Columnists - Articles | Supply House Times

ASA University MDM Program Drives Critical Leadership Development Principles

Whether you’re focused on building your own leadership capability or thinking about succession planning within your organization, this program is designed to prepare you for what’s next

Kip Miller President and CEO of Eastern Industrial Supplies

June 1, 2026

As ASA vice president of education and training Taylor Albano puts it, it’s not theoretical — it’s practical, proven and only available through this MDM program, which has seen more than 60 employees from ASA-member companies graduate from it in the last two-plus years (the program boasts a 100 percent graduation rate).

Your Sales Team Isn’t Posting and It’s Costing You Millions

It’s easy to think of social media as optional or secondary. But, the cost of not showing up compounds quickly

Alicia Branham

May 22, 2026

This isn't something to brush off or circle back to when things “slow down.” It’s not a marketing problem sitting neatly in someone else’s department.

Guest Column | Savanna True

AI at work: Hide or thrive?

As automation handles routine tasks, creativity, critical thinking and ethical leadership will define the most valuable employees.

Savanna True

April 29, 2026

By learning to use AI wisely in our daily work, prioritizing ethical use, and nurturing essential human skills, we’ll not only get more done and spark innovation, but ultimately build a more effective and rewarding future for ourselves and our organizations.

ASA News

How distributors are winning with business intelligence

Advanced data tools are helping wholesalers forecast demand, optimize pricing, and improve performance across every level of the business.

April 22, 2026

Strong business intelligence (BI) data has become a competitive necessity for distributors operating in increasingly complex and fast-moving markets.

Marketing Matters | Alicia Branham

AI Is Moving Faster Than Your Security Policies

Artificial intelligence gives companies power to grow, but not without risk.

Alicia Branham

April 17, 2026

AI is evolving faster than the policies, security systems, and safeguards designed to manage it. The smartest companies won’t ignore AI, they also won’t hand over the keys to their business until the technology proves it can be trusted with them.

When Rebates Help, and When They Hurt: The Hidden Tradeoffs for Distributors

From disconnected systems to missed claims, inefficient rebate management can quietly drain margins and create operational risk.

Greg Colizzi

April 15, 2026

The mechanics of rebates are not simple: Each manufacturer has its own playbook. Rules, tiers, exclusions, and volume triggers differ. On top of that, distributors add their own complexity.

From the Editor | Natalie Forster

From Reporting to Serving

A new role means new opportunities to serve PHCH-PVF distributors.

Natalie Forster

April 10, 2026

By the time you’re reading this, I’ll be on my way to ASA’s headquarters to hit the ground running on this new journey. I could not be more excited for the opportunity to work for the association I have been fortunate to partner with and admire throughout my time at BNP Media. I truly believe that ASA helps distributors do their jobs better, and I am thrilled to be joining that mission.

ASA President’s Letter

ASA’s LEAD Summit in St. Petersburg spotlights a strategic shift for the next decade

Our employees are our greatest strength

Kip Miller President and CEO of Eastern Industrial Supplies

March 23, 2026

Last month, St. Petersburg again was the site for what is now called ASA’s annual LEAD Strategic Leadership Summit. This year’s LEAD event brought together 85 volunteers to take a look at issues that will affect ASA member companies and their employees now and in the future.

Marketing Matters | Alicia Branham

Why conservative branding and hesitant messaging may be limiting distributor growth more than market conditions

You can’t grow if you’re afraid to be seen

Alicia Branham

March 20, 2026

Being visible invites judgment. Once your company is seen, it can be critiqued, compared, misunderstood, or challenged. In industries where reputation matters and tradition runs deep, that exposure feels risky.

Guest Column | Fred Simpson

Blending knowledge and advancements: How to successfully adopt new HVAC technologies.

Fred Simpson

March 18, 2026

Advancements are constantly rolling out to the PHCP and HVAC industries, and even the most seasoned professionals are fascinated by the way they help us do our jobs more efficiently while keeping our customers more comfortable.