Supply House Times

01/11/2024

Happy Friday! Here are some highlights from your weekly product roundup:

*Caleffi Hydronic Solutions filling valve with backflow preventor
*IPEX by Aliaxis double connected piping system
*T&S Brass and Bronze Works handwashing sinks

Find all of the latest products here: https://www.supplyht.com/topics/2670-new-phcp-and-pvf-products

01/11/2024

AD reported that member sales in the first nine months of 2024 increased 6% to a record $61 billion across AD’s 14 divisions and three countries. Same-store sales increased by 3% in total, 2% in the U.S., 2% in Canada, and 11% in Mexico, in their respective currencies. Member purchases from AD suppliers grew 4% to $15.4 billion. Find more details here: https://www.supplyht.com/articles/106182-ad-reports-record-member-sales-through-nine-months-of-2024

115 new members joined AD year-to-date, including over 50 that joined as part of the Edge Group merger, effective January 1.

31/10/2024

More acquisition news! Congrats to Masters' Supply on its successful acquisition of P.C. Clark, a reputable supplier of plumbing and electrical products based in Campbellsville, KY. Masters' Supply President and Chief Operating Officer Nathan Wachtel shared his enthusiasm about the acquisition, noting the company's commitment to growth through strategic partnerships. “This acquisition aligns with our mission to build momentum by acquiring complementary businesses with strong reputations and solid foundations,” said Wachtel. “P.C. Clark has established itself as a trusted supplier in Campbellsville, and we look forward to building on their legacy while bringing our resources and expertise to the community.” Find more details here: https://www.supplyht.com/articles/106181-masters-supply-acquires-pc-clark

As P.C. Clark becomes a valued part of Masters' Supply, the Campbellsville location will continue to operate under the P.C. Clark name.

31/10/2024

Marcone Supply has announced a new President and CEO. Congratulations Asterios Satrazemis! Satrazemis succeeds Avichal Jain, who led Marcone’s initial growth from a leading appliance parts distributor to a multi-vertical partner across five major sectors. Satrazemis brings extensive executive and global leadership experience, with a track record of successfully growing diverse, distributed service-based businesses, most recently as the CEO of BlueLine Rental and United Site Services. Find more details here: https://www.supplyht.com/articles/106180-marcone-announces-new-president-and-ceo

Satrazemis succeeds Avichal Jain, who led Marcone’s initial growth from a leading appliance parts distributor to a multi-vertical partner across five major sectors.

30/10/2024

With recent disastrous weather events in mind, disaster preparedness is top of mind for many business owners. By creating and implementing a comprehensive disaster preparedness plan that includes risk assessments, preventive measures, and effective claims management protocols, businesses can better secure their operations to help reduce property or financial losses. Federated Insurance's Patrick Cunningham shares a step-by-step guide here: https://www.supplyht.com/articles/106038-be-prepared-with-a-disaster-preparedness-plan

Disaster preparedness is essential for business owners to manage risks and minimize losses. By creating a comprehensive plan with risk assessments, preventive measures, and effective claims management protocols, businesses can better secure their operations and reduce property or financial losses.

29/10/2024

Congratulations to Johnson Controls on its recent grand opening! The company opened a new Innovation Center – Warren Johnson Engineering Lab. The 109,000-square-foot facility houses approximately 250 employees dedicated to advancing smart building technologies and sustainable solutions. Find more details here: https://www.supplyht.com/articles/106176-johnson-controls-opens-new-innovation-center-in-glendale

The engineering facility focuses on hardware and software engineering, including the OpenBlue suite of digital solutions, Building Automation Systems & Controls, and materials testing.

29/10/2024

New eBook alert! This second edition of the Radiant & Hydronics All Stars eBook features the latest technology, product innovation and design trends in the radiant and hydronic markets. Inside, you’ll find our All Star Roundtable panelists discussing the latest market trends from low-temperature radiant systems to new minimum efficiency standards for circulator pumps, set to take effect in 2028. Read it here: https://www.supplyht.com/articles/106165-ebook-2024-radiant-and-hydronics-all-stars Taco Comfort Solutions Caleffi North America

This second edition of the Radiant & Hydronics All Stars eBook showcases the latest technology and design trends in the radiant and hydronic markets. It features insights from our All Star Roundtable on low-temperature systems and upcoming efficiency standards for circulator pumps by 2028, along...

28/10/2024

Did you know that 48% of cyber breaches impact businesses with fewer than 1,000 employees? At ASA's inaugural Innovation Summit, ASA-member distributors, suppliers, reps and service providers heard from Winsupply’s Senior VP of IT Chris Schrameck, Texas Plumbing Supply Co. Vice President Jeremy Fuller, NIBCO INC Information Security Supervisor Travis M. Slone and Coburn Supply Executive Vice President Michael Maloney on a host of cybersecurity issues during a 90-minute panel session moderated by Distribution Strategy Group Ian Heller. Find more details here: https://www.supplyht.com/articles/106143-cybersecurity-key-point-of-discussion-during-inaugural-asa-innovation-summit

At the ASA Innovation Summit in Rosemont, Illinois, industry experts discussed critical cybersecurity issues in a 90-minute panel led by Ian Heller. The session provided valuable insights for ASA members involved in distribution and supply.

