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Lock Supply Co.’s Tim Savage breaks down how practical AI tools are accelerating quoting, closing knowledge gaps, and strengthening contractor trust — without replacing the human side of sales.

According to a report published by Bluefield Research, a water-focused market research firm based in Boston, Mass., by 2030, yearly investment in water and wastewater management will be more than $62 billion U.S. The firm attributes this to the explosion of AI-powered technology (driving the need for more data centers), the push to bring semiconductor manufacturing back to the U.S., energy transition, and national security.

While much of the industry navigated mergers, shifting alliances, and economic uncertainty, LPG continued to deliver steady performance driven by strong member engagement, disciplined vendor partnerships, and a focused strategy centered on profitability and differentiation.

A recent American Supply Association report finds that nearly 75% of companies are experimenting with AI, with 38% exploring use cases, 34% piloting tools, and 19% implementing AI for operations like data forecasting and process automation, reflecting a shift towards technology to meet rising demands.

With the addition of 48 new team members, First Supply looks forward to welcoming Able Distributors’ employees and supporting their continued success as part of the organization.

Florida has proven to be a successful location for Winsupply Local Companies, and Pensacola holds opportunities to expand in multiple markets. 

Founder Brian Tuohey will be transitioning day-to-day leadership to the next generation, with his children stepping into key executive roles effective January 1, 2026.

Distributors must constantly adjust due to pricing volatility, supply-chain disruptions, labor shortages, inflation, and shifting customer expectations, tightening decision timelines. In November, five distributors met at ASA NETWORK in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., for Supply House Times’ 16th annual distributor roundtable to assess the market and discuss future success.

The Digitization & Customer Intelligence webpage provides a clear, accessible path for distributors and manufacturers looking to better understand CRM adoption, ERP integration considerations, and emerging technologies that support stronger customer relationships.

A strong marketing strategy is the bridge between where your business stands today and where you want it to go. Whether you’re a manufacturer looking to increase brand visibility, a rep firm aiming to secure more partnerships, or a distributor working to grow market share, success starts with clear, actionable goals and a structured roadmap.