim CEO since October 2024, Marki Huston has been named the permanent CEO of Viega LLC North America. Congratulations, Marki! "“Marki Huston has shown exceptional leadership and commitment during her time at Viega and interim tenure as CEO, making her the ideal choice to lead Viega North America into the future. Her deep understanding of the business, operational expertise and focus on results will drive continued success in the U.S. and Canadian markets,” shared Markus Brettschneider, Global CEO of Viega Group, “I look forward to the continued growth and great work of the team under Marki’s leadership.” Find more details here:

Huston has served as interim CEO since October 2024, during which time she has demonstrated exceptional leadership, a deep understanding of our business operations and a steadfast dedication to our people, customers and partners. Her previous roles include Chief Operating Officer (COO) for Viega Nor...

29/01/2025

AD has announced its 2025 Board of Directors! During the most recent process, John Thompson, CEO of First Electric Supply Co. was newly elected to the Board; while Dr. Don McNeeley, Chairman and CEO of Chicago Tube & Iron; and Clay Geary, Owner and Manager of Interior Exterior Building Supply; were re-elected for another term. Additionally, George Vorwick, President and CEO of United Electric Supply Company, Inc., was appointed to the Board to fill a vacancy. Find the full list of Board members here:

During the most recent process, John Thompson, CEO of First Electric Supply Co. was newly elected to the Board; while Dr. Don McNeeley, Chairman and CEO of Chicago Tube & Iron; and Clay Geary, Owner and Manager of Interior Exterior Building Supply; were re-elected for another term.

28/01/2025

Congratulations to Brent Tippey for being named the American Water Works Association's next President-elect. Tippey will begin his term as president-elect in June at the conclusion of AWWA’s Annual Conference & Exposition (ACE25). His term as president begins in June 2026 following that of current President-Elect Heather Collins. Find more details here:

Tippey will begin his term as president-elect in June at the conclusion of AWWA’s Annual Conference & Exposition (ACE25). His term as president begins in June 2026 following that of current President-Elect Heather Collins.

27/01/2025

Marcone Supply Commercial Kitchen entered 2025 with 51% additional brand offerings in its catalog of repair parts, due to growing partnerships with top industry original equipment manufacturers. Just two years after entering the commercial kitchen marketplace, Marcone is contracted to distribute parts for OEMs that represent all commercial kitchen equipment categories. Additional growth came in the Canadian marketplace and through the warewashing sector, with top brands Hobart, Moyer Diebel and Champion now being stocked in our distribution facilities in Mississauga and Calgary. Find more details here:

Expedited delivery is a priority for Marcone, where 99.5% of in-stock orders ship the same day if ordered before 4 p.m. local time. Next-day ground delivery is available to 93% of the U.S. and two-day ground to 100% of the country.

24/01/2025

Introducing the new EverSteel Lab Line, a high-performance collection of stainless steel laboratory faucets. These faucets are built to resist corrosion and wear, perfect for pure water applications like reverse osmosis and deionized water. Backed by a limited lifetime warranty, they ensure durability and purity.

Learn more: www.tsbrass.com/products/eversteel-stainless-steel/eversteel-laboratory-faucets

24/01/2025

"For decades, the PVF and HVAC industries have operated with a mindset rooted in practicality and cost control, often dismissing the value of investing in marketing and design. There was even a time when having a polished appearance was perceived negatively—if your business "looked too good," it might imply you were frivolously spending money on things that didn’t matter. This outdated perception, while perhaps once valid in a different era, is now holding many companies back. In today’s competitive, digital-first marketplace, where first impressions are increasingly made online, your business’s forward-facing image is not just an accessory—it’s a necessity." - More wise words from Bran Marketing's Alicia Branham - check out her tips for breaking bad habits here:

This article emphasizes the overlooked importance of marketing and design in the PVF and HVAC industries, urging a mindset shift to seize opportunities and enhance brand image for future success.

22/01/2025

HARDI distributors reported a 1.1% revenue decrease in November. “A sales decline could indicate a pause to our annual sales growth rate recovery, but not in this case,” said HARDI Macroeconomic & Residential Market Analyst Brian Loftus, CFA. “November 2024 had one less selling day than November last year. We estimate the sales growth would have been 3.9% with the same number of billing days.” Find more details here:

The annual sales growth for the 12 months through November 2024 is an increase of 3.0%.

22/01/2025

Bring Back the Trades Inc announced a partnership with F.W. Webb Company - a three-year collaboration which aims to tackle the growing skills gap in the trades as the industry faces a significant wave of retirements, often referred to as the "silver tsunami." Through this partnership, Bring Back the Trades will conduct comprehensive primary and secondary research to analyze the challenges and opportunities in addressing the impending shortage of skilled tradespeople. This initiative will focus on understanding key factors contributing to the skills gap, including workforce demographics, barriers to entry, and education and training opportunities. Find out more here: https://www.supplyht.com/articles/106303-bring-back-the-trades-announces-research-partnership-with-fw-webb-to-address-skills-gap-in-the-trades

This initiative will focus on understanding key factors contributing to the skills gap, including workforce demographics, barriers to entry, and education and training opportunities.

21/01/2025

"The reason Amazon doesn’t keep me up at night is because I think we as independent distributors will continue to deliver the final mile better than they can. We deliver expertise and service that Amazon, Home Depot and others cannot match. But we have to continue to protect our core product, because there is product that Amazon can and will deliver quicker and cheaper than we can.” - Drew Roberts, CEO, ProSource Supply

Check out the annual ASA-Supply House Times roundtable, which is hosted at ASA NETWORK, where distributors talk Amazon, AI, data integration and acquisitions. https://www.supplyht.com/articles/106287-the-final-mile-2024-asa-supply-house-times-distributor-roundtable American Supply Association Collins Pipe & Supply Masters' Supply Hirsch Pipe & Supply Co., Inc.

At the American Supply Association's annual event, industry leaders addressed concerns about talent recruitment, competition from e-commerce, and the need for independent distributors to adapt and enhance their service offerings to stay competitive.

20/01/2025

The U.S. has experienced a drop in water usage per capita over the last two decades. As an example, from 2005 to 2015, a significant decline in surface freshwater withdrawals was observed in 64% of counties, paralleled by a 10% drop in household water use, despite an 8% population increase. The efforts made to create and distribute water efficient plumbing products by the plumbing supply-chain has contributed significantly to this reduction of water usage. As an example of the impact of water-efficient plumbing products, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates in the most recent WaterSense Accomplishments Report that WaterSense-certified products have saved more than 8.7 trillion gallons of water and $207 billion in water and energy expenses since the EPA WaterSense program began in 2006. Jim Kendzel, MPH dives into all things codes and standards at they relate to efficiency in his latest article here: https://www.supplyht.com/articles/106301-water-efficiency-trends-in-codes-and-standards

The U.S. has cut per capita water usage by 10% from 2005 to 2015, thanks to water-efficient plumbing products that saved over $135 billion. As climate change increases water shortage risks, the plumbing supply chain must adapt to evolving efficiency standards.