28/10/2024

The AHR Expo announced the winners of the 2025 AHR Expo Innovation Awards. Winners are chosen annually in 10 industry categories, representing the most innovative products and technologies in the market. Winners include Grundfos, Climate Control Group, LG Global Electronics and others - find all of the award winners here:

All entries are reviewed and selected by a panel of third-party judges made up of distinguished ASHRAE members. Evaluations are based on overall innovative design, creativity of the product or service offered, product or technology real-world application, as well as overall potential market impact.

25/10/2024

Your Featured Product Friday lineup includes:

* Unipipe Solutions new aluminum piping system

* Milwaukee Tool toolbox attachments

* YORK Commercial Solutions computer room air handlers

Find all of the latest new and product releases here: https://www.supplyht.com/topics/2670-new-phcp-and-pvf-products

25/10/2024

Exciting acquisition news from Venturi Supply! Venturi has acquired Texas-based Cohn & Gregory, an industry leader in the custom fabrication of high-quality pressure vessels, skid-based products, and prefabricated piping systems through its Joe White Tank division. Find more details here: https://www.supplyht.com/articles/106173-venturi-supply-acquires-texas-based-cohn-and-gregory

24/10/2024

The American Supply Association (ASA) has created a Data Taskforce to establish a data standard for the PHCP/PVF industry. It is a tall task, but one that is important to the future of our great industry. We have seen other industries adopt standardization and it works. It helps everyone from manufacturer to distributor and every point in between identify important product characteristics in one common industry language. Like color, for example: Is it Black, Blk, BK? ASA President Patrick Maloney gives all the details in his article here: https://www.supplyht.com/articles/106140-asa-set-to-debut-industry-product-data-standard Coburn Supply

ASA has recognized how important data standardization is to our industry. About two years ago, at our LEAD strategic planning retreat, we discussed how ASA could get involved and help guide our industry.

24/10/2024

Congratulations to Crystal Van Velkinburgh on her new role with Marcone Supply! Marcone announced that Crystal Van Velkinburgh will oversee sales for the North Atlantic region as the company's Commercial Kitchen operations continue rapid growth throughout that industry. As the new North Atlantic Regional Sales Director, Van Velkinburgh brings a wealth of industry experience to the role. Find more details here:

Van Velkinburgh will manage OEM parts distribution to independent service agents along the Eastern Seaboard from the Carolinas through Maine.

23/10/2024

Watsco announced its results for the third quarter and nine-month period ended September 30. Sales increased 3% to a record $5.9 billion, and operating cash flow improved 50% to a record $394 million versus the same period last year. Find more highlights here: https://www.supplyht.com/articles/106166-watsco-reports-record-sales-enhanced-operating-efficiency-strong-cash-flow-and-improving-business-trends

E-commerce sales continue to outpace overall sales growth rates, growing 5% during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2024 and accounting for 35% of total sales.

22/10/2024

As budget planning season arrives, manufacturers, rep firms and distributors are gearing up for a successful year ahead. Budgeting isn’t just about crunching numbers; it's about strategically setting the stage for your business’s future. A well-crafted budget can help you manage costs, seize new opportunities, and strengthen your market position. Effective budget planning requires more than just forecasting expenses and revenues. It’s also an opportunity to build and enhance your brand’s presence, which is crucial for long-term success. Alicia Branham dives deep into steps for successful PHCP-PVF budget planning in her latest column here: https://www.supplyht.com/articles/106135-mastering-budget-planning-in-pvf-and-hvac Bran Marketing

This guide will help you navigate the budgeting process, from understanding the current market landscape, to setting aside funds for a robust marketing plan that will elevate your visual appearance and online messaging. Let’s dive in and make your budget work for you!

21/10/2024

Optimize your workspace with T&S Brass Hose Reels—designed for durability, ease of use and maximum efficiency. Whether you're in a commercial kitchen, a maintenance facility or any high-demand environment, T&S hose reels are built to withstand the toughest tasks while ensuring smooth operation every time. Say goodbye to tangles and downtime and keep your operations running seamlessly. Trust T&S Brass for hose reel technology that delivers reliability and performance you can count on.
https://bit.ly/3YsINDP

19/10/2024

Happy Saturday - time for your weekly industry recap. Here's a few of the top headlines:

* Niagara Conservation wins Gold Global Good Award for Best Product of the Year

* GF Building Solutions reaches carbon neutrality in Minnesota and Germany

* Ferguson shares mission to help water crisis

Find all of the latest headlines here: https://www.supplyht.com/topics/5141-news

18/10/2024

Happy Friday! A handful of exciting new products hit the market this week, including:

*New ServicePEX from Uponor North America

*A new drain cleaning machine from RIDGID Tools

*A new commercial heat pump water heater from A. O. Smith

Find all of the latest products here: https://www.supplyht.com/topics/2670-new-phcp-and-pvf-products

18/10/2024

Fujitsu General America held its sixth National Distributor Conference in Boston. The conference, which took place the week of October 7, was held at the Encore Boston Harbor Casino. Roughly 260 reps and distributors attended. The theme of the event was “(R)evolution,” a play on the words “revolution” and “evolution.” Fujitsu is dedicated to providing industry-leading technology with environmental sustainability in mind while simultaneously continuing to become easier to do business with. The company’s decision to adopt R-32 refrigerant and improve contractor programs is a testament to that evolution. Find more details here:

Fujitsu General America held its sixth National Distributor Conference in Boston. The conference, which took place the week of October 7, was held at the Encore Boston Harbor Casino. Roughly 260 reps and distributors attended.

