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For most of my career I’ve heard lay people say that it doesn’t pay to turn down the heat when they’re away from home because it takes much more heat to heat the house up again once it goes cold. They believe this because someone told them it’s true, even though it’s not true.

I’m happy to see the PHCP-PVF industry taking every chance it gets to shout the importance of what you do, work together for the greater good, and give back in numerous ways.

At times, our thoughts can feel like they’re racing faster than the traffic around us while we’re on the road – but letting our minds stray behind the wheel is a form of distracted driving. Mental distractions can be just as dangerous as physical ones, whether we’re consumed by anger, worry and stress, or just simply letting our minds wander.

The federal gift and estate tax exemption is currently the highest it has been since the tax was enacted over 100 years ago. President Joe Biden has proposed drastically changing the estate tax in order to raise revenues for his infrastructure plans. 

It’s not fun to list these losses, but hearing from peers, competitors and loved ones of these men reinforces the true family-like atmosphere the PHCP-PVF industry embodies, and that is something to be honored and celebrated. It is an industry where even the toughest of competitors share mutual respect and care for one another. This is certainly the case when it comes to Mr. Ed Nierman, or “Eddie Nierman” as many were used to calling him. 

I recently posed this question to The Wallies, they being contractors who post nearly every day on The Wall at HeatingHelp.com: If a new wholesaler moved into your town, what would they have to do to win your business?

Given today’s rapidly changing business environment, strengthening your company’s ability to compete requires you to think about your businesses like never before.

The environment requires new levels of strategic vision and a growth mindset that prioritizes strategic planning and investment. We are all challenged every day to stay relevant and enhance our ability to compete, and this is true now more than ever.

Throughout 2022, the focus of this column will be on strengthening your network. Don’t worry, this isn’t about cybersecurity, and you won’t need an information technology degree to make the most of these articles. We are not talking about that kind of system. Instead, we’re going to cover the basic nuts and bolts of building strong networks of people within your company and with outsiders. 

Since diving into the wholesales-distribution corner if the PHCP-PVF industry, I’ve spent a lot more time thinking and learning about family-owned businesses, small-to-mid-sized businesses and all of the behind-the-scenes that goes along with building a career in one of these businesses. I’m proud to say that from learning from you all, I’m much more aware of the importance of supporting the independently-owned businesses within my community. And I don’t think I am alone in this attentiveness.

Do you want the OK news first or the bad news first? How about we try to stay somewhat positive out of the gates. ASA recently released findings from its second special compensation/benefits study that it commissioned business intelligence partner Industry Insights to conduct in the latter part of 2021.