ASA President’s Letter

ASA University MDM Program Drives Critical Leadership Development Principles

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 10:56:42 -0400

As ASA vice president of education and training Taylor Albano puts it, it’s not theoretical — it’s practical, proven and only available through this MDM program, which has seen more than 60 employees from ASA-member companies graduate from it in the last two-plus years (the program boasts a 100 percent graduation rate).

Moving Forward Together: Voices from ELEVATE 2026

Tue, 19 May 2026 16:05:34 -0400

Several attendees highlighted specific takeaways that stayed with them long after the event ended. Elainea Wiley of The Distribution Point reflected on one speaker’s reminder that it is not your manager’s job to manage your career.

How distributors are winning with business intelligence

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 07:00:00 -0400

Strong business intelligence (BI) data has become a competitive necessity for distributors operating in increasingly complex and fast-moving markets.

ASA’s LEAD Summit in St. Petersburg spotlights a strategic shift for the next decade

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 07:00:00 -0400

Last month, St. Petersburg again was the site for what is now called ASA’s annual LEAD Strategic Leadership Summit. This year’s LEAD event brought together 85 volunteers to take a look at issues that will affect ASA member companies and their employees now and in the future.

Everyone starts somewhere; leaders are built over time

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

The Emerging Leaders Division of ASA continues to gain momentum, so much so that the Advisory Group met this past summer near O’Hare Airport in Chicago to chart its future, one that includes a pivot to year-round programming for industry up-and-comers, while still presenting the group’s annual EMERGE education, best practices, and networking forum.

PHCP-PVF industry is capable of even more when we move together

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

It's critically important for all of us to see ourselves as industry stewards. We are an essential industry for the future of our nation. We are necessary even though we might not always see ourselves that way.

A final note from 2025 ASA President: a reflection on a cornerstone year for ASA

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Looking back at this past year, I want to leave you with a few notes about some of the ASA events I thought were extra special for me and also some other things that make ASA so special as our industry’s only national trade association.

Transforming the PHCP-PVF channel

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Nearly three in four ASA members say their companies are already experimenting with AI, while 38 percent report they are exploring use cases, while 34 percent are piloting one or more AI tools.

ASA University continues to deliver best-in-class training and education to industry employees

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

These updated courses offer a modern, mobile-friendly interface, engaging live-action videos that clarify complex concepts, scenario-based assessments for real-world application, impactful 3D imagery for technical training, concise summaries for practical reference, and hands-on activities to reinforce learning.

Worth its weight in gold: Are you using you ASA membership to its full potential

Fri, 26 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Social media posts for jobseekers reached 2.7 million views, up 194%. Clicks to SupplyIndustryCareers.com increased to 38,000 (up 155%). Additionally, 77 ASA-member companies have activated the “Now Hiring” flag on the site.

ASA’s business intelligence tools help drive your company’s decision-making

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Industry Insights Senior Vice President Greg Manns notes data from the 2025 report shows 2024 was a challenging year compared to a few recent ones. However, Manns cautions that he is not painting a picture of gloom and doom because ASA wholesaler respondents still reported a fairly solid year when looking from a historical perspective over the last 5-10 years.

Innovate, inspire and impact: Register now for ASA NETWORK2025

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400

NETWORK2025 in Fort Lauderdale is a must-attend event for you and your team. Explore our unmatched program and join us in South Florida - you won’t be disappointed.

Emerging Leaders Division nearly doubles in size in two years

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400

This year’s EMERGE (May 13-15) in Las Vegas will be a doozy and will put the division in a position to where it has nearly doubled in size since the 2023 event in Savannah, Georgia. Last year’s EMERGE conference in Boston set a new all-time attendance mark and the Vegas version in May will threaten it.

Political engagement, AI and data privacy among top concerns at LEAD 2025

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0400

I held my first meeting as ASA president and was impressed by the volunteers who gathered for our winter strategic retreat in Southern California. LEAD, an invitation-only event for ASA volunteers and past presidents, drew nearly 100 attendees.

A PHCP-PVF industry website you should bookmark

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500

In the cold, gloomy Midwest, I aim for two daily goals: 30 minutes of light exercise and learning something new, often from the American Supply Association website, which I highly recommend.

The great equalizer: 2025 ASA President column debut

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500

The new president of the American Supply Association (ASA) shares his 18-year journey, highlighting ASA's value in networking and equality among wholesalers.

Coburn Supply’s Patrick Maloney reflects on his time as 2024 ASA president

Fri, 13 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500

As my presidency at ASA concludes, I reflect on a year of financial stability, networking growth, and key initiatives like the Strategic Leadership and Innovation Summits.

Are you laying the groundwork to embrace the future?

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Technology is a catalyst for change, reshaping our work lives through automation, advanced data analytics, and artificial intelligence. As industry leaders, we must embrace these changes to maintain our competitive edge and ensure the survival of our businesses.

ASA set to debut industry product data standard

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400

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.

Take advantage of PHCP-PVF industry recruitment tools

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400

More than 50 ASA companies have flipped the switch on the “Now Hiring” option on supplyindustrycareers.com with more than 2,500 brick-and-mortar locations nationwide.

ASA member manufacturers speak out in new survey

mmiazga@asa.net (Mike Miazga) — Wed, 04 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400

ASA member manufacturers reported a mixed bag of sales results so far in 2024, according to the latest ASA Quarterly Market Survey.

Questioning yourself about joining ASA?

Mon, 05 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Are you worried about the time and cost? Unsure about the benefits of membership or renewing? These are all valid concerns. Just as we invest in our businesses to make them better, ASA is another tool to help us improve.

The value of knowing the future

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Successful business leaders must understand the economy, market performance, and future outlook to make informed decisions for success.

Attending NETWORK is time well spent

Mon, 03 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400

There are plenty of opportunities to get together to talk about new opportunities, obstacles, or to just learn about how other people deal with daily issues. You have buying group meetings, the regional meetings, and one that is near and dear to ASA’s heart — NETWORK.

ASA Advocacy provides important voice for PHCP-PVF industry

Mon, 06 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400

There is a necessity for ASA Advocacy. We need a voice in Washington. All of us need the interests of the PHCP-PVF Industry to be top of mind, heard, and understood.

ASA’s Women in Industry and Emerging Leaders divisions: A few did you knows?

Mon, 08 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Did you know ASA's Women in Industry event grew from 100 attendees to over 400? Join 400+ industry professionals at ASA's Emerging Leaders or Women in Industry events this month and May!

ASA volunteer leaders work to define the future; and the association’s role will be to get there

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0500

In January, 90 ASA volunteers met for the 2024 LEAD planning. We discussed the industry's future and how ASA's innovation, sustainability, and leadership will define our success. The dynamic marketplace presents challenges. Our relevance is key to our success.

Recruit, train and retain

Mon, 05 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0500

In 2015, ASA commissioned a research project to better understand the industry’s workforce and trends. Late last year, we conducted the study again and the final results are currently being tabulated. I’m pleased that ASA and its members have continued to deem PROJECT TALENT as a key strategic initiative.

How can our industry prepare to tackle the future?

Fri, 05 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0500

What do we need to do to continue to make our companies successful for the next generation of leaders of the PHCP-PVF industry?

A look back on my year as 2023 ASA president

Fri, 08 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0500

I have truly loved serving as your ASA president, and I am honored that you chose me in this moment.