Supply Chain Partner of the Month: HARDI

Established: 2003

In 2003, two wholesale trade organizations - Northamerican Heating, Refrigeration & Airconditioning Wholesalers (NHRAW), founded in 1947, and Air-conditioning & Refrigeration Wholesalers International (ARWI), founded in 1935 - consolidated, to become HARDI.

It represents over $18 billion in HVACR sales by 450 distributor companies, including 17 international companies selling largely to residential and commercial contractors, plus over 300 manufacturing associates and nearly 140 manufacturer representatives.

Membership
HARDI is the HVACR industry's only distributor trade association. Its distributor membership is comprised primarily of North American companies, but includes members in Europe, Australia, Africa and Asia. HARDI's associate memberships include equipment and supplies manufacturers, manufacturer reps, service vendors and marketing/purchasing groups.

It is governed by a Board of Directors consisting of five officers, eight regional directors, two supplier advisors, one manufacturers rep advisor and the executive vice president/COO.

Mission Statement
HARDI's mission is to ensure that wholesale distribution is the most profitable, efficient and effective method of supplying the HVACR market through education, services, advocacy and the exchange of ideas.

Notable Achievements

Launching HARDITek, HARDI's initiative to use technology to remove costs from the supply chain for its distributor and manufacturer members.

The Counter Certification Program in 2005, and this year producing its first Certified Counter Specialist.

Eclipsing 36,000 students of the Home Study Institute (originally accredited in 1969) with over 1,000 new students in 2006

Current Priority Projects

Establishing an industry coalition to promote proper refrigerant reclaim practices.

Broadening international understanding of the value of HVACR wholesale distribution.

To provide even more solutions for the greatest challenges facing distributors and their partners.

A Word With…Donald L. Frendberg, Executive Vice President/COO of HARDI

When asked what's in store for 2007, Don Frendberg said, “HARDI is forward-thinking, nimble, vibrant and poised for continued growth. Being the single voice of HVACR distribution has provided many opportunities but also many challenges because HVACR distribution encompasses so many market and product specialties making our membership and areas of influence extremely diverse. We strive to enhance the success of all HVACR distributors and their most supportive partners, so we are becoming an association of customized solutions.

“Additionally, it is important now more than ever before that the entire industry work together to address its challenges so we've been very proactive in building alliances with other associations like ACCA, ARI, ASA, GAMA, NATE and RSES, as well as overseas. Distributors are a vital link between global manufacturers and local customers so a diverse wholesaler's association like HARDI must continue to lead in the delivery of market knowledge, education and channel efficiency.”

Current Leadership

PRESIDENT
Bill Shaw
Standard Supply & Distributing Co. Inc.

PRESIDENT ELECT
Mark Faessler
Progress Supply Inc.

VICE PRESIDENT
Randy Boyd
A/C Supply Co.

SECRETARY/TREASURER
William J. Barnett
Boutette & Barnett Trade Distribution Centre

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT
Randy Tice
APR Supply Co.

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT/COO
Donald L. Frendberg

Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!

Suzette Rubio was a former Web Content and Engagement Manager for BNP Media’s Plumbing Group. She was also the new products editor for Supply House Times. Rubio oversaw the magazines’ websites for the Plumbing Group’s four brands (Plumbing & Mechanical (PM), PM Engineer (pme), Reeves Journal (RJ 2.0) and Supply House Times), including the dedicated Radiant & Hydronics and Bath & Kitchen Pro websites. She also managed the Plumbing Group’s social media pages on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Google+ and LinkedIn.

In her 10+ years at BNP Media, Rubio originally was hired as associate editor of Supply House Times before taking over the digital duties and online presence of the Plumbing Group in 2008.

Rubio previously was assistant editor at Mintel International and worked on In the Field, a publication of the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago.