Heading into his year as ASA President, CEO of New England PHCP distribution giant The Granite Group, Bill Condron, plans to continue the upward trajectory that both ASA and his company are on.

Condron began his career in the industry stocking shelves in the warehouse of the family business. While he never intended to join the industry, his plans changed as he worked his way up through the company over the past 20 years.

The American Supply Association recently published the first of two special industry compensation studies. The first study, which focuses on driver and warehouse worker compensation levels, plus also dives into inside and outside sales positions and showroom sales personnel, covers the time period of June 1 through Aug. 31, 2021.

Respondents to ASA’s monthly sales report enjoyed a median sales increase of 19.3% for September 2021 vs. September 2020. Worth watching going forward, in comparison to the previous month — September 2021 vs. August 2021 — respondents reported a decline in median sales of -3.0%.

AD is reporting member sales in the first nine months of 2021 were $44 billion, an increase of 34% across its 13 divisions and three countries. Same-store sales were up 19%. Member companies’ purchases from AD supplier partners grew 31%. Net distributions to its members were up 41%. 

Ferguson and Explore the Trades, a nonprofit organization with a mission to recruit individuals to the plumbing, heating, cooling and electrical trades, have partnered to introduce the skilled trades to a new generation. The two organizations came together to create Explore The Trades Skills Lab Built by Ferguson — a program that will provide support to career and technical education high schools across the U.S., as they establish new plumbing and HVAC career pathways. 

How many people reach a point to celebrate five complete decades working in the same industry? Better yet, who remembers the exact date they began their career? Bonomi Valves’ Rick Wentzell does. On Oct. 1, 1971, Wentzell began his career in the PVF industry and since that time has grown passionate about creating product, figuring out how best to sell it, and now, training the folks coming up.

The topic of labor, labor shortages and replacing retiring workers isn’t going away anytime soon. Of course, ASA last year launched its PROJECT TALENT careers recruitment initiative aimed at helping our industry replace the 100,000 jobs that will become open because of retirements over the next 10 years.

Shannon will be responsible for creating and executing commercial and mechanical programs for the region’s contractors and improving Northeastern’s engagement into the commercial, mechanical and plumbing market. 

Milwaukee Valve Co. National Sales Manager Commercial and Industrial Products Ryan Ohm recently died, the New Berlin, Wisconsin-based manufacturer announced.