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Hubbard comes to Winsupply from his most recent role as president and CEO of PACE Supply Corp., an employee-owned wholesale distributor of plumbing supplies based in California. He led the company for five years, growing revenue to over $1 billion annually with 32 locations.

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.

While the risk of Legionella exists across many types of buildings, healthcare and long-term care facilities are particularly vulnerable. These buildings often have large, complex plumbing systems with extensive pipe networks, variable water usage, and numerous fixtures, all of which can create conditions conducive to bacterial growth if not properly managed. As a result, even well-designed and well-maintained systems require ongoing attention to minimize risk.

Lifting objects is a necessary part of many jobs, but it’s easy for employees to develop bad habits that can harm their backs and put them out of commission. According to a September OSHA report on back disorders and injuries, as one of the leading causes of disability for workers, back injuries can develop over time from long-term repetitive activity or result from a single mishap.

Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility across every department — from warehouse to accounting to the front counter. A phishing link clicked in one branch can disrupt dozens of locations. The good news is that building resilience doesn’t require massive budgets — just leadership commitment and steady improvement.

As aging infrastructure and rising costs challenge traditional methods, IoT and smart technologies are paving the way for proactive, data-driven maintenance, enhancing water management and safety like never before.

According to the American Supply Association’s Monthly Economic Report, forecasting shows GDP growth moderating, oil and freight costs stabilizing, and key construction indicators posting mixed signals heading into mid-2026. Economists contributing to ASA’s reports note that "economic risk remains elevated, but channel fundamentals are stronger than national headlines suggest," pointing to continued resilience in wholesale sales trends and contractor backlogs.

For nearly nine decades, Merit Brass Co. has been distinguished by a culture of integrity, family values, and long-term stewardship. Its induction into the 2025 PVF Ring of Honor formally recognizes what wholesalers, suppliers, and partners have known for generations: Merit Brass is not just a participant in the PVF landscape, but a key force in shaping it.

In this episode of And So It Flows, host Natalie Forster sits down with Spencer Pope, manager of technical support and training at Bradford White, to explore how education and workforce development are evolving across the plumbing, HVAC and mechanical trades.

Check out the ways in which these companies are getting involved, making changes and learn how you can too.