Market SectorsPlumbing

Next Gen All Star: Ben Fox

By Natalie Forster, Editorial Director, Nicole Krawcke

AGE: 25
COMPANY: FERGUSON
TITLE: INSIDE SALES

How long have you been in the PHCP-PVF industry?
BF: I have been in the industry working for about five years combined with field work and sales..

What drew you into the industry?
BF: There is a clear, overwhelming need for labor across all trades and that drew me back into the sales side of our industry. My time in the field also gave me insight into how rewarding working in the trades can be.

What is the most rewarding aspect of working in the industry?
BF: I feel the most rewarding part of working in our industry is helping people. Almost every day we assist in finding solutions for our customers that meet their needs in a timely manner.

What is one thing you wish more people knew/understood about the PHCP-PVF industry?
BF: I wish more people knew of the breadth and depth of the PHCP-PVF industry. There is so much variety within the industry for individuals to specialize in. Ferguson covers everything from large commercial and industrial jobs to showroom projects for residential homes.

What has been the proudest moment in your career so far?
BF: My proudest moment thus far in my career would be graduating from the College of Ferguson program. I gained so much great knowledge and met a ton of wonderful people.

What is one thing most people don’t know about you?
BF: If I am not out fishing, I am most likely working on or playing one of my guitars!

Why he was chosen as a Next Gen All Star Top 20 Under 40 winner:
“Benjamin worked in the field for several years as he earned his AAS degree in business. He entered in the College of Ferguson program and has excelled. Ben has a great support system through the apprentice/mentorship with Ferguson leadership principals. I believe he is a great example of what other career fields are in our industry. His technical experience has helped him realize the importance of understanding what your customers go through daily. The deep understanding of customers inspires an exceptional sense of urgency and attention to detail. Benjamin has a truly stellar work ethic and passion for doing the best possible job for his customers. I believe as an industry we should highlight all branches of our trade. The opportunity is the wholesale HVAC &Plumbing is huge currently in all facets from operations to sales, to logistics,” says Richard Fox, northeast territory sales manager, Navien.

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Natalie Forster is the director of communications for the American Supply Association (ASA), where she leads the association's public and media relations strategy, social media efforts, and member-focused online and print communications. Prior to joining ASA, she was the Editorial Director of Plumbing & Mechanical and Supply House Times. Before that, she served as an editor and digital content director for Southern Trade Publications, a publishing company focused on the PHCP trades and real estate industries. Natalie holds a bachelor's degree in communication studies from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

Nicole Krawcke is the former Chief Editor of Plumbing & Mechanical. She joined BNP Media in 2014 and served as Web Editor and Business Management Editor of The ACHR NEWS. Prior to joining BNP, she worked at Patch.com, a hyper-local news platform focused on community journalism. She has 10 plus years of writing and editing experience and holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Michigan State University.