17/10/2024

Congratulations to First Supply on its Employee Value Proposition and handful of industry awards. “Our EVP is about celebrating our employees and the values that make us who we are. It’s a promise to foster a workplace where people feel valued, respected, and equipped for success.” - Kathryn Poehling Seymour, President and CEO. Read more here:

he new EVP reaffirms the company’s ongoing investment in its people, highlighting improved benefits and perks, opportunities for professional growth, and a strong sense of community and recognition.

17/10/2024

While climate change doesn’t account for a higher number of total hurricanes, the strength and speed at which storms are forming is certainly increasing. Storms forming today are more likely to be more intense, with higher wind speeds, heavier rainfall and more severe storm surge. And while number of overall hurricanes is not higher, the number of hurricanes that actually make landfall with the U.S. is larger. Warmer Atlantic Ocean temperatures are to blame for the more adverse effects of hurricanes lately. With the possibility of stronger, more frequent storms looming, PHCP-PVF manufacturers, distributors and contractors need to be prepared. Plumbing manufacturers, distributors and contractors are doing their part to help the East Coast recover from Hurricane Milton and Helene. Read what resources companies are providing here: https://www.supplyht.com/articles/106157-plumbing-industry-rallies-to-help-following-recent-hurricane-disasters
Thank you Ferguson, Winsupply, Jomar Group, Rheem, Rinnai, AD and the many others that are helping.

The East Coast has suffered severe damage from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, leading to extensive destruction, fatalities, and power outages. These hurricanes highlight the impact of climate change on storm severity, driven by warmer Atlantic waters. This situation underscores the urgent need for th...

16/10/2024

A severe crisis is unfolding across the Southeast while communities in Western North Carolina, Florida and Tennessee grapple with the devastating consequences of recent extreme storms. Boil water advisories are not exclusive to natural disasters or one region. They're frequently issued because of crumbling infrastructure, corroded pipes or lapses in maintenance that allow contaminants to seep into the water supply. These advisories happen far more frequently than most realize, impacting communities from small Midwestern towns to major cities like Houston, Baltimore, Jackson and Pittsburgh. Ferguson associates are doing their part by partnering with groups like DigDeep and Aquarius Spectrum Ltd. Read more here:

In collaboration with Aquarius Spectrum (AQS) and Ferguson Waterworks, the City of Albany Water Department took decisive action. Engineers deployed leak sensors across nearly four miles of cast iron pipes using advanced acoustic leak detection sensors and GIS data.

15/10/2024

Meet today's Next Gen All Star, Sarah Linn. Sarah is the Marketing Manager at Delco Sales . When asked what motivates her every day, she says, "My three daughters – Harper, Hannah, and Ruby. I work remotely so they get a very good look into what I do all day long. I want them to know that hard work pays off and you don’t ever have to be just one thing in life – a partner, OR a mother, OR a professional, OR even a rec league soccer coach occasionally. Just like my mom taught me, they know it’s ok to pursue your dreams fiercely. I’ve had amazing bosses, mentors, and coworkers who have helped me navigate all those aspects of life. I’m really proud of who I work with and who I work for. When you feel that way about your organization, you know you’re in the right spot." Read more about Sarah here:

Meet 2024 NextGen All-Star, Sarah Linn.

15/10/2024

“We never strive to be bigger. We understand that bigger doesn’t make you better, but being better, could make you bigger. We have always focused on being the best at what we do while adhering to the highest level of integrity.” - Wise words from Denis Lehman of Lehman Pipe and Supply on the tremendous growth the company has achieved. Read their full story here:

From a small hardware store in 1946 to an international distributor, Lehman Pipe & Supply's journey is a testament to hard work and integrity. With a deep commitment to excellence over expansion, this family-owned business is set to grow its footprint in the Southeastern U.S.

14/10/2024

Partnering with contractors who choose the leading field service software solutions, distributors can generate deep insights to upgrade their operations. In turn, they ensure that contractors can deliver world-class service to their customers and help manufacturers more accurately predict demand consumer preferences, so they can efficiently meet their partners’ expectations. In short, distributors powered by AI-based data solutions can enhance the full range of the supply chain with the innovative deployment of data to drive productivity, predictability, and, most importantly, profitability. Bashir Abdallah, Chief Product Officer for XOi dives into four ways for distributors to leverage data and AI in his article here: https://www.supplyht.com/articles/106142-four-ways-for-distributors-to-leverage-data-and-ai

Here are some specific ways distributors and their contractor partners can use AI and visible data to enhance interactions throughout the supply chain.