Articles Tagged with ''distributors''

In wholesale distribution, progress in 2025 rarely came from one sweeping change. It came from smarter forecasting and more accurate data analysis. From incremental improvements in product data that made online searches less frustrating to onboarding processes that got new hires productive faster than before. None of it flashy, but all of it impactful.

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.

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.

According to the American Supply Association’s most recent sales report, industrywide wholesale trade in mid-2025 was up just over six percent year-over-year, while inventories climbed a modest 1.3%. That balance suggests something healthy — not overheated, but steady growth with wholesalers staying disciplined on stock levels. In other words, people are buying smart.

Supply House Times discussed the evolving PHCP-PVF industry with members at the 53rd AIM/R conference, focusing on rising expectations, market shifts, and the importance of strong partnerships.

Faith, stewardship, and a people-first leadership style have shaped Miller’s 45-year career at Eastern. As he prepares to serve as the American Supply Association’s 2026 president, he aims to bring that spirit to the PHCP-PVF community by encouraging members, promoting smart technology adoption, and building a stronger future together.

Supply House Times wants to know what your top-selling products were in 2025. Take a few moments to share what sold the most in each category below that applies to your company, and we will publish the results in an upcoming issue.

Most learning happens on the job, with 70% from daily work, 20% from peers, and only 10% from formal training. Programs not integrated into operations often fail, and nearly half of managers see a lack of leadership development, especially at the branch level where theory must link to daily execution.

Wool will now be added to a prestigious list of previous winners including Wally Gumm, Rick Schwartz, Joe Poehling, Joe Maiale, Randy Tice, Jeff New, Bruce Carnevale, Rick Fantham and Jim Lewis.

The American Supply Association's Industrial Piping Division has awarded Alan Lipp, co-CEO of Merit Brass in Cleveland, Ohio, the 2025 IPD Award of Excellence for his significant achievements and dedicated service to the industrial and mechanical PVF segment of the PHCP-PVF industry.