Catching up: Returning to work after maternity leave

Large warehouse full of packages stacked high on shelves with two people walking down the center of the warehouse floow.. — *Image source: alvarez / E+ via Getty Images*

We have a lot to catch up on since the last time I wrote a column. You may have noticed the past two issues had guest columns from our Plumbing & Mechanical and PM Engineer Chief Editor Nicole Krawcke, and then from our Group Publisher Dan Ashenden. A big thanks to both for stepping in for me while I was on maternity leave!

That’s right – the past two months I have been taking some time off to be with my firstborn – a beautiful baby girl, Andi. The overwhelming amount of support, texts, messages and even gifts from industry friends yet again solidifies to me how truly thoughtful the people who make up our world are. As of April 1^st, I’m back and ready to take on the new life that is working motherhood!

Andi June being sitting on a chair — What I’ve been up to since early February. Meet Andi June! *Image courtesy of Natalie Forster*

I came back at a busy time as the May issue is when our annual Premier 150 Distributors list is published – check that out here.

One of my goals for the Premier 150 survey each year is to make sure as many companies as possible have to opportunity to complete the survey and make the list. While the majority of companies who make up the list have been on it for decades, there are new companies that make the list each year due to a jump in sales, or maybe just hearing about the survey for the first time. Mergers and acquisitions also shift numbers around and make “room” for mew companies to land in the top 150.

The past several years, I’ve reached out to distributors I have met or heard of that I don’t see on the list, just to be sure they have the chance to complete the survey if they’d like. I always have a couple companies that are surprised when they do make the top 150. I’ve had people say, “We’ve never filled out that survey because we thought it was for the big companies.” Well, yes, the top of the list is made up of geographic distribution powerhouses, but all throughout is a mix of companies ranging from one and two location business to those larger national and regional wholesalers. It’s never a bad idea to fill out the survey and see where you could land – it might surprise you!

This issue is also full of great content from our regular columnists, covering everything from social media strategy to industry advocacy. Be sure to check out the ASA News section as well to gain insight into the latest happening over at the American Supply Association, our association partner.

I’m excited to be back and look forward to seeing you all soon at industry events. Speaking of….anyone have baby travel tips? I can already tell leaving this girl behind is going to be tough, so she might just be jet setting along with me!

KEYWORDS: distributors PHCP-PVF

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